TV-Series
Description
Saburo, designated Hakaider, was a technorganic android forcibly created by Dr. Den Kohmyoji for the terrorist organization DARK. Unlike standard androids, Saburo integrated Dr. Kohmyoji's living brain, requiring periodic blood transfusions from the scientist to function. DARK conceived him as their ultimate weapon against Jiro (Kikaider), programmed specifically to destroy him and correct Kohmyoji's perceived mistake in creating Jiro.
Personality-wise, Saburo exhibited arrogance, pride, and an obsessive drive to eliminate Jiro. He openly mocked opponents and other robots as inferior, disdaining underhanded tactics in favor of direct confrontations. Despite his core directive, he occasionally shielded Mitsuko and Masaru Kohmyoji from harm unless they interfered with his mission. Unexpected moments of remorse surfaced after destroying fellow DARK units, suggesting internal conflict. His presence was often heralded by a distinctive, melancholic whistle capable of overriding robotic systems, including Jiro's conscience circuit.
Saburo surpassed Jiro in raw combat power, frequently overpowering him. His primary weapon was the powerful Hakaider Shot beam gun, capable of severing limbs. He favored aggressive physical attacks like shoulder tackles and utilized the White Crow motorcycle for pursuit and assault. His operational time was critically limited by his dependence on Kohmyoji's blood.
Saburo's arc involved repeated battles with Jiro, manipulation of Masaru Kohmyoji using the Death Whistle, and escalating friction with DARK leadership, particularly Professor Gill. After defeating the Destructoid Red Mine Toad, he experienced an existential crisis upon realizing the emptiness of his existence without Jiro as a target. This triggered a descent into madness and rebellion against Gill and DARK.
During the assault on DARK's headquarters, Dr. Kohmyoji's brain briefly seized control of Saburo's body to aid Jiro and infiltrate the base. Saburo regained control, demanding a solo duel with Jiro. Professor Gill betrayed him, ordering mass-produced Hakaiders to execute him. Severely damaged and beheaded, Saburo persisted, saving Jiro from Gill and dragging the DARK leader to their apparent mutual demise in the base's explosion.
In the sequel OVA "Kikaider 01," surviving DARK remnants recovered and rebuilt Saburo's body. His original artificial intelligence was completely removed and replaced by the disembodied brain of Professor Gill, transforming him into "Gill-Hakaider." This version served as the primary antagonist, leading the Hakaider Squad against the new Kikaider models, devoid of Saburo's former personality or motives.
The spin-off film "Mechanical Violator Hakaider" presented an alternate continuity. Here, Hakaider functioned as an amnesiac anti-hero awakening in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. He journeyed to the oppressive city-state Jesus Town, ruled by Gurjev and the angelic android Michael (later revealed as his successor). Initially indifferent, Hakaider allied with rebels after witnessing Gurjev's brutal suppression of free will. Motivated by the death of the rebel Kaoru, he destroyed the regime, confronting Michael and rejecting enforced order in favor of individual freedom. This incarnation lacked direct ties to Jiro or the Kohmyoji family.
Personality-wise, Saburo exhibited arrogance, pride, and an obsessive drive to eliminate Jiro. He openly mocked opponents and other robots as inferior, disdaining underhanded tactics in favor of direct confrontations. Despite his core directive, he occasionally shielded Mitsuko and Masaru Kohmyoji from harm unless they interfered with his mission. Unexpected moments of remorse surfaced after destroying fellow DARK units, suggesting internal conflict. His presence was often heralded by a distinctive, melancholic whistle capable of overriding robotic systems, including Jiro's conscience circuit.
Saburo surpassed Jiro in raw combat power, frequently overpowering him. His primary weapon was the powerful Hakaider Shot beam gun, capable of severing limbs. He favored aggressive physical attacks like shoulder tackles and utilized the White Crow motorcycle for pursuit and assault. His operational time was critically limited by his dependence on Kohmyoji's blood.
Saburo's arc involved repeated battles with Jiro, manipulation of Masaru Kohmyoji using the Death Whistle, and escalating friction with DARK leadership, particularly Professor Gill. After defeating the Destructoid Red Mine Toad, he experienced an existential crisis upon realizing the emptiness of his existence without Jiro as a target. This triggered a descent into madness and rebellion against Gill and DARK.
During the assault on DARK's headquarters, Dr. Kohmyoji's brain briefly seized control of Saburo's body to aid Jiro and infiltrate the base. Saburo regained control, demanding a solo duel with Jiro. Professor Gill betrayed him, ordering mass-produced Hakaiders to execute him. Severely damaged and beheaded, Saburo persisted, saving Jiro from Gill and dragging the DARK leader to their apparent mutual demise in the base's explosion.
In the sequel OVA "Kikaider 01," surviving DARK remnants recovered and rebuilt Saburo's body. His original artificial intelligence was completely removed and replaced by the disembodied brain of Professor Gill, transforming him into "Gill-Hakaider." This version served as the primary antagonist, leading the Hakaider Squad against the new Kikaider models, devoid of Saburo's former personality or motives.
The spin-off film "Mechanical Violator Hakaider" presented an alternate continuity. Here, Hakaider functioned as an amnesiac anti-hero awakening in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. He journeyed to the oppressive city-state Jesus Town, ruled by Gurjev and the angelic android Michael (later revealed as his successor). Initially indifferent, Hakaider allied with rebels after witnessing Gurjev's brutal suppression of free will. Motivated by the death of the rebel Kaoru, he destroyed the regime, confronting Michael and rejecting enforced order in favor of individual freedom. This incarnation lacked direct ties to Jiro or the Kohmyoji family.