Review: Volume 3 of “Jinzo Ningen Kikaida” goes in more than one direction to spice things up and break up what would otherwise be a road towards monotony. This is the first volume so far that’s really noteworthy for trying something new with the Dark Destructoids. Prior to this, all of the enemies have been on a straightforward, mindless mission to destroy Kikaida. Sure, there are a few differences between them, but mostly just in the person they may be disguised as to trick Mitsuko or Masaru like an old man in a Cadillac pulling up to school with a sack full of candy.

The first episode of this disc, “Tormented Howls from Hell”, introduces the menacing Destructoid Gold Wolf. What separates Wolf from the enemies before him is that he carries more human characteristics, much like Jiro. Also, he has a conscience circuit, though it’s much less complete than the one installed inside of our hero. Professor Gil’s flute has an effect on him as well. However, it doesn’t stop him in his tracks as it does Jiro, rather it transforms him from Smooth magician looking human form into the spiked mace fisted Gold Wolf.

Played by the late Toru Sakaguchi (also the star of 1967’s “Kamen no Ninja Akakage”), Gold Wolf is considered Jiro’s brother since they were both developed by Dr. Komyoji. This creates an interesting dilemma near the end of the episode, as Jiro is hesitant to kill Wolf because of their connection. It’s legitimately touching when Kikaida/Jiro sheds tears after Gold Wolf’s demise, and goes further to emphasize the idea of the humanity inside of Kikaida and the power of the conscience circuit.

Beyond episode 11, much of Volume 3 is the same as what we’ve become accustomed to formulaically, though it’s all still fresh and fun just witnessing the new Destructoids and their bumbling way of carrying out Gil’s tall orders. Episodes 12-15 feature (in this order) Silver Cat, Pink Tiger, Silver Tortoise, and Golden Bat (who disguises himself as Taro, Mitsuko and Masaru’s older brother who was supposedly murdered by DARK). Backtracking a bit, it’s worth mentioning that Episode 14 is another hot one. Professor Gil resurrects all 13 Destructoids from the first set of episodes and pits them against his new force, Silver Tortoise, as a test of his strength. There’s something disturbingly radical about 14 Monsters taking each other on in a gigantic rock quarry (which I’m sure they had to hurry out of so another countless number of Tokusatsu shows could shoot there directly after).

So the usual perils are present. Komyoji searches for his own identity, Masaru parades around in short pants, and Mitsuko smiles indifferently at every chance she gets. There’s more to speak of, but everyone should really be supporting the DVD release of this classic series. There’s enough campy fun in one volume to last a long time, and this one is no exception. At this point, Volume 3 stands on par with the first disc, and a step above volume 2. “Kikaida” is most certainly a show worth collecting and watching over and over again.