Zeroing in on "Crime," "Environmental Destruction," and "Violation of Public Manners! Earth Warrior Zeros [Local Hero Super Compendium Part 2

Hello everyone.

This is the second in a series of columns introducing local heroes, and this time we introduce "Earth Warrior Zeros," a local hero protecting Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, as introduced by ...... "Owl Warrior Toshimach.

The 2nd Earth Warrior Zeros: Kansai Region, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Many local heroes' transformation suits are designed with local motifs, but the suit of "Earth Warrior Zeros," the hero we focus on this time, is very sharp and cool. The Zeros' transformation suit is mechanical in design, and is inspired by the Hybrid Armor series, which combines elements from the first half of the Heisei Kamen Rider series with those of metal-armor heroes.

The most distinctive and memorable feature is the mask design. The visor is cut in a tech design style, and the crimson red visor peeking out from the back is very cool. And the bodysuit is based on a leather-like bodysuit, not a wetsuit-like one like Spider-Man or Superman, which shows a strong focus on hard visuals. The Zeros struggle day and night to reduce "crime," "environmental destruction," and "violation of public manners" to "zero," and spend their days as heroes in community activities while educating children and even adults. This section will introduce how the Zeros, who are closely connected to their hometowns and take part in various small and large educational activities, are loved by the people of Naniwa-ku, Osaka.

Naniwa Ward, Osaka Prefecture

The main field of the Earth Warrior Zeros is Naniwa-ku, Osaka Prefecture in the Kinki region.

Located in the central part of Osaka Prefecture, the ward's flower is the nadeshiko. The total population is estimated at 72,350 (as of 10/01/2017). Nippombashi, a part of Osaka's huge downtown "Minami" and home to "Denden Town," an electric town also known as "Akihabara of the West," and Shinsekai, one of Osaka's three major entertainment districts, where Mr. Billiken is a popular guess. In the center of the area, you can look up at the landmark "Tsutenkaku Tower" with its familiar neon sign that reads "Safe and Reliable. Osaka City Air Terminal, the largest bus terminal in western Japan, is also located here, making the city the gateway to Kansai Airport.

It is also important to note that "New Star," a store where you can play old-fashioned amusements and smart balls, is still active. This commercial area of Osaka is densely packed with various old and new entertainment facilities and many restaurants and souvenir stores. Naniwa-ku is a charming town that is always bustling with people and attracts many domestic and foreign tourists.

Steadily working like Toyotomi Hideyoshi

When Zeros first appeared in the Kansai area, there were many nationally known local heroes, both old and new, and the main heroes at the time were the first generation of heroes that emerged in the 00s. In fact, Zeros also debuted in 2009, and is now one of the oldest local heroes in the country.

Around 2011, with the rapid spread of social networking tools, local information began to spread across the country, and with it, the existence of local heroes also became known to people in other regions.

From the perspective of other regions, the Zeros appeared like a bright star in Osaka at that time and seemed to rise to national prominence in the blink of an eye. However, until his breakthrough period, Zeros was a hard worker who worked steadily with the local government to raise awareness. They continued to perform at many events, from small events to large festivals, and acquired a core fan base. These core fans spread the word about the Zeros' activities through social networking tools, boosting their name recognition.

Other factors that helped propel the Zeros to national prominence include the perfection of their transformation suits, the fun of their stories, and the heroes themselves' use of social networking tools.

The Zeros have also pioneered the use of social networking tools by the heroes themselves. The Zeros have shown a unique side as heroes that can be talked about on the Internet, and have developed offline events where they can talk with local heroes from other regions on social networking sites, establishing a "moe" relationship that female fans like.

Zeros, who were also skilled at self-promotion, gained popularity and expanded the scope of their activities to include many corporate projects. He was appointed as a promotion captain for the movie "Kick-Ass," appeared at One Festival, was ranked in Asahi x Lawson's "Local Hero Sticker Collection 2013" and "Double Sticker Collection 2015," and participated in "Local Character Dream Festa in Shirakawa," "Local Hero Scramble," "Japan Local Hero Festival 2014" and many other big festivals for local heroes. In addition, a stage version of the show has also been produced.

Recently, he has also been active as a YouTuber, and is a very popular hero who is expanding the possibilities of local heroes from various angles.

Ecological Fighter of Naniwa

The story of "Earth Warrior Zeros" is surprisingly complex and intense.

Naniwa-ku, a commercial area in Osaka, is plagued by "crime," "environmental destruction," and "violation of public manners," and in order to reduce these three to zero, a young man from Naniwa-ku named "Namihayato" transformed into the Earth Warrior Zeros and started an awareness campaign.

Around that time, an evil organization called the Verdemon Army began to appear at festivals and events. Led by General Heat Island, the Vermonter Legion begins to take over the world, starting with Naniwa Ward, under the slogan of environmental pollution, public safety, and moral hazard. Here begins the battle between the Zeros and the Verdemon Army.

The Zeros, who control clean energy, break down the monsters into ions and recycle them into PET bottles, but the onslaught of the verdemon army is unstoppable and a fierce battle ensues.

Then a mysterious third man, a jet-black warrior who calls himself "Zax," challenges both General Heat Island and Zeros. He believes that humans and monsters are unnecessary for the sake of the earth's environment, and his power is almost equal to that of Zeros. The jet-black anti-hero adds a new essence to the story, which evolves into a three-way battle, with the Zeros, worn down by the battle between the two forces, being defeated by General Heat Island. However, with the help of the people of Naniwa Ward, the Zeros are powered up and resurrected. The story of Season 1 came to a conclusion with the successful defeat of General Heat Island and the victory over Zechs, who had challenged them to a further battle.

However, just as peace was restored to Naniwa Ward, the Verdemon Army returned with even more power with the rise of two new enemies, "General Death Oxin" and "Virus Hacker Counselor". After being defeated by the powered-up Zeros, Zechs was exposed to Naniwa's humanity and found it to be the source of his power, and by teaming up with the Zeros, he became a buddy hero instead of an anti-hero. This summer, he will continue his fierce battle against the verdemon army.

Expectations are high for a deep drama that will rival the best of the nation's heroes.

Here are the specs of "Earth Warrior Zeros" and "Dark Warrior Zaxx.

Left: " Earth Warrior Zeros"HeroSpecs

・Height: 190m
Weight: 80kg

Special move: Plasma Ion Kick
Special ability: Ionizes monsters and turns them into recycled goods, a.k.a. the man who recycles everything.

Weapon: None
Vehicle: None
Before Transformation: Hayato Nami
Occupation before transformation: Clerk at a certain store

A hero of justice who fights against an evil organization that plans to destroy the global environment while raising awareness to reduce to zero "crime," "environmental destruction," and "violation of public manners.

Right"DarkWarriorZaxx"Anti-heroSpecifications
・ Height unknown
Weight unknown

Special move: Dark Tornado Kick
Special ability: Can handle natural energy

Weapon: None Vehicle: None

Before transformation: Jin Ebisu
Occupation before transformation: unknown

Fights to save the earth. He is an exclusivist who believes that humanity is unnecessary if the earth's environment is to be protected. He is constantly at odds with Xelloss due to their different ways of thinking. He hates idealism, does not trust people, and is a fighter of faith who believes only in power.

In the next issue, we will introduce "Dalryzer," who protects Shirakawa City in Fukushima Prefecture.

Stay tuned.

(Text by Hiseki GFX)
© JUNGLE.