Kamen Rider - The Classic Manga Collection

I didn't know what to expect when picking up a manga adaptation of a live action superhero drama, particularly one made in the 70s. What I got, though, managed to feel exactly like an old Kamen Rider show, surprisingly enough. The dialogue was snappy and very 70s Japanese show, the action scenes were laid out cinematically, and everything just had this fluid feel that I really enjoyed. I haven't watched the original Kamen Rider series, but this made me want to run out and find a copy.

The artwork by Shotaro Ishinomori was also incredible. Lots of full page/full spread action shots with clean lines and a really great look. I've already picked up his other manga adaptation to read next.

This was great fun, highly recommend to any tokusatsu fan.

I'm not too familiar with Kamen Rider, knowing just the basics from a few episodes I'd seen on Toei's YouTube channel. Most of my interest in this was because of the Himitsu Sentai Gorenger manga that released last year. I enjoyed that and preordered this because of Shotaro Ishinimori. I'm learning I'm enjoying his work immensely.

I didn't expect this collection to be so hefty. I apparently ignored the page count in the listing, which was a nice surprise for me. The stories hold up very well for 70s sci fi. Unfortunately, as another reviewer stated, the themes are now kinda timeless. The writing balanced really well between dark and lighthearted in most instances. The art almost gives off a Hanna Barbera superhero cartoon vibe to me with some of the character and location designs.

I'm really glad to have this one sitting on my shelf.