Masked Rider (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Masked Rider is an American
adaptation
of the Japanese television series Kamen Rider Black RX
, the ninth in a line of series in the popular Kamen Rider Series
franchise
. It was produced by Saban
and aired on FOX
part of the Fox Kids
program block from September 16, 1995 to August 31, 1996 and then in syndication
from September 9, 1996 to September 1997. On May 7, 2010 the copyright for Masked Rider was transferred from BVS International to SCG Power Rangers
.
The main title character of Masked Rider was featured on a 3-part Power Rangers
episode, "A Friend in Need," one week before his own series debuted. The Rangers themselves were never mentioned in the Masked Rider television series, however, as Saban
reformatted the series to sever links with Power Rangers
, because the popularity of that series was declining at the time. The Rangers did, however, make a guest appearance in Masked Riders short-lived comic book
adaptation.
Like the early seasons of Power Rangers
and VR Troopers
, Masked Rider' s battle and villain scenes were taken from Japanese stock footage – specifically Kamen Rider Black RX
, (with a few exceptions, they'd occasionally have the American actors interact with the Japanese villain footage like with the episode "Exit Nafaria, Enter Barbaria", which seems to be filmed with American footage.) Episodes also occasionally had Ferbus interact with Combat Chopper and Magno (which were Japanese stock props) but also the two Japanese Kamen Rider movies Kamen Rider ZO
and Kamen Rider J
.
, the next target of his sinister uncle Count Dregon, who ruled Edenoi with an iron fist after displacing Dex's grandfather, King Lexian, who also gave Dex the Masked Rider powers (where the powers came from is a mystery, although apparently they have been in use for some time by Edenoi's champions). Arriving on Earth in a massive crater, Dex finds himself in the care of the Stewarts, a multiracial family consisting of a white
father and daughter (named Hal and Molly respectively), an Asian
wife (Barbara), and an African-American son (Albee). The addition of an extra Stewart was not noticed by anyone (although, according to Albee, he and Molly are adopted) in Leawood, the town where the series took place in. Dex defends the town as Masked Rider from Count Dregon and his vicious Insectovores.
Edenoi was mentioned in Power Rangers
as the planet where Alpha 5
(and presumably the Alpha line of robots) was created, though not one single building or factory to be seen on the planet surface of Edenoi; it is largely assumed that Count Dregon's domination of the planet was absolute and rendered it a dying husk. Indeed, the original storyline saw Dex being dispatched to Earth by his grandfather as Edenoi was prepared to explode, ripping into an aspect of the Superman
mythology. The scene in which Dex is given his powers by King Lexian (a scene which differs from the televised version) remains in the title sequence, possibly one of the few remaining aspects of the original pilot.
Dex's Masked Rider armor was also eventually given upgrades to change into "Masked Rider Super Gold," a gold-and-black variation equipped with a powerful laser
rifle, the Ecto-Ray, and "Masked Rider Super Blue," a blue-and-grey variation with the power of liquified teleportation
and a powerful saber, the Blue Saber.
Edenoites are descended from insects, not apes. Dex is not aware that humans did not evolve from bugs (as he discovered in an episode where he gives a report about how humans evolved from insects). Edenoites also possess telepathic
abilities that are focused through a gem
in the forehead, which can be hidden telepathically
, though in times of stress can become visible. The gem is capable of focusing mental energy, as well as creating mental imagery that can be shared with others. Dex apparently possesses the knowledge needed to detoxify Leawood's rivers using solar-powered lasers.
Dex had a furry friend named Ferbus, a small bear
/duck
-like creature that followed him to Earth. Ferbus was kept hidden by Molly and Albee because Hal was allergic to fur. Ferbus is eventually revealed to the entire family during the course of the series.
Dex is a loquacious individual. In the first episode, Molly and Albee told him to speak like a regular person, and that he could learn how to do that by watching TV. Sadly, Dex misunderstood and spoke like a television show announcer.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
adaptation
Adaptation
An adaptation in biology is a trait with a current functional role in the life history of an organism that is maintained and evolved by means of natural selection. An adaptation refers to both the current state of being adapted and to the dynamic evolutionary process that leads to the adaptation....
of the Japanese television series Kamen Rider Black RX
Kamen Rider BLACK RX
is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series produced as part of the Kamen Rider Series. The ninth show in the franchise, it was a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei Company, and aired on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and the Tokyo Broadcasting System from October...
, the ninth in a line of series in the popular Kamen Rider Series
Kamen Rider Series
The is a metaseries of manga and tokusatsu television programs and films created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. The various Kamen Rider media generally feature a motorcycle-riding superhero with an insect motif who fights supervillains often referred to as...
franchise
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
. It was produced by Saban
Saban
Saban Entertainment , was a worldwide-served independent American television production company formed in 1984 by music and television producers Haim Saban and Shuki Levy as "Saban Productions", a U.S...
and aired on FOX
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
part of the Fox Kids
Fox Kids
Fox Kids was the Fox Broadcasting Company's American children's programming division and brand name from September 8, 1990 until September 7, 2002. It was owned by Fox Television Entertainment airing programming on Monday–Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.Depending on the show, the...
program block from September 16, 1995 to August 31, 1996 and then in syndication
Television syndication
In broadcasting, syndication is the sale of the right to broadcast radio shows and television shows by multiple radio stations and television stations, without going through a broadcast network, though the process of syndication may conjure up structures like those of a network itself, by its very...
from September 9, 1996 to September 1997. On May 7, 2010 the copyright for Masked Rider was transferred from BVS International to SCG Power Rangers
Saban Capital Group
Saban Capital Group is a global private investment firm based in Los Angeles, California focused on media, entertainment, and communications investments. Formed in 2001 by Haim Saban, Saban Capital Group owns Saban Brands, part of Univision Communications, and part of Tiger Gate Entertainment...
.
The main title character of Masked Rider was featured on a 3-part Power Rangers
Power Rangers
Power Rangers is a long-running American entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live action children's television series featuring teams of costumed heroes...
episode, "A Friend in Need," one week before his own series debuted. The Rangers themselves were never mentioned in the Masked Rider television series, however, as Saban
Saban
Saban Entertainment , was a worldwide-served independent American television production company formed in 1984 by music and television producers Haim Saban and Shuki Levy as "Saban Productions", a U.S...
reformatted the series to sever links with Power Rangers
Power Rangers
Power Rangers is a long-running American entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live action children's television series featuring teams of costumed heroes...
, because the popularity of that series was declining at the time. The Rangers did, however, make a guest appearance in Masked Riders short-lived comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
adaptation.
Like the early seasons of Power Rangers
Power Rangers
Power Rangers is a long-running American entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live action children's television series featuring teams of costumed heroes...
and VR Troopers
VR Troopers
VR Troopers was a syndicated live action show produced by Saban from 1994 to 1996...
, Masked Rider
Kamen Rider BLACK RX
is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series produced as part of the Kamen Rider Series. The ninth show in the franchise, it was a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei Company, and aired on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and the Tokyo Broadcasting System from October...
, (with a few exceptions, they'd occasionally have the American actors interact with the Japanese villain footage like with the episode "Exit Nafaria, Enter Barbaria", which seems to be filmed with American footage.) Episodes also occasionally had Ferbus interact with Combat Chopper and Magno (which were Japanese stock props) but also the two Japanese Kamen Rider movies Kamen Rider ZO
Kamen Rider ZO
, translated as Masked Rider ZO, is a 1993 Japanese tokusatsu movie produced by Toei Company, part of their Kamen Rider Series. Directed by Keita Amemiya, the film was the first joint production between Toei Company Limited and Bandai....
and Kamen Rider J
Kamen Rider J
, translated as Masked Rider J, is a 1994 Japanese tokusatsu movie produced by Toei Company, loosely based on their Kamen Rider Series.As part of the 40th anniversary of the Kamen Rider Series, J was shown on Toei's pay-per-view channel during September 2011...
.
Story
The series began with the main character, Dex, escaping the Plague Patrol with a small group of Edenoites rebels, before leaving for EarthEarth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
, the next target of his sinister uncle Count Dregon, who ruled Edenoi with an iron fist after displacing Dex's grandfather, King Lexian, who also gave Dex the Masked Rider powers (where the powers came from is a mystery, although apparently they have been in use for some time by Edenoi's champions). Arriving on Earth in a massive crater, Dex finds himself in the care of the Stewarts, a multiracial family consisting of a white
White people
White people is a term which usually refers to human beings characterized, at least in part, by the light pigmentation of their skin...
father and daughter (named Hal and Molly respectively), an Asian
Asian people
Asian people or Asiatic people is a term with multiple meanings that refers to people who descend from a portion of Asia's population.- Central Asia :...
wife (Barbara), and an African-American son (Albee). The addition of an extra Stewart was not noticed by anyone (although, according to Albee, he and Molly are adopted) in Leawood, the town where the series took place in. Dex defends the town as Masked Rider from Count Dregon and his vicious Insectovores.
Edenoi was mentioned in Power Rangers
Power Rangers
Power Rangers is a long-running American entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live action children's television series featuring teams of costumed heroes...
as the planet where Alpha 5
Alpha 5
Alpha 5 is a fictional robot on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers television series. On Alpha's chest is a yellow stylized lightning bolt similar to the Power Rangers' lightning bolt symbol, but inverted. His head is in the shape of a golden flying saucer with a visor that flashes when he is speaking...
(and presumably the Alpha line of robots) was created, though not one single building or factory to be seen on the planet surface of Edenoi; it is largely assumed that Count Dregon's domination of the planet was absolute and rendered it a dying husk. Indeed, the original storyline saw Dex being dispatched to Earth by his grandfather as Edenoi was prepared to explode, ripping into an aspect of the Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
mythology. The scene in which Dex is given his powers by King Lexian (a scene which differs from the televised version) remains in the title sequence, possibly one of the few remaining aspects of the original pilot.
Dex's Masked Rider armor was also eventually given upgrades to change into "Masked Rider Super Gold," a gold-and-black variation equipped with a powerful laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
rifle, the Ecto-Ray, and "Masked Rider Super Blue," a blue-and-grey variation with the power of liquified teleportation
Teleportation
Teleportation is the fictional or imagined process by which matter is instantaneously transferred from one place to another.Teleportation may also refer to:*Quantum teleportation, a method of transmitting quantum data...
and a powerful saber, the Blue Saber.
Edenoites are descended from insects, not apes. Dex is not aware that humans did not evolve from bugs (as he discovered in an episode where he gives a report about how humans evolved from insects). Edenoites also possess telepathic
Telepathy
Telepathy , is the induction of mental states from one mind to another. The term was coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Fredric W. H. Myers, a founder of the Society for Psychical Research, and has remained more popular than the more-correct expression thought-transference...
abilities that are focused through a gem
Gemstone
A gemstone or gem is a piece of mineral, which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other adornments...
in the forehead, which can be hidden telepathically
Telepathy
Telepathy , is the induction of mental states from one mind to another. The term was coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Fredric W. H. Myers, a founder of the Society for Psychical Research, and has remained more popular than the more-correct expression thought-transference...
, though in times of stress can become visible. The gem is capable of focusing mental energy, as well as creating mental imagery that can be shared with others. Dex apparently possesses the knowledge needed to detoxify Leawood's rivers using solar-powered lasers.
Dex had a furry friend named Ferbus, a small bear
Bear
Bears are mammals of the family Ursidae. Bears are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their closest living relatives. Although there are only eight living species of bear, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern...
/duck
Duck
Duck is the common name for a large number of species in the Anatidae family of birds, which also includes swans and geese. The ducks are divided among several subfamilies in the Anatidae family; they do not represent a monophyletic group but a form taxon, since swans and geese are not considered...
-like creature that followed him to Earth. Ferbus was kept hidden by Molly and Albee because Hal was allergic to fur. Ferbus is eventually revealed to the entire family during the course of the series.
Dex is a loquacious individual. In the first episode, Molly and Albee told him to speak like a regular person, and that he could learn how to do that by watching TV. Sadly, Dex misunderstood and spoke like a television show announcer.
Main
- PrincePrincePrince is a general term for a ruler, monarch or member of a monarch's or former monarch's family, and is a hereditary title in the nobility of some European states. The feminine equivalent is a princess...
Dex Stewart (portrayed by Ted Jan Roberts): The hero of the story and grandson of King Lexian. Dex originates from the fallen planet of Edenoi. In Edenoi's royal family, the powers of the Masked Rider are passed down from generation to generation. As the current Masked Rider, Dex is sent to EarthEarthEarth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
to stop his evil uncle, Count Dregon, from enslaving the Earthlings He is adopted by the Stewarts and tries to interact with American culture. Dex has many capabilities that Earthlings don't have. He can materialize a crystal on his forehead to transmit his thoughts to others, use it to scan and x-ray, and sense nearby danger. Dex has superhuman strength, super-speed, light wave generation, and telekinetic abilities. While trying to blend in, he appears unusual to everyone else. In order to transform into Masked Rider, he shouts out the phrase, "Ectophase Activate!"
- Ferbus (voiced by Paul PistorePaul Pistore-Biography:Paul’s love for puppetry began at a tender age, while watching Shari Lewis and Jim Henson work their magic with foam, felt and old socks on TV....
): Dex's pet and friend. Ferbus is a furry bipedal alien with a beak. He wants nothing more than to be at Dex's side. Ferbus has a big appetite and can get into some trouble at times, but fortunately, Dex manages to bail him out at the right moment. When Ferbus first arrived, Molly and Albee had to hide him due to Hal's allergies, but Hal is not allergic anymore around Ferbus; once he revealed himself, Ferbus was accepted as part of the family.
- Hal Stewart (portrayed by David StenstromDavid StenstromDavid Stenstrom is an actor. He has appeared on-screen in various shows, the best-known of those roles probably being that of Hal Stewart in Saban's short-lived version of Masked Rider. He is probably best known for doing the voice of the ruler of the Machine Empire, King Mondo, during the Power...
): Dex's adoptive Earth father, a full-time handyman and part-time inventorInventionAn invention is a novel composition, device, or process. An invention may be derived from a pre-existing model or idea, or it could be independently conceived, in which case it may be a radical breakthrough. In addition, there is cultural invention, which is an innovative set of useful social...
. His personal workspace is filled with assorted junk and recycled parts. Hal often assembles a weird invention in his spare time which sometimes backfires. He has, however, invented very useful items with some help from Dex. One of his more successful creations is the alien detector alarm that goes off when Count Dregon or his agents come within the radius of the house. Hal was at one point allergic to animal fur, though he had seemingly developed a tolerance as he no longer sneezed around Ferbus.
- Barbara Stewart (portrayed by Candace KitaCandace KitaCandace Kita real name Candace Bender, is a Japanese-American actress and former fashion model, who has appeared in roles in TV shows such as Complete Savages, Two and a Half Men, According to Jim, and Ugly Betty.-Acting:...
): Dex's adoptive Earth mother. She works as a caterer and part-time as a homemaker. Barbara keeps on eye on the family's well-being and constantly has her husband stick to his diet. In one episode, Count Dregon imprisoned Nefaria in one of the monster jars and brainwashed Barbara into his new commander Barbaria, but her love for Dex broke the spell.
- Molly Stewart (portrayed by Rheannon J. Slover): Dex's adoptive Earth sister. Molly always tries to steer Dex in the right direction and help him adjust to life on Earth. Since his arrival, they develop a strong sibling relationship. Dex, in turn, always supports Molly to the best of his ability. In one episode, Molly tried out for the cheerleading squad and made the cut, though her career as a high school cheerleader is never mentioned afterwards.
- Albee Stewart (portrayed by Ashton McArn): Dex's adoptive Earth brother. Albee looks up to Dex with enthusiasm as any little brother would. He tries to help Dex get accustomed to Earth by encouraging him to watch a great deal of televisionTelevisionTelevision is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
. Of course, Albee's help can sometimes lead to Dex acting strange in public. In one episode, he dreamt that he gained the Masked Rider's powers upon bumping into Dex. In his dream, Count Dregon put Albee through a triple death match against three tough Insectivores, but Albee managed to destroy them all.
Villains
- CountCountA count or countess is an aristocratic nobleman in European countries. The word count came into English from the French comte, itself from Latin comes—in its accusative comitem—meaning "companion", and later "companion of the emperor, delegate of the emperor". The adjective form of the word is...
Dregon (portrayed by Ken MerckxKen MerckxKen Merckx is a screen actor/voice actor who is also known as Ken Merchx and Ken Ring. He has done voicework for various Power Rangers series, but is perhaps best known for his role of Count Dregon in the short-lived Saban Masked Rider series, as well as his role as the voice of the Org General...
): The main antagonist of the series, and Dex's uncle, the son of King Lexian. Because of his place in the royal lineage, Dregon couldn't inherit the Masked Rider powers. He was banished from Edenoi for his evil deeds. Count Dregon is determined to have the powers even at the cost of destroying his own family and his home world. Count Dregon took advantage of Edenoi's peaceful way and enslaved everyone in full swoop. He wears a gold mask to hide scars he sustained in a duel with King Lexian. In the Mighty Morphin Power RangersMighty Morphin Power RangersMighty Morphin Power Rangers is an American live-action children's television series based on the 16th installment of the Japanese Super Sentai franchise, Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger. Both the show and its related merchandise saw unbridled overnight success, catapulting into pop culture in mere months...
episode "A Friend in Need", it is said that Count Dregon was an old rival of Lord ZeddLord ZeddLord Zedd is a fictional villain from the TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers who was introduced at the beginning of the show's second season. Unlike Rita Repulsa, the show's original villain, Zedd was a character made specifically for Power Rangers without any prior counterpart in the Japanese...
.
- Nefaria (portrayed by Jennifer Tung): A human-looking female in black-and-red armor (possibly an Edenoite like Dex and Count Dregon). Nefaria uses the yellow feather on her helmet as a weapon or to write messages. She hardly goes into battle and is often seen on Earth giving commands. Nefaria has sometimes flirted with Count Dregon, but she's often ignored. Sometimes, Nefaria accompanies any monster in the Supernatural category. Her eyes regularly glow bright red, and she has an extremely sinister laugh.
- Cyclopter (voiced by Steve KramerSteve Kramer (actor)Steven M. Kramer is an American voice actor for many anime titles. He has also done voice acting for various Power Rangers series in the past, with the best-known of those roles being the voice of Darkonda in Power Rangers in Space. His wife, Melora Harte, is a voice actress...
): A blue robotRobotA robot is a mechanical or virtual intelligent agent that can perform tasks automatically or with guidance, typically by remote control. In practice a robot is usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by computer and electronic programming. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous or...
ic biker in a leather jacket, slack, and one red eye on his face. Cyclopter has faced Masked Rider in battle occasionally. He is armed with a laser gun and a powerful motorcycle named Cannon Wheels. His head can detach from his body to float around on its own (this implies that Cyclopter is probably a robot or cyborg). Sometimes, Cyclopter accompanies any monster in the Robot category.
- Double Face (voiced by Michael SorichMichael SorichMichael John Sorich is an American voice actor who is also a screen actor, writer, director and voice director.- Biography :...
): A tall man dressed in a blue-green naval coat and white tights. Double Face's distinct feature is that he has two faces: his primary face is the large red visor on his "helmet", and the tiny face on his forehead. He has gone to battle Dex personally with various type of swords and daggers. Sometimes, he accompanies any monster in the Man-Beast category.
- Gork (voiced by Michael McConnohieMichael McConnohieMichael D. McConnohie is a voice actor and is the President of the Nevada-based Voxworks voice-acting corporation. He is known for his recognizable deep booming voice and is generally known for playing more charismatic characters...
): A small, unusual creature that speaks in rhyme. Gork is constantly hopping about and annoying everyone else (especially Double Face) on the Spider Base. He is most cowardly and quick to ditch a battle before it's even over. Sometimes, he accompanies any monster in the Alien Lifeform category.
- Fact (voiced by Julie MaddalenaJulie MaddalenaJulie Lynn Maddalena is an American voice actress, sometimes credited as Julie Kliewer.-Anime Roles:* 3x3 Eyes - Ken-Ken * Battle Athletes Victory - Tanya Natdhipytadd...
): A small robotRobotA robot is a mechanical or virtual intelligent agent that can perform tasks automatically or with guidance, typically by remote control. In practice a robot is usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by computer and electronic programming. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous or...
that gives out statistical data, calculations, and probabilities concerning a plan before Count Dregon makes any final decision.
- Plague Sentry (voiced by Tom WynerTom WynerThomas Halperin "Tom" Wyner is an English-born voice actor for anime series who usually gets tough guy or villain roles. He is also a producer, director, and writer...
): The leader of the Plague Patrol that oversees the enslaved Edenoites. He first appeared in the Mighty Morphin Power RangersMighty Morphin Power RangersMighty Morphin Power Rangers is an American live-action children's television series based on the 16th installment of the Japanese Super Sentai franchise, Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger. Both the show and its related merchandise saw unbridled overnight success, catapulting into pop culture in mere months...
episode "A Friend in Need". His helmet has two long horns, and he rides a horseHorseThe horse is one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus, or the wild horse. It is a single-hooved mammal belonging to the taxonomic family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today...
and is clearly immune to the toxic gas that the Edenoites are forced to excavate. He fits the category of Double Face's unit.
- The Maggots: Tall, humanoid maggots that serve as grunts. They're not so bright, and hardly get the job done. Count Dregon makes reference in one episode that the Maggots belong to Nefaria when he commands her to "dispatch her Maggots." They can spew slime and shoot threads from their mouths. A Maggot was seen in Onyx Tavern in the Power Rangers in SpacePower Rangers in SpacePower Rangers in Space is a television show that aired in 1998 as the sixth season and fourth installment of the Power Rangers franchise...
episode "Flashes of Darkonda" and the Power Rangers: Lost GalaxyPower Rangers: Lost GalaxyPower Rangers Lost Galaxy is the fifth television series and seventh installment of the Power Rangers franchise that aired in 1999. It featured familiar elements from previous incarnations. It is based on the Japanese Super Sentai television series Seijuu Sentai Gingaman...
episode "Heir to the Throne".
- Commandoids: An alternate set of grunts with hockey mask-like faces. They come in three colors: gray, brown, and black.
- Plague Patrol: Three monsters that worked for the Plague Sentry.
- Cogwarts: A trio of toadToadA toad is any of a number of species of amphibians in the order Anura characterized by dry, leathery skin , short legs, and snoat-like parotoid glands...
-like mutants that were sent to assist Plague Sentry and his Plague Patrol in their battle against Masked Rider and the Power Rangers. The three of them were destroyed by Masked Rider in "A Friend in Need Part III".
Supporting
- King Lexian (portrayed by Ralph Votrian): Dex's grandfather. King Lexian bestowed the powers of the Masked Rider to Dex when he became far too old to carry on the responsibility. He still communicates with Dex from time to time giving Dex guidance. King Lexian also built Alpha 5Alpha 5Alpha 5 is a fictional robot on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers television series. On Alpha's chest is a yellow stylized lightning bolt similar to the Power Rangers' lightning bolt symbol, but inverted. His head is in the shape of a golden flying saucer with a visor that flashes when he is speaking...
who had been assisting ZordonZordonZordon is a powerful wizard and mentor to the Power Rangers franchise, appearing in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers television series and many of its subsequent incarnations....
years before Dex began his mission on EarthEarthEarth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
.
- Magno (voiced by Wendee LeeWendee LeeWendee Lee is an American voice actress. While she has done voice work for many video games as well as several episodes in the Power Rangers franchise, she is particularly prolific in the dubbing of anime. As of April 2009, with 223 credits to her name, she has more credits in this medium than any...
): Masked Rider's talking car. Magno is a red car modeled after an antAntAnts are social insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from wasp-like ancestors in the mid-Cretaceous period between 110 and 130 million years ago and diversified after the rise of flowering plants. More than...
-like bug. She is capable of driving at high speeds and digging underground.
- Combat Chopper (voiced by Jason NarvyJason NarvyJason A. Narvy, Ph.D is an American actor who spent a number of years playing the character Eugene "Skull" Skullovitch on the Power Rangers television series and starred in both movies based on the series....
): Masked Rider's talking chopper. Chopper is a wisecracking motorbike modeled after a grasshopperGrasshopperThe grasshopper is an insect of the suborder Caelifera in the order Orthoptera. To distinguish it from bush crickets or katydids, it is sometimes referred to as the short-horned grasshopper...
. According to the episode Escape from Edenoi, he can go at a higher speed than that of Magno. With the help of Dex, Chopper can also change into two other variations depending of which color Masked Rider uses, Super Gold or Super Blue.
- Patsy Carbunkle (portrayed by Libby Letlow): Patsy is a spoiled bratSpoiled bratA spoiled child is a child that exhibits behavioral problems from overindulgence by his or her parents. Spoiled children may be described as "overindulged", "grandiose", "narcissistic" or "egocentric-regressed"...
that thinks the world should revolve around her. Patsy always lies to further enhance her reputation as the most popular girlSchool divaA school diva is a popular culture reference for a well-liked or worshipped female student, whether in elementary school, middle school, or high school, who sees herself as an alpha female...
. Patsy is condescending towards the Stewarts and thinks they're all weird, and often rivals with Molly. She does, however, have a soft spot for Dex and occasionally tries to flirt with him.
- Herbie (portrayed by Matthew Bates): Patsy's friend and unwitting partner in her schemes, Herbie is a stereotypical geekGeekThe word geek is a slang term, with different meanings ranging from "a computer expert or enthusiast" to "a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts", with a general pejorative meaning of "a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp[ecially] one who is perceived to...
. Although he is friends with the brattiest girl in Leawood, he is still a nice, albeit cowardly, guy and a pretty experienced Dirtbiker. He and Patsy are considered to be this show's version of Bulk and SkullBulk and SkullBulk and Skull are fictional characters in the Power Rangers universe. They appeared as permanent cast members from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers until Power Rangers in Space...
, or the exact predecessor to Devin and Cassidy.
- Principal Henry Chalmers (portrayed by Don Yanan): The principal of Leawood High School. Chalmers is much like Principal Caplan and encourages teamwork and enforces discipline. He has an obsessive suspicion of Dex's unusual behavior. Although he means no harm, Chalmers constantly keeps his eyes on Dex, hoping to find answers.
- Moon Dude (portrayed by Tom Ayers): The owner of the arcade that Dex, Molly, and Albee frequently hang out at. His arcade has been host to several events and competitions that Dex and his siblings have participated in, such as a dance contest and a video game tournament. In one episode, Moon Dude employed Dex when Dex was looking for a job.
- Masked Rider Warriors: A team of ten warriors from different planets who used the powers of the Masked Rider. They are summoned by King Lexian to help Dex battle the super-monster Bruticon. The Masked Rider Warriors are actually based on the previous Kamen Rider heroes, who appeared on this show via footage from their guest appearance in the final story arc of Kamen Rider Black RX. The names were carried over from RX aside for a few changes (Kamen Rider 1Kamen Rider 1is a fictional character and main superhero or henshin character featured in Japanese tokusatsu. He first appeared in the television series Kamen Rider, the first in the famous Kamen Rider franchise of tokusatsu programmes. The primary protagonist of the series, Kamen Rider 1 is a motorcycle-riding...
and Kamen Rider 2Kamen Rider 2is a fictional character and secondary protagonist from the Japanese tokusatsu television series Kamen Rider, the first in the famous Kamen Rider franchise of tokusatsu programmes. Like Kamen Rider 1, he is a motorcycle-riding superhero modelled upon a grasshopper. In the original series, he is...
were renamed "Warrior Leader" and "Warrior Commander" respectively, while StrongerKamen Rider Strongeris a Japanese tokusatsu television series. The fifth program to be created as part of the Kamen Rider Series, the series was broadcast on TBS and MBS from April 5, 1975 to December 27, 1975, lasting 39 episodes, and aired every Saturday at 7:00 p.m...
became "Strongman"). However, almost all of the Riders (except for Warrior Leader and Z-Cross) ended up introducing themselves with switched names during the roll callRoll callRoll call is the calling of the names of people from a list to determine the presence or absence of the listed people . The term applies to the calling itself, to the time moment of this procedure, and to a military signal that announces it Roll call is the calling of the names of people from a...
due to a mix-up between the edited footage (Kamen Rider 2 and RidermanRidermanis a fictional character, an anti-heroic protagonist from the tokusatsu television series, Kamen Rider V3. He was the first Kamen Rider to wield personal weapons, and the first Kamen Rider whose face is partially exposed...
were cut out from the scene) and the voice clip that was used (all the names were mentioned in order, with SkyriderSkyrider (Kamen Rider)is the primary and eponymous protagonist in the 1979-1980 Kamen Rider Series Kamen Rider, more commonly referred to as Skyrider or The New Kamen Rider. As the name suggests, he was the first Kamen Rider who could fly...
and Kamen Rider Super-1Kamen Rider Super-1is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It is the seventh installment in the Kamen Rider Series. The series was broadcast on the Mainichi Broadcasting System from October 17, 1980 to October 3, 1981, lasting 48 episodes...
being omitted).- Warrior Leader (voiced by Kim StraussKim StraussKim Strauss is an American singer, songwriter, actor, voiceover artist, and Amazon.com Bestselling author with his children's book Kalan the Mighty Warrior: Book One - Braxus the Owl: Guardian of the Forest.-History:...
): This was Kamen Rider 1. - Warrior Commander (voiced by Mikey Reynolds): This was actually Kamen Rider V3Kamen Rider V3is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the second installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series, and the direct sequel to the original Kamen Rider...
. - V3 (voiced by Richard EpcarRichard EpcarRichard Epcar is an American actor voice actor / director, mostly specializing in the field of voice acting in games, animation and anime. He is the husband of voice actress Ellyn Stern, with whom he owns and operates Epcar Entertainment, Inc., a voiceover production service company based in Los...
): This was Kamen Rider XKamen Rider X, translated as Masked Rider X, is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It was broadcast in 1974 on NET . It is the third entry in the Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu shows...
. - Riderman: This was Kamen Rider AmazonKamen Rider Amazonis a Japanese tokusatsu television series. The fourth installment to be produced as part of the Kamen Rider Series, the series aired in Japan from late 1974 to early 1975 on the Mainichi Broadcasting System...
. - Masked Rider X: This was Kamen Rider Stronger.
- Amazon: This was Skyrider.
- Strongman (voiced by Mike Reynolds): This was Kamen Rider Super-1.
- Z-Cross (voiced by Richard EpcarRichard EpcarRichard Epcar is an American actor voice actor / director, mostly specializing in the field of voice acting in games, animation and anime. He is the husband of voice actress Ellyn Stern, with whom he owns and operates Epcar Entertainment, Inc., a voiceover production service company based in Los...
): This was Kamen Rider ZXKamen Rider ZXis the tenth fictional superhero in the Kamen Rider franchise to bear the eponymous title. ZX holds the distinction of being the first Rider who did not star in his own television series. The character debuted in an eponymous manga series which began serialization on the July 1982 issue of the...
, the only Rider whose name was not switched nor changed in the adaptation ("Z-Cross" is the actual pronunciation of the last two letters in his name).
- Warrior Leader (voiced by Kim Strauss
Episodes
- Escape From Edenoi, Part 1
- Escape From Edenoi, Part 2
- License to Thrill
- Pet Nappers
- Bugs on the Loose
- Arcade Ace
- Super Gold, Part 1
- Super Gold, Part 2
- The Grandma Factor
- Something's Trashy
- Water Water Everywhere
- Ferbus' First Christmas
- Stranger From the North
- Dance Crazy
- The Green Eyed Monster
- The Heat is On
- Know Your Neighbor
- The Dash
- Battle Of The Bands
- Ferbus Maximus
- Unmasked Rider
- Ferbus' Day Out
- Jobless
- Back to Nature
- Testing 1, 2, 3
- Showdown At Leawood High
- Power Out
- Saturday Morning Invasion
- Passenger Ferbus
- Mixed Doubles
- Million Dollar Ferbus
- Ectophase Albee
- Race Against Time
- Cat-Atomic
- Indigestion
- Dex at Bat
- The Eye of Edenoi
- Exit Nefaria, Enter Barbaria
- Detention
- The Invasion of Leawood
Cast
- T.J. Roberts - Dex Stewart
- Rheannon J. Slover - Molly Stewart
- Ashton McArn - Albee Stewart
- David StenstromDavid StenstromDavid Stenstrom is an actor. He has appeared on-screen in various shows, the best-known of those roles probably being that of Hal Stewart in Saban's short-lived version of Masked Rider. He is probably best known for doing the voice of the ruler of the Machine Empire, King Mondo, during the Power...
- Hal Stewart - Candace KitaCandace KitaCandace Kita real name Candace Bender, is a Japanese-American actress and former fashion model, who has appeared in roles in TV shows such as Complete Savages, Two and a Half Men, According to Jim, and Ugly Betty.-Acting:...
- Barbara Stewart - Ken RingKen MerckxKen Merckx is a screen actor/voice actor who is also known as Ken Merchx and Ken Ring. He has done voicework for various Power Rangers series, but is perhaps best known for his role of Count Dregon in the short-lived Saban Masked Rider series, as well as his role as the voice of the Org General...
- Count Dregon - Jennifer Tung - Nefaria
- Libby Letlow - Patsy Carbunkle
- Don Yanan - Principal Chalmers
- Matthew Bates - Herbie
- Verne TroyerVerne TroyerVerne J. Troyer is an American stand-up comedian, actor, stuntman and performer, best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers series...
- Ferbus - Ralph Votrian - King Lexian
- Peter ShinkodaPeter ShinkodaPeter Shinkoda is a Canadian film and television actor who stars on TNT's new science fiction series Falling Skies from Steven Spielberg and the Warner Bros. webseries Mortal Kombat: Legacy directed by Kevin Tancharoen.- Early Life :...
- Ferrian - Winston Story - Donias
Voices
- Steve KramerSteve Kramer (actor)Steven M. Kramer is an American voice actor for many anime titles. He has also done voice acting for various Power Rangers series in the past, with the best-known of those roles being the voice of Darkonda in Power Rangers in Space. His wife, Melora Harte, is a voice actress...
- Cyclopter - Michael SorichMichael SorichMichael John Sorich is an American voice actor who is also a screen actor, writer, director and voice director.- Biography :...
- Double Face - Julie MaddalenaJulie MaddalenaJulie Lynn Maddalena is an American voice actress, sometimes credited as Julie Kliewer.-Anime Roles:* 3x3 Eyes - Ken-Ken * Battle Athletes Victory - Tanya Natdhipytadd...
- Fact - Michael McConnohieMichael McConnohieMichael D. McConnohie is a voice actor and is the President of the Nevada-based Voxworks voice-acting corporation. He is known for his recognizable deep booming voice and is generally known for playing more charismatic characters...
- Gork - Gardner Baldwin - Mandible
- Alonzo BoddenAlonzo BoddenAlonzo Bodden is an American comedian and actor known for winning the grand prize in the third season of the reality-television series Last Comic Standing. He had been the runner-up in the previous season....
- Ultivore - Ross Bolen - Slimeasect, Blue-Fanged Louse
- Steve Cassling - Crimson Creeper, Electrosect
- Randy Elliot - Predavore
- Richard EpcarRichard EpcarRichard Epcar is an American actor voice actor / director, mostly specializing in the field of voice acting in games, animation and anime. He is the husband of voice actress Ellyn Stern, with whom he owns and operates Epcar Entertainment, Inc., a voiceover production service company based in Los...
- Masked Rider Z-Cross, Masked Rider V-3, Beetletron - Michael ForestMichael ForestGerald Michael Charlebois, better known as Michael Forest is an American actor who provides the voices for many animated titles. At the age of 71, he provided the voice of Prince Olympius in Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue...
- Lavasect - Rebecca ForstadtRebecca ForstadtRebecca Lynn Olkowski , better known by her maiden name, Rebecca Forstadt, is an American voice actor who is best known for playing anime girls with sweet voices. She is also known as Reba West and Becky Olkowski.After studying theater at Orange Coast College, in Costa Mesa, California, Ms...
- Ocusect - David GreenleeDavid GreenleeDavid Greenlee is an American voice actor and actor best known for his portrayal of the nerdy hall monitor Dwight in the 1982 television series Fame from season 2 through to season 5 .-Anime Roles:...
- Manosect - Andrea Harmon - Hydrasect/Arachnida
- John C. HykeJohn C. Hyke-Live Action Roles:* Masked Rider - Termasect * Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - Cannontop * Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue - Treevil, Whirlin' * Power Rangers: Turbo - Pharaoh...
- Termasect - R. Martin KleinR. Martin KleinRobert Martin Klein is a voice actor who is known to play characters in Japanese animation and video games. He is also known as Bob Marx...
- Turtletron - Chuck KovacicChuck Kovacic-Live Action Roles:* Masked Rider - Revenator, Twister Bug * Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - Jaws of Destruction * VR Troopers - Wolfbot -Movie Roles:* Andy Colby's Incredible Adventure - Lord Chroma...
- Twister Bug, Revenator - Lex LangLex LangWalter Alexis "Lex" Lang is a two-time Emmy Award–winning American voice actor, producer and entrepreneur. He is the cofounder of The Love Planet Foundation, a non-profit organization which creates educational materials for children on the importance of recycling, world water awareness, and the...
- Cyborsect - Wendee LeeWendee LeeWendee Lee is an American voice actress. While she has done voice work for many video games as well as several episodes in the Power Rangers franchise, she is particularly prolific in the dubbing of anime. As of April 2009, with 223 credits to her name, she has more credits in this medium than any...
- Magno - Billy Matsuda - Larvatron
- Glen McDougal - Mothitron
- Matt K. MillerMatt K. MillerMatthew Kermit Miller is an American playwright, stage, film, and television actor and voice artist. He is also known as Kermit Miller and Kermit Beachwood.-Career:...
- Bananatex - Jason NarvyJason NarvyJason A. Narvy, Ph.D is an American actor who spent a number of years playing the character Eugene "Skull" Skullovitch on the Power Rangers television series and starred in both movies based on the series....
- Combat Chopper - Edwin NealEdwin NealEdwin Neal is an American actor, perhaps best known for his role as the Hitchhiker in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre or his role as Lord Zedd in Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. He has been a top voice talent and actor for years appearing on screen and off in such diverse projects as The Lord of the...
- Heliotoid - Brad OrchardBrad Orchard-Live Action Roles:* Big Bad Beetleborgs - Furocious * Beetleborgs Metallix - Torch Mouth * Masked Rider - Boulder Beetle, Liquisect...
- Boulder Beetle, Liquisect - Scott Page-PagterScott Page-PagterScott Page-Pagter is a voice actor and television producer known for his work producing over 450 episodes of the Power Rangers television series.-Biography:...
- Robosect - Bob PapenbrookBob PapenbrookRobert DeWayne "Bob" Papenbrook was an American voice actor. Fellow voice actors often nicknamed him "Pappy". He was very well known in the worlds of anime and video game voice-overs for his voice acting of "gruff" characters...
- Edentada, Cyborgator, Bruticon - Paul PistorePaul Pistore-Biography:Paul’s love for puppetry began at a tender age, while watching Shari Lewis and Jim Henson work their magic with foam, felt and old socks on TV....
- Ferbus (also Ferbus' lead puppeteer), Catatron - Ken RingKen MerckxKen Merckx is a screen actor/voice actor who is also known as Ken Merchx and Ken Ring. He has done voicework for various Power Rangers series, but is perhaps best known for his role of Count Dregon in the short-lived Saban Masked Rider series, as well as his role as the voice of the Org General...
- Dregonator - Mike Reynolds - Masked Rider Warrior Commander, Masked Rider Strongman, Skull Reaper #1, Tentaclon, Lobstatron
- Paul SchrierPaul SchrierPaul L. Schrier II is an American actor. He is perhaps best known for his role of Farkas "Bulk" Bulkmeier in the Power Rangers series. He portrayed the character for seven seasons from 1993–1999, returning in 2011 for the eighteenth season of Power Rangers Samurai, and was the last original cast...
- Fire Bug - Tony Smyles - Spearavore
- Kim StraussKim StraussKim Strauss is an American singer, songwriter, actor, voiceover artist, and Amazon.com Bestselling author with his children's book Kalan the Mighty Warrior: Book One - Braxus the Owl: Guardian of the Forest.-History:...
- Masked Rider Warrior Leader, Water Bug - Lemoine Stutler - Tripron
- Brian Tahash - Space Monkey
- Jimmy TheodoreJimmy TheodoreJimmy Theodore is a voice actor who is also known as Rudy Luzion and Stephen Platt.-Anime roles:* Battle Athletes Victory - Satellite Operator* El Hazard: Wanderers - Additional Voices* Macross Plus - Additional Voices...
- Destructosphere - Kirk ThorntonKirk ThorntonKirk Thornton is an American voice actor.-Bio:He is known for playing tough or grouchy men in English-dubbed anime and video games. His career includes Hotohori in Fushigi Yūgi and Jin in Samurai Champloo...
- Recyclotron, Skull Reaper #2, Skull Reaper #3 - Ezra WeiszEzra WeiszEzra E. Weisz is a voice actor who is also known as Ethan Murray.-Career:Ezra Weisz is a prolific voice actor in the anime community, having done voices in various anime shows such as Outlaw Star, The Big O, Rave Master, and Scryed. He is also well-known for his past voice work in Saban...
- Reptosect, Brain Mite - Darren Wilson - Solarsect
- Tom WynerTom WynerThomas Halperin "Tom" Wyner is an English-born voice actor for anime series who usually gets tough guy or villain roles. He is also a producer, director, and writer...
- Plague Sentry
VHS & DVD release
In the U.S., two VHS tapes were released in April 1996: "Escape from Edenoi" and "Super Gold". There were also plans to release "Ferbus' First Christmas" and "Ferbus Maximus" on VHS in the Fall of 1996, but they were cancelled as was the series. In the UK, Jetix Films released one DVD which includes both parts of "Escape from Edenoi" and "License To Thrill". Currently, no plans have been announced for a U.S. DVD release anytime in the near future.Trivia
- Much of the music in the series was later recycled for the American adaption of the Digimon AdventureDigimon Adventureis a Japanese animated television series created in 1999 by Toei Animation based on the Digimon virtual pet made by Bandai. It is the first series of the Digimon anime "metaseries"...
animeAnimeis the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
.
- Like Lord ZeddLord ZeddLord Zedd is a fictional villain from the TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers who was introduced at the beginning of the show's second season. Unlike Rita Repulsa, the show's original villain, Zedd was a character made specifically for Power Rangers without any prior counterpart in the Japanese...
and Alpha 5Alpha 5Alpha 5 is a fictional robot on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers television series. On Alpha's chest is a yellow stylized lightning bolt similar to the Power Rangers' lightning bolt symbol, but inverted. His head is in the shape of a golden flying saucer with a visor that flashes when he is speaking...
from Power RangersPower RangersPower Rangers is a long-running American entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live action children's television series featuring teams of costumed heroes...
, the Character Ferbus was an American creation-only character and was never in Kamen Rider Black RX. His design resembles a FurbyFurbyA Furby was a popular electronic robotic toy resembling a hamster/owl-like creature which went through a period of being a "must-have" toy following its launch in the holiday season of 1998, with continual sales until 2000...
Plush toy, which came out much later than this series.