Kazuya Taki

Kazuya Taki (滝和也 Taki Kazuya) is a fictional FBI agent appearing in Kamen Rider and also in Kamen Rider Spirits, where he becomes a central character assuming the identity of Taki Rider (滝ライダー Taki Raidā), an homage to the series Skull Man, one of Shotaro Ishinomori's earlier characters, who was adapted for the creation of Kamen Rider 1.

Overview

Introduced in episode 13, Taki was assigned to investigate Shocker's activities in Japan. After seeing the original Kamen Rider in action he assisted his temporary successor, Kamen Rider 2, and later both riders in their fight against Shocker and Gel-Shocker, becoming a trusted ally. After Gel-Shocker's destruction he left Japan and said his goodbyes to everyone from the Tachibana Racing Club, Takeshi Hongo, and Hayato Ichimonji at the Airport.

Spirits

In Kamen Rider Spirits, Taki is first seen in America explaining Kamen Riders to some of the residents but few people (except children) believe him. One of his young friends, Spike, even called him a Kamen Rider because of his martial arts skills and his use of a motorcycle. Later when Spike is mutated into a Vampire by the evil Father Petrescu, Taki decides to save him going against orders from his superiors, as there were no Kamen Riders present he takes on the Kamen Rider-like persona, Taki Rider. At first he was able to hold his own for a while until Petrescu attacked, removed his mask, and attempted to kill him but was stopped by the untimely arrival of Takeshi Hongo, Kamen Rider 1. Taki then teamed up with Rider 1 and with additional help from Spike, defeated the vampires. Hongo gave Spike an antidote and left. After Hongo left, Taki is seen throughout most of the manga helping the other Riders and other people against the Badan Empire with new equipment that is good enough to fight against the Badan Kaijin.

Kamen Rider 3

o revitalize the original TV show, it was decided that a new Rider would be introduced, Kamen Rider 3. One of the ideas for the new Rider was Taki being captured by Shocker and being converted into a cyborg to fight against Kamen Rider 1. However, just like his predecessors, he'd escape brainwashing and join the other Riders in their battle. An alternate idea also suggested at the time was Rider 1 and 2 creating a new robotic Kamen Rider 3 to join them in their battle. [1] However, eventually, it was decided that they'd go with a new hero becoming the third Rider and that, rather than continuing the original series, he'd star in his own show. That led to the creation of Kamen Rider V3.

The idea of turning Taki into a Rider seemed to get close enough to execution that Kamen Rider 3 vs. General Black a 5-page manga, was published at the time, hyping the new Rider. In this story, although Rider 3's civilian name isn't given, the character is a human modified by Ghost Shocker (Gel-Shocker's original name) into a Kamen Rider to defeat Riders 1 and 2, following the concept intended to be used with Taki in the tv show. His appearance as a Rider resembles Kamen Rider 1's, but with added red lines and a black-colored mask.

Rider 3 escapes from Shocker and General Black sends Ganikomol to eliminate him. He defeats Ganikomol using a technique known as the Rider Cyclone Kick, where he leaps up from his New Cyclone and does a spinning kick, while still grabbing onto the handles of the New Cyclone. Afterwards, Rider 3 promises to fight alongside Rider 1 and 2 to defeat Shocker.

Abilities and appearances

While not a cyborg, Taki has displayed advanced martial art skills not only enough to defeat the Shocker footsoldiers, (other footsoldiers in Kamen Rider Spirits with ease) but also hold his own against lower level Altered Humans with the help of advanced weaponry, which is usually impossible for a human to pull off. He also has access to equipment that enhances physical attacks and has displayed expertise in motorcycle riding. In fact, his skill rivaled Hongo's bike riding techniques when he wasn't a Kamen Rider.

Taki Rider

In Kamen Rider Spirits manga, when an orphan named Spike was turned into vampire, he was forced to play the act of Kamen Rider 1, donning the mantle of Taki Rider (滝ライダー, Taki Raidā). While at first seemingly easy, he was outnumbered by Father Petrescu's vampire victims until the real Kamen Rider 1 helped him, thus foiling the villain's evil scheme.

Signature Moves

Rider Kick (ライダーキック, Raidā Kikku)

The signature move of every Kamen Rider, Taki Rider's version was made via modifying his Combat Boots, which have stun guns inside the soles of the boots to deliver an electrified kick to the target.

Rider Punch (ライダーパンチ, Raidā Panchi)

Taki's version of the Rider Punch, which was empowered by shotgun shells attached to a pair of custom brass knuckles.

Rider Double Punch (ライダーダブルパンチ, Raidā Daburu Panchi): Combined technique with Kamen Rider 2.

Kamen Rider 3

In Kamen Rider 3 vs. General Black, one of Shotaro Ishinomori's Kamen Rider mangas, Taki assumes a form known as Kamen Rider 3 (仮面ライダー3号, Kamen Raidā Sangō), donning a suit which resembles Kamen Rider 1's but with added red lines and a black-colored mask.

So far, among his finisher attacks is Rider Cyclone Kick (ライダーサイクロンキック, Raidā Saikuron Kikku), where he leaps up from his New Cyclone and does a spinning kick, while still grabbing onto the handles of the New Cyclone.

Equipment

As Taki Rider

SPIRIT Gun Sword (SPIRITガンソード, Supirito Gan Sodo) - Shotgun created by Riderman, based on Franchi SPAS-12, therefore possible if both were to create a Double Rider Shooting
Ballistic Fists - A pair of brass knuckles loaded with explosive shotgun shells to perform a Rider Punch
Combat Boots - Enhanced army boots that can emulate a Rider Kick, using stun guns to empower the blow with electricity.
Honda Valkyrie - Personal motorcycle