| “ | Sacrifices are necessary if one is to realize one's ambitious ideals! Can I help it if my destiny is to rule the less-intellectually-gifted masses? | „ |
| ~ Jean-François |
Jean-François, also known by his codename, Graf is the secondary antagonist in the 2012 video game Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure, and it's 2014 mobile game adaption, Phantom Thief & the Paris Caper.
He works together with Leonard Bonar in order to take over Paris and the entire world for their idol, Napoleon Bonaparte.
He was voiced by Youji Ueda in Japanese, by Denis Boileauin in French, and by Leslie Clack in English.
History[]
Backstory[]
At first Jean-François appeared to care for Marie, the friend of protagonist Phantom R, as she was the daughter of Elisabeth and therefore the key to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. However he began to see himself as someone who would have to reign over less intelligent people and those seen as inferior, which is why he supported Leonard Bonar to raise the Hanging Gardens.
The Emperor's Treasure[]
Jean-François first revealed Phantom R his villainous side when he attacked him with a gun on the Eiffel Tower to get the Dragon Crown he would need to raise the legacy. However, Phantom R escaped with the help of Detective Charlie Vergier by using a glider.
As his final battle, after he had turned the "Chevaliers Diabolique" against Phantom R, he attacked him in a room of the Hanging Gardens, that was filled with lava, in a giant robot suite and shot gems on him, but was defeated and later arrested by Inspector Vergier.
Basic Information[]
Personality[]
Jean-François is an admirer of Napoleon Bonaparte. Raphael got him to know as a very nice, polite, thoughtful and compassionate person when he was introduced to him as Marie's guardian. He showed open concern for Marie when the latter failed to return home on the night she was attacked, and also referred to Raphael as a "guardian angel" who was "snappily dressed". At the same time, he also hoped that the Duchess Elizabeth would recognise Marie as her daughter, but was saddened when she stated otherwise and walked away. He would later assist Raphael in his search for her. Marie also claims that Jean-François donates to the charities of many good causes.
After Phantom R attempts to rescue Marie from Napoleon and the Chevaliers however, Jean-François shows his true colors; that of a deceptive and sadistic sociopath who shot Phantom R with a smile on his face. He later intended to kill Phantom R with a bullet to the back of the head, and demanded that he be shot down after Charlie rescued him and Fondue. Jean-François shows no remorse over neither his betrayal, nor with Napoleon coming close to killing Elizabeth, his blood relative as well as Marie's true mother. He also showed to be arrogant and condescending, labelling Phantom R as a "petty thief" and saying that he didn't expect him to understand his motives.
At the same time though, Jean-François did question as to why Phantom R wasn't on their side, with him being Isaac's son and revealed his father's role in assisting them. Despite this, he still attempted to kill Phantom R after the latter refused to believe him.
Powers and Abilities[]
Having no physical power, Jean-François relies on the use of guns and his intelligence. In addition, he is in charge over fighting robots and even had his own robot suit, equipping him with a shield, a spear and a device to shoot projectile gems.
Quotes[]
| “ | Hahahahaha! The last great imbecile. The crown is not the true treasure, my boy. | „ |
| ~ Jean-François, revealing his true role in the events. |
| “ | It is a pity, but now that I know she is the key, how could I release her? Still, I suppose I should give you something... How about a little lead? Inscribed Master Raphael, or should I say, Phantom R? | „ |
| ~ Jean-François about to kill Phantom R. |
| “ | The real Chevaliers Diabolique. Created to defend the Babylonian Empire. They know no pity, no mercy. They know only destruction. This time it is au revoir, Phantom R! | „ |
| ~ Jean-François about the Chevaliers Diabolique. |
| “ | Would you like to see what this weapon can do, Phantom R? | „ |
| ~ Jean-François in his robot suit. |
Trivia[]
- Jean-Francois has remarkably many similarities to Vidocq from the game Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights, Colonel Muska from the movie Castle in the Sky and Professor Desmond Sycamore from the game Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy: All four of them are male, megalomaniac and well-dressed anime characters with glasses, who use firearms and are (as well as female protagonists of their stories) linked to ancient, advanced civilizations, whose legacies (in all four cases flying castles) they want to achieve.
- Like Colonel Muska, he wears a jabot and uses antique robots to achieve his goal.
- Like Desmond Sycamore (Jean Descole) whose prename he shares, he has once piloted a robot himself.
- Like Vidocq, he is a sophisticated frenchman who wants to turn France into a global power with the help of knights.
- His relation to Leonard Bonar can be compared to the one of Isaac and the real Napoleon Bonaparte.