This is a complete article on the Showa Era: The First Era of Kamen Rider, As soon as you read it, see the article about the More Recent Eras
Introduction:
The Kamen Rider franchise is one of the most iconic tokusatsu series (genre of Japanese live-action films and series with special effects) that emerged in Japan. Created by Shotaro Ishinomori, the series began in 1971 and spanned the period known as Showa, which comprises the years 1926 to 1989 in Japan. During this era, the Kamen Rider franchise established itself as a cultural touchstone, featuring motorcycle-riding heroes with special powers, thrilling storylines and terrifying monsters. In this article, we'll explore the main elements and milestones of the Kamen Rider franchise during the Showa Period.
The Birth of the Kamen Rider:
Kamen Rider (also known as Masked Rider) debuted on Japanese television on April 3, 1971. The series introduced Takeshi Hongo, a young biker who was transformed into a mutant warrior after being kidnapped and subjected to experiments by the evil Shocker organization. Gifted with superhuman abilities and equipped with a tech suit, Hongo became the first Kamen Rider, fighting the Shocker's nefarious plans for world domination.
Recurring Themes and Elements:
During the Showa Period, the Kamen Rider franchise incorporated characteristic themes and elements that became trademarks of the series. Some of these themes include:
a) Transformation: The heroes of the Kamen Rider franchise have the ability to transform into a powerful warrior. Usually, the transformation takes place through a special device, such as a belt or bracelet, which is activated with a striking phrase. This iconic transformation is accompanied by spectacular visual effects.
b) Motorcycles: Motorcycles play a crucial role in the Kamen Rider franchise. Each Kamen Rider has his own customized motorcycle, which is usually used to fight enemies and perform exciting stunts.
c) Monsters and Villains: Kamen Rider features a wide variety of monsters and villains, many of which are mutated creatures created by the evil organization of the moment. These monsters are often inspired by animals or elements of nature and pose a constant threat to the protagonist and humanity.
d) Complex Plots: The Kamen Rider franchise also stood out for its engaging and often dark plots. The plots explore themes such as identity, justice, revenge and redemption, providing an exciting narrative experience for viewers.
Franchise Evolution:
During the Showa Period, the Kamen Rider franchise went through several iterations and continuations. Some of the most popular Kamen Riders of this era include:
a) Kamen Rider V3 (1973): Direct sequel to Kamen Rider, the series accompanies Shiro Kazami, disciple of Takeshi Hongo, who assumes the mantle of Kamen Rider V3 to avenge the death of his parents and defeat the Destron organization.
b) Kamen Rider Black (1987): The first Kamen Rider series to air after a nine-year hiatus, Kamen Rider Black follows Kotaro Minami, who transforms into Kamen Rider Black to take on the evil organization Golgom and protect humanity.
c) Kamen Rider ZX (1984): Although a miniseries, Kamen Rider ZX had a significant impact on the franchise. The protagonist is a cyborg Kamen Rider who seeks revenge against the organization called Badan, responsible for the death of his brother.
Legacy and Cultural Impact:
The Kamen Rider franchise during the Showa Period has carved out a special place in Japanese popular culture. In addition to entertaining and captivating audiences with its heartwarming stories, Kamen Rider also made a significant impact on merchandising, boosting sales of toys and related products, and becoming a commercially successful franchise.
Kamen Rider not only became an enduring part of Japanese culture, it also influenced other works of tokusatsu and served as an inspiration for future Kamen Rider series, which continued to develop through the Heisei Period and beyond.
Conclusion:
The Kamen Rider franchise, throughout the Showa Period, has established itself as one of the most iconic and popular series in Japanese tokusatsu. With its unique blend of motorcycle heroes, signature transformations, complex plots and monstrous threats, Kamen Rider captivated a wide audience and left a lasting legacy in Japanese pop culture. To this day, the franchise continues to evolve and gain new fans while staying true to its roots established during the Showa Period.
Article by: @WeeklyLeaks and Tavora-kun