Leading the Eagle Riders under the codename "Hawk," Hunter Harris—originally Ken Washio—commands the team with tactical precision against the alien Vorak android threat. His father, Harley Harris, once operated as Red Impulse within the same group, sacrificing himself during a radiation containment mission. Adapted flashbacks reframe Harley’s legacy, depicting his stern mentorship over the team rather than an estranged paternal relationship.
Hunter’s leadership is tested by a cellular deterioration linked to a specialized combat technique, a crisis resolved through experimental intervention in the adaptation. This contrasts the source material’s lingering consequences, reflecting the revised narrative’s emphasis on hopeful resolutions.
His past romantic ties to Lisa undergo adaptation shifts: her original tragic demise becomes a nightmare sequence, repurposed footage suggesting lingering emotional friction over definitive loss. This choice preserves interpersonal conflict while reducing overt tragedy.
Parental legacy defines Hunter’s identity, with Harley’s influence overshadowing omitted elements like Dr. Nambu’s guardianship. The adaptation prioritizes Hunter’s unresolved quest to reconcile his father’s enigmatic history. Production adjustments merge sequel arcs, excising darker elements like a heart-implanted bomb subplot involving ally Joe Thax. Hunter’s physical decline concludes abruptly, aligning with an optimistic tone, while streamlined character interactions avoid prolonged emotional arcs from the original narrative.