Kamen Rider 1
Hongo Takeshi was a brilliant and athletic young scientist. One day, while practicing on his motorcycle, he was ambushed by mysterious female riders. A thick fog enveloped him, and he found himself entangled in spider webs. Immobilized, he eventually lost consciousness.
When Takeshi awoke, he was bound to an operating table. Figures in surgical attire surrounded him, and he vaguely overheard mentions of "Shocker" and their cyborg experiments before passing out again. A week later, Hongo Takeshi's modification surgery was nearing completion, with only the final brain alteration remaining. Suddenly, an instrument exploded, causing the Shocker operatives to flee the operating room. Recognizing his chance, Hongo Takeshi effortlessly broke free from his restraints, astonished by his newfound strength. Just then, the door burst open, revealing his mentor, Dr. Midorikawa.
Dr. Midorikawa, who had been missing, was also a captive of Shocker, forced to create their cyborgs. The explosion was his doing. He revealed Shocker's ambition to conquer the world, and the two decided to escape. However, they were pursued by a Spider Kaijin. Hongo Takeshi fell from a cliff. As the Spider Kaijin moved to attack Dr. Midorikawa, a green figure suddenly appeared on a distant cliff. Adorned with a Typhoon belt and a scarf fluttering in the wind, it was Hongo Takeshi, transformed into "Kamen Rider 1."
This new Kamen Rider 1 figure stands approximately 145mm tall. Its overall sculpt, specifications, and articulation design are largely consistent with previously released versions. However, the paint scheme adopts a new coloration seen in recent appearances, with the zipper detailing now black and metallic green accents providing a brighter, more vibrant aesthetic. The figure also includes a "50th Anniversary Commemorative Stand," a special inclusion that collectors will appreciate. While the Shinkocchou Seihou sculpt faithfully recreates the suit's appearance, the quality control is merely average, with some minor paint bleed noticeable on the helmet! Despite this, its articulation across all body parts is excellent, allowing collectors to recreate virtually any iconic pose from the series with ease. Truly fantastic!
The included accessories are robust, featuring four pairs of interchangeable hands, an alternate scarf, spare antenna parts, and the aforementioned 50th Anniversary Commemorative Stand. Overall, the figure offers solid playability.
Even knowing it's a strategic re-release under the 50th-anniversary banner, the enduring appeal of Kamen Rider 1 makes it hard for dedicated fans to resist, proving that some collectibles truly capture our hearts.
D.M.S. Play Scoring
Sculpt & Aesthetics (40) 36
Articulation & Poseability (20) 15
Accessories & Play Value (20) 14
Quality Control (10) 6
Price (10) 5
Total Score: 76 Points