Search DVJ 2.0

Pull Quote:

The first episode starts things off right with a kick ass battle between the ZECT Troopers and the Worms.

DVJ Photo

Adverts

Kamen Rider Kabuto

Review by Matthew Anderson

Episode One

TV Network: TV Asahi

Company: TV Asahi/Ishimori/Toei co-production

Running Time: 25 minutes (1 episode)

Rated: PG-13: Violence, partial nudity

EXTERNAL EXAM

Seven years ago, a meteor crashed in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. It brought with it an alien species called "Worms". These creatures have the ability to mimic any person they come in contact with. To combat this alien menace, a mysterious organization called ZECT was created. While they are well armed, they are not very effective.

To help gain the advantage against the Worms, ZECT creates a special weapon called the Masked Rider System. When the wearer of a Rider Belt fuses with the bio-mechanical entity Zecter, it creates a hyper-powered combat suit known as the Masked Rider. Only special individuals have the ability to use the armor correctly. Kagami, a junior mission coordinator for ZECT, hopes to be the first Kamen Rider.

After a particularly rough mission, Kagami encounters narcissistic rich kid Souji Tendou. Little do the two of them realize that this chance encounter is the start of a very strange relationship.

On the same day, Tendou encounters the moody and shy Hiyori Kusakabe, who is more comfortable talking to inanimate objects than people. Yet, Tendou senses something in the girl, and attempts to talk to her. While they chat, Kagami pulls up and offers to give Hiyori a ride to work. While Kagami fails to notice who is on the bike, Tendou observes that Hiyori works at a French Bistro restaurant called "La Salle" and follows them, in an attempt to learn more about the two of them.

While two detectives are following a worm, it sneaks up behind and kills them. After mimicking one of the cops, the Worm notices that Hiyori, who was riding by, saw the whole thing. Giving pursuit, the Worm chases Hiyori into an abandoned office building.

The worm's appearance causes the two Rider Belts to activate. Tendou races to the warehouse, while Kagami and the ZECT Troopers engage the enemy. When Kagami notices Hiyori is in the line of fire, and that his fellow troopers are getting killed, he rushes into the command vehicle to get the rider belt. Kagami's hopes of becoming the first Kamen Rider are dashed when Tendou arrives, and the Kabuto Zector flies to him. Tendou, who has been waiting his whole life for this moment, transforms into Masked Rider Kabuto.

The battle to save Japan begins now.

WIDESCREEN REVIEW

STORY: The writers are a little more forthcoming with the story elements than in some of the previous series. One thing I didn't like about Kuuga or Agito was that the basic plot was very confusing, and it took forever to explain the back story of the monsters. Not to say that Kabuto doesn't take its sweet time, but at least they set up the basic premise early so you don't have to guess where the monsters came from.

ACTING: The acting is decent. Hiro Mizushima is perfect as the arrogant Tendou. He plays the character as very aloof, and you truly believe that everyone is beneath him. For the strong willed, yet totally clueless Kagami, Yuuki Sato fits the bill quite well. He is sensitive enough to make the girls swoon, yet he is able to inject the fire his character needs to survive. The rest of the cast does a fine job, each playing their parts quite well.

FAN SERVICE: The ZECT Troopers design are similar to Kamen Rider Black, and there are a few sly refrences to the previous series that only die hard fans can spot.

FINAL EXAM

In the year 2000, Kamen Rider returned to the TV screens in Japan. Using state of the art special effects, and a emphasis on story instead of monster bashing, Kamen Rider Kuuga set the stage for a comeback of "Doctor Who" level. Kamen Rider Kabuto is the 6th in the new series, and boy does it rock!

The first episode starts things off right with a kick ass battle between the ZECT Troopers and the Worms. It's nasty, brutal, and very well choreographed. The ZECT Troopers try hard, but they are seriously outmatched. For the rest of the episode, we are introduced to the rest of the cast, including those who will provide excellent fodder...err hostages for the worms to use against the heroes.

Of course, it would not be a true first episode with out us seeing the first transformation. While it's only the "Masked Rider" Form, its still cool. I really like his gun. It's got three laser beams (ala Predator), and it can transform into a battle hatchet for close combat.

Along with the Kamen Rider design, the monster and suit designs are pretty awesome. The ZECT Troopers design remind me of Kamen Rider Black, and the machine guns, while looking like mini-BBQ grills, pack a lot of firepower. The Worm designs are both scary and beautiful at the same time, especially after they mutate.

There are quite a few unanswered questions. Where the Zecters came from, how Tendou got his Rider Belt, and exactly how ZECT discovered the existence of the worms has yet to be touched on. Sadly, it may be 30 or so more episodes before we find out. I guess it's a good way to keep you coming back for more.

All in all, I'm please with Kamen Rider Kabuto. I like the action, the visuals, and the story line. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Return to Top

Back to the Special Features Page