Masked Rider (TV Series)
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''Masked Rider'' is a 1995 live action television series produced by
Saban Entertainment Saban Entertainment, Inc. (along with Saban International; currently operating under the legal name is BVS Entertainment, Inc.) was a worldwide-served independent American-Israeli television production company formed in 1980 by Haim Saban and ...
and Toei Company, Ltd. It is an American adaptation of the 1988
Japanese television series This is a list of Japanese television series. The programs are listed alphabetically and are followed by the genre of the show and the date of the original run. For a chronological list, see List of Japanese television programs by date. 0– ...
''
Kamen Rider Black RX is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series produced as part of the ''Kamen Rider'' series. The ninth show in the franchise, it is a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei Company, and aired on the Mainichi Broadcastin ...
'', and also serves as a spinoff of ''
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers ''Mighty Power Rangers'' (''MMPR'') is a superhero television series that premiered on August 28, 1993, on the Fox Kids programming block. It is the first entry of the ''Power Rangers'' franchise, and became a 1990s pop culture phenomenon along ...
''. It aired on
Fox Foxes are small to medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull, upright, triangular ears, a pointed, slightly upturned snout, and a long bushy tail (or ''brush''). Twelve sp ...
as part of the Fox Kids program block from September 16, 1995, to August 31, 1996, and then in
syndication Syndication may refer to: * Broadcast syndication, where individual stations buy programs outside the network system * Print syndication, where individual newspapers or magazines license news articles, columns, or comic strips * Web syndication, ...
from September 9, 1996, to August 1997.


Story

The series began with the main character, Prince Dex, escaping the Plague Patrol with a small group of Edenoite rebels. Dex heads for
Earth Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. While large volumes of water can be found throughout the Solar System, only Earth sustains liquid surface water. About 71% of Earth's surfa ...
, the next target of his sinister uncle Count Dregon, who ruled Edenoi with an iron fist after displacing Dex's grandfather King Lexian. King Lexian had given Dex the Masked Rider powers (where the powers came from is a mystery, although they have been kept for some time by Edenoi's champions), which Dregon desires for himself. Arriving on Earth in a massive crater, Dex finds himself in the care of the Stewarts, a multiracial family consisting of a
white White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no hue). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully reflect and scatter all the visible wavelengths of light. White o ...
father and adopted daughter (named Hal and Molly respectively), an
Asian Asian may refer to: * Items from or related to the continent of Asia: ** Asian people, people in or descending from Asia ** Asian culture, the culture of the people from Asia ** Asian cuisine, food based on the style of food of the people from Asi ...
wife (Barbara), and their adopted African-American son (Albee). The addition of an extra Stewart was not noticed by anyone (although, according to Albee, he and Molly are adopted) in Leawood, the town where the series took place in. Dex defends the town as Masked Rider from Count Dregon and his vicious Insectivores. Edenoi was featured in ''
Power Rangers ''Power Rangers'' is an entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live-action superhero television series, based on the Japanese tokusatsu franchise '' Super Sentai''. Produced first by Saban Entertainment, second by BVS E ...
'' as the planet where
Alpha 5 Alpha 5 (α5), Alpha-5 (α-5) or Alpha Five may refer to: * ''Alpha 5'' (Robert Silverberg anthology), a science fiction anthology edited by Robert Silverberg first published in 1974 *Alpha 5 (Power Rangers), a fictional character from the ''Power ...
was created by Lexian, the Edenoites' leader. (Although the continuity between ''Masked Rider'' and ''Power Rangers'' is unclear based on the differences in the origin story Dex tells the rangers compared to what is shown in ''Masked Rider'') Dex was dispatched to Earth by his grandfather to keep Count Dregon from taking over it. The scene in which Dex is given his powers by King Lexian (a scene that differs from the televised version) remains in the title sequence, possibly one of the few remaining aspects of the original pilot. Dex's Masked Rider armor was also eventually given upgrades to change into "Masked Rider Super Gold", a gold-and-black variation equipped with a powerful
laser A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The word "laser" is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation". The fi ...
gun, the Ecto-Ray, and "Masked Rider Super Blue", a blue-red-and-grey variation with the power of liquified
teleportation Teleportation is the hypothetical transfer of matter or energy from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them. It is a common subject in science fiction literature and in other popular culture. Teleportation is oft ...
and a powerful sword, the Blue Saber. Edenoites are descended from insects, instead of
ape Apes (collectively Hominoidea ) are a clade of Old World simians native to sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia (though they were more widespread in Africa, most of Asia, and as well as Europe in prehistory), which together with its sister g ...
s. Dex is not aware that humans did not evolve from insects (as he discovered in "Pet Nappers" where he reports about how humans evolved from insects). Edenoites also possess
telepathic Telepathy () is the purported vicarious transmission of information from one person's mind to another's without using any known human sensory channels or physical interaction. The term was first coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Frederic ...
abilities that are focused through a
gem A gemstone (also called a fine gem, jewel, precious stone, or semiprecious stone) is a piece of mineral crystal which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other adornments. However, certain rocks (such as lapis lazuli, opal, a ...
on their foreheads called mind crystals, which can be hidden telepathically, though in times of stress can become visible. The gem is capable of focusing mental energy, as well as creating mental imagery that can be shared with others. Dex possesses the knowledge needed to detoxify Leawood's rivers using solar-powered lasers. Dex had a furry friend named Ferbus, a small
bear Bears are carnivoran mammals of the family Ursidae. They are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans. Although only eight species of bears are extant, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Nor ...
/
duck Duck is the common name for numerous species of waterfowl in the family Anatidae. Ducks are generally smaller and shorter-necked than swans and geese, which are members of the same family. Divided among several subfamilies, they are a form t ...
-like creature that followed him to Earth. Ferbus was kept hidden by Molly and Albee because Hal was allergic to fur. Ferbus is eventually revealed to the entire family during the series. Dex is a
loquacious Verbosity or verboseness is speech or writing that uses more words than necessary. The opposite of verbosity is plain language. Some teachers, including the author of ''The Elements of Style'', warn against verbosity; similarly Mark Twain and Er ...
individual. In the first episode, Molly and Albee told him to speak like a regular person, and that he could learn how to do that by watching TV. Sadly, Dex misunderstood and spoke what words he heard in the way that he heard them.


Characters


Main

* Prince Dex/Masked Rider (portrayed by
Ted Jan Roberts T. J. Roberts (born Ted Jan Roberts September 24, 1979) is an American actor, martial artist, stuntman, and producer. Career Roberts played the lead roles in martial arts films such as ''Magic Kid'' (with Don "The Dragon" Wilson playing himsel ...
) – An Edenoite who is the hero of the story. He is the grandson of King Lexian. Dex originates from the fallen planet of Edenoi. In Edenoi's royal family, the powers of the Masked Rider are passed down from generation to generation. As the current Masked Rider, Dex is sent to
Earth Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. While large volumes of water can be found throughout the Solar System, only Earth sustains liquid surface water. About 71% of Earth's surfa ...
as "Dex Stewart" to stop his evil uncle Count Dregon from enslaving the Earthlings. He is adopted by the Stewarts and tries to interact with US-American culture. Dex has many capabilities that Earthlings do not possess. He can materialize a crystal on his forehead to transmit his thoughts to others, use it to scan and x-ray, and sense nearby danger. Dex has superhuman strength, super-speed, light wave generation, and
telekinetic Psychokinesis (from grc, ψυχή, , soul and grc, κίνησις, , movement, label=ㅤ), or telekinesis (from grc, τηλε, , far off and grc, κίνησις, , movement, label=ㅤ), is a hypothetical psychic ability allowing a person ...
abilities. While trying to blend in, he appears unusual to everyone else. In order to transform into Masked Rider, he shouts out the phrase "Ectophase Activate!" * Ferbus (portrayed by
Verne Troyer Verne Jay Troyer (January 1, 1969 – April 21, 2018) was an American actor, comedian, YouTuber, and stunt performer. He was best known for his role of Mini-Me in the ''Austin Powers'' film series. He had cartilage–hair hypoplasia and was ...
, voiced by Paul Pistore) – Dex's pet and friend. Ferbus is a furry
bipedal Bipedalism is a form of terrestrial locomotion where an organism moves by means of its two rear limbs or legs. An animal or machine that usually moves in a bipedal manner is known as a biped , meaning 'two feet' (from Latin ''bis'' 'double' ...
alien with a beak, and looks similar to
furby Furby is an American electronic robotic toy that was originally released in 1998 by Tiger Electronics. It resembles a hamster or owllike creature and went through a period of being a " must-have" toy following its holiday season launch, with c ...
. He wants nothing more than to be at Dex's side. Ferbus has a big appetite and can get into some trouble at times, but fortunately, Dex manages to bail him out at the right moment. When Ferbus first arrived, Molly and Albee had to hide him due to Hal's allergies, but Hal is not allergic anymore around Ferbus; once he revealed himself, Ferbus was accepted as part of the family. In the episode "Pet Nappers," Nefaria states that Ferbus' species is called the "Monotomonax". The
puppet A puppet is an object, often resembling a human, animal or Legendary creature, mythical figure, that is animated or manipulated by a person called a puppeteer. The puppeteer uses movements of their hands, arms, or control devices such as rods ...
for Ferbus was created by Chiodo Bros. Productions. * Hal Stewart (portrayed by
David Stenstrom David Lee Stenstrom (a.k.a. David Stentstrom born November 10, 1953) is an American actor. He has appeared in various shows, the best known of those roles perhaps being his work with Saban, which includes being the voice of King Mondo in '' Pow ...
) – Dex's adoptive Earth father, a full-time
handyman A handyman, also known as a fixer, handyperson or handyworker, is a person skilled at a wide range of repairs, typically around the home. These tasks include trade skills, repair work, maintenance work, are both interior and exterior, and are so ...
and part-time
inventor An invention is a unique or novel device, method, composition, idea or process. An invention may be an improvement upon a machine, product, or process for increasing efficiency or lowering cost. It may also be an entirely new concept. If an ...
. His personal workspace is filled with assorted junk and recycled parts. Hal often assembles a weird invention in his spare time which sometimes backfires. He has, however, invented very useful items with some help from Dex. One of his more successful creations is the alien detector alarm that goes off when Count Dregon or his agents come within the radius of the house. Hal was at one point allergic to animal fur, though he had seemingly developed a tolerance as he no longer sneezed around Ferbus. * Barbara Stewart (portrayed by
Candace Kita Candace Kita (born December 27, 1967) is an American actress. Career Acting Kita's first role was as a news anchor in the 1991 movie ''Stealth Hunters''. Kita's first recurring television role was in Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox's ''Masked Ri ...
) – Dex's adoptive Earth mother. She works as a caterer and part-time as a homemaker. Barbara keeps on eye on the family's well-being and constantly has her husband stick to his diet. In one episode, Count Dregon imprisoned Nefaria in one of the monster jars and brainwashed Barbara into his new commander Barbaria. Barbara's love for Dex broke the spell on her. * Molly Stewart (portrayed by Rheannon J. Slover) – Dex's adoptive Earth sister. Molly always tries to steer Dex in the right direction and help him adjust to life on Earth. Since his arrival, they develop a strong sibling relationship. Dex in turn always supports Molly to the best of his ability. In one episode, Molly tried out for the
cheerleading Cheerleading is an activity in which the participants (called cheerleaders) cheer for their team as a form of encouragement. It can range from chanting slogans to intense physical activity. It can be performed to motivate sports teams, to ente ...
squad and made the cut, though her career as a high school cheerleader is never mentioned afterwards. * Albee Stewart (portrayed by Ashton McArn) – Dex's adoptive Earth brother. Albee looks up to Dex with enthusiasm as any little brother would. He tries to help Dex get accustomed to Earth by encouraging him to watch a great deal of television. Of course, Albee's help can sometimes lead to Dex acting strange in public. In one episode, he dreamed that he gained the Masked Rider's powers upon bumping into Dex. In his dream, Count Dregon put Albee through a triple death match against three tough Insectivores consisting of Manosect, Dread Dragon, and Cyborgator, but Albee managed to destroy them all.


Villains

* Count Dregon (portrayed by Ken Ring) – An Edenoite who is the main antagonist of the series. He is Dex's uncle, the youngest son of King Lexian, and younger brother of one of Dex's parents. Because of his place in the royal lineage, Count Dregon could not inherit the Masked Rider powers. He was banished from Edenoi for his evil deeds. Count Dregon is determined to have the powers even at the cost of destroying his own family and Edenoi. Count Dregon took advantage of Edenoi's peaceful way and enslaved everyone in full swoop. He wears a gold mask to hide scars he sustained in a duel with King Lexian. In the three-part ''
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers ''Mighty Power Rangers'' (''MMPR'') is a superhero television series that premiered on August 28, 1993, on the Fox Kids programming block. It is the first entry of the ''Power Rangers'' franchise, and became a 1990s pop culture phenomenon along ...
'' episode "A Friend in Need", it's said that Count Dregon was an old rival of
Lord Zedd This is a list of characters in the ''Power Rangers'' franchise's inaugural season '' Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'' and its theatrical adaptation '' Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie''. For the purposes of this article, the miniseries '' ...
. * Nefaria (portrayed by Jennifer Tung) – A human-looking female in black-and-red armor (possibly an Edenoite like Dex and Count Dregon) Nefaria uses the yellow feather on her helmet as a weapon or to write messages. She hardly goes into battle and is often seen on Earth giving commands. Nefaria has sometimes flirted with Count Dregon, but she's often ignored. Sometimes, Nefaria accompanies any Insectovores in the Supernatural category. Her eyes regularly glow bright red and she has an extremely sinister laugh. * Cyclopter (voiced by Steve Kramer) – A blue one-eyed
robot A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within. Robots may be c ...
biker Biker or bikie may refer to: * A cyclist, a bicycle rider or participant in cycling sports * A motorcyclist, any motorcycle rider or passenger, or participant in motorcycle sports ** A motorcycle club member, defined more narrowly than all motor ...
in a leather jacket and slacks. Cyclopter has faced Masked Rider in battle occasionally. He is armed with a laser gun and a powerful motorcycle named Cannon Wheels. His head can detach from his body to float around on its own (this implies that Cyclopter is probably a robot or cyborg). Sometimes, Cyclopter accompanies any Insectovores in the Robot category. * Double Face (voiced by
Michael Sorich Michael John Sorich ( , born March 23, 1958) is an American actor, writer and director. Biography Sorich has been a prominent and ever-present voice actor for many different characters in the ''Power Rangers'' franchise (until the end of the '' W ...
) – A tall man dressed in a blue-green naval coat and white tights. Double Face's distinct feature is that he has two faces: his primary face is the large red visor on his "helmet" and the tiny face on his forehead. He has gone to battle Dex personally with various type of swords and daggers. Sometimes, he accompanies any Insectovores in the Man-Beast category. * Gork (voiced by
Michael McConnohie Michael McConnohie is an American voice actor, writer and director who has provided many voice roles in movies, anime, and video games. He and fellow actress Melodee Spevack run a production company called VoxWorks. Some of his major works includ ...
) – A small unusual creature that speaks in rhyme. Gork is constantly hopping about and annoying everyone else (especially Double Face) on the Spider Base. He is most cowardly and quick to ditch a battle before it's even over. Sometimes, he accompanies any Insectovores in the Alien Lifeform category. * Fact (voiced by
Julie Maddalena Julia Maddalena is an American voice actress who has worked on dubs of Japanese anime, cartoons, and video games. Some of her major voice roles are Silvia Maruyama from ''Ground Defense Force! Mao-chan'', Arusu from ''Tweeny Witches'', Hikaru Shi ...
) – A small
robot A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within. Robots may be c ...
that gives out statistical data, calculations, and probabilities concerning a plan before Count Dregon makes any final decision. * Plague Sentry (voiced by Tom Wyner) – The horse-riding
insectoid An insectoid is an insect-like creature. Insectoid may refer to: * Insectoid robot * Insectoids in science fiction {{dab ...
-like leader of the Plague Patrol that oversees the enslaved Edenoites. The Plague Sentry first appeared in the ''
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers ''Mighty Power Rangers'' (''MMPR'') is a superhero television series that premiered on August 28, 1993, on the Fox Kids programming block. It is the first entry of the ''Power Rangers'' franchise, and became a 1990s pop culture phenomenon along ...
'' episode "A Friend in Need". He fits the category of Double Face's unit. * Plague Patrol (voiced by
Scott Page-Pagter Scott Page-Pagter (June 13, 1957 – December 5, 2021) was an American voice actor and television producer, known for his work in producing over 300 episodes of the ''Power Rangers'' series, starting with the fourth season, '' Zeo''. Biography Pa ...
, Stephen Apostolina, and Oliver Page) – Three horse-riding monsters that worked for the Plague Sentry. With their boss, they oversee the enslaved Edenoites on Edenoi. * The Maggots – Tall, humanoid
maggot A maggot is the larva of a fly (order Diptera); it is applied in particular to the larvae of Brachycera flies, such as houseflies, cheese flies, and blowflies, rather than larvae of the Nematocera, such as mosquitoes and crane flies. ...
s that serve as Count Dregon's foot soldiers. They're not so bright, and hardly get the job done. Count Dregon makes reference in one episode that the Maggots belong to Nefaria when he commands her to "dispatch her Maggots". They can spew slime and shoot threads from their mouths. A Maggot was seen in the Onyx Tavern in the ''
Power Rangers in Space ''Power Rangers in Space'' is a television series and the sixth season of the ''Power Rangers'' franchise, based on the 21st Super Sentai series '' Denji Sentai Megaranger''. ''In Space'' was a turning point for the Power Rangers franchise, as th ...
'' episode "Flashes of Darkonda" and the ''
Power Rangers Lost Galaxy ''Power Rangers Lost Galaxy'' is a tokusatsu television series and the seventh season of the ''Power Rangers'' franchise, based on the 22nd Super Sentai series ''Seijuu Sentai Gingaman''. The series was the first to follow the Sentai tradition of ...
'' episode "Heir to the Throne". The Maggot costumes were created by Chiodo Bros. Productions. * Commandoids – The Commandoids are an alternate set of foot soldiers with hockey mask-like faces. They come in three colors: gray, brown, and black. * Cogwarts – A trio of
toad Toad is a common name for certain frogs, especially of the family Bufonidae, that are characterized by dry, leathery skin, short legs, and large bumps covering the parotoid glands. A distinction between frogs and toads is not made in scientif ...
-like mutants that were sent to assist Plague Sentry and his Plague Patrol in their battle against Masked Rider and the Power Rangers. The three of them were destroyed by Masked Rider in "A Friend in Need" Pt. 3.


Monsters


Supporting

* King Lexian (portrayed by
Ralph Votrian Ralph Votrian (May 16, 1934 – April 13, 2017) was an American film, television and voice actor. Votrian was born in Chicago, Illinois. As a child, Votrian performed on old-time radio programs. He graduated from John Burroughs High School in ...
) – Dex's grandfather and the ruler of the Edenoite race. King Lexian bestowed the powers of the Masked Rider to Dex when he became far too old to carry on the responsibility. He still communicates with Dex from time to time giving Dex guidance. King Lexian also built
Alpha 5 Alpha 5 (α5), Alpha-5 (α-5) or Alpha Five may refer to: * ''Alpha 5'' (Robert Silverberg anthology), a science fiction anthology edited by Robert Silverberg first published in 1974 *Alpha 5 (Power Rangers), a fictional character from the ''Power ...
who had been assisting
Zordon Zordon is a fictional character from the ''Power Rangers'' franchise who serves as the Rangers' mentor. Zordon first appeared on the first season of ''Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'' and appeared in subsequent seasons until the conclusion of ''Po ...
years before Dex began his mission on
Earth Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. While large volumes of water can be found throughout the Solar System, only Earth sustains liquid surface water. About 71% of Earth's surfa ...
. * Magno (voiced by
Wendee Lee Wendee Lee is an American voice actress, writer, and director. Biography Lee studied dance and theater and later became a full-time dancer in her teens. According to her interview on the '' Magic Knight Rayearth'' DVDs, she started doing voices ...
) – Masked Rider's talking car. Magno is a red car modeled after an ant-like bug. She is capable of driving at high speeds and digging underground. * Combat Chopper (voiced by
Jason Narvy Jason Andrew Narvy (born March 27, 1974) is an American actor known for playing the role of Eugene "Skull" Skullovitch on the various iterations of ''Power Rangers'' and film franchise from 1993 to 2012, beginning with ''Mighty Morphin Power Ra ...
) – Masked Rider's talking chopper. Chopper is a wisecracking motorbike modeled after a grasshopper. According to part two of the episode "Escape from Edenoi", he can go at a higher speed than that of Magno. With the help of Dex, Chopper can also change into two other variations depending on if Masked Rider uses his Super Gold form as "Super Chopper" or his Super Blue one as "Ultra Chopper". * Patsy Carbunkle (portrayed by Libby Letlow) – Patsy is a
spoiled child A spoiled child or spoiled brat is a derogatory term aimed at children who exhibit behavioral problems from being overindulged by their parents or other caregivers. Children and teens who are perceived as spoiled may be described as "overindulged ...
that thinks the world should revolve around her. Patsy always lies to further enhance her reputation as the most
popular girl In sociology, popularity is how much a person, idea, place, item or other concept is either liked or accorded status by other people. Liking can be due to reciprocal liking, interpersonal attraction, and similar factors. Social status can be ...
at Leawood High School. Patsy is condescending towards the Stewarts and thinks they're all weird, and often rivals with Molly. She does, however, have a soft spot for Dex and occasionally tries to flirt with him. * Herbie (portrayed by Matthew Bates) – Patsy's friend and unwitting partner in her schemes, Herbie is a stereotypical
geek The word ''geek'' is a slang term originally used to describe eccentric or non-mainstream people; in current use, the word typically connotes an expert or enthusiast obsessed with a hobby or intellectual pursuit. In the past, it had a general ...
. Although he is friends with the brattiest girl in Leawood, he is still a nice, albeit cowardly, guy and a pretty experienced Dirtbiker. He and Patsy are considered to be this show's version of Bulk and Skull, or the exact predecessor to Devin and Cassidy. * Principal Henry Chalmers (portrayed by Don Yanan) – The principal of Leawood High School. Chalmers is much like Principal Caplan from ''Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'' and encourages teamwork and enforces discipline. He has an obsessive suspicion of Dex's unusual behavior. Although he means no harm, Chalmers constantly keeps his eyes on Dex hoping to find answers. * Moon Dude (portrayed by Tom Ayers) – The owner of the arcade that Dex, Molly, and Albee frequently hang out at. His arcade has been host to several events and competitions that Dex and his siblings have participated in, such as a dance contest and a video game tournament. In one episode, Moon Dude employed Dex when Dex was looking for a job. * Donais (portrayed by Winston Story) – An Edenoite who is one of Dex's friends. In "Super Gold", Donais is sent to earth to give Dex the crystal to enable Dex to harness the powers of Super Gold. Unfortunately, he was kidnapped by Count Dregon's Maggots and the crystal was used to transform him into Robo Rider when Donais yells out the phrase "Robo Rider Force!" to fight Dex. This forced Dex to battle his own friend. In the end, Dex helps Donais see that he is Dex's friend. After being restored to normal, Donais hands over the crystal and Dex assumes his Super Gold form to fight Edentada. In "Unmasked Rider", Donais returned to Earth to give Dex the power of Super Blue. This time, Dex saves Donais from the Maggots. When Donais finishes upgrading the Masked Rider powers, Dex assumes his Super Blue form which he uses to destroy Tripron. * Masked Rider Warriors – A team of ten warriors from different time and space who used the powers of the Masked Rider. They are summoned by King Lexian to help Dex battle the super-monster Bruticon. The Masked Rider Warriors are actually based on the ten Kamen Rider heroes prior to Black, who appeared on this show via footage from their guest appearance in the final seven episodes of ''Kamen Rider Black RX''. The names were carried over from ''RX'' aside for a few changes. However, almost all of the Riders except for Warrior Leader (
Kamen Rider 1 is a tokusatsu superhero television series and weekly science fiction manga created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. The original airing consisted of a total of 98 episodes and were broadcast from April 3, 1971, to February 10, 1973, on ...
) and Z-Cross ( ZX) ended up introducing themselves with switched names during the
roll call ''Roll Call'' is a newspaper and website published in Washington, D.C., United States, when the United States Congress is in session, reporting news of legislative and political maneuverings on Capitol Hill, as well as political coverage of ...
due to a mix-up between the edited footage (
Kamen Rider 2 is a tokusatsu superhero television series and weekly science fiction manga created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. The original airing consisted of a total of 98 episodes and were broadcast from April 3, 1971, to February 10, 1973, on ...
and
Riderman is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the second installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series, and the direct sequel to the original ''Kamen Rider''. It was a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei, and was shown ...
were cut out from the introduction) and the voice clip that was used (all the names were mentioned in order, with Skyrider and
Kamen Rider Super-1 is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It is the seventh installment in the Kamen Rider Series. The series was broadcast on the Mainichi Broadcasting System from October 17, 1980, to October 3, 1981. The series was a co-production ...
being omitted). ** Warrior Leader (voiced by
Kim Strauss Kim Strauss is an American voice actor and best-selling author with his children's book ''Kalan the Mighty Warrior: Book One – Braxus the Owl: Guardian of the Forest And He is The Voice of Ninjor in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" History He is ...
) – This was Kamen Rider 1. ** Warrior Commander (voiced by Mike Reynolds) – This was
Kamen Rider V3 is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the second installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series, and the direct sequel to the original '' Kamen Rider''. It was a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei, and was shown ...
. ** V3 (voiced by
Richard Epcar Richard Epcar is an American voice actor, voice director, and writer who has voiced over 1,200 characters in animation, video games and anime. Some of his major roles include Raiden in the '' Mortal Kombat'' franchise, The Joker in several proj ...
) – This was
Kamen Rider X is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It was broadcast in 1974 on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and NET, now known as TV Asahi. It is the third entry in the Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu shows. It starred Ryo Hayami in the ...
. ** Riderman (voiced by
Ken Merckx Ken Merckx (born June 24, 1964) is an American voice and screen actor who is also known as Ken Merchx and Ken Ring. He has done voicework for various Power Rangers series, but is perhaps best known for his role of Count Dregon in the short-live ...
) – This was
Kamen Rider Amazon is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. The fourth installment to be produced as part of the Kamen Rider Series, the series aired in Japan from late 1974 to early 1975 on the NET and Mainichi Broadcasting System. It was the shortest ''Kamen ...
. ** Masked Rider X (voiced by
Kim Strauss Kim Strauss is an American voice actor and best-selling author with his children's book ''Kalan the Mighty Warrior: Book One – Braxus the Owl: Guardian of the Forest And He is The Voice of Ninjor in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" History He is ...
) – This was
Kamen Rider Stronger is a Japanese Tokusatsu television show. It is the fifth entry in the Kamen Rider Series, the show was broadcast on TBS and MBS from April 5, 1975 to December 27, 1975. ''Stronger'' is a co-production between Ishinomori Productions and Toei, a ...
. ** Amazon (voiced by
Richard Epcar Richard Epcar is an American voice actor, voice director, and writer who has voiced over 1,200 characters in animation, video games and anime. Some of his major roles include Raiden in the '' Mortal Kombat'' franchise, The Joker in several proj ...
) – This was Skyrider ** Strongman (voiced by Mike Reynolds) – This was
Kamen Rider Super-1 is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It is the seventh installment in the Kamen Rider Series. The series was broadcast on the Mainichi Broadcasting System from October 17, 1980, to October 3, 1981. The series was a co-production ...
. ** ZX (Z-Cross) (voiced by
Richard Epcar Richard Epcar is an American voice actor, voice director, and writer who has voiced over 1,200 characters in animation, video games and anime. Some of his major roles include Raiden in the '' Mortal Kombat'' franchise, The Joker in several proj ...
) – This was Kamen Rider ZX, the only Rider whose name was not switched nor changed in the adaptation, although the pronunciation was changed from the original "Zed Cross" to the Americanized "Zee Cross".


Production

The series is a co-production of
Toei Company () (also styled TOEI) is a Japanese film, television production, and distribution and video game developer and publishing company. Based in Tokyo, Toei owns and operates thirty-four movie theaters across Japan (all but two of them operated by i ...
and Bugboy Productions. Though an adaptation of a Japanese series, the series is also a spinoff of the
Power Rangers ''Power Rangers'' is an entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live-action superhero television series, based on the Japanese tokusatsu franchise '' Super Sentai''. Produced first by Saban Entertainment, second by BVS E ...
Franchise, and the series has a much lighter tone compared to the original version. The series also marks the first American debut of two Toei staff veterans, Kenyūkai Ōno (the suit actor for Masked Rider) and unit director Michi Yamato. The show was launched with a 3-part ''
Power Rangers ''Power Rangers'' is an entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live-action superhero television series, based on the Japanese tokusatsu franchise '' Super Sentai''. Produced first by Saban Entertainment, second by BVS E ...
'' episode, "A Friend in Need", with part 1 airing on September 2, 1995, and the other two airing on September 9. The Rangers themselves were never mentioned in the ''Masked Rider'' television series, however, as Saban reformatted the series to sever links with ''
Power Rangers ''Power Rangers'' is an entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live-action superhero television series, based on the Japanese tokusatsu franchise '' Super Sentai''. Produced first by Saban Entertainment, second by BVS E ...
''. The Rangers did, however, make a guest appearance in ''Masked Rider'' short-lived
comic book A comic book, also called comicbook, comic magazine or (in the United Kingdom and Ireland) simply comic, is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are of ...
adaptation from
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...
, as well as clips from "A Friend in Need" exclusive to the VHS release of the episode "Super Gold". Like ''
Power Rangers ''Power Rangers'' is an entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live-action superhero television series, based on the Japanese tokusatsu franchise '' Super Sentai''. Produced first by Saban Entertainment, second by BVS E ...
'' and ''
VR Troopers ''VR Troopers'' is a syndicated live action superhero fiction, superhero-adventure film, adventure television series produced and distributed by Saban Entertainment from 1994 to 1996. The show tried to profit from the fascination with virtual rea ...
'', ''Masked Rider'' battle and villain scenes, with few exceptions, were taken from Japanese stock footage – primarily ''
Kamen Rider Black RX is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series produced as part of the ''Kamen Rider'' series. The ninth show in the franchise, it is a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei Company, and aired on the Mainichi Broadcastin ...
'', but also two Japanese ''Kamen Rider'' movies, ''
Kamen Rider ZO , translated ''Masked Rider ZO'', is a 1993 Japanese tokusatsu biopunk superhero movie produced by the Toei Company as part of their ''Kamen Rider Series''. Directed by Keita Amemiya, it was the first joint production of Toei and Bandai. A Sega C ...
'' and ''
Kamen Rider J (''Masked Rider J'') is a 1994 Japanese tokusatsu superhero movie produced by Toei Company and loosely based on their ''Kamen Rider'' Series. It was the final story in which Shotaro Ishinomori was involved, who died 4 years later. As part of ...
''. Robo Rider (episode "Super Gold") and the first form of Hydrasect ("Stranger from the North") were the only two of Count Dregon's Insectovores to appear in American footage throughout the show's run. On May 7, 2010, the copyright for ''Masked Rider'' was transferred from
BVS Entertainment Saban Entertainment, Inc. (along with Saban International; currently operating under the legal name is BVS Entertainment, Inc.) was a worldwide-served independent American-Israeli television production company formed in 1980 by Haim Saban and S ...
and ABC Children's Entertainment to
Saban Capital Group Saban Capital Group LLC is an American investment firm based in Los Angeles, California focused on media, entertainment, and communications investments. Formed in 2010 by Haim Saban, Saban Capital Group owns Saban Films, part of Univision Commu ...
.


Home video releases

In the U.S., two VHS tapes were released in April 1996: "Escape from Edenoi" and "Super Gold". Another VHS tape ("Ferbus' First Christmas") with a bonus episode ("Ferbus Maximus") was scheduled to be released, but was cancelled. In the United Kingdom, Maximum Entertainment released both parts of "Escape from Edenoi" and "License To Thrill" on DVD in 2005.


Reception

Shinichi Moriyasu, the former president of
Bandai is a Japanese multinational toy manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Taitō, Tokyo. Its international branches, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectables America and Bandai UK, are respectively headquartered in Irvine, California and Richmond ...
stated that the series was a commercial flop in the United States, and said that sales of the toys were low.


Notes


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Masked Rider (Tv Series) Kamen Rider television series 1995 American television series debuts 1996 American television series endings American children's action television series American children's adventure television series American children's comedy television series American children's fantasy television series American children's science fiction television series American television shows featuring puppetry American television series based on Japanese television series Extraterrestrial superheroes Japan in non-Japanese culture Television series about orphans Fox Broadcasting Company original programming Fox Kids Martial arts television series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Superheroes who are adopted American television spin-offs Television series about teenagers Television series created by Haim Saban Television series by Saban Entertainment Teen superhero television series