Kamen Rider W - Figures

Of the famous Kamen Rider franchise, Kamen Rider W impressed fans with its innovative twists and throwbacks to its 1970s roots. The series consistently ranks as one of the fan favorites out of over 30 entries. Thematically, the series incorporates elements from western detective shows, creating a diverse visual landscape. Here are three Kamen Rider W figures that showcase the detective noir flair and thematic doubles in the series: "S.I.C. Vol. 59 Kamen Rider W Fang Joker & Kamen Rider Skull," "S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider W Cyclone Joker," and "S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider W Kamen Rider Accel."

S.I.C. Vol. 59 Kamen Rider W Fang Joker & Kamen Rider Skull Figure

This double figure set from Bandai casts a darker light on the characters from Kamen Rider W. The figure features Kamen Rider Double Fang Joker and Kamen Rider Skull as they appear in the 2010 Kamen Rider Decade crossover film. Kamen Rider Skull's noir detective design stands out with his two interchangeable trilby hats. The tattered edge of his beige scarf shows off the sculpting detail and foreshadows his ultimate fate.

Kamen Rider W Fang Joker depicts W using a double driver meant for Phillip's original Fang Memory. The stark black and white color scheme complements the retro design of his companion, Rider Skull.

The extensive accessory set includes an attache case filled with Gaia Memories, effect parts, and weapons to recreate scenes from the W prologue film.

• Product Name: S.I.C. Vol. 59: Kamen Rider W Fang Joker & Kamen Rider Skull
• Series: Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider W & Decade: Movie War 2010
• Manufacturer: Bandai (Tamashii Nations)
• Sculptor: Kenji Ando
• Specifications: pre-painted & articulated ABS/POM/PVC/diecast action figure
• Height (Approx.): 180 mm | 7.1"
• Includes:
  Two Fang Memories
  Saber
  Giji Memory
  Attache case & Double Driver
  Effects parts

S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider W Cyclone Joker Figure

Bandai shows off Kamen Rider W's titular Rider, Kamen Rider W Cyclone Joker, in this fully articulated figure. The painting detail complements the character's double rider form. The right side shines with an overall green metallic while the left side remains matte and black. Fans can adjust W Cyclone Joker's silver scarf to fall behind him during dramatic dialogue or wave behind him in the wind. Additionally, fans can attach Gaia Memory accessories to the transformation Double Belt.

• Product Name: S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider W Cyclone Joker
• Series: Kamen Rider W
• Manufacturer: Bandai (Tamashii Nations)
• Specifications: pre-painted ABS/PVC figure
• Height (Approx.): 140mm (approx. 5.5 in)
• Includes:
  Interchangeable hand parts
  Gaia memories for transformation
  Two mufflers

S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider W Kamen Rider Accel Figure

The anti-hero Rider, Kamen Rider Accel, gets his own figure in the S.H. Figuarts line. Kamen Rider Accel's bright red color scheme pops in a shiny metallic with chrome accents. His motorcycle-inspired design shows through meticulous sculpting. His Accel Drive transformation belt features the trademark Maximum Clutch Lever that allows him to perform his Accel Glanzer flying jump kick. Notable details include the visible gears behind the translucent face shield and mechanical Engine Blade.

• Product Name: S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider W Kamen Rider Accel
• Series: Kamen Rider W
• Product Line: S.H.Figuarts
• Manufacturer: Bandai
• Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS, PVC & ZNDC figure
• Height (Approx.): 140mm | 5.5"
• Includes:
  5 types of optional hands (L/R)
  Optional head
  2 types of memories

The Kamen Rider W Series Story

Kamen Rider W follows the Kamen Rider format of a transforming, masked fighter taking down evil forces. In this version, two fighters combine to form one fighting body: Kamen Rider W (Double).

Series Overview

In the wind-powered city of Futo, the Sonozaki family sells flash drive-like devices called Gaia Memories to criminals. By using Gaia Memories, criminals can transform into powerful beings called Dopants and overpower law enforcement. Through continued use, the Gaia Memories can override a user's consciousness and eventually cause death. After the death of his boss, "hard-boiled detective" Shotaro Hidari teams up with the mysterious Phillip to investigate the Dopants. Using Phillip's purified Gaia Memories and the Double Belts, Shotaro and Phillip combine to form the fighter Kamen Rider W (double).

Series Characters

Shotaro Hidari is the series protagonist and a self-proclaimed "hard-boiled" detective. In reality, Shotaro displays a large capacity for emotion despite his best efforts to appear detached. While attempting to stay serious, Shotaro often ends up making a fool of himself and the but of visual gags. Phillip, Shotaro's partner, serves as his opposite: cold, detached, and apathetic. However, through working with Shotaro and learning more about his forgotten past, Phillip grows to love Futo, Shotaro, and the people around him.

The Kamen Rider W Series Development

In many ways, Kamen Rider W calls back to the original 1970s Kamen Rider series. At the same time, the series introduces new themes and motifs based on the idea of doubles. While the franchise explores the doubles concept in previous iterations, Kamen Rider W takes the approach in a new direction to signify a new era in Kamen Rider.

Series Production

Kamen Rider W is the 11th series during the Heisei period run of the Kamen Rider franchise and 20th overall. The tv show aired from September 2009 until August 2010 on TV Asahi. During its run, the show aired 49 tv episodes, six movies, and two tv specials. As a series tie-in, Toei and TV Asahi launched the Wind Wave FM internet radio station. Several shows on the station acted as in-universe programs, detailing the show's events as news.

Series Reception

Fans designate Kamen Rider W as the first installment in the "second phase" of the Heisei period run. The series was incredibly popular when it aired, averaging an 8% viewer rating over 49 episodes. Fans in Japan ranked it third favorite out of the 20 Heisei era Kamen Rider series. In 2017, Kamen Rider W received a spinoff manga sequel, Futo Detective. This made it the second Kamen Rider series to receive a direct sequel since the franchise launch in 1971.

Links

S.I.C. Vol. 59 Kamen Rider W Fang Joker & Kamen Rider Skull
S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider W Cyclone Joker
S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider W Kamen Rider Accel
Kamen Rider Series Label
Kamen Rider Label