S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider 3 Gallery

Who's that guy?

That guy is the forgotten hero of the Showa era, S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider 3! This unique rider is not as you might first imagine, simply a new character created in the modern day. But is actually based upon one created by Shotaro Ishinimori himself in the 1972 Manga Kamen Rider 3 vs. General Black! Originally conceived as the successor to Rider's 1 & 2, Rider 3 was none other than Kazuya Taki, FBI Agent & ally to the Double Riders. Though this version of the character as rider only existed in this short 5-page manga as he was dropped in favor of Kamen Rider V3.

The character would be largely forgotten for some 40+ years until 2015's Super Hero Taisen GP: Kamen Rider 3 in which a new updated version of the character was presented. Here, Rider 3 AKA Kyoichiro Kuroi, is created by Shocker with the aid of the Time-Altering Machine in order to change history. Arriving in 1972 shortly after Riders 1 & 2 have destroyed Gel-Shocker, Rider 3 savagely attacks and defeats both riders, ensuring Shocker's time altered control of the past present & future. However what Great Leader could have never imagined, was how the act of destroying the Double Riders and the guilt of that action would eventually reawaken Rider 3's heart to justice. Ultimately bringing the downfall of Shocker once more.

** The name is often romanized one of three ways like most numerically based rider names. "3", "3Go", or "Sango". For ease and consistency I'll just be using the term Rider 3.

Packaging
What you'll immediately notice about Rider 3's packaging is that even though he's meant to have Showa Rider lineage, it's actually in the style of a Kamen Rider Drive release! That makes sense considering his origin & appearances in Tasien GP, itself a primarily Drive focused film. It's unique to see a pseudo-Showa rider packed in a specific Heisei style of box none the less and it looks very good. But the box is primarily what we've come to expect from Drive themed releases. Many Rider releases come in these slim style boxes now, but Rider 3 specifically is designed around the Drive packaging type.

Main Figure
Ever since the first images of Rider 3 leaked from the film online I was impressed. This, for all intents and purposes, additional Showa Rider bore all the hallmarks of the time period, but with a modern twist. Specifically he's always appeared to me to be like a S.I.C Kamen Rider in physical form. The figure is no different in hand.

Kamen Rider 3 is one of the most solid original molds released in years. A brand new figure, Rider 3 is entirely unique. Which is a bit odd given his nature as a one-off alternate time line movie villain/hero. This mold can't really be used for anyone else. But boy did they go all out on this one. Again Rider 3 seems to take cues from the S.I.C. toyline but also seems to draw inspiration from the Kamen Rider The First & The Next film designs. Hard angular lines and sharp edges adorn his body and build up his physique well beyond those of the aging Shin Rider 1 & Rider 2 figuarts seen below. I never felt the old riders showed their age much until this bad boy arrived. Now it's much more apparent.

Each of Rider 3's ankles and wrists features a really nice detail you don't see often, and that's Shocker cuffs with actual metal links on the chains. Each cuff features the Shocker emblem and has a couple small links hanging off of them. A symbolic design feature to show his servitude to Shocker. This among other creative choices really sets Rider 3 apart from his Showa brothers. Like the very bright teal color of a majority of his armor, rather than the drab green of 1 & 2. Gold body stripes rather than white and a gold belt & scarf to go along with this. Uniquely Rider 3 also features yellow compound eyes that just look gorgeous in the right light. And that headsculpt is where it's at. Again, this component more than any other screams S.I.C. to me, in the best ways.

The Rider 3 design is just a beautiful one to behold in any form and this figure is no different. Perhaps my only gripe with it would be that the hips can be a bit fidgety and hard to set in an even position with one another. I was surprised that the chest and torso have a fantastic range of motion as well despite the thick broad design. This is jut a solid figure.

Accessories
Rider 3 Actually has even more in common with his Showa brothers than you might think, specifically a mid-level accessory count:

6 - additional hands. The usual type of open expressive hands. No "holding things" or driving/riding hands at all.

1 - scarf/muffler. A nice golden brown to match his suit.

1 - Rider Kick Effect Part. In fact this is the exact same kick effect that Shin Rider 1 & Rider 2 (Ichigo/Nigo) came with. Some slight color differences give it a distinct teal flavor. But otherwise identical, the foot hole has been remolded slightly to accommodate Rider 3's new boot design. Though I find this effect to be difficult to use, it does look nice. Mine kept falling off his foot.

2- Typhoon Rocket Effect Parts. These smaller effects are meant to plug onto the tiny jets on either side of Rider 3's Typhoon belt. These simulate his limited flight capability, but they also serve as effects for his henshin poses.

Honestly that's a pretty decent selection. As a retail release he feels a bit lite, but he really does come with just about anything he'd need at all. Everything that he used in the movie is here. Well other than, you know, other than that gigantic awesome car....

Final Thoughts
As a whole package S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider 3 is one of the more complete and solid releases I've handled for some time. It's a fantastic looking figure with just the right accessories to compliment it. He's a well designed and executed toy that really captures the look of his on screen counterpart. They've managed to take that wild modern design and shrink it down perfectly. And it fits in just perfectly with about any Showa or Heisei rider display as well.

I'm a little bit sad that the chances of Rider 3's Tri Cyclone ever being made in this line are basically zero. But I just won't feel that he's complete until his car exists. In a time where Bandai can justify producing the Tridoron with LED features and diecast parts as a Web Exclusive, and the Ridoron as a mass retail release, I don't see why the Tri Cyclone can't be on the table as well. Bring it on Bandai! In any case I'd highly recommend picking up S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider 3. It's a truly great release.

Part 2!

Group shots & fun with effects!

Gosh that is a gorgeous figure for a gorgeous suit. I love the fact that he is similar enough to 1 and 2 to look right, but different enough to be his own thing. Great gallery.

And Shin being monstrous as always.

Not going to lie, super tempted to buy him.

The figure and the gallery both look very nice! Since I haven't seen the movie, I'm not sure if I should get him. Does he use the new style hip joints or the old style? The design makes it a bit difficult to tell.

I got my Rider 3 figuart the other day and I do think that he is fantastic too. Love the galley images too.

Glad to see he came out well! I've got him preordered and I can't friggin' wait. I love that old Rider aesthetic mixed with new styling.

I mentioned this in the SHF thread in the Toys forum, but Rider 3 is a very good release.

Lots of accessories, GREAT execution of a very clean design, and a mass release too!

I can't wait to get a V4

What is that Turtle Bazooka figure and where can I buy it?

the first cyclone kinda look small compared to sangou, too bad kinda looking forward to put sangou to the first cyclone. Is there any picture of that from different angle? thanks