Kamen Rider Pez: Reimagining a Tokusatsu Legend
Shotaro Ishinomori’s Kamen Rider has captivated me since I first encountered him over 10 years ago. Its blend of heroism and tragedy sparked my imagination, leading me to create my own character inspired by this rich universe.
Introducing Penalize: A New Take on the Tragic Hero
Enter Penalize, my original character who embodies the tragic beauty of Kamen Rider. Like Ishinomori’s heroes, Penalize begins as a victim, transformed against his will into a monstrous cyborg. His design – a fusion of larva, wolf, bat, and alligator – reflects the chaotic nature of his creation and the multifaceted struggle within.
From Villain to Hero: The Birth of Kamen Rider Pez
In my reimagining, Penalize initially serves as a villain, manipulated by his creator. This departure from the traditional Kamen Rider origin allowed me to explore the series’ themes of redemption and humanity from a new angle. When Penalize realizes he’s being used for evil, he faces a crisis of identity that echoes the internal struggles of Ishinomori’s heroes.
His transformation into Kamen Rider Pez represents not just a physical change, but a moral metamorphosis. The shift from his initial monstrous appearance to a moth-like form symbolizes his journey from darkness to light, from villain to hero. Yet, like the original Kamen Riders, Pez remains caught between two worlds – no longer fully human, yet fighting to protect humanity.
The Essence of Kamen Rider: Redemption and Heroism
Through Pez, I aimed to capture the essence of what makes Kamen Rider so powerful: the idea that redemption is possible, that our actions define us more than our appearances or origins. Pez, like his inspirations, must grapple with using his monstrous power for good, standing as a shield between innocents and the very evil he once served.
Honoring Ishinomori’s Legacy
In creating Kamen Rider Pez, I sought to pay homage to Ishinomori’s enduring message: “monster is as monster does.” It’s a reminder that heroism can emerge from the most unlikely places, and that the fight for redemption is ongoing.
While Kamen Rider Pez may never grace official Toei productions, in my heart, he fights alongside the legendary heroes that inspired him, embodying the spirit of tragedy, hope, and unwavering determination that defines the Kamen Rider legacy.
Key Themes in Kamen Rider Pez:
Protecting Humanity
Redemption
The nature of heroism
Internal struggle
Transformation
MJ Muñoz 