Kikaider (Japanese: キカイダー, Hepburn: Kikaidā) is a manga series written and illustrated by Shotaro Ishinomori. A two-season tokusatsu series titled Android Kikaider (Kikaider 01 in season 2) was produced by Toei Company and Ishimori Productions in early 1970s. A 18-episode anime series based on the manga was created by Radix in early 2000s. The tokusatsu series from 1972 is especially popular in Hawaii.

Kikaider
キカイダー
GenreSuperhero, sci-fi
Created byShotaro Ishinomori
Manga
Written byShotaro Ishinomori
Published byShogakukan
MagazineBessatsu Shōnen Sunday →
Weekly Shōnen Sunday
DemographicShōnen
Original run19721974
Volumes6
Manga
Kikader: Code 02
Written byMeimu
Published byKadokawa Shoten
MagazineMonthly Ace Next →
Monthly Shōnen Ace
DemographicShōnen
Original run20012006
Volumes7
Manga
Inazuman vs. Kikaider
Written byMeimu
Published byKadokawa Shoten
MagazineMonthly Shōnen Ace
DemographicShōnen
Original run20042005
Volumes2

The anime series aired in the United States on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim Action in 2003.[1] The complete DVD series is available with English subtitles through JN Productions.

Publication

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The manga series was serialized in Bessatsu Shōnen Sunday (and later Weekly Shōnen Sunday)[2] from 1972 to 1974, with its chapters collected into 6 tankōbon volumes.

A remake of the original manga called Kikaider: Code 02 (キカイダー/CODE.02, Kikaidā Kōdo Zero Tsū, pronounced as "Kikaider Code Zero Two") showing more detailed illustrations compared to the simple design of the original manga was released with a total of 7 tankōbon volumes published by Kadokawa Shoten. The story was written and illustrated by Meimu. The manga was licensed by CMX Manga for the English version.

Another remake created by Meimu is Inazuman vs. Kikaider (イナズマンVSキカイダー, Inazuman Bui Esū Kikaidā). The manga serves as an alternate sequel to Kikaider: Code 02. The manga was based on Inazuman chapter "The Boy with the Guitar" and mainly follows Inazuman's story.

Volumes

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Original series
No. Japanese release date Japanese ISBN
1 December 1972978-4-253-06316-6
2 February 1973978-4-253-06317-3
3 May 1973978-4-253-06318-0
4 January 1974978-4-253-06319-7
5 May 1974978-4-253-06320-3
6 August 1974978-4-253-06321-0

Adaptations

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Tokusatsu

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Anime

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Superhero safety

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In the past, the Super Giant movie series and shows like Moonlight Mask (the first TV superhero in Japan) became controversial when younger viewers began imitating the stunts performed. The original Android Kikaider series was one of the first tokusatsu superhero TV shows to add safety bumpers at the end of each episode, warning viewers not to imitate the stunts performed by its superhero.

References

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  1. ^ Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. p. 473. ISBN 978-1476665993.
  2. ^ "週刊少年サンデー 人造人間キカイダー(石森章太郎 / 土山芳樹 / 細井雄二 / 山田ゴロ)" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 14, 2019.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ "Jinzo ningen Hakaida". Hakaider. IMDb.com, Inc. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
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