TV-Series
Description
Check Mate is a character who initially appears as an antagonist but later becomes a supporting figure within the universe of Kinnikuman Nisei. He is a Choujin, a superhuman being, who hails from Monaco and his entire design and fighting style are centered around the theme of chess. Trained by the seasoned Devil Choujin named Sunshine, Check Mate was expected to exact revenge on the new generation of heroes. As part of his harsh upbringing, Sunshine used brutal methods to condition the young boy to be unable to feel any physical pain, creating a fighter who would theoretically never falter in battle.
In terms of personality, Check Mate is generally composed and stoic. However, this calm exterior can give way to arrogance and mockery toward opponents once a fight is underway. He can also become easily flustered in social situations. Initially driven by his mission to take down the new generation, his motives shift dramatically following his defeat by Mantaro Kinniku. After this loss, Check Mate reforms and becomes a Seigi Chojin, or Justice Choujin. From this point onward, his motivation transforms from blind vengeance to a genuine desire to follow the path of justice and do right by his new-found friends, often appearing as a source of comic relief or providing commentary on matches.
His role in the story begins as a member of the dMp, a villainous alliance. He participates in a tournament where he is set to fight Mantaro, during which his inability to feel pain proves to be a major obstacle. However, it is revealed that while he does not feel injury, his body still accumulates damage, a weakness that Mantaro exploits to win the match. After reforming, Check Mate becomes a supportive character. He appears at ringside to cheer up Mantaro after a loss, helps Kevin Mask train for a significant match, and is selected as a member of the Time Warp 8, a group sent back in time to prevent a critical death that would alter the future. His key relationships include his surrogate father figure, Sunshine, who gave him his training and purpose, and his fellow fighters in the new generation, such as Mantaro and Seiuchin. His relationship with Seiuchin is particularly tragic, as he is betrayed and violently attacked by his former friend when Seiuchin transforms into a Perfect Choujin under the influence of Neptuneman.
Check Mate undergoes a significant development arc, transforming from a brutal, pain-immune antagonist into a loyal and reformed ally. He learns that a good fight is more desirable than simple hatred or victory, and his defeat at Mantaro's hands serves as a genuine turning point that changes his worldview. In a later storyline, his physical and narrative journey takes a brutal turn when he is attacked by Neptuneman and the transformed Seiuchin. Using a technique called the Cross Bomber, they rip the skin from his face, which Neptuneman then adds to his collection. This results in Check Mate being hospitalized while a hood is placed on Seiuchin to control his violent nature.
His notable abilities revolve around his transformation techniques, which are controlled by the chess pieces on his shoulder pads. The Chess Piece Change allows him to press buttons on these pieces to alter his form. Activating the left piece turns his head into that of a Knight and gives him the lower body of a horse, enhancing his speed and kicking power. Activating the right piece turns his head into a Rook and his entire body into solid stone, making him incredibly hard and heavy. Pushing both buttons simultaneously performs the Grand Slam, which creates a fused form that combines the tactical skill of his King form, the speed of the Knight, and the durability of the Rook. His other techniques include the Stallion Style Honourable Driver, used for slamming opponents, and the Centaur's Black Neigh.
In terms of personality, Check Mate is generally composed and stoic. However, this calm exterior can give way to arrogance and mockery toward opponents once a fight is underway. He can also become easily flustered in social situations. Initially driven by his mission to take down the new generation, his motives shift dramatically following his defeat by Mantaro Kinniku. After this loss, Check Mate reforms and becomes a Seigi Chojin, or Justice Choujin. From this point onward, his motivation transforms from blind vengeance to a genuine desire to follow the path of justice and do right by his new-found friends, often appearing as a source of comic relief or providing commentary on matches.
His role in the story begins as a member of the dMp, a villainous alliance. He participates in a tournament where he is set to fight Mantaro, during which his inability to feel pain proves to be a major obstacle. However, it is revealed that while he does not feel injury, his body still accumulates damage, a weakness that Mantaro exploits to win the match. After reforming, Check Mate becomes a supportive character. He appears at ringside to cheer up Mantaro after a loss, helps Kevin Mask train for a significant match, and is selected as a member of the Time Warp 8, a group sent back in time to prevent a critical death that would alter the future. His key relationships include his surrogate father figure, Sunshine, who gave him his training and purpose, and his fellow fighters in the new generation, such as Mantaro and Seiuchin. His relationship with Seiuchin is particularly tragic, as he is betrayed and violently attacked by his former friend when Seiuchin transforms into a Perfect Choujin under the influence of Neptuneman.
Check Mate undergoes a significant development arc, transforming from a brutal, pain-immune antagonist into a loyal and reformed ally. He learns that a good fight is more desirable than simple hatred or victory, and his defeat at Mantaro's hands serves as a genuine turning point that changes his worldview. In a later storyline, his physical and narrative journey takes a brutal turn when he is attacked by Neptuneman and the transformed Seiuchin. Using a technique called the Cross Bomber, they rip the skin from his face, which Neptuneman then adds to his collection. This results in Check Mate being hospitalized while a hood is placed on Seiuchin to control his violent nature.
His notable abilities revolve around his transformation techniques, which are controlled by the chess pieces on his shoulder pads. The Chess Piece Change allows him to press buttons on these pieces to alter his form. Activating the left piece turns his head into that of a Knight and gives him the lower body of a horse, enhancing his speed and kicking power. Activating the right piece turns his head into a Rook and his entire body into solid stone, making him incredibly hard and heavy. Pushing both buttons simultaneously performs the Grand Slam, which creates a fused form that combines the tactical skill of his King form, the speed of the Knight, and the durability of the Rook. His other techniques include the Stallion Style Honourable Driver, used for slamming opponents, and the Centaur's Black Neigh.