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Join MJ for a discussion of Ishinomori’s classic Kamen Rider manga Part 4, featuring: millions of dollars, 13 riders and one lonely man. How did you like chapter 4?

TOPICS

The Tragedy of Hongo

Ichimonji’s Deception

Hongo’s Desperation

The Swarm of Shocker Riders/Locust Cyborgs

The Gulf Between Ruriko and Hongo

Peak Art from Kamen Rider Manga Part 4 + Honorable Mention

Peak Drama from Kamen Rider Manga Part 4

LINKS

Get the beautiful Seven Seas Entertainment manga collections of Shotaro Ishinomori’s Kamen Rider and Gorenger!

Kamen Rider Manga Omnibus from Seven Seas Entertainment Part 4 Review

A Fast-Paced and Logical Progression:
Kamen Rider manga part 4 continues to impress with its swift pacing and logical narrative flow. In the previous section, we witnessed the supreme leader’s concerns over budget constraints, particularly regarding the revival of Cobra Man. This attention to financial considerations adds a layer of realism to Shocker’s operations.

Shocker’s Calculated Investments:
SHOCKER’s strategic approach becomes apparent as they invest in the creation of powerful cyborgs to serve their malicious agenda. The concept of spending money to make money resonates here, as Shocker understands the importance of developing elite enforcers to establish their global dominance. With Takeshi Hango opposing them as no one ever has before, SHOCKER takes a drastic step: mass-producing grasshopper cyborgs to eliminate him.

Desperation and Emotional Struggles:
In this section, a sense of absolute desperation permeates the story, thanks to the fast-paced nature of the events. Action dominates the pages, allowing readers to witness Hango’s valiant efforts to escape the clutches of the other 12 Grasshopper, or should it be LOCUST Cyborgs. His various plans, strategies, and inner monologues add depth to his character and elicit genuine emotional investment from readers.

Unforeseen Alliances and Impressive Artistry:
Amidst the chaos, unexpected allies come to Hango’s aid, injecting further excitement into the narrative. From a visual standpoint, two standout moments deserve special mention. First, an honorable mention goes to a panel depicting Hango utilizing cyclones of six jets to roast one of the Locust Cyborgs, highlighting the internal struggle he faces when confronting his cyborg counterparts. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally charged scene.

Peak Drama and Artistic Brilliance:
The peak drama of this section unfolds during a nature walk between Ruriko and Hango. While Ruriko admires the beauty around them, Hango’s distracted demeanor reflects his struggle with his newfound cyborg nature and the emotional distance it creates. The separation between the characters is brilliantly portrayed through panel layout, emphasizing the rift between their worlds.

Another peak moment occurs when Hango engages in a desperate battle against Hayato Ichimonji, one of the Shocker Riders. The art captures the intensity and desperation of the fight, with Hongo’s resolute determination leading to a memorable and action-packed encounter.

Closing Thoughts:
Part four of the Kamen Rider manga delivers excitement, emotional depth, and intriguing plot developments. The narrative progresses seamlessly, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. With the promise of even more thrilling chapters to come, the anticipation for future installments continues to build

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading the Kamen Rider manga. Experiencing the story firsthand is the best way to appreciate its brilliance.