Kamen Riders Spirits <Legend of Masked Riders> (2001)
Story by: Ishinomori Shoutaro
Artwork: Muraeda Kenichi
Distributor: : Kodansha Publishers
Publisher: Magazine Z KC
By: Jmaruyama

Current Issues

Vol. 1 – Chapter 1 - Eps. 1-5 (Originally published in “Magazine Z”- 1/01-5/01)
Vol. 2 – Chapter 1 - Eps. 6-10 (Originally published in “Magazine Z”- 6/01-10/01)
Vol. 3 – Chapter 1 - Eps. 11-17 (Originally published in “Magazine Z”-11/01-2/02)
Vol. 4 – Chapter 2 “Kamen Rider ZX” <Lost Memories> - Eps. 1-6 (Originally published in               “Magazine Z” – 7/02 – 1/03)
Vol. 5 – Chapter 2 – “Kamen Rider ZX” <Lost Memories> - Eps. 7-13 (Originally published               in “Magazine Z” – 3/03-9/03)
Vol. 6 – Chapter 2 – “Kamen Rider ZX” <Lost Memories> - Eps. 14-21 (Originally               published in “Magazine Z” – 10/03-6/04)
Vol. 7 – Chapter 2 – “Kamen Rider ZX” <Lost Memories> - Eps. 22-28 (Originally               published in “Magazine Z” – 7/04-3/05)
Vol. 8 – Chapter 3 – “Kamen Rider ZX” <Dragon Road> - Released 10/05 – No information               available.

Chapter Titles/Summary

Vol. 1 – Chapter 1 (Spoilers)
After years of battling threats to Japan and the World, the Kamen Riders go their separate ways in hopes of finding peace. Some of our heroes like “V3” and “Rider #2” continue to battle evil across the globe, while others like “Riderman” and “Super One” seek out isolation and refuge away from their pasts. Peaceful retirement does not last long however as the various Riders encounter powerful assailants in their travels.

Some resemble former foes (Yoroi Gensui, King Dark and Koumori Otoko) while others are entirely new threats (Bara-Roid, Amenba-Roid, Tokage-Roid).

Who has sent them to attack the Riders? What is the secret behind the “Black Pyramid”, V3 uncovered in Egypt? What is the mysterious metallic skull that Kamen Rider X finds off the coast of Spain? What is the gigantic “shell” orbiting the Earth that Super One views from the Moon? And who or what are the “BADAN”?

Episodes

Ep. 1 – “Matenrou No Tsubou” (The Skyscraper Hurricane)
Eps. 2-3 – “Tatahitori No Senjou – Zenpen/Kouhen” (One Man’s Battleground – 1 & 2)
Eps. 4-5 – “Netsha No Bride – Zenpen/Kouhen” (Pride of the Desert – Pt. 1 & 2))
Ep. 6 – “Migi Ude No Kiroku” (Memories of the Right Arm)
Eps. 7-8 – “Kikai No Umi – Zenpen/Kouhen” (Sea of Machines – Pt. 1 & 2)
Eps. 9–10 – “Mitsurin No Hakkai Sha – Zenpen/Kouhen” (The Secret Garden’s God of                        Destruction – Pt. 1 & 2)
Eps. 11-12 – “Sasurai No Ramei – Zenpen/Kouhen” (The Stray Thunderbolt – Pt. 1 & 2)
Eps. 13-14 – “Yakusouku No Sora – Zenpen/Kouhen” (Promises of the Sky – Pt. 1 & 2)
Eps. 15-18 – “Hoshi No Shinwa” –Zenpen/Chuhen/Kouhen (Legend From The Stars –                         Pts. 1-3)

Vol. 2 – Chapter 2 “Kamen Rider ZX” <Lost Memories> (Spoilers)
After making their presence known to the people of the world, BADAN launches a major offensive against the Earth. Across the globe, from orbiting UFO’s BADAN’s attack forces called “Command-Roids” (modeled after their ultimate cybernetic warrior ZX) descend to wreck havoc. The various Kamen Riders beat back the attacks. In South Asia, Kamen Rider #1 and #2 soon comfront Murasame Ryo, the true Kamen Rider ZX and do battle. ZX defeats both Riders but suffers severe mental anguish as his repressed memories begin to come forth. Colonel Gamon (despot of the region) retrieves ZX but not before revealing to the two Riders that he is actually Kurayami Taishi (cousin of Jigoku Taishi <AKA General Damon>).

Kurayami Taishi has formed a pact with Needle, one of BADAN’s elite cyborg warriors to usurp control from the BADAN. As part of their plan they hope to use Murasame/Kamen Rider ZX to destroy BADAN leader JUDO.

Murasame slowly begins to regain more and more of his memories and soon escapes to Tokyo to find his past. Needle and Kurayami Taishi begin to see Murasame as more of a liability and soon send a special team of cyborgs to kill him, led by Mikake Eisuke AKA Tiger-Roid.

Japan has been selected as the launch pad for BADAN’s global attacks and they have erected a gigantic pyramid at the heart of Tokyo. BADAN also resurrects all of the past leaders of the evil organizations they have help formed (Hiyaku Me Titan, Apollogeist, Dr. G, Shinegami Hakase, Jigoku Taishi etc.) and have them setup bases across Japan and parts of Asia.

The Kamen Riders team up to launch attacks on the various BADAN bases but are opposed by Black Satan and Shocker opponents.

Kamen Rider #1 and ZX attempt to infiltrate BADAN’s main base in Tokyo but are attacked by a resurrected Shocker Rider team and the demonic Jigoku Taishi.

BADAN’s gigantic leader JUDO finally appears to the world and all seems lost.

Ep. 1 – “Choushu” (Assault)
Ep. 2 – “Sougu” (Encounter)
Ep. 3 – “Kurayami” (Darkness)
Ep. 4 – “Tousou” (Escape)
Ep. 5 – “Ikari” (Anger)
Ep. 6 – “Rumi”
Ep. 7 – “Shugeki” (Attack)
Ep. 8 – “Shigyoku” (Thorns of Death)
Ep. 9 – “Ma Ka” (Demon Whirlpool)
Ep. 10 – “Setshouku” (Contact)
Ep. 11 – “Tsugunai” (Redemption)
Ep. 12 – “Hyouteki” (Target)
Ep. 13 – “Senkou” (Flash)
Ep. 14 – “Henshin” (Transform)
Ep. 15 – “Himitsu” (Secret)
Ep. 16 – “Shitou” (Mortal Combat)
Ep. 17 – “JUDO”
Ep. 18 – “Kakusei” (Remembrance)
Ep. 19 – “Ketsubetsu” (Separation)
Ep. 20 – “Usou” (Lies)
Ep. 21 – “Fukushu” (Revenge)
Ep. 22 – “Makyuu” (Evil Religion)
Ep. 23 – “Kyushitsu” (Rescue)
Ep. 24 – “Seifuku” (Conquest)
Ep. 25 – “Shinkou” (Invasion)
Ep. 26 – “Senrou” (Takeover)
Ep. 27 – “Shinjuku”
Ep. 28 – “Dai Shuryo” (Commanders)
Ep. 29 – “Shutsugen” (Arrival)
Ep. 30 – “Seishi” (Sacrifice)
Ep. 31 – “Gekitotsu” (Clash)
Ep. 32 – “Shougo” (Twilight)

Cast of Characters

Taki Kazuya (AKA “Kamen Rider” <Skullman>)
Was Hongo Takeshi’s partner and confidant in his battles against the Shocker & Gell Shocker armies. After the defeat of Shocker, Taki Kazuya relocates back to the U.S. and served as a field officer for the FBI’s New York branch. Recently Taki was assigned to investigate the mysterious deaths of various young women around the city and soon discovered that the crimes were being committed by a monstrous bat-human. He decides to take matters in his own hands and dons a protective battle suit and a “skull” adorned helmet. Armed with special “shotgun knuckle gloves” and electric charged boots (to simulate Kamen Rider’s “Rider Punch” and “Rider Kick” special attacks), he goes after the monster himself as the new “Kamen Rider”. While battling Koumori Otoko, Taki is again reunited with Hongo Takeshi who has pursued the monster to America. Later Taki travels to South Asia to seek out Ichimonji.

Later joins up with the other Kamen Riders to battle “Kamen Rider ZX” and the mysterious “BADAN” organization.

Hongo Takeshi (AKA “Kamen Rider #1”)
The original Kamen Rider. Abducted by the sinister Shocker organization, motorcross champion Hongo became one of their “kaizou ningen” (cyborg humans) creations. Hongo rebelled against Shocker and vowed to destroy the organization. After the defeat of Shocker and its Africa branch Gell Shocker, Hongo has been traveling the world in search of other pocket cells and remnants of the Shocker organization. He eventually makes his way to the U.S. where he has been in pursuit of a new Komori Otoko monster up until his reunion with Taki. Joins up with the other Kamen Riders to battle “Kamen Rider ZX” and the mysterious “BADAN” organization.

Ichimonji Hayato (AKA “Kamen Rider #2”)
A professional adventurer and cameraman, Ichimonji was the second man to become “Kamen Rider”. After the defeat of the Shocker organization, Ichimonji traveled to South Asia where he led the life of an adventure-seeking, freelance photojournalist. Recently he has been covering a story about the ongoing guerrilla warfare in the Gamon region and its effects on the surrounding population, especially the children. He soon discovers that the main guerilla leader General Gamon and his chief henchman General Nguyen has been using incredibly advanced weaponry to take control of the region. It is soon revealed that Nguyen isn’t all he appears to be and shows his true identity as a monstrous spider creature (Kumo-Roid). Joins up with the other Kamen Riders to battle “Kamen Rider ZX” and the mysterious “BADAN” organization. Sports facial scars to the sides of his face.

Kazami Shiro (AKA “Kamen Rider V3”)
College student and pro motocross racer, Kazami was the third person to become a “Kamen Rider”. Was “created” through the combined technologies that were used to transform Ichimonji and Hongo into Kamen Riders. After the defeat of the Destron organization, Kazami traveled the world as an adventurer, eventually settling in Cairo, Egypt. There he encountered the crafty fortune hunter Vega, who claimed to have come across a “Black Pyramid” which he says houses untold riches and incredibly advanced technology. In the “Black Pyramid” Kazami meets the beautiful “Empress” who claims to be a resurrected Egyptian entity. She mistakes Kazami for her beloved “Pharaoh” and attempts to take him as her husband. Vega reveals his true form, a winged Eagle monster (Taka-Roid) and kills the Empress, revealing her to be a cyborg. Kazami later learns that the “Black Pyramid” was really an ancient “factory” which used advanced technology to create cyborg “mummies” and other guardians for three thousand years. Kazami eventually joins up with the other Kamen Riders to battle “Kamen Rider ZX” and the mysterious “BADAN” organization whom Vega was a part of.

Yuuki Joji (AKA “Riderman”)
Former Destron scientist who betrays the organization. Has his right arm severely damaged in a vat of acid as punishment. His arm is replaced with a cybernetic arm to which he can fit various “attachment’ weapons. After battling V3, he eventually joins V3 in battling the Destron organization. In a selfless act of courage, Yuuki commandeers a Plutonium Rocket that Destron launches against Japan and destroys it before it reaches its target.

Believed to be dead Riderman turns up alive in Tahiti (Yuuki was blown clear of the explosion and fell into waters off the island where he was rescued by a local fisherman and his young daughter). As Yuuki recuperates he is found by an Interpol Agent, Annretta Bakin who is part of their “Destron Hunter” squad. Still believing Yuuki is still a Destron agent, Annretta attempts to kill Yuuki. Yuuki convinces Annretta that he is not evil and the two become lovers. Their happiness is short lived as a resurrected Yoroi Gensui attacks the two. Annretta gives Yuuki his “Rider” helmet which Yuuki had thought lost in the explosion (Interpol had recovered the helmet in their search for him). As “Riderman” Yuuki destroys Yoroi Gensui. Annretta convinces Yuuki to become an Interpol agent which he accepts. Joins up with the other Kamen Riders to battle “Kamen Rider ZX” and the mysterious “BADAN” organization.

Shin Kesuke (AKA “Kamen Rider X”)
College student Shin Kesuke is visiting his scientist father when he is severely injured by agents of the G.O.D. <Government of Darkness> organization who have come for the scientist. In an effort to save his life Prof. Shin uses his skills to transform his son into a superhuman cyborg. Using his new found powers, Shin battles G.O.D. and eventually destroys the organization. Shin later travels to the coastal region of Andalucia, Spain where he becomes a fisherman in the small village of Costa Del Sol.

Annretta and Taki come to Spain to investigate the disappearances of several fishing vessels in the surrounding waters. They tell Shin about the other attacks on the Riders.

Shin is seduced by the mysterious flamenco dancer Rosa who has her in possession a cybernetic “silver skull” which has the power to transform into what ever entity she envisions (a robotic bull, a giant sea serpent etc.)

Rosa transforms into her true form “Bara-Roid” and then uses the “skull” to revive GOD Commander “King Dark”. Shin transforms into Kamen Rider X and together with Annretta and Taki, defeat the two monsters.

Joins up with the other Kamen Riders to battle “Kamen Rider ZX” and the mysterious “BADAN” organization whom Rosa was a part.

Yamamoto Daisuke (AKA “Kamen Rider Amazon”)
Japanese national who was born and raised in the wilds of Brazil. Using ancient Aztec “technology” and the fabled “Gi-Gi” bracelet he becomes Kamen Rider Amazon. Using these powers he battles against the Geddon and Garanda armies who were also after the powers of the “Gi-Gi” bracelet. After Geddon and Garanda’s defeat, Yamamoto returns to Brazil to live. There he encounters the telepathic wunderkind 9 year old Victor Harryman who possesses extraordinary powers and a genius IQ. He is being threatened by the vicious Salamander (Tokage-Roid), a lizard-like assassin (it is later revealed that Victor was created through genetic manipulation by BADAN and they wanted to steal him back from his parents). Victor is brought to BADAN’s genetic testing grounds housed on a floating island above South America. Yamato goes to rescue Victor but is confronted by BADAN’s “Last Battalion” a collective of genetically enhanced humanoid grasshoppers and other monstrous experiments in biology. Joins up with the other Kamen Riders to battle “Kamen Rider ZX” and the mysterious “BADAN” organization.

Jo Shigeru (AKA “Kamen Rider Stronger”)
Jo was a former college football athlete who was abducted by the Black Satan organization and transformed into a battle cyborg. His girlfriend Misaki Yuriko was also transformed into the “Electric Human” Tackle. Together they rebelled against the organization and eventually caused their downfall. However Misaki later died at the hands of remnants of the Black Satan organization now calling themselves Delzar. While Jo was eventually able to get his revenge against the organization, he still suffered emotional trauma. Jo eventually fell under the care of Tachibana Tobie (mentor to the first Kamen Riders and V3) and took a job as his assistant at the Tachibana Racing Club.

They are one day visited by Taki and new Interpol agent Mikake Eisuke who was assigned to accompany Taki in place of Annretta. They warn Tachibana and Jo about the attacks against the other Kamen Riders. Unfortunately Taki and Tachibana soon learn that Mikake is in fact a double agent who used Taki to find them. Jo is then confronted by Murasame Ryo and his elite “Kaizou Ningen Butai” (Cyborg Squad). Jo is at first overwhelmed battling the squad of thirteen but eventually defeats Murasame and his team using a variation of Tackle’s ultimate special attack “The Ultra Cyclone”.

Mikake is also wounded by Taki and Tachibana and is retrieved by Needle, one of BADAN’s elite cyborg warriors.

Later joins up with the other Kamen Riders to battle “Kamen Rider ZX” and the mysterious “BADAN” organization.

Tsukuba Hiroshi (AKA “Kamen Rider” <Sky Rider>)
Hang-gliding enthusiast Tsukuba witnessed the abduction of scientists by the revived Shocker (Neo Shocker) organization and attempts to stop them. Mortally wounded he is transformed into a cyborg to save his life. He uses his powers of flight to fight the Neo Shocker organization. After defeating Neo Shocker, Tsukuba retires to
Europe where he eventually settles in Norway. There he meets with the mysterious Frey Bohemn and her scientist/aristocratic father. Frey however reveals herself to be Powazon, one of the BADAN’s elite cyborg warriors who is also the powerful moth-like assassin (Dokuka-Roid). Tsukuba and Powazon battle in the skies above Norway. Eventually Tsukuba defeats Powazon, killing her. The real Frey later comes out of hiding and it is revealed that the father had been working on a genetic manipulation project for the BADAN organization and had created an identical clone of his daughter.

Later joins up with the other Kamen Riders to battle “Kamen Rider ZX” and the mysterious “BADAN” organization.

Oki Kazuya (AKA “Kamen Rider Super One”)
Oki had ambitions of becoming an astronaut for NASA. He volunteers to undergo cybernetic augmentation to enable him to survive in space for deep space missions. When lead NASA scientist Dr. Henry is killed by agents of the Dogma Empire, Oki vows to seek revenge on the group. After defeating the Dogma Empire and their off-branch, Jin Dogma Oki finally achieves his dream of space exploration. Joining NASA he helps them with the construction of the International Space Station and the US moon base. Oki however is attacked on the moon by the hulking Asura, one of the BADAN’s elite cyborg warriors. Asura transforms into his true form the cybernetic monster “Amemba-Roid”. Oki also discovers an ominous orbiting “shell” object which is transmitting the cryptic message: “People of Earth..are you watching…People of Earth..are you listening..you should have respected <loved> our gods, they are now saddened by your betrayal..now we are coming from the darkness…we are the BADAN, and we are the apostles...humans, your time is up..and you have no chance at all”

Later joins up with the other Kamen Riders to battle “Kamen Rider ZX” and the mysterious “BADAN” organization.

Murasame Ryou (AKA Kamen Rider ZX <Zet Cross>)
Former Interpol operative who was also a double-agent for the BADAN organization. Leader of BADAN’s elite “Cyborg Squad” and was the template for BADAN’s invading cybernetic soldiers, the “Command-Roids”. During BADAN’s initial strike against Earth, he was sent to confront the various Kamen Riders around the world. His past is not known but as he battled the individual Riders, he soon began to remember parts of his past and soon questioned BADAN objectives. Slowly Murasame fought to regain his erased memories and break BADAN’s control over him. Led BADAN’s superhuman cyborg squad (who eerily resemble the Cyborg 009 team).

Badan

No one knows who are what the BADAN are except that they are an alien culture who had come to Earth 3000 years ago. They erected a gigantic black Pyramid in Egypt which may have inspired the Egyptians to build similar structures. This Pyramid housed incredibly advanced technology and acted as a factory to build “cybernetic lifeforms” who masqueraded as mummies.

A gigantic orbiting satellite was also erected to monitor the progress of Earth’s human populace (the structure was hidden in the shadow of the Moon).

While BADAN’s goals of conquest are never quite understood, they supported and organized several terrorist organizations whose goals of world-conquest matched their own (they may have supported the Nazi’s in their goals).

Sharing their advanced technology in cybernetics and genetic manipulation, BADAN helped to organize such organizations as Shocker, Gell Shocker, Destron and Black Satan.

The BADAN organization is comprised of the following notable members:

JUDO (AKA Susano Oh)
BADAN’s mysterious leader. An alien despot who wants to destroy all humanity and take the world for itself. A gigantic metallic “skull” possessing incredible power over machinery and cybernetics. Is said to have orchestrated the formation of several terrorist organizations. Conspired with human collaborators and supernatural forces to form Shocker, Gell Shocker, Destron, G.O.D. <Government of Darkness>, Gedon, The Garanda Empire, Black Satan, The Delzar Army, Neo Shocker, The Dogma Empire and Jin Dogma. Supplied them with the technology and knowledge to create advanced cybernetic organisms, genetic mutations and supernatural monster (he could be said to be the father of the “Kamen Riders”).

Kurayami Taishi (Ambassador Hell AKA Colonel Gamon)
Evil guerrilla leader and tyrant of the Gamon region of South Asia. With the help of his cousin General Damon, they waged war on the surrounding countries and created mayhem in the area. Is a supernatural being with incredible psychic and telekinetic abilities. Can not be killed using physical weapons (he has superhuman healing abilities and can regenerate large portions of his body albeit it takes time). Is also able to resurrect the dead as which he did with his cousin Jigoku Taishi.

Mikake Eisuke (AKA Tiger-Roid)
Former Interpol operative and double-agent for the BADAN organization. Is one of BADAN’s elite commanders. Transforms into the powerful cyborg Tiger-Roid. As Tiger-Roid, Mikake is able to generate and grow guns and bazookas throughout his body (from his hands, back, chest and even his eyes and mouth). These guns can fire off shells and bullets with incredible explosive power. Can destroy a tank with one hit of his bazooka shells. Was Murasame’s rival.

Needle (AKA Yama Arashi-Roid)
Leader of the BADAN’s cyborg elite. Conspired with Colonel Gamon to usurp control over the BADAN organization. Transformed into the powerful cyborg Yama Arashi-Roid, who is able to grow hundreds of steel spikes and needles throughout his body. He can fire these “steel tipped” needles at opponents at will. Carries a steel javelin/spear which he can elongate to great lengths to impale his enemies.

Powazon (AKA Frey Bohemn/Dokuka-Roid)
Genetically created human doppelganger created by Dr. Bohemn. Member of the BADAN’s cyborg elite who was also the powerful moth-like assassin Dokuka-Roid. Able to fly at great speeds.

Asura (AKA Amemba-Roid)
Hulking member of BADAN’s cyborg elite. Able to survive unprotected in deep space. Is a master of Kung-Fu. Also possesses some mystical abilities. Able to transform himself into the cyborg Amemba-Roid. In this form he can sprout additional arms.

Some of the other BADAN cyborgs include

Jigoku-Roid – A beetle-like cyborg. Masquerades as a leather-clad biker/assassin.
KamakiRoid – Mantis-like female cyborg. Masquerades as a leather-clad biker/assassin.
Kani-Roid – Crab-like cyborg. Masquerades as a leather-clad biker/assassin.
Kameleo-Roid – Chameleon-like cyborg. Masquerades as a drunkard/destitute.
Tokage-Roid –Lizard-like cyborg. Masquerades as the professional assassin Salamander.
Take-Roid – Eagle-like cyborg. Masquerades as the fortune hunter Vega.
Bara-Roid – Rose-like cyborg. Masquerades as the flamenco dancer Rosa.
Kumo-Roid – Spider-like cyborg. Masquerades as the guerilla warlord Gen. Nguyen.

BADAN’s all purpose fighter cyborgs are the “Command-Roids” who were the prototype cyborgs to Kamen Rider ZX. Like the “Shocker Riders” they are individually very weak but as a group, they can overpower most opponents and can put up a serious challenge even to the individual Kamen Riders.

Trivia

“Kamen Rider Spirits” offers a completely different take on the “Kamen Rider ZX” storyline and completely ignores the “Kamen Rider Special” which aired in 1983 and which first introduced Kamen Rider ZX.

In “Kamen Rider Spirits” Riderman has not yet met with the other Kamen Riders outside of Kamen Rider V3 (which is in contrast to the various Kamen Rider TV series).

Jmaruyama