Zone Fighter / Hikaru Sakimori
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- For the 1973 television series, see Zone Fighter (series).
Zone Fighter (ゾーンファイター Zōn Faitā), given the civilian name Hikaru Sakimori (防人 光 Sakimori Hikaru), is a kaijin who first appeared in the 1973 Toho tokusatsu kaiju series Zone Fighter.
Name
As part of the Zone Family (ゾーンファミリ Zōn Famiri), the "Zone" in the "Zone Fighter" moniker is shared with his relatives Zone Angel, Zone Junior, and Zone Great. The "Fighter" (ファイター faitā) in his name, which he is often simply referred to as within the show, perhaps indicates his superior combat ability. Direct origins or inspiration for the name are unknown. Zone Fighter is also referred to as Meteor Human Zone or Meteor Man Zone (流星人間ゾーン Ryūsei Ningen Zōn).[4]
Zone Fighter can transform into a giant state, referred to as either Zone Fighter (Giant Transformation) (ゾーンファイター（巨大変身）)[3] or Zone Fighter (Giant Man) (ゾーンファイター（巨大人）).[6]
Development
Zone Fighter was designed by artist Nobuhiro Okaseko, who was instructed by producer Kimihiko Eto to come up with "something similar to Ultraman."[7] The hero's mask was modeled by Toho veteran Nobuyuki Yasumaru,[8] and, as with other kaiju productions of the time, a wire-operated prop was used for flying scenes. That prop, along with the upper half of the suit and a miniature Hikaru have survived into the present day and are sometimes put on display at expos. Kazuya Aoyama played Zone's civilian form, while Tatsumi Nikamoto and Kinichi Kusumi donned the suits for his superhero and giant forms, respectively.
Design
Zone Fighter has a silver humanoid face, with yellow eyes and a silver antenna protruding from his forehead. His body is mostly silver except for a blue triangular pattern on his upper chest, two red lighting bolts across his body, and a large multi-colored belt buckle-like object on his lower body. His legs and arms are blue and his gloves are silver. The outer parts of his boots are green while the inner parts are red.
History
- Zone Fighter (TV 1973) [episodes 1-26]
- Godzilla Singular Point (TV 2021) [end credits]
Showa era
Zone Fighter
Hikaru Sakimori and his family are natives of the planet Peaceland, which became under attack by the beings of a neighboring planet, Garoga. The planet was ultimately seized and destroyed, forcing the Zone Family to flee to Earth. The Garogas, wanting only for Hikaru's death, followed the family to Earth and began plotting its subjugation. Hikaru and his siblings possess the ability to transform into the superheroes known as Zone Fighter, Zone Angel, and Zone Junior. However, Hikaru is the only one of the three who is also able to grow to giant size. The Garogas often deploy giant monsters to terrorize Earth and Hikaru uses his unique ability to challenge them. By day, Hikaru is a test driver for a car manufacturer,[3] but harbors only contempt for the Garogas, battling against them to protect his new home planet.
Reiwa era
Godzilla Singular Point
TBA.
Abilities
Transformation and size changing
Hikaru Sakimori and his siblings can assume their Zone forms by shouting "Zone Fight Power" (ゾーンファイト・パワー) whilst pointing toward the sky. In this state, Hikaru's natural attributes are heightened, such as his strength, sight, and even hearing ability, the latter increasing twofold.[6] Hikaru can revert back to his human form by shouting the phrase "Zone Back" (ゾーンバック). Hikaru can further transform into his giant state by shouting "Zone Double Fight" (ゾーンダブルファイト), and is the only member of his family to possess the ability to do so. Hikaru may on occasion transform from his human state directly into giant form, skipping over the intermediate Zone Fighter stage entirely. Inversely, Zone Fighter is able to willingly shrink from his giant state back into human form, but may also be forcibly returned to regular size if he runs short on power or sustains too great of damage, as was the case during one of his various battles against King Ghidorah.
Hikaru Sakimori assuming his Zone Fighter form
Zone Fighter transforms into his giant state
Zone Fighter transforms directly into his giant state from human form
Zone Fighter returns back to human size
Zone Fighter is forcibly returned to regular size after being blinded by King Ghidorah's Gravity Beams
Physical abilities
Strength
Zone Fighter's strength is on par, or equal, to that of most Terror-Beasts. Zone Fighter possesses superhuman strength even in his human sized form, able to lift Goram's foot as it attempted to crush him. He was also able to combat Dragon King's strength when the latter tried to crush him in between two hillsides, with Zone Fighter pushing back while lying on his side on the ground and even overpowering the Terror-Beast at one point before Dragon King regained the upper hand.
Meteor Punch
Described as being as fast as a meteor and sharp as a knife, Zone Fighter can perform an attack known as Meteor Punch (流星パンチ), where his fists speed up into a blinding fury as rapidly as a machine gun. A single punch is capable of destroying 50 centimeters of solid concrete.[9]
Meteor Kick
Zone Fighter can use a variety of super-charged kicking attacks known as Meteor Kicks (流星キック), usually jumping into the air and using the kicks to knock foes off balance. Zone Fighter is able to use this ability even while rolling with him using his arms to propel his body off the ground and sticking his legs up in the air to hit his opponent with the heel of his boot. His kicking power was described as being able to knock over the Keio Plaza Hotel.[9] Zone Fighter used his Meteor Kick repeatedly to launch and juggle Spideros during their first fight.
Meteor Meteorite Press
When jumping into the air, Zone Fighter uses the gravity of his fall and his weight to crush an opponent underneath him while also keeping them pinned. He uses this technique during his first fight with Spideros. The July 1973 issue of TV Magazine specifies the name of this ability as Meteor Meteorite Press (メテオ メテオライト プレス).
Meteor Roundhouse Kick
Zone Fighter can employ a basic attack where he rears back his leg before sending a sideways kick into an opposing kaiju's torso. He used this attack during his fight with Gilmaras. The July 1973 issue of TV Magazine specifies the name of this ability as Meteor Roundhouse Kick (流星回し蹴り).
Meteor Chop
Zone Fighter karate-chops multiple kaiju throughout the show, with one of the most memorable examples being Gundarguirus, the blow causing the kaiju's eyes to bug out. The July 1973 issue of TV Magazine specifies the name of this ability as Meteor Chop (メテオチョップ).
Sky Jack
Through a technique called Sky Jack (スカイジャック), Zone Fighter can extend his arms and grapple his opponent's neck or legs with extreme power. When used on an opponent's neck, he will perform a choke-hold.[9] He used this ability during his sparring match with Godzilla.
Sky Stroke
Although unused in the show, Zone Fighter can perform an ability called the Sky Stroke (スカイストローク), in which he lands an unexpected punch on an opponent by extending his arms to the sky while standing still.[9]
Mighty Cut
When in his human sized form, Zone Fighter can perform a technique called Mighty Cut (マイティカット), in which he crosses his arms and drags them across the air. This ability allows Zone to remote control Mighty Liner. He used this ability after two Garoga agents stole Mighty Liner, causing the driver to completely lose control of his steering while fleeing from Zone.
Other techniques and capabilities
The July 1973 issue of TV Magazine specifies three melee attacks that are not demonstrated in the show itself: Meteor Chin Lock and Meteor Rotating Press. It also specifies that his Zone Eyes can see Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture from Tokyo as well as see into the 4th dimension, and that his skin can withstand temperatures from -150 degrees Celsius to 1,000 degrees Celsius.
Meteor Punch
Meteor Kick
Movement
Jumping
Zone Fighter leapt onto a hillside before jumping over a charging Mogranda, who was attempting to gore Zone with his drill. After killing Grotogauros underwater, he appeared to jump fully out of the water and onto land. The July 1973 issue of TV Magazine specifies that Zone Fighter can jump 37 times his own height, and he can regulate the force that his Bayonet Boots exert, allowing him to lightly kick off of a building without damaging it or leap 53 times the height of the Earth.
Speed
According to All Kaiju Kaijin (First Volume), Zone Fighter is capable of running at a speed of 800 kilometers per hour,[6] while the TV Magazine issue instead gives his maximum running speed as 1,000 kilometers per hour.
Flight
Zone Fighter can achieve flight similar to Jet Jaguar, by raising his arms in a 'Y' shape and levitating off the ground, and is capable of flying as far as 40 times his body length.[6]
Meteor Windmill
While in the sky, Zone Fighter can perform an attack known as Meteor Windmill (流星風車), where he loops in the air multiple times, building up speed, before ramming an opponent. Another version of this attack exists where Zone Fighter is grounded: he throws his opponent over his head, spins them in a circle until they end up in a tornado-like state, then slams them into the ground.
Meteor Spin Counter
Zone Fighter also uses a flight maneuver called Meteor Spin Counter (流星きりもみ返し), in which he does an upward loop and then spins downward. He used this when dodging one of King Ghidorah's Gravity Beams, during their first fight.
Astro Dash
In his human-sized form, Zone Fighter can perform an Astro Dash (アストロダッシュ), in which he flies through a broadcast from a TV set and arrives at the location displayed in his giant form.
Meteor Meteorite Collapse
Zone Fighter is shown as possessing impeccable jumping ability. This is used in an ability known as Meteor Meteorite Collapse (流星隕石崩し), where Zone confuses the opponent by jumping in front of it, before leaping over them and punching them in the back. In his fight with Destro-King, Zone Fighter jumped directly in front of the two-headed Terror-Beast preparing to strike him, before leaping over the kaiju with a secondary jump and unleashing a surprise attack to Destro-King's back.
Meteor Jet
Zone Fighter can charge himself with energy to move at incredible speeds for a short burst in a technique named Meteor Jet (流星ジェット). When he is about to use this technique, he leaves a blurry purplish-white trail behind him before charging towards the enemy.
Flight
Meteor Windmill
Astro Dash
Meteor Meteorite Collapse
Meteor Jet
Weapons
Maser Shot
In Zone Fighter's human-sized form, he carries a special pistol weapon called the Maser Shot (メーサーショット), which is strong enough to dispatch Silver Garogas, shoot off the antennae of a Red Garoga, and even halt Terror-Beasts, as demonstrated against Mogranda.
Meteor Missile Might
Zone Fighter is capable of unleashing barrages of missiles, called the Meteor Missiles (流星ミサイル), from wrist-bound gauntlets that are strong enough to destroy most Terror-Beasts. This technique is known as Meteor Missile Might (流星ミサイルマイト Ryusei Misairu Mighto) and is one of Zone Fighter's strongest attacks, used as his finishing move quite often. He shouts the attack's name as he performs it. He is also able to perform the attack while flying, as demonstrated during his fight with Kabutogirah. The gauntlets are summoned from the fourth dimension.[9]
Meteor Double Anti-Missile Might
After his first battle against Super Jikiro, Hikaru was surgically implanted with pieces of the Terror-Beast to upgrade his gauntlets to counter its Anti-Missile Might technology. The upgraded attack is dubbed Meteor Double Anti-Missile Might (流星ダブルアンチミサイルマイト).
Zobot
He and his siblings each possess a rocket-powered device called a Zobot (ゾボット Zobotto), which they can use to send messages, call the Mighty Liner, use as a weapon in a pinch, and even summon Godzilla to their aid.
Maser Shot
Meteor Missile Might
Zone Fighter performs Meteor Missile Might while in flight
Double Anti-Missile Might
Energy attacks
Meteor Proton Beam
Zone Fighter can fire the Meteor Proton Beam (流星プロトンビーム) from the antennae on top of his head, although it uses much of his energy. The beam itself is made of pure proton energy and can destroy some Terror-Beasts in one shot, though Jellar was able to take several shots of the beam without suffering any ill effects. Zone Fighter can also use his Meteor Proton Beam while flying in space, as demonstrated when he destroyed the rest of Gundarguirus's body.
Meteor Static Power
By rubbing an object rapidly against his body, Zone Fighter can use his Meteor Static Power (流星スタティックパワー) to charge it with deadly amounts of electricity. He used this ability on a tree he uprooted and gave it an electrical charge strong enough to weaken Garoborg.
Meteor Proton Cut
Zone Fighter can release a series of shocking energy waves from his body in an attack known as Meteor Proton Cut (流星プロトンカット), which he used to thwart Dorola's fourth dimensional abilities.
Meteor Slice Chop
Zone Fighter can release a stream of red arrow beams from his hands by concentrating proton energy in an attack named Meteor Slice Chop (流星スライスチョップ). They can be fired from one or both hands, or as a larger and wider variant. The single-handed chop can cause explosions across the area where the arrows hit and the two-handed chop is capable of removing a Terror-Beast's limbs, as demonstrated against Detragon. The larger and wider chop decapitated the Terror-Beast Gelderah.
Meteor Zone Slice
Zone Fighter can channel and fire a golden energy arrow from each hand after charging energy from his shoulders. This technique is known as Meteor Zone Slice (流星ゾーンスライス) and was capable of cutting off the arms of Gundarguirus.
Meteor Freezer
Zone Fighter can spray a freezing mist from his fingertips capable of killing weakened opponents in a technique called Meteor Freezer (流星フリーザー). The mist has a temperature of -150 degrees Celsius.
Meteor Proton Beam
Meteor Static Power
Meteor Proton Cut
One-handed Slice Chop
Two-handed Slice Chop
Wide Slice Chop
Meteor Zone Slice
Zone Fighter finishes Barakidon off using his Meteor Freezer
Defensive capabilities
Zone Barrier
When in his human-sized form, Zone Fighter can wrap his entire body in a red energy barrier for protection. This is known simply as Zone Barrier (ゾーンバリヤー).
Meteor Zone Barrier
Zone Fighter can create a wall of invisible energy to block varying degrees of projectile attacks, known as Meteor Zone Barrier (流星ゾーンバリヤー). The only visible part of the barrier are the edges, which glow different colors. The barrier was capable of nullifying Wargilgar's flamethrower, making it wash over the barrier as if it was just a wall.
Meteor Reflection Barrier
Tracing the outline of a traditional shield, Zone Fighter can create a barrier that can catch and deflect a Terror-Beast's energy beams, known as Meteor Reflection Barrier (流星反射バリヤー). This was able to reflect King Ghidorah's triple gravity beams right back at the space dragon.
Zone Barrier
Meteor Zone Barrier
Meteor Reflection Barrier
Weaknesses
When in giant form, Zone Fighter runs off of proton power from the Sun, supplied to him via the Zone Marker (ゾーンマーカー) attached to his antenna. The belt buckle-like device attached to his waist, called the Zone Meter (ゾーンメーター), indicates how much power Zone Fighter has, and ranges from blue when at full power, to yellow when his power is draining, and finally to a deep red which indicates that he has only 110 seconds before he is forced back into human form.[3][10]
This limitation can be overcome, however, and in a number of ways. The Zone Marker can be recharged by Zone Angel and Zone Junior using their own Meteor Proton Beams, or by a laser fired from their shared vehicle Smokey. The Smokey is also equipped with spare Zone Markers which can be fired directly onto Zone Fighter's head to replenish his energy, with this maneuver being dubbed a Zone Marker Change (ゾーンマーカーチェンジ). Additionally, in episode 5 of the series, Zone Great bestowed upon Zone Fighter the family's Proton Crystal, which he attached to his antenna in place of the Zone Marker to grant him with enough energy to lure King Ghidorah into space. Zone Angel and Zone Junior were unable to recharge the Zone Marker themselves in this episode due to King Ghidorah blocking out the sun.
While Zone Fighter can usually handle a Terror-Beast in a one-on-one battle, he can be overwhelmed when facing more than one opponent at a time, as demonstrated with Spyler and Wargilgar.
During his first fight with Super Jikiro, Zone Fighter was defeated after the mecha absorbed his Meteor Missile Might and returned the missiles back at the hero. Upon reverting to his human form, he was left bedridden in a hospital with a burned body, broken arms and legs, and major blood loss, although he was able to recover eventually with bandages covering portions of his body. The doctor who treated him noted that a normal human would have died from all the injuries he sustained.
Zone Angel and Zone Junior recharge Zone Fighter's Zone Marker
Smokey recharges Zone Fighter's Zone Marker
Smokey sends a replacement Zone Marker to Zone Fighter
Zone Fighter replaces his Zone Marker with the Proton Crystal
Gallery
- Main article: Zone Fighter/Gallery.
Comics
- Zone Fighter's Desperate Situation (1973)
- Zone Angel's Critical Moment (1973)
- Zone Fighter (1973) - Adventure King
- Zone Fighter (1973) - TV Magazine
- Zone Fighter (1973) - Fun Kindergarten
- Zone Fighter (1973) - Fun Kindergarten, separate volume
- Zone Fighter (1973) - Akita Shoten
Video
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Trivia
- An interview with Shunsuke Fujita revealed that at one point, Zone Fighter was considered for an appearance in the 2014 PlayStation 3 and 4 video game, Godzilla.
- Zone Fighter is Toho's second tallest tokusatsu hero, surpassed only by Megaloman.[4]
- While Zone Fighter officially stands 62 meters tall, in the show itself he is only slightly taller than the 50-meter Godzilla.
- Zone Fighter's suit actor was Tatsumi Nikamoto, who also played the Red Garoga, in addition to Ultraman Leo from the show of the same name, the various Zensei Majin from Diamond Eye, Titanosaurus from Terror of Mechagodzilla, and countless other tokusatsu roles. The suit actor for Zone Fighter's giant form, Kinichi Kusumi, played numerous tokusatsu roles in the 1970s as well, including Godman, Redman, Mirrorman, various aliens and kaiju in Tsuburaya Productions' Ultra Series, and Anguirus and King Caesar in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla.
- In Godzilla Singular Point, a cube-shaped robot controlled by Pelops II has a structure on its top that resembles Zone Fighter's antenna. Zone Fighter himself also cameos in the show's end sequence.
External links
References
This is a list of references for Zone Fighter. These citations are used to identify the reliable sources on which this article is based. These references appear inside articles in the form of superscript numbers, which look like this: [1]
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