Have you ever been enthralled by a comic book's total lack of respect for itself? If you haven't, then you should take a look at MASKED WARRIOR X, published by the folks at Antarctic Press, who also brought us the humor of Ben Dunn's NINJA HIGH SCHOOL and the mythical world of WARRIOR NUN ARAELA. In fact, Dunn's humor seems to have been influenced by the works of Fujihara. Unrelenting comedy mixed with high drama is apparent in both artists' works.
The world of MASKED WARRIOR X can be described as cyberpunk, where sportsmen are given cybernetic implants to enhance their abilities. These implants are received from the evil crime organization, Olympus, which plots to enslave the world. The only obstacles to their world domination plans are the Japanese Police and a single man: the son of Dr. Sabaki, a brilliant scientist. He was given the cyber-technology by his dying father, and it enables him to be the greatest Cybernetic Sportsman of them all.
The Olympus syndicate knows him as Kendo-man, with flashing blade, shining armor, and brilliant mask. He refers to himself by another name: Masked Warrior X! But being the most powerful Cyber-sportsman is not all its cracked up to be. Dan Sabaki has been wearing his armor for over 17 years now, and it has separated him from others; physically, mentally, and olfactorily.
In the first book of the series Dan Sabaki is introduced, and he reveals his origin. He makes his less-than-dramatic entrance as he defeats the powerful Boxing-man. Boxing-man, however, manages to escape and have himself upgraded. More experienced anime fans will appreciate Boxing-man's new "Mazinger Z" attack. Ultimately, Masked Warrior X's true power is revealed as he defeats his souped-up nemesis. He is eventually recruited by the Japanese Police force to head the newly formed "Olympus Attack Force" or OAF for short. In the second issue, OAF goes into the heart of Olympus Headquarters to attempt to shut down the organization once and for all. But unfortunately, Dan is seduced and captured.
The art is not particularly great, and neither is the layout. The true strength of this book lays within its parodying power. It makes fun of several anime and manga series, and astute readers will really appreciate all the references. Antarctic Press has stayed true to its tradition of slapstick manga.
This book has a blatantly irreverent tone, and is refreshing to read. There is an abundance of books that take themselves too seriously, so it is with a bit of prejudice against that genre that I make these comments. No where else will you ever hear comments such as "MY RIGHT CROSS WILL SEND YOU TO HELL!" and "Y-YOU THINK I'LL BE FOOLED BY AN INFLATABLE HOSTAGE?!" being uttered with such utter conviction. And when your hero is named Kendo-man (or Masked Warrior X, depending on which side you're on), and your enemies are called "Boxing-man","Judo-man","Marathon-man", and "Sumo-man", you know you're in for some serious laughter.
At first glance, you may mistake this book for your typical fare. But do not be fooled; this is really worth reading. It'll put a smile on your face more than once. It's definitely got a SAILOR MOON /Sentai Team feel to it. Take a second look. You won't be sorry.

Story and Art by Fujihara Masayuki
Translated by Kuni Kimura and Doug Dlin
Antarctic Press
$3.50 US / $4.90 CAN