- Hikari Sentai Maskman
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Hikari Sentai Maskman Genre Tokusatsu Created by Toei Starring Ryousuke Kaizu
Kouichi Kusakari
Issei Hirota
Yuki Nagata
Kanako MaedaNarrated by Hiroshi Takeda Opening theme "Hikari Sentai Maskman" by Hironobu Kageyama Ending theme "Ai no Soldier" by Hironobu Kageyama Composer(s) Goro Omi Country of origin Japan No. of episodes 51 Production Producer(s) Kanetake Ochiai
Takeyuki Suzuki
Kyōzō UtsunomiyaRunning time 30 minutes Production company(s) TV Asahi
Toei Company
Toei AdvertisingBroadcast Original channel TV Asahi Original run February 28, 1987 – February 20, 1988 Chronology Preceded by Choushinsei Flashman Followed by Choujuu Sentai Liveman Hikari Sentai Maskman (光戦隊マスクマン Hikari Sentai Masukuman , [Note 1]) is Toei's eleventh entry of the Super Sentai Series. It aired on TV Asahi from February 28, 1987 to February 20, 1988, with a total of 51 episodes. Its international English title as listed by Toei is simply Maskman.[1]
Contents
Plot
Commander Sugata is a scientist and sage who excels in mental reinforcements and is a master of every martial art. He discovered the existence of the Underground Empire Tube, a once peaceful kingdom that has turned into a malignant force under the mysterious Zeba, who desires to conquer the surface. In order to stand against them and thwart their plans, Sugata recruits five young people to become the Maskmen. Each becomes specialized in a style of martial arts, and Sugata teaches them the ways of the mystical "Aura Power" energy. A year after Sugata recruits and trains the Maskmen, the Underground Empire Tube is ready to strike. Princess Ial of the deposed Igam Royal Family, sent to spy above ground as Mio, falls in love with Takeru, and wishes for those underground and above ground to coexist. She is kidnapped and imprisoned in ice for her betrayal. As Takeru and the Maskmen battle Tube, they learn about Ial and Igam's relationship, and a terrible dark secret about Zeba, the Tube leader.
Characters
Maskmen
Before Tube sufaced, the group put off the cover of being the Sugata Racing Team.
- Takeru (タケル )/Red Mask (レッドマスク Reddo Masuku ): The leader of the group at 23, he is a specialist in karate and a Formula One driver. He was spotted by Sugata a year prior to the beginning of the series while an infant. Sugata later offered him a spot on the Maskman team. His love for Mio and desire to find her are his motivations. While in Otaki, Takeru meets Norio through whom he masters the "God Hand" technique. Igam tries to eliminate him by travelling into the past. Near the end of the series, he single handedly defeats Baraba out of rage in battle. He reunites with Mio in the end but he is forced to split up with her.
- Weapons: Masky Blade (マスキーブレード Masukī Burēdo ).
- Attacks: Laser Arrow (レーザーアロー Rēzā Arō ), Masky Crash (マスキークラッシュ Masukī Kurasshu ).
- Meditation Gesture: Zai (Opened hands with index finger and thumb together), which signifies control over natural forces.
- Kenta (ケンタ )/Black Mask (ブラックマスク Burakku Masuku ): The 21-year-old second-in-command of the team. He specializes in Kobudo. He is shy around women but can be a playboy at times. He is lighthearted, strong, and dependable. When a Dogler Beast stole the Aura Power of the other Maskmen, Kenta was the only one left who could fight. He worked as a mechanic for the Sugata Racing Team and once worked for the Sun Racing Team.
- Weapons: Masky Rod (マスキーロッド Masukī Roddo ).
- Meditation Gesture: Jin (all fingers enlaced in a fist), which signifies the guessing of others' thoughts and intentions.
- Akira (アキラ )/Blue Mask (ブル-マスク Burū Masuku ): He is the youngest Maskman at 16. He is a Chinese boxer and a straight sword expert. His father died while he was young and he was an only child. He moved to Tokyo in order to perfect his martial arts ability and to join the Maskmen. Akira unknowingly enters a Tube-rigged tournament. He wants to win to prove to his mother that he is successful in his chosen pursuit. Always cheerful, he loves apples and the idol Youko Minamino. Late in the series, he turns evil after being possessed by the spirit of a swordsman of the Royal Underground Empire named Fencer Unas. Unas was resurrected by some of the Royal Underground slaves of Tube in hopes that he would help set them free from Zeba's tyrannical rule. The underground slaves mistake Akira as an reincarnation of Unas.
- Weapons: Masky Tonfas (マスキートンファー Masukī Tonfā ).
- Meditation Gesture: Retsu (two fists together with index finger from right hand sticking out), which signifies dominion over time and space.
- Haruka (ハルカ )/Yellow Mask (イエローマスク Ierō Masuku ): 19-years-old, she was raised in a family of ninja, brought up to carry the tradition at the cost of a happy childhood. Forced by her father to abandon all feminine things to focus on her ninja training, she appears tomboyish and is a fierce fighter. She is highly intelligent and loves dancing as she tutors a young girl who is unable to afford dance lessons.
- Weapons: Masky Rotor (マスキーローター Masukī Rōtā ).
- Attacks: Yellow Mask Shadow Clone (イエローマスク影分身 Ierō Masuku Kage Bunshin ).
- Meditation Gesture: Tou (All fingers together in a fist except ring and pinkie), which signifies harmony with the Universe.
- Momoko (モモコ )/Pink Mask (ピンクマスク Pinku Masuku ): A 19-year-old expert in T'ai chi ch'uan and is also strong and dedicated. A young woman with a pure heart, she often teaches t'ai chi to young people. She once, by chance, met Ial and Igam's mother, who gave her the saintly flower known as Carollove. Momoko treasures it because it saved her when she fell underground as a child. The first four letters of her name is the kanji for her color designation.
- Weapons: Masky Ribbon (マスキーリボン Masukī Ribon ).
- Meditation Gesture: Sha (All fingers together in a fist except index fingers), which signifies self-healing.
Arsenal
- Masking Brace (マスキングブレス Masukingu Buresu ): The Maskman's transformation device. They transform by saying "Aura Mask!" (オーラマスク Ōra Masuku ).
- Laser Magnum (レーザーマグナム Rēzā Magunamu ): The sidearms of the team that can be used as guns or transformed into swords.
- Shot Bomber (ショットボンバー Shotto Bonbā ): The team's first finishing cannon, with Red Mask donning a backpack. Destroyed by Kiros and Beam Doggler in Episode 27.
- Jet Cannon (ジェットカノン Jetto Kanon ): The team's second finishing cannon, built to replace the Shot Bomber. It can double as a flight rider for Red Mask.
Vehicles
- Spin Cruiser (スピンクルーザー Supin Kurūzā ): A buggy based on designs of the Sugata Super F1 racecar. It is driven by Red Mask and fires the Spin Magnum.
- Mask Roaders (マスクローダー Masuku Rōdā ): Black through Pink's motorcycles.
- Turbo Ranger (ターボランジャー Tāboranjā ): A carrier mecha in the shape of a gigantic sportscar that carries the component mecha of Great Five and the Land Galaxy. Not to be confused with Kousoku Sentai Turboranger.
Mecha
- Great Five (グレートファイブ Gurēto Faibu ): A giant robot formed from five components when the command "Fusion! Five Cross!" is given. Its primary weapon is the Photo Electron Riser (光電子ライザー Kōdenshi Raizā ) sword, and it destroys monsters with its finishing attack, the Final Aura Burst (ファイナルオーラバースト Fainaru Ōra Bāsuto ). Its other weapons are the Five Shield (ファイブシールド Faibu Shīrudo ), Gyro Cutter (ジャイロカッター Jairo Kattā ), and Great Gun (グレートガン Gurēto Gan ). When Great Five was taken from the Maskmen, it was briefly controlled by Kimen Doggler until Galaxy Robo forced the Parasite off.
- Masky Fighter (マスキーファイター Masukī Faitā ): It is piloted by Red Mask. It is stored in the cabin of the Turbo Ranger. It forms the head and chest of Great Five. It appears again in Gaoranger vs Super Sentai.
- Masky Drill (マスキードリル Masukī Doriru ): It is driven by Black Mask, stored in the trunk of the Turbo Ranger, and is able to fire the Drill Beam. It forms the main torso and upper legs of Great Five and the Great Gun.
- Masky Tank (マスキータンク Masukī Tanku ): It is driven by Blue Mask, stored in the hood of the Turbo Ranger behind the Masky Jet and the Masky Gyro. It is able to fire the Tank Cannon. It forms the lower legs of Great Five.
- Masky Jet (マスキージェット Masukī Jetto ): It is piloted by Yellow Mask. It is stored in the hood of the Turbo Ranger, to the left of the Masky Gyro. It forms the left arm of Great Five and the Five Shield.
- Masky Gyro (マスキージャイロ Masukī Jairo ): It is piloted by Pink Mask. It is stored in the hood of the Turbo Ranger, to the right of the Masky Jet and with rotors folded for ease of storage. It forms the right arm of Great Five and the Gyro Cutter.
- Land Galaxy (ランドギャラクシー Rando Gyarakushī ): A large tractor trailer for the Maskmen, piloted by the entire group. The Land Galaxy was built as part of a competition to determine the mecha to be used by the Maskmen but was considered too powerful to control when it seemingly killed its creator. It was only when Great Five was captured by Tube that the Maskmen found the Land Galaxy and added it to their arsenal. When the command "Galaxy Change!" is given, the Land Galaxy becomes Galaxy Robo (ギャラクシーロボ Gyarakushī Robo ). Its main weapons are the Galaxy Drill (ギャラクシードリル Gyarakushī Doriru ), Galaxy Anchor (ギャラクシーアンカー Gyarakushī Ankā ) and the Galaxy Bazooka (ギャラクシーバズーカ Gyarakushī Bazūka ). Its finishing attack is the Iron Fist Aura Galaxy (鉄拳オーラギャラクシー Tekken Ōra Gyarakushī ); it resumes its Land Galaxy mode to build speed and then resumes its robot mode and executes a karate chop. It can be transported by the Turbo Ranger in lieu of Great Five components and it is stored in the hood.
Allies
- Commander Sanjuro Sugata (姿 三十郎 長官 Sugata Sanjūrō-chōkan ): Sugata is a scientist and martial artist who formed the Maskman team. He is a wise man who excels in mental reinforcements and every martial art. Sugata was the one learned of Tube's existence and their plot to conquer the surface world. A mysterious man, Sugata fights against Takeru the year before he was chosen to become Red Mask. He is the owner of Sugata Racing, a motoring team for which Takeru is a driver and Kenta once worked as an engineer.
- Dr. Azuma (東 博士 Azuma-hakase ): Sugata's assistant; she works in the computer room and monitors the performance of the Maskman team.
- Dr. Catherine (ドクター・カトリーヌ Dokutā Katorīnu , 3): A Caucasian woman who assists Commander Sugata alongside Dr. Azuma, although she appears in only one episode.
- Yu (ユウ Yū , 11): The daughter of Ijin of the Fu Clan, Yu is a rogue ninja who works to find any Tube relics that would reveal Zeba's true identity.
- Lelai (レライ Rerai , Movie): A mermaid from the Sea of Tears, an underground lake formed from human tears over the millennia. Having a lovely singing voice, Igam deceives Lelai as part of a scheme involving Horn Doggler. Once Lelai learns the truth, she is forced to sing after Igam caused the Sea of Tears to dry up. Takeru manages to save her and takes her to the ocean to keep her alive.
- Doctor Akira Yamagata (山形 晃 博士 Yamagata Akira-hakase , 21–22): The deceased creator of Galaxy Robo and a close friend of Chief Sugata. During the early development of the M-Project, Yamagata built Galaxy Robo by himself in order to provide the future Maskman team with another robot in addition to Sugata's Great Five. However, he died during a freak accident while testing out Galaxy Robo. Doctor Yamagata is survived by his only daughter, Yumi (由美 ), who believes that Galaxy Robo, which was programmed with a free will, was responsible for her father's death. However, Yamagata's recording during his final test run with Galaxy Robo proves that his death was entirely accidental and was not Galaxy Robo's fault.
- Akaike (赤池 , 28-29): The chief designer of the Jet Cannon. He loses consciousness as the final tests begin, due to the longterm effects of Deathga Doggler's attack when he was a child.
- Kurokawa (黒川 , 28-29): A member of the Jet Cannon development staff who assists Akaike. He is played by Kazuhiko Nishimura, who would go on to play Jō Ōhara in Chōjū Sentai Liveman.
- Ryo Asuka (飛鳥 リョー Asuka Ryō , 39): A former disciple of Chief Sugata who was chosen to be part of the M-Project, which gave him the ability to transform into X1 Mask (X1マスク Ekkusu Wan Masuku ), a predecessor to the main Maskman team. However, Ryo abandoned Sugata's unit after his girlfriend Yūko (ユウコ ) was killed during an ambush by Tube, causing Ryo to doubt his ability to protect the world since he was unable to protect the woman he loved. Ryo arrives to help the Maskman team when they are overpowered by Magma Doggler. With Takeru's help, Ryo regain his self-confidence and assists the team in defeating Magma Doggler, but at the cost of his powers. At the end, he leaves the Maskman team to teach martial arts to children with a renewed sense of hope. As X1 Mask, Ryo wears a green-clad outfit with a white scarf and a face-like helmet with a visor for each eye, Similar to the suits from Battle Fever J. While not a regular character, X1 Mask is considered a precursor to the "sixth warrior" additions featured in later Super Sentai shows.
- Mai Kozuki (40): A talented pianist who is actually from the Underground's Melme Family (メルメ ), his music soothes the most savage of Underground monsters. Zeba orders the death of the family, and Mai is the sole survivor. Sugata saves her and brings her to the Maria Orphanage after rewriting her memories so she can live without her painful memories. Targeted by Bard Doggler, her hand is turned to stone and the Maskmen restore it.
- Ise (44–45): A rogue underground dweller who, along with her brother Teto, is part of a cult that worships the Underground Knight Unas. Though disillusioned when Una is controlled by Igam, she and her brother help the Maskmen return their friend to normal.
Underground Empire Tube
The Underground Empire Tube (地底帝国チューブ Chitei Teikoku Chūbu ) is described as a peaceful underground empire that came into being five millennia ago under the rule of the Igam family. Once it comes under the rule of the usurper Zeba, Tube begins preparing for war on the surface. They are based at the Underground Castle until Zeba has it destroyed.
- Underground Emperor Zeba (地帝王ゼーバ Chiteiō Zēba ): Zeba is the leader of the underground Empire Tube. He hates all human beings and is a master of the Dark Aura, desiring to turn the surface into a cold and dark place. His true form is the monster Lethal Doggler The 2nd (リサールドグラーII世 Risārudogurā Nisei ) whose father, the original Rizal Doggler, is killed by the Igam Family for terrorizing the underground. Before dying, it spawns an egg that results in Zeba's birth; the child devours his parent to become stronger. The new Rizal Doggler grows with nothing on his mind but revenge, disguising himself as Zeba and rule the Igam Royal Family. Upon assuming the throne, Zeba corrupts the underground into a violent kingdom and enslaves the underground humans. When he learns that his defeat was foretold to be at the hands of the surviving twin daughters of the Igam family, he keeps them apart while taking measures to ensure no one learns about his true identity, momentarily assumes his true form whenever someone gets too close to the truth. With Ial revived and his identity revealed, Zeba quickly enacts his final plan to raise the Underground Castle and spread his Dark Aura around the world to usher in an age of darkness at the cost of his followers. Once on the surface, Zeba battles the Maskmen personally in his Dark Aura domain. However, Ial and Igam augment their powers with the Maskmen's to negate his Dark Aura. Forced back into his true form, the Rizal Doggler is blasted by the Jet Cannon at full power, using the energies from the weapon to enlarge himself before being finally destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Underground Imperial Prince Igam (地帝王子イガム Chiteiōshi Igamu ): The older twin sister of Princess Ial, she is raised as a man to one day take the throne until Zeba overthrew her parents. As a result, Ial is spared to serve under Zeba as one of his prized warriors. She is trained in the way of combat by the Fu Clan and uses the dragon gauntlets on her forearms to execute attacks. When Ial falls in love with Takeru, Igam feels her sister is a disgrace to their family, and vows to kill Takeru. She also has a desire to kill Ial for her transgression, but she cannot carry it out under orders from Zeba himself. One of her attempts in killing Takeru involves conjuring the Death Ring, a family tradition where the user uses up their energy to project an electrified force field. When Baraba gains the Royal Underground Sword, Igam is forced to turn to the Igam Dragon for aid. When Akira is restored from being Unas, Igam's identity as a woman is revealed to the Maskmen. Takeru then hesitates to fight her and attempts to reason with her. After she is given permission to kill her sister, Igam learns the truth behind Zeba and is conflicted until she learns that he used her to achieve his goal. Disillusioned and seeing herself beyond redemption, Igam finds a new reason to live when she sees the Buddha as she helps the Maskmen defeat Zeba. Soon after, Igam becomes a Buddhist nun to repent for her sins, and leaves her sister to become the new heir to the Igam kingdom.
- Underground Curiosities Beast Anagmas (地奇地奇獣アナグマス Chiki Chikijū Anagumasu , 1–50): He is an overweight beast who is three centuries old and knows all, a master of dark arts who uses a croquet mallet as his weapon. As Zeba's advisor, he is able to freely access the Underground Library, which contains the history of the Tube civilization. Normally remaining at the sidelines, Anagmas first reveals himself to the Maskmen prior to setting up a scheme to remove Great Five. Later, he learns the truth about Zeba and is sent to kill Ial. Anagmas is killed by the Maskmen with the Jet Cannon and Galaxy Robo.
- Underground Imperial Commander Baraba (地帝指令バラバ Chitei Shirei Baraba , 1–48): A cold-blooded, sadistic and merciless skilled swordsman and strongman of the Baluga tribe and is a rival of Igam. He carries a heavy blade that only he is strong enough to use in battle. When sentenced to death by Zeba for his failure, he goes to the Underground Dungeon to kill the Devil Doggler and obtain the Royal Underground Sword. He lost the fight until he is driven mad by his mother's death at the hands of the monster, killing the monster with the Royal Underground Sword. Later, after failing to revive the War God, Baraba gets one last chance to redeem himself. He makes a deal with Kiros and kidnaps Princess Ial to lure Takeru into a trap. Once the plan falls apart, and Oyobu turns his back on him, Baraba is killed by Red Mask in a final duel.
- Underground Imperial Ninja Oyobu (地帝忍オヨブー Chiteinin Oyobū ): A ninja of the Buyon tribe with red skin and large pointy ears who serves under Baraba. He can throw life-manifested fire from his hands and run at near-lightspeed. While pleading with his master not to take Ial, he ends up being frozen but manages to thaw himself out. Though he comes to his master's aid, Oyobu refuses to aid Baraba in his final fight. Though he learns the truth about Zeba and discovers that he is nothing more than an expandable pawn, Oyobu continues his part in the fiend's plan in sacrificing the Underground Castle as he is consumed in the resulting explosion.
- Underground Imperial Ninja Fumin (地帝忍フーミン Chiteinin Fūmin ): A Kunoichi of the Fu clan, a group of ninja who have served under the Igam family for generations. She is able to shoot shurikens and fire from her mouth, Fumin's abilities rival those of Haruka. She assumes guises like that of the idol Marina Shimada during Igam's plan of turning humans into Unglers. Though she learns her mistress's identity, Fumin remains by Igam's side until she is killed in the Underground Castle while protecting Igam when the castle is being destroyed.
- Energy Beast Okelampa (エネルギー獣オケランパ Enerugījū Okeranpa ): A bug-mollusk hybrid that emerges when the monsters of the Tube Empire are defeated by the Maskmen. With its ray, the Doggler monsters are enlarged as Okelampa utters "yare-yare" ("Good heavens!") before taking his leave. Okelampa's fate is never revealed.
- Ungler Soldiers (アングラー兵 Angurā Hei ): The black-skinned foot soldiers with vines covering their faces. Their name derives from "underground".
Kiros
- Thief Knight Kiros (盗賊騎士キロス Tōzoku Kishi Kirosu , 27–49): A wandering undergrounder under no one's authority who is relentless in getting what he wants. Kiros sees Ial's beauty and attempts to make her his own. He saves her from Hell's Wind chasm but falls down the into the pit. After managing to escape Hell's Wind by mastering the Crescent Screw, Kiros attacks the Maskmen, requesting Ial in exchange for aiding Tube. He learns about Takeru's relationship to Ial and Kiros became Igam's rival in trying to kill Red Mask. Kiros tricks Baraba and spirits Ial's frozen prison into Hell's Wind to break her free. Mortally wounded in an attempt to protect her, Kiros dies as he realizes that Ial is the only thing he could never have.
Others
- Princess Ial (イアル姫 Iaru-hime ): She is the twin sister of Igam, sent by Tube as a spy above ground under the name of Mio (美緒 Mio ). Once on the surface, Ial meets and falls in love with Takeru. When Tube's forces are ready to attack, she warns Takeru, but is captured by Igua. Brought before Zeba, Ial is sentenced to the Eternal Freeze, living in an endless nightmare while encased in ice. Thanks to Kiros's actions, Ial is freed from her prison and helps the Maskmen destroy Zeba. She is forced to leave Takeru to fulfill her duties as the new empress, though she still has feelings for him. She has him promise to look towards the future.
- Lalaba (ララバ Raraba , 30): Baraba's mother, who raised him on the ideologies of the Baluga tribe. She tricks Akira into taking her to his son. Laraba attacks the Devil Doggler and wounds the beast enough for her son to finish the job, though she dies by its hand. She was Played By The Late Machiko Soga Who Previously Portrayed Queen Haedrian in the 1980 Series Denshi Sentai Denjiman and its 1981 Sequel Taiyou Sentai Sun Vulcan, and would later Portray Witch Bandora in the 1992 Series Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger and Heavenly Arch Saint Magiel in the 2005 Series Mahou Sentai Magiranger
- Igam Dragon (イガム竜 Igamuryu , 31–50): The Igan Family guardian who follows the will of an Igam clansman. It is revived by Igam to help her fight the Maskmen. Once Ial is revived, the Igam Dragon secretly aids her by giving her the pearl containing the truth about Zeba.
Earth Imperial Beasts
The Earth Imperial Beasts Dogglers (地帝獣ドグラー Chiteijū Dogurā ) are a tribe of underground creatures released from a freezing cave to fight the Maskmen. Most of the Dogglers possess the ability to split into two separate monsters: a humanoid Earth Imperial Doggler (地帝ドグラー Chitei Dogurā ) and a familiar called a Parasite (寄生獣 Kiseijū ).
- Igua Doggler (イグアドグラー Iguadogurā , 1–2): A iguana-like monster. While Igua (イグア Igua ) dragged Mio back to Tube, its Doggler half aided Baraba in attacking the surface. Its other half arrives to rejoin it when the Maskmen try to stop Tube's initial invasion. Red Mask mortally wounds this monster before the Shot Bomber is used on this monster. Left for dead on the surface, this monster was revived as a giant and was destroyed by Great Five.
- Capila Doggler (カビラドグラー Kabiradogurā , 4): A flower-like Doggler with a caterpillar-like parasite called Capila (カビラ Kabira ). The Monster is sent with Oyobu so his powers can invoke the Mebius Tunnel, which turns tunnels into an endless loop to trap people like Hisashi and his father. Only the Maskmen's car is immune as it possesses unique powers. The team converts the Sugata Super F1 into a Spin Cruiser to negate the Mebius Tunnel. After being blasted by the Shot Bomber, this monster was enlarged and is destroyed by Great Five.
- Skull Doggler (スカルドグラー Sukarudogurā , 5): A spider-like monster under Igam which uses its parasite Skull (スカル Sukaru ) to latch onto people; this switches their heads to cause confusion. Akira fights the monster on his own. The others come to his aid after learning of the monster's ability to control his parasite over long distances. Akira blinds the Doggler to break its control, and Igam fully recombines the monster. This monster was blasted by the Shot Bomber and was destroyed by Great Five.
- Drilla Doggler (ドリラドグラー Doriradogurā , 6): This monster was used by Baraba in Otaki City to dig tunnels under the city as part of a plan to use bombs to collapse the city. This monster has a skin which is impervious to most attacks until Takeru masters the God Hand technique. After being blasted to bits by the Shot Bomber, the monster was enlarged and is then destroyed by Great Five.
- Doll Doggler (ドールドグラー Dōrudogurā , 7): When thawed from its rest, this Aura-feeding monster ingests the girl Miyuki so his parasite Doll (ドール Dōru ) can assume her form. After nearly killing Kenta while its Doggler battled the Maskmen, this monster was reformed. Black Mask eventually frees Miyuki from the monster's stomach, and the Maskmen use the Shot Bomber and Great Five to destroy it.
- Saber Doggler (サーベルドグラー Sāberudogurā , 8) : A monster able to use bladed weapons, its Dark Freeze is used by Igam to encase the Maskmen in ice to suffer the Eternal Freeze. Akira gets the Maria Rose and thaws out her friends. After being blasted by the Shot Bomber, this monster was enlarged and destroyed by Great Five.
- Magne Doggler (マグネドグラー Magunedogurā , 9): A monster with a back-mounted crustacean parasite called Magne (マグネ Magune ) that is used by Baraba to cause chaos in the city at night. Its components cause massive blackouts across the city using an Electro Field. The only thing that negates the monster's move is Roro, an alien whose Aura is like Takeru's. The monster is wounded by the Masky Blade, blasted by the Shot Bomber, and then destroyed by Great Five.
- Bagil Doggler (バギルドグラー Bagirudogurā , 10): This monster is sent by Baraba with Zeba's approval to interfere in Igam's fight with Takeru. After being mortally wounded by the Masky Blade and blasted to bits by the Shot Bomber, this monster was destroyed by Great Five.
- Zora Doggler (ゾーラドグラー Zōradogurā , 11): A monster that tracks down Tube refugees and kills them. He is sent to obtain the crown of the Igan clan queen, whose crown jewel holds a message revealing Zeba's true identity. He captures the Rogue Underground Ninja Ijin as a bargaining chip to get the crown and destroys it. Ijin sacrifices himself to mortally wound the monster, which is being blasted to bits by the Shot Bomber and then destroyed by Great Five.
- Shinobi Doggler (シノビドグラー Shinobidogurā , 12): A Ninja monster thawed out for Fu-Min and Oyobu to defeat in a contest to get its Shinobi Ball, which would become a Super Shinobi. Haruka intervenes and lures the Doggler to a secluded area by posing as Fumin. Shinobi Dogglar takes out Oyubu and battles Haruka before he is blasted to bits by the Shot Bomber. As Anagmas snatches the Shinobi Ball, which is revealed to be a fake Haruka planted, this monster was enlarged and destroyed by Great Five.
- Garaga Doggler (ガラガドグラー Garagadogurā , 13): A plant-monster used by Igam to turn humans into Unglers by using its blood. Fumin uses the blood to assume the guise of Marina in order to gather "recruits" for the monster to put in Dark Energy Cocoons. Once Fumin is found out, this monster is blasted to bits by the Shot Bomber and then destroyed by Great Five.
- Akame Doggler (アカメドグラー Akamedogurā , 14): A crab monster used by Oyobu to oversee an Underground Center, part of a 50-year project by Zeba where humans are brought underground as infants and forced to mine mushrooms that the Unglers need to survive. When Akira ends up there, he helps Mirai and his sister Yui escape to the surface. After being blasted to bits by the Shot Bomber, this monster was enlarged and destroyed by Great Five.
- Geruge Doggler (ゲルゲドグラー Gerugedogurā , 15): This monster is used by Igam in a plan to cause panic. Its flower top Parasite Geruge (ゲルゲ Geruge ) spreads its seeds and the lion-like Doggler causes them to mature into Deadly Flowers to attack humans. Only the Carol Love flower can kill off the Devil Flowers. After being defeated by Pink Mask and then blasted by the Shot Bomber, this monster was enlarged and destroyed by Great Five.
- Gamaro Doggler (ガマロドグラー Gamarodogurā , 16): A toad-like monster used by Baraba to go after the Maskmen. It is able to suck up their Aura Power with its fly-like extensions and transfer it into Baraba. Kenta evades this monster's attack as he holds off Tube forces. His friends manage to regain their Aura Power. After being blasted by the Shot Bomber, this monster was enlarged and then destroyed by Great Five.
- Giba Doggler (ギーバドグラー Gībadogurā 17 ): This spider-like monster is used by Igam to trap Takeru in a dimensional labyrinth. After making it out with the aid of his friends, Red Mask weakens Giba Doggler and blasts it to bits with the Shot Bomber. This monster was then destroyed by Great Five.
- Garubo Doggler (ガルボドグラー Garubodogurā , 18): A monster with a bloodthirsty parasite called Garubo (ガルボ Garubo ). Oyobu uses the monster in a scheme to kill Haruka by having Garubo enter Marie, Haruka's childhood doll. The plan is altered when Haruka gives the doll to a girl Yukari Murakami. Haruka finds Yukari at airport and Marie to a safe distance as she wrestles Garubo. It rejoins its Doggler. Once blasted to bits by the Shot Bomber, this monster is revived as it attempts a divide and counter move. The monster was destroyed by Great Five.
- Igara Doggler (イガラドグラー Igaradogurā , 19): Thawed out by Zeba, it was used in a plan by Anagmas to defeat the Maskmen by being enhanced. With Igam and Baraba, Igara Doggler overpowers the Maskmen until they use the Shot Bomber to blast the Doggler monster to bits. This monster was enlarged and was destroyed by Great Five.
- Horn Doggler (ホーンドグラー Hōndogurā Movie ): A monster that synchronizes its voice with Lelai's singing voice to produce a sound wave that causes earthquakes. After being mortally wounded by the Masky Blade and blasted by the Shot Bomber, this monster was enlarged and destroyed by Great Five.
- Dokuro Doggler (ドクロドグラー Dokurodogurā , 20): A skeletal monster sent to support Anagmas' plan to eliminate Great Five, it assumes the identity of Kotsuhi as she targets Momoko. Luring her to a trap through the students, Kotsuhi overpowers Momoko. Momoko manages to defeat this monster as herself and then assumes her Maskman form to finish Dokuro Doggler off with the Shot Bomber. Once revived, this monster battles Great Five and was destroyed. Her discarded bones explode to complete the plan to bury Great Five.
- Kimen Doggler (キメンドグラー Kimendogurā , 21–22): A monster thawed to aid Igam in destroying the Maskmen before they find Galaxy Robo. The monster and Igam are forced to retreat when Galaxy Robo appears. Once the Maskmen are able to pilot Galaxy Robo, they blast Kimen Doggler to bits. It is revived and splits as its Parasite Kimen (キメン Kimen ) takes control of Great Five with its Doggler in support. Galaxy Robo masters its Aura Power and manages to blast the monster off Great Five before destroying it.
- Majin Doggler (マジンドグラー Majindogurā , 23): A monster so powerful, he was placed in a coffin and buried in the depths of the underground. Summoned by Agamas, this monster uses a random woman to take on Mio's form to attack Takeru and get him into the coffin. He is trapped in the coffin as the Maskmen use the Shot Bomber to blast the monster. This monster is enlarged and then destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Ryu Doggler (リュウドグラー Ryūdogurā , 24): Appearing in Inasha-cho, the dragon-like Ryu Doggler feeds on the Midorigoke Moss that grows in the Ryugashi Cave. It turn its victims into monsters. One such victim was a boy named Daisuke; the process was incomplete as the boy retained his human will. After Daisuke regains his human form, the Maskmen blast this monster with the Shot Bomber and destroy it with Great Five.
- Henge Doggler (ヘンゲドグラー Hengedogurā , 25): A shape-shifting monster used to lure Akira to a martial arts competition. When the trap is exposed, Blue Mask defeats this monster. After being destroyed by the Shot Bomber, this monster was destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Jiruga Doggler (ジルガドグラー Jirugadogurā , 26): A monster used by Baraba to defeat the Maskmen, though it was originally in a larval stage. With the aid of Parasite Seira it assumes a human form to lure men for Gilga Doggler's offspring to feed on. Seira begins to have second thoughts about her mission as she befriends Kenta. She refuses to continue killing people, and the monster assumes its mature state. Seira sacrifices herself to save Kenta. After being defeated by an enraged Black Mask and blasted by the Shot Bomber, this monster was enlarged and destroyed by Great Five.
- Beam Doggler (ベームドグラー Bēmudogurā , 27): Kiros's steed, it assumed its true form to aid its master in destroying the Shot Bomber. After being hit by the Maskman team's Life Aura attack, this monster is destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Rock Doggler (ロックドグラー Rokkudogurā , 28): A monster from Hell's Wind, this monster helps Kiros in his plan to kill off the Maskmen. Able to turn into a boulder, it increases its power by absorbing energy from the explosion it causes. While Mask Red is held at the bay of Kiro, this monster attacks the other Maskmen. it was tricked into being attacked by its master and is defeated by the Maky Crash and destroyed by Great Five.
- Death Gas Doggler (デスガドグラー Desugadogurā , 29): A dangerous monster because of its deadly Death Gas. It slaughtered an entire town in an experiment of Zeba's. Deathga Doggler is blasted to bits by the completed Jet Cannon. This monster was enlarged and then destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Devil Doggler (デビルドグラー Debirudogurā , 30): A monster sealed within the Underground Dungeon, it is released by Baraba when he attempts to get the Royal Holy Blade. The monster overpowers Baraba. It kills Laraba, whose death motivates Baraba to slay the beast and gain the Royal Underground Sword. This monster was enlarged and destroyed by Great Five.
- Ragon Doggler (ラゴンドグラー Ragondogurā , 31): A monster used by Igam to invoke the Igam Dragon. It supports Fumin in keeping the Maskman from interfering. After being hit by the Final Attack and blasted by the Jet Cannon, this monster was destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Lens Doggler (レンズドグラー Renzudogurā , 32): Baraba uses the monster's lens with his Royal Underground Sword to produce an Extinction Light. The lens ends up in Kenta's possession and Oyobu takes it back. While the sun is blocked, Lens Doggler is blasted by the Jet Cannon and then destroyed by Great Five.
- Gra Doggler (ゴーラドグラー Gōradogurā , 33): This is a monster able to manipulate gravity. Kiros uses him to lure out the Maskmen. After being blasted by the Jet Cannon, this monster was destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Gigira Doggler (ギギラドグラー Gigiradogurā , 33): The strongest of the Dogglers, it is slain by Kiros when it attempts to kill Eiri.
- Guron Doggler (グロンドグラー Gurondogurā , 34): A 300-year-old monster used by Igam to attempt to destroy the Maskmen. This monster is disguised as a handsome man named "Hikaru". He was to befriend Momoko and convince her to quit being a Maskman, but he falls in love with her. This provokes Zeba into destroying Guron's mind, turning him into a mindless monster. He is blasted by the Jet Cannon and destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Haniwa Doggler (ハニワドグラー , 35): This monster is the guardian of Lethal Doggler's tomb, placed there so no one can learn the truth about Zeba. Kiros releases the monster under the impression that it is the Lethal Doggler. Able to turn its victims into dust, this monster overpowers the Maskmen. Once this monster's identity was revealed, it was blasted to bits by the Jet Cannon and destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Nimen Doggler (ニメンドグラー Nimendogurā 36 ): A monster sent after twin sisters named Eriko and Mariko, who possess a power that catches Igam's interest. The monster is turned into a pair of masks that are placed on the sisters' faces to keep them apart. Their destructive power is manifested in the form of explosive teleportation. With Ial's pendant, Eriko and Mariko are freed from the masks and they re-form into this monster. After being blasted by the Jet Cannon, this monster was destroyed by Great Five.
- Mezume Doggler (メズメドグラー Mezumedogurā , 37): An Owl-like monster from Hell's Wind. It was used by Kiros to hypnotize Kenta into being a coward with its Mezume Shower as part of a plan to get rid of Takeru's teammates. Black Mask defeats the monster and the Jet Cannon is used on it. This monster is then enlarged and destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Time Doggler (タイムドグラー Taimudogurā , 38): This monster was used by Igam to open the Time Hole. It guards the hole while Igam and Fumin enter it in an attempt to kill Takeru as a child. The monster returns to its own time before the Time Hole closes, but is then blasted to bits by the Jet Cannon and destroyed by Great Five.
- Magma Doggler (マグマドグラー Magumadogurā , 39): This monster is used by Baraga to defeat the Maskmen with its Hell Burst attack. The unexpected arrival of X1 Mask ruins Baraba's scheme. After being wounded by its own Hell Bomb, this monster was blasted to bits by the Jet Cannon and is destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Bard Doggler (バルドドグラー Barudodogurā , 40): This monster is used by Igam to petrify Mai Kozuki, the last of the Melme Tribe that Zeba wanted completely exterminated. Its helmet Parasite enables the monster to heal itself. After losing its horn to the Maskmen, who use it to restore Mai's hand, this monster is blasted by the Jet Cannon and destroyed by Great Five.
- Hariga Doggler (ハリガドグラー Harigadogurā , 41): A monster used by Kiros to make Haruka and Momoko into criminals with its needles. The monster hits some bystanders instead of its target, but then succeeds in turning the girls into jewel thieves so Kiros can present the stolen goods to Ial once she awakens. The girls were faking being controlled. The monster and Kiros try to kill the two girls but they are saved by the other members of the Maskman team. This monster was blasted by the Jet Cannon and destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Kinoga Doggler (キノガドグラー Kinogadogurā , 42): This mushroom monster is sent after a boy named Yousuke because he stole Tube's supply of Power Rolls, which are mushrooms that magnify the ingester's physical abilities a thousandfold for a period of time. Sunlight destroys the Power Rolls, and the monster was blasted by the Jet Cannon and destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Gizee Doggler (ギゼードグラー Gizēdogurā , 43): This monster was used by Kiros to create a pyramid from dirt soaked with the Lethal Doggler's blood from its defeat three centuries ago. The bricks are destroyed by Akira during his momentary blindness, and the monster is defeated by Blue Mask and blasted by the Jet Cannon and then destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Yoroi Doggler (ヨロイドグラー Yoroidogurā , 44): This monster was used by Igam to hunt down Unas. It wears the Underground Knight's armor which attaches to the reincarnation of its previous owner. Once defeated by the Masky Blade, the monster was enlarged and is destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Gamesu Doggler (ガメスドグラー Gamesudogurā , 45): A turtle monster with a hard shell that appears to support Akira while he is Unas. After Akira is returned to normal, this monster was blasted by the Jet Cannon and destroyed by Great Five.
- Godai Doggler (ゴダイドグラー Godaidogurā , 46): This monster was Igam's mentor who teaches her to be a man, coming to her aid after her identity as a woman is exposed. He takes her to the underground pond where this monster was born, using a spell to summon the monster's skeletal remains. Possessed by the monstrous spirit, Godai tells Igam to live for peace before being completely taken over by Lethal Doggler. This monster was blasted by the Jet Cannon, and finds peace after being destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Spin Doggler (スピンドグラー Supindogurā , 47): A monster used by Baraba to kidnap Haruka's dancing pupil, Hitomi, as part of the plan to revive the "War God" with the Underground Dance. Posing as a tap dancer, Haruka allows herself to be captured to save Hitomi. She then joins the team in blasting this monster with the Jet Cannon, and it is destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
- Baruga Doggler (バルガドグラー Barugadogurā , 48): This monster is used by Baraba to assist him to his scheme to kill Takeru. After Baraba is killed, this monster was blasted by the Jet Cannon and then destroyed by Great Five.
- Jigoku Doggler (ジゴクドグラー Jigokudogurā , 49): The Guardian of Hell's Wind, he attacks Takeru when he confronts Kiros with the mission to destroy Ial. Despite a power boost by Zeba, this monster is blasted by the Jet Cannon and then destroyed by Galaxy Robo.
Episodes
- The Mysterious, Beautiful Runaway (美しき謎の逃亡者 Utsukishiki Nazo no Tōbōsha )
- Strange! The Dark Underground Castle (怪奇! 闇の地底城 Kaiki! Yami no Chiteijō )
- The First Step into the Unknown (未知への第一歩! Michi e no Daiippo )
- Burn! F1 Spirits! (燃やせ! F1魂! Moyase! Efu Wan Tamashii! )
- The Small Swordsman, Blue (小さな剣士ブルー Chiisa na Kenshi Burū )
- The God Hand of Dreams (夢のゴッドハンド Yume no Goddo Hando )
- Explode! Kenta's Love (爆発! ケンタの愛 Bakuhatsu! Kenta no Ai )
- Burn! The Flower's Sword (燃えろ! 花の剣! Moero! Hana no Ken! )
- Combine! Aura of Life (合体! 命のオーラ Gattai! Inochi no Ōra )
- Igam vs. Takeru (イガムVSタケル Igamu Tai Takeru )
- The Refugee From Underground (地底からの亡命者 Chitei Kara no Bōmeisha )
- A Challenge! The Pride of a Shinobi (挑戦! 忍びの誇り Chōsen! Shinobi no Hokori )
- Chase the Idol! (アイドルを追え! Aidoru o Oe! )
- The Great Escape to the Blue Sky! (青空への大脱出! Aozora e no Dai Dasshutsu! )
- Farewell, Dear Flower! (さらば愛しき花よ Saraba Itoshiki Hana yo )
- Deadly! Blazing Baraba (必殺! 炎のバラバ Hissatsu! Honō no Baraba )
- Smash it! The Hellish Labyrinth (破れ! 地獄の迷宮 Yabure! Jigoku no Meikyū )
- The Dear Bloodsucking Doll! (愛しの吸血人形! Itoshi no Kyūketsu Ningyō! )
- Apparition! Anagumas (妖魔! アナグマス Yōma! Anagumasu )
- A Trap! The Sinking Giant Robo (罠! 沈む巨大ロボ Wana! Shizumu Kyodai Robo )
- The Black Shadow of the Misty Valley (霧の谷の黒い影 Kiri no Tani no Kuroi Kage )
- The Winds and Clouds of an Aura Storm! (風雲オーラの嵐! Fūun Ōra no Arashi! )
- Mio Who Has Become a Demon (悪魔になった美緒 Akuma ni Natta Mio )
- The Grotto of the Boy Monster (鍾乳洞の少年怪獣 Shōnyūdō no Shōnen Kaijū )
- Akira's Lover!? (アキラの恋人!? Akira no Koibito!? )
- Lives That Disappeared on Hot Sand! (熱砂に消えた命! Nessa ni Kieta Inochi! )
- Thief Knight Kiros! (盗賊騎士キロス! Tōzoku Kishi Kirosu! )
- Mio is Princess Ial!? (美緒がイアル姫!? Mio ga Iaru-hime!? )
- The New Lethal Weapon of Friendship (友情の新必殺武器 Yūjō no Shin Hissatsu Buki )
- Mama!! Baraba's Scream! (ママ!! バラバの絶叫! Mama!! Baraba no Zekkyō! )
- It Appears! The Guardian Deity Igam Dragon (出現! 守護神イガム竜 Shutsugen! Shugoshin Igamuryū )
- Oyobu's Lethal Dash (オヨブー必殺走り Oyobū Hissatsu Hashiri )
- Takeru!! Severe their Love! (タケルよ! 愛を斬れ! Takeru yo! Ai o Kire! )
- The Love and Murderous Intentive Blues (愛と殺意のブルース Ai to Satsui no Burū )
- The Mystery of Zeba! The Forbidden Tomb (ゼーバの謎! 禁断の墓 Zēba no Nazo! Kindan no Haka )
- Elimination! The Destructive Twin Girls (消滅! 双子の破壊少女 Shōmetsu! Futago no Hakai Shōjo )
- Soldiers Who Bet on Their Dreams (夢に賭ける戦士たち Yume ni Kakeru Senshitachi )
- The Time to Erase Takeru (タケルが消される時間 Takeru ga Kesareru Jikan )
- Revival! The Mysterious X1 Mask (復活! 謎のX1マスク Fukkatsu! Nazo no Ekkusu Wan Masuku )
- Resurrect! The Lovely Melody (甦れ! 愛のメロディー Yomigaere! Ai no Merodī )
- Female Thieves Haruka & Momoko (女強盗ハルカ&モモコ Onna Gōtō Haruka to Momoko )
- Fly! The Poem of a Timid Boy (翔べ! いじけ少年の詩 Kakebe! Ijike Shōnen no Shi )
- Akira Loses His Eyesight! The Mysterious Spell (アキラ失明! 謎の呪文 Akira Shutsumei! Nazo no Jumon )
- Transform! Underground Empire Swordsman Akira (変身! 地帝剣士アキラ Henshin! Chitei Kenshi Akira )
- Prince Igam! You're a Woman! (イガム王子! 君は女! Igamu-ōji! Kimi wa Onna! )
- Counterattack! The Bloody Pond's Secret (逆襲! 血の池の秘密 Gyakushū! Chi no Ike no Himitsu )
- The Night Prior to the Attack! The Dance of Death (出撃前夜! 死の踊り Shutsugeki Zen'ya! Shi no Odori )
- Baraba! Death by Treachery (バラバ! 裏切りに死す Baraba! Uragiri ni Shisu )
- The Revived Princess Ial (よみがえったイアル姫 Yomigaetta Iaru-hime )
- Zeba! His Hair-Raising Secret Identity (ゼーバ! 戦慄の正体 Zēba! Senritsu no Shōtai )
- The Great Destruction of the Underground Empire Castle! (地帝城大崩壊! Chitei Shiro Dai Hōkai! )
Film
A film version of Hikari Sentai Maskman premiered on July 18, 1987 at the "Toei Manga Matsuri" film festival, where it was shown as part of a quadruple feature alongside Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle, Saint Seiya: The Movie and the film version of Choujinki Metalder.
International broadcasts
The series was dubbed into French and broadcast in France as Bioman 2, being marketed as the direct sequel to Choudenshi Bioman. The series was broadcast in Brazil (as Defensores da Luz Maskman) from 1991 to 1996. In the Philippines, the series was dubbed in Tagalog as Laser Squadron Maskman and televised on IBC 13 in 1989 to 1999. In Indonesia, the series was broadcast on RCTI in mid-1994-1995, then reruned on SCTV in 1996-1997, then in September 2011, Indosiar plans to rerun the series. Maskman was also broadcasted in Thailand on Channel 3 during 1989-1990.
Cast
- Takeru: Ryousuke Kaizu
- Kenta: Kouichi Kusakari
- Akira: Issei Hirota
- Haruka: Yuki Nagata
- Momoko: Kanako Maeda
- Commander Sanjuurou Sugata: Hayato Tani
- Ryo Asuka (39): Shinji Higashi
- Emperor Zeba: Hideaki Kusaka
- Voice of Emperor Zeba: Seizō Katō
- Prince Igam, Princess Ial: Mina Asami
- Commander Baraba: Keijiro Shiga
- Oyubu: Yoshinori Okamoto
- Kiros: Shunta Fuchino
- Fumin: Koari Kubota
- Hikari: Yoshiro Iwata
- Anagumas (voice): Takuzo Kamiyama
- Okelamp (voice): Nobu Shinoda
- Laraba (30): Machiko Soga
- Shinya (32): Toru Sakai
- Narrator: Hiroshi Takeda
Songs
- Opening theme
- "Hikari Sentai Maskman" (光戦隊マスクマン Hikari Sentai Masukuman )
- Lyrics: Masao Urino (売野 雅勇 Urino Masao )
- Composition: Daisuke Inoue (井上 大輔 Inoue Daisuke )
- Arrangement: Ohzuchi Fujita (藤田 大土 Fujita Ōzuchi )
- Artist: Hironobu Kageyama
- Ending theme
- "Ai no Soldier" (愛のソルジャー Ai no Sorujā , "Soldier of Love")
- Lyrics: Masao Urino
- Composition: Daisuke Inoue
- Arrangement: Ohzuchi Fujita
- Artist: Hironobu Kageyama
- Movie Opening theme
- "Shot Bomber Zenryoku Shuuchuu" (ショットボンバー全力集中 "Shot Bomber All Concentration Force" )
- Lyricist: Kazunori Sonobe
- Composition: Takeshi Ike
- Arrangement: Daito Fujita
- Artist: Hironobu Kageyama
Notes
References
- ^ "Library -- English Titles -- TOEI TV Website". http://tvarc.toei.co.jp/tv/library/series-title.html. Retrieved 2011-03-26.
External links
- Official Hikari Sentai Maskman website (Japanese)
Preceded by
FlashmanSuper Sentai
1987–1988Succeeded by
LivemanSuper Sentai Ishinomori Series Shōwa Period Series Heisei Period Series (XX) Turboranger · Fiveman · Jetman · Zyuranger · Dairanger · Kakuranger · Ohranger · Carranger · Megaranger · Gingaman · GoGoFive · TimerangerHeisei Period Series (XXI) Gaoranger · Hurricaneger · Abaranger · Dekaranger · Magiranger · Boukenger · Gekiranger · Go-onger · Shinkenger · Goseiger · GokaigerRelated Media See also Categories:- 1987 Japanese television series debuts
- 1988 Japanese television series endings
- Super Sentai
- Takeru (タケル )/Red Mask (レッドマスク Reddo Masuku ): The leader of the group at 23, he is a specialist in karate and a Formula One driver. He was spotted by Sugata a year prior to the beginning of the series while an infant. Sugata later offered him a spot on the Maskman team. His love for Mio and desire to find her are his motivations. While in Otaki, Takeru meets Norio through whom he masters the "God Hand" technique. Igam tries to eliminate him by travelling into the past. Near the end of the series, he single handedly defeats Baraba out of rage in battle. He reunites with Mio in the end but he is forced to split up with her.
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