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!!!Voiced by: Creator/ShowtaroMorikubo (SIRKS 01), Creator/{{Chafurin}} (SIRKS 02), Creator/MitsuoIwata (SIRKS 03), Creator/NobuoTobita (SIRKS 04) and Creator/AkioOhtsuka (SIRKS 05)
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!!!Voiced by: Creator/ShowtaroMorikubo (SIRKS 01), Creator/{{Chafurin}} (SIRKS 02), Creator/MitsuoIwata (SIRKS 03), Creator/NobuoTobita (SIRKS 04) and Creator/AkioOhtsuka Creator/AkioOtsuka (SIRKS 05)
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Trope has been merged into Badass Biker, pothole.
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A mysterious BikerBabe and her brother who are seen hanging around the city occasionally. They're actually a pair of mutants serving the Skull Man who were originally experimented on by the Otomo Group.
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A mysterious BikerBabe biker and her brother who are seen hanging around the city occasionally. They're actually a pair of mutants serving the Skull Man who were originally experimented on by the Otomo Group.
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* ScamReligion: While founded with sincere intentions, by the present day they're just being used by the Otomo Group to peddle {{Transformation Trinkets}} that [[spoiler:turn people into mutants]]
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* ScamReligion: While founded with sincere intentions, by the present day they're just being used by the Otomo Group to peddle {{Transformation Trinkets}} Trinket}}s that [[spoiler:turn people into mutants]]
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Just adding some tropes where they seemed appropriate.
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* ActionGirl: She knows martial arts.
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* ActionSurvivor: Subverted. He makes it through the main conflict of the series, only to be killed in the epilogue [[spoiler:by a resurrected Hayato.]]
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* InspectorJavert: He's initially dead set on arresting Hayato, though he eventually comes around once more pressing matters arise.
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!!!Voiced by: Makoto Yasamura
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!!!Voiced by: Makoto YasamuraCreator/MakotoYasumura
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* ArchnemesisDad: It's implied by the ending that Kiriko's child is [[Manga/Cyborg Joe Shimamura]] and that Hayato is the father, meaning that Cyborg 009 is Skull's ''son''.
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* ArchnemesisDad: It's implied by the ending that Kiriko's child is [[Manga/Cyborg [[Manga/Cyborg009 Joe Shimamura]] and that Hayato is the father, meaning that Cyborg 009 is Skull's ''son''.
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[[foldercontrol]]
'''2007 anime'''
!Main Characters
[[folder:Skull Man]]
!!Skull Man
!!!Voiced by: Creator/HiroshiTsuchida
A mysterious man in skull shaped mask making appearances in Ōtomo City and rumored to have been killing numerous people at night. He is believed to be the missing Tatsuo Kagura. [[spoiler:Eventually though, it's revealed he's Father Yoshio Kanzaki, who donned the suit to kill those transformed into mutants by the White Bell cult. After Yoshio's death, Hayato becomes Skull Man himself to save Maya from the White Bell's ritual.]]
* AdaptationalHeroism: While still a villain, he's a lot less sadistic than his original counterpart from the one-shot manga and makes sure to limit the collateral damage from his murders so he only kills his target.
----
* AntagonistTitle: He's the titular character and the one Hayato is investigating. Though later [[spoiler:Hayato himself dons the suit, inverting this trope.]]
* BadassBiker: Rides around on a motorcycle, basically making him a darker version of ''Series/KamenRider''.
* BigBadFriend: It turns out he's really [[spoiler:Father Yoshio Kanzaki, the owner of the orphanage and Hayato's close friend.]]
* CastAsAMask: His seiyuu, Hiroshi Tsuchida, only voices the wearer of the mask and not his civilian identity when he doesn't have the mask on. [[spoiler:[[LegacyCharacter Either of them]].]]
* ConsummateProfessional: Commits his killings as swiftly as possible and doesn't revel in spilling blood.
* {{Expy}}: He takes more than a few cues from ''Series/KamenRider'', which is ironic considering the original ''Skull Man'' manga is what was used as the basis for Kamen Rider in the first place.
* EvilVersusEvil: The Skull Man at several points finds himself going up against other bad guys, such as Otomo Group's assassins or the SIRKS cyborgs.
* HeWhoFightsMonsters: In his own words, to fight evil he became a greater evil.
* LegacyCharacter: [[spoiler:Yoshio is the Skull Man for most of the series, but after he dies Hayato dons the suit and becomes the second Skull Man.]]
* ProphecyTwist: It's theorized by most that the Skull Man is Tatsuo Kagura, out for revenge for the incident ten years ago. [[spoiler:It later turns out the Skull Man is actually Yoshio, only for Hayato to become the second Skull Man soon after and to be revealed to be Tatsuo Kagura]].
* WellIntentionedExtremist: While he's perfectly willing to kill innocents who've been mutated, it's implied mutants become insane the moment they're fully transformed, and thus he sees it as better to kill them even if they haven't done anything wrong yet so it's before they've become a monster.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Hayato Mikogami]]
!!Hayato Mikogami
!!!Voiced by: Makoto Yasamura
A 23-year-old reporter who once lived in the orphanage in Ōtomo City. After being adopted and raised, he left Ōtomo to move to Tokyo so he can work for a famous newspaper. Years later while for a second rate newspaper he leaves to go back to Ōtomo City to investigate rumors of the legendary figure, Skull Man.
----
* {{Expy}}: He's a dead ringer for Hayato Ichimonji, the second Series/KamenRider, even sharing the name "Hayato" with him. [[spoiler:Not to mention, he's also the second person to don the identity of masked, motorcycle-riding superhero.]]
* FallenHero: [[spoiler:After becoming the second Skull Man and losing Maya, Hayato gets fully taken over by the suit and transformed into Skull, the nefarious leader of the Black Ghost organization and BigBad of ''Manga/Cyborg009''. How's that for a twist?]]
* IntrepidReporter: Comes to Otomo City seeking to investigate the Skull Man firsthand for his newspaper.
* LukeIAmYourFather: He later turns out to be [[spoiler:the brother of Maya after being revealed as Tatsuo Kagura.]] The epilogue also implies he may be [[spoiler:the ''father'' of [[Manga/Cyborg009 Joe Shimamura]].]]
* ShipTease: He gets a few moments that tease something between him and Kiriko, most notably the scene when he's hiding out in the forest after [[spoiler:being framed for Nami's murder]] and she brings him. In the epilogue [[spoiler:Kiriko is shown having given birth to a child alluded to be Hayato's]].
* TakeUpMySword: [[spoiler:After Yoshio becomes too injured to use the Skull Man suit, Hayato dons it against his friend's wishes to save Maya.]]
* TomatoInTheMirror: [[spoiler:He spends most of the anime believing the rumors that Tatsuo Kagura is the Skull Man. It later turns out ''he'' is Tatsuo Kagura, right after he dons the Skull Man suit.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Kiriko Mamiya]]
!!Kiriko Mamiya
!!!Voiced by: Creator/AyakoKawasumi
A 16-year-old girl aspiring to be a photographer who Hayato helps get into the city. She ends up sticking with him so she'll have a place to stay and helps him with his work. It's later revealed she came the city to look for a friend of hers from the anti-war movement who disappeared two years ago.
----
* BoyishShortHair: Wears her hair short and is quite the PluckyGirl.
* FriendToAllChildren: She spends a lot of time playing with the children in Yoshio's orphanage.
* LukeIAmYourFather: The ending implies [[spoiler:she's the ''mother'' of Joe Shimamura aka Manga/Cyborg009.]]
* PluckyGirl: Is perfectly willing to throw herself into dangerous situations just to get photos of the Skull Man.
* ShipTease: Late into the anime it becomes clear she has a crush on Hayato. If [[spoiler:her giving birth to a child alluded to be Hayato's is anything to go by,]] she may have been successful.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Kyoichiro Tachigi]]
!!Kyoichiro Tachigi
!!!Voiced by: Katsunosuke Hori
A 70-year-old PrivateDetective who comes to Ōtomo City on the same train as Hayato Mikogami and Kiriko Mamiya. He helps Hayato and Kiriko at several points in their investigation.
----
* CoolOldGuy: He's a pretty friendly, and frequently provides help to Hayato throughout the series.
* PrivateDetective: Claims to be one. It's later revealed he's [[spoiler:working for Brain Gear to catch the Skull Man for them]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tsuyoshi Shinjou]]
!!Tsuyoshi Shinjou
!!!Voiced by: Creator/TomokazuSeki
A detective in the Ōtomo City Police sent to keep tabs on Hayato Mikogami, eventually becoming an acquaintence of his after he becomes involved in the Skull Man incidents.
----
* BrokenPedestal: Eventually learns that [[spoiler:his partner Mitsuo, who he looked up to and learned everything about being a fair cop from, is actually a spy for White Bell.]]
* MaybeEverAfter: The epilogue implies: [[spoiler:he may have become a couple with Rena after starting a PrivateDetective business with her.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Yoshio Kanzaki]]
!!Yoshio Kanzaki
!!!Voiced by: Masayuki Kato
A 23-year-old catholic priest working at an orphanage, and a childhood friend of Hayato. Later revealed to be [[spoiler:the true identity of Skull Man.]]
----
* AffablyEvil: Even after it's revealed [[spoiler:he's the Skull Man]], he's still perfectly friendly with Hayato and clearly regretful about his actions.
* BadassPreacher: [[spoiler:He's a priest by day and the Skull Man by night.]]
* EvilAllAlong: [[spoiler:He's actually the Skull Man, though he's more a PunchClockVillain than anything else.]]
* FaceDeathWithDignity: [[spoiler:He's completely accepting of his death when the SIRKS destroy his church with him in it, believing it to be justified punishment for the murders he's committed.]]
* NiceGuy: He's a pretty friendly guy, opening his church to everyone and providing a home for orphaned children.
* PunchClockVillain: Though he's [[spoiler:the one murdering people as Skull Man]], he views it only as a duty given to him and is clearly regretful about some of his actions.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Rena & Tetsurou Shingyouji]]
!!Rena & Tetsurou Shingyouji
!!!Voiced by: Creator/MichikoNeya (Rena) and Hideki Tasaka (Tetsurou)
A mysterious BikerBabe and her brother who are seen hanging around the city occasionally. They're actually a pair of mutants serving the Skull Man who were originally experimented on by the Otomo Group.
----
* BrotherSisterTeam: They're a brother and sister who were both turned into mutants.
* CoDragons: They're both the Skull Man's henchmen and aid him on his hunts.
* HeelFaceTurn: [[spoiler:Rena ends up joining Hayato and co. in fighting the cult after Hayato becomes the second wearer of the Skull Man costume.]]
* MaybeEverAfter: The epilogue implies [[spoiler:Rena may have become a couple with Shinjo after starting a PrivateDetective business with him.]]
* NiceJobFixingItVillain: While aiding the Skull Man in his hunts, they also show up to help Hayato several times.
* SuperPrototype: Somewhat. While they don't appear to too much stronger than other mutants, the fact that they're early prototypes of the mutant process means that they retain their humanity in their mutant forms and can freely switch between them.
[[/folder]]
!Otomo Group
[[folder:In General]]
!!General Tropes
The MegaCorp responsible for developing Otomo City.
----
* OmniscientCouncilOfVagueness: The Otomo board, which appears at several points to speak vaguely of their mysterious "Gago Plan" and provide commentary on the events going on.
* OneNationUnderCopyright It's an open secret that they run Otomo City. They developed the city from the ground up, the mayor is their former spokesman, the police chief is also on their payroll and the most popular religious organization in the city is also controlled by them.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Gozo Kuroshio]]
!!Gozo Kuroshio
!!!Voiced by: Osamu Saka
The chairman of the Ōtomo Concern and financial backer of Otomo City's White Bell religion, as well as a friendly acquaintance of Hayato's. Secretly, he's involved in a number of dirty dealings behind the scenes and is planning something mysterious known only as the "Gagou Plan".
----
* AffablyEvil: He may be a CorruptCorporateExecutive, but he's a remarkably down-to-Earth guy who's friendly with Hayato and also a dedicated family man.
* BigBadEnsemble: Gozo Kuroshio is the mastermind behind Otomo's "Gagou Plan" and the main one responsible for the mutants springing up in the city. Next to him is the Skull Man, who is hunting the mutants, as well as his illegitimate son Masaki and Van Vogt, who both have their own plans. [[spoiler:He eventually willingly steps out of this role after losing faith in the Gagou Plan when he sees the strain the preparations for it are putting on his daughter.]]
* CorruptCorporateExecutive: He's the head of his city's ruling MegaCorp and secretly planning to turn everyone in the city into mutants.
* EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: Despite the evil acts he's responsible for, he deeply cares for his daughter Maya, putting her safety first and foremost. He's also on good terms with Hayato, and pulls strings at several points to get him out of trouble.
* GoodSmokingEvilSmoking: Is seen chomping on a cigar in a few scenes.
* NonActionBigBad: Subverted. While he spends most of the series not doing anything physical, in the final episode he grabs a shotgun and goes to [[spoiler:put down his BastardBastard son. Though by that he wasn't really the BigBad anymore either.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Masaki Kumashiro]]
!!Masaki Kumashiro
!!!Voiced by: Creator/ToshiyukiMorikawa
The illegitimate son of Gozo Kuroshio and an executive of Otomo. Is resentful towards his father for refusing to acknowledge him as his son while in public and appears to be involved in his own dealings behind his father's back.
----
* BastardBastard: He's Gozo's illegitimate son and an absolute piece of work.
* BigBadEnsemble: While technically subordinate to Gozo, it's clear from early on that Masaki has his own agenda apart from his father. [[spoiler:Once Gozo attempts to close the Gagou Plan, Masaki takes his father's place in managing it and winds up the final opponent of the Skull Man in the series.]]
* FinalBoss: [[spoiler:After transforming into a super-mutant, he serves as the last villain faced by Skull Man in the series.]]
* IncestSubtext: [[spoiler:After using Maya's power to transform himself, he declares he has both married her and become her child. {{Squick}} indeed.]]
* LightIsNotGood: [[spoiler:His OneWingedAngel form is bright yellow, but is so twisted and monstrous it's clear he's not good at all.]]
* MotiveDecay: He starts off mostly wanting to get back by his father, but by the end of the series it's clear he's mostly just out for power [[spoiler:and to [[AGodAmI become God]].]]
* OneWingedAngel: [[spoiler:After hooking Maya up to the White Bell cross, Masaki enters the cocoon and uses her power to evolve into a super-mutant, proclaiming himself god of a new human race.]]
* PhlebotinumOverload: [[spoiler:While his OneWingedAngel form is on equal if not greater footing with the Skull Man, it also lacks the stability the Skull Man's helmet provides and thus, he instantly becomes unstable once he detaches from the cocoon he came out of.]]
* TheStarscream: It becomes clear early on that he's planning to sweep the rug out from under his father and is slowly building up power in order to do so. [[spoiler:Once the Gagou Plan goes into motion, Masaki betrays the other members of White Bell and hijacks it all for himself.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Takumi Kusaka]]
!!Takumi Kusaka
!!!Voiced by: Katsuhisa Hoki
The 53-year-old Mayor of Ōtomo City. Prior to becoming mayor he was a spokesperson of the Ōtomo Group and is still on their payroll.
----
* PuppetKing: Even though he's the mayor, it's clear he's just a figurehead and Gozo is the one really running the town.
* ShoutOut: His name is taken from the names of the main and secondary Rider of ''Series/KamenRider555'', '''Takumi''' Inui and Masato '''Kusaka'''.
* VillainousBSOD: Freaks out when he believes the Skull Man is Tatsuo Kagura having returned to punish them, leading Otomo to [[spoiler:have him assassinated out of fear he'll spill their plans.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Gisuke Haniwa]]
!!Gisuke Haniwa
!!!Voiced by: Shinpachi Tsuji
The corrupt police chief of Ōtomo City, effectively acting as Gōzō's attack dog.
----
* BaldOfEvil: He doesn't have a hair on his head and is easily one of the most vile characters in the entire series.
* DirtyCop: Outside of being on Gozo's payroll, Haniwa frequently abuses his position for selfish reasons. He's also the one responsible for [[spoiler:framing Hayato for Nami's murder late into the series.]]
* TheDragon: He's the one Gozo usually gets to do his dirty work.
* FatBastard: He's a noticeably portly fellow and an amoral SOB.
* HateSink: There is nothing redeemable about Haniwa. He's cares for no one but himself and relishes in abusing his position. He's also the one responsible for carrying out the incident at the Kagura residence, burning the house down with the family still inside it, which even his associates thought [[EvenEvilHasStandards was going too far]].
* LaserGuidedKarma: [[spoiler:Is shot and killed by Kyoichiro Tachigi, who turns out to be the very same soldier whose family Haniwa was responsible for the deaths of (see below).]]
* SociopathicSoldier: While an officer of the Japanese military in World War II, Haniwa took part in the sacking of villages, embezzled valuables and sold guns on the side. When a soldier in his platoon threatened to expose him, Haniwa sent him to the frontlines so he would be killed and had the soldier's entire family locked up in prison, where they later died.
[[/folder]]
!White Bell Association
[[folder:In General]]
!!General Tropes
A popular religious organization within Otomo City, with many prominent figures in the city being members.
----
* LightIsNotGood: Though they're the ''White'' Bell, they're really just a cult propped up by a sinister MegaCorp.
* ScamReligion: While founded with sincere intentions, by the present day they're just being used by the Otomo Group to peddle {{Transformation Trinkets}} that [[spoiler:turn people into mutants]]
* TransformationTrinket: The silver membership pendants they give people are really [[spoiler:devices to mutate them into G.R.O. that fully transform their wearers once removed.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Maya Kuroshio]]
!!Maya Kuroshio
!!!Voiced by: Creator/FumikoOrikasa
The 17-year-old frail daughter of Gōzō and the religious figurehead of the White Bell Association.
----
* FriendlyEnemies: While nominally heading a religion hostile to Yoshio's church, Maya has no resentment for him at all and frequently helps him take care of the kids at his orphanage, apparently out of her attraction to him.
* LivingMacguffin: She's a key part of the Gagou Plan, as she's the central to the White Bell's ritual.
* NiceGirl: She's a sweet girl with not a bad bone in her body.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Sara Kuroshio]]
!!Sara Kuroshio
!!!Voiced by: Kazue Komiya
Gōzō's wife and the head of White Bell.
----
* AbusiveParents: Unlike her husband, she thought nothing of [[spoiler:using her daughter for a dangerous ritual in spite of her weak health.]]
* LadyMacbeth: She runs the White Bell for her husband and, [[spoiler:when Gozo gives up on the Gagou Plan, Sara continues to go through with it.]]
* SinisterMinister: Runs the White Bell and is secretly one of the key players in Otomo's Gagou Plan.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Jin Koichi]]
!!Jin Koichi
!!!Voiced by: Kenji Matsuda
A member of the White Bell working as an assassin for the Otomo Group who turns out to be an old friend of Kiriko's, having been involved in the same anti-war movement she was in two years ago, and is the one she came to the city to search for. On Gozo's order, Jin becomes a fake Skull Man in order to use the real Skull Man's murdering spree as a cover to eliminate targets for him.
----
* GoodScarsEvilScars: Has a scar right below the left side of his mouth. It's later what Hayato uses to identify him as the fake Skull Man.
* TragicVillain: He's only working for Gozo and Otomo because he has no where else to go as, were it not for them, he would be a fugitive for his actions in the anti-war movement.
* VillainousBSOD: When Hayato witnesses him murder [[spoiler:the mayor]], Jin tries to kill him as well for being a witness, only to hesitate when Kiriko rushes in to shield him, recognizing her as his close friend from two years ago and choosing to walk off instead and leave them alive.
[[/folder]]
!Brain Gear
[[folder:In General]]
!!General Tropes
A multinational tech conglomerate partnered with the Otomo Group. Secretly a front for Black Ghost from ''Manga/Cyborg009''.
----
* TheBadGuyWins: [[spoiler:At the end, they get their hands on the Skull Man suit after Hayato is taken over by it.]]
* GreaterScopeVillain: They're a much bigger force than the Otomo Group. [[spoiler:After Hayato becomes Skull and subsequently leader of Black Ghost, he is welcomed by a mysterious voice whom he pledges to serve.]]
* MegaCorp: They're a global tech conglomerate even larger than the Otomo Group.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Alucard van Vogt]]
!!Alucard van Vogt
!!!Voiced by: Creator/UnshoIshizuka
An executive of Brain Gear who comes to Otomo City seeking to obtain the Skull Man suit for Brain Gear.
----
* BigBadEnsemble: He's also seeking to claim the Skull Man, like Otomo, though he's considerably less active than the others in the Ensemble. Either way, [[spoiler:he's the one of them to come out getting exactly what he wanted in the end.]]
* TheCameo: He's pretty clearly Van Vogt from ''Manga/Cyborg009''.
* CorruptCorporateExecutive: Even without the knowledge that he's the second-in-command of an amoral [[WarForFunAndProfit war-profiteering group]], Van Vogt's actions such as employing the SIRKS cyborgs show he's not a man of many morals.
* DemotedToDragon: [[spoiler:After Hayato Mikogami is taken over by the Skull Man suit and transformed into Skull, Van Vogt willingly subordinates himself to him and is seen bowing before him in TheStinger.]]
* EvilerThanThou: [[spoiler:To Kanji Isurugi. After the major tries to gun him down, Van Vogt reveals his cyborg body and makes short work of Isurugi and his coup attempt.]]
* LargeAndInCharge: He has a large, stocky figure that noticeably towers over others.
* WeHaveReserves: Sent the SIRKS against the Skull Man in order to see how powerful the Skull Man was, not intending for them to return.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Helen]]
!!Helen
!!!Voiced by: Creator/SatsukiYukino
Alucard van Vogt's secretary.
----
* TheCameo: Is Helen from the Yomi arc of ''Manga/Cyborg009''.
* CoolShades: Dons a pair of sunglasses in a few scenes.
* SatelliteCharacter: Her characterization in this anime doesn't go far beyond her being Van Vogt's secretary.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Dr. Gamo Whisky]]
!!Dr. Gamo Whisky
!!!Voiced by: Creator/SeizoKato
A scientist working for Brain Gear and the one responsible for creating the SIRKS.
----
* TheCameo: Like Van Vogt and Helen, he's another character lifted from ''Manga/Cyborg009''.
* EvenEvilHasStandards: He seemed rather unnerved about Van Vogt's cavalier attitude over the SIRKS being lost.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:SIRKS]]
!!SIRKS
!!!Voiced by: Creator/ShowtaroMorikubo (SIRKS 01), Creator/{{Chafurin}} (SIRKS 02), Creator/MitsuoIwata (SIRKS 03), Creator/NobuoTobita (SIRKS 04) and Creator/AkioOhtsuka (SIRKS 05)
A team of five cyborg mercenaries employed by Brain Gear as assassins.
----
* {{Expy}}: They're pretty clearly based off of Cyborgs 002, 004, 005, 006 and 008, though some of their powers and appearances differ.
* MonsterClown: Their suits all have clown makeup on them, presumably for the [[RuleOfScary spooky factor]].
* NoNameGiven: They're all only known by their code names. SIRKS 04 can't even remember his real name from before he was a cyborg. [[spoiler:It's later revealed by Yoshio to be "Jack Goodman".]]
* ShellShockedVeteran: SIRKS 04, who is clearly still reeling from PTSD from the war he fought in.
* SociopathicSoldier: Most of them think nothing of killing innocents while on the job.
* WouldHurtAChild: SIRKS 02 had a lot of fun setting fire to Yoshio's orphanage. Luckily he was stopped before he could actually harm the orphans themselves.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:'''Spoiler Character''']]
!!Skull
!!!Voiced by Creator/NorioWakamoto
The sinister leader of Black Ghost, revealed to be the Skull Man after Hayato was taken over by the suit.
----
* ArchnemesisDad: It's implied by the ending that Kiriko's child is [[Manga/Cyborg Joe Shimamura]] and that Hayato is the father, meaning that Cyborg 009 is Skull's ''son''.
* DarkIsEvil: While the Skull Man helmet is silver for most of the anime, after Hayato is transformed into Skull it turns black.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: His helmet has bright red glowing eyes on it.
* WalkingSpoiler: Knowing he exists spoils the TwistEnding of the entire anime.
[[/folder]]
!Other
[[folder:Kanji Isurugi]]
!!Major Kanji Isurugi
!!!Voiced by: Creator/HochuOtsuka
A nationalistic member of the Japanese military secretly plotting a military coup. Has an alliance with Masaki Kumashiro of the Otomo Group.
----
* TheCoup: Is plotting once against the government to restore Japan to be a military power.
* EvilReactionary: He carries a lot pre-World War II sentiments about Japanese imperialism and seeks to restore Japan as "the leader of Asia".
* TooDumbToLive: [[spoiler:As he learned the hard way, picking a fight with Van Vogt is not a good idea.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tatsuyuki Kagura]]
!!Tatsuyuki Kagura
The scientist who studied the Skull Man suit before perishing in a mysterious incident ten years ago.
----
* PosthumousCharacter: He's long dead by the time the series begins, but his actions helped to shape the entire plot.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tatsuo Kagura]]
!!Tatsuo Kagura
The son of the researcher of the Skull Man suit, believed by many to have survived the incident ten years ago and to be the true identity of the Skull Man. Eventually it turns out [[spoiler:Hayato Mikogami is really him.]]
----
* TheReveal: [[spoiler:He's really Hayato Mikogami, having been saved by Gozo and sent to an orphanage after the Kagura incident.]]
[[/folder]]
'''2007 anime'''
!Main Characters
[[folder:Skull Man]]
!!Skull Man
!!!Voiced by: Creator/HiroshiTsuchida
A mysterious man in skull shaped mask making appearances in Ōtomo City and rumored to have been killing numerous people at night. He is believed to be the missing Tatsuo Kagura. [[spoiler:Eventually though, it's revealed he's Father Yoshio Kanzaki, who donned the suit to kill those transformed into mutants by the White Bell cult. After Yoshio's death, Hayato becomes Skull Man himself to save Maya from the White Bell's ritual.]]
* AdaptationalHeroism: While still a villain, he's a lot less sadistic than his original counterpart from the one-shot manga and makes sure to limit the collateral damage from his murders so he only kills his target.
----
* AntagonistTitle: He's the titular character and the one Hayato is investigating. Though later [[spoiler:Hayato himself dons the suit, inverting this trope.]]
* BadassBiker: Rides around on a motorcycle, basically making him a darker version of ''Series/KamenRider''.
* BigBadFriend: It turns out he's really [[spoiler:Father Yoshio Kanzaki, the owner of the orphanage and Hayato's close friend.]]
* CastAsAMask: His seiyuu, Hiroshi Tsuchida, only voices the wearer of the mask and not his civilian identity when he doesn't have the mask on. [[spoiler:[[LegacyCharacter Either of them]].]]
* ConsummateProfessional: Commits his killings as swiftly as possible and doesn't revel in spilling blood.
* {{Expy}}: He takes more than a few cues from ''Series/KamenRider'', which is ironic considering the original ''Skull Man'' manga is what was used as the basis for Kamen Rider in the first place.
* EvilVersusEvil: The Skull Man at several points finds himself going up against other bad guys, such as Otomo Group's assassins or the SIRKS cyborgs.
* HeWhoFightsMonsters: In his own words, to fight evil he became a greater evil.
* LegacyCharacter: [[spoiler:Yoshio is the Skull Man for most of the series, but after he dies Hayato dons the suit and becomes the second Skull Man.]]
* ProphecyTwist: It's theorized by most that the Skull Man is Tatsuo Kagura, out for revenge for the incident ten years ago. [[spoiler:It later turns out the Skull Man is actually Yoshio, only for Hayato to become the second Skull Man soon after and to be revealed to be Tatsuo Kagura]].
* WellIntentionedExtremist: While he's perfectly willing to kill innocents who've been mutated, it's implied mutants become insane the moment they're fully transformed, and thus he sees it as better to kill them even if they haven't done anything wrong yet so it's before they've become a monster.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Hayato Mikogami]]
!!Hayato Mikogami
!!!Voiced by: Makoto Yasamura
A 23-year-old reporter who once lived in the orphanage in Ōtomo City. After being adopted and raised, he left Ōtomo to move to Tokyo so he can work for a famous newspaper. Years later while for a second rate newspaper he leaves to go back to Ōtomo City to investigate rumors of the legendary figure, Skull Man.
----
* {{Expy}}: He's a dead ringer for Hayato Ichimonji, the second Series/KamenRider, even sharing the name "Hayato" with him. [[spoiler:Not to mention, he's also the second person to don the identity of masked, motorcycle-riding superhero.]]
* FallenHero: [[spoiler:After becoming the second Skull Man and losing Maya, Hayato gets fully taken over by the suit and transformed into Skull, the nefarious leader of the Black Ghost organization and BigBad of ''Manga/Cyborg009''. How's that for a twist?]]
* IntrepidReporter: Comes to Otomo City seeking to investigate the Skull Man firsthand for his newspaper.
* LukeIAmYourFather: He later turns out to be [[spoiler:the brother of Maya after being revealed as Tatsuo Kagura.]] The epilogue also implies he may be [[spoiler:the ''father'' of [[Manga/Cyborg009 Joe Shimamura]].]]
* ShipTease: He gets a few moments that tease something between him and Kiriko, most notably the scene when he's hiding out in the forest after [[spoiler:being framed for Nami's murder]] and she brings him. In the epilogue [[spoiler:Kiriko is shown having given birth to a child alluded to be Hayato's]].
* TakeUpMySword: [[spoiler:After Yoshio becomes too injured to use the Skull Man suit, Hayato dons it against his friend's wishes to save Maya.]]
* TomatoInTheMirror: [[spoiler:He spends most of the anime believing the rumors that Tatsuo Kagura is the Skull Man. It later turns out ''he'' is Tatsuo Kagura, right after he dons the Skull Man suit.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Kiriko Mamiya]]
!!Kiriko Mamiya
!!!Voiced by: Creator/AyakoKawasumi
A 16-year-old girl aspiring to be a photographer who Hayato helps get into the city. She ends up sticking with him so she'll have a place to stay and helps him with his work. It's later revealed she came the city to look for a friend of hers from the anti-war movement who disappeared two years ago.
----
* BoyishShortHair: Wears her hair short and is quite the PluckyGirl.
* FriendToAllChildren: She spends a lot of time playing with the children in Yoshio's orphanage.
* LukeIAmYourFather: The ending implies [[spoiler:she's the ''mother'' of Joe Shimamura aka Manga/Cyborg009.]]
* PluckyGirl: Is perfectly willing to throw herself into dangerous situations just to get photos of the Skull Man.
* ShipTease: Late into the anime it becomes clear she has a crush on Hayato. If [[spoiler:her giving birth to a child alluded to be Hayato's is anything to go by,]] she may have been successful.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Kyoichiro Tachigi]]
!!Kyoichiro Tachigi
!!!Voiced by: Katsunosuke Hori
A 70-year-old PrivateDetective who comes to Ōtomo City on the same train as Hayato Mikogami and Kiriko Mamiya. He helps Hayato and Kiriko at several points in their investigation.
----
* CoolOldGuy: He's a pretty friendly, and frequently provides help to Hayato throughout the series.
* PrivateDetective: Claims to be one. It's later revealed he's [[spoiler:working for Brain Gear to catch the Skull Man for them]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tsuyoshi Shinjou]]
!!Tsuyoshi Shinjou
!!!Voiced by: Creator/TomokazuSeki
A detective in the Ōtomo City Police sent to keep tabs on Hayato Mikogami, eventually becoming an acquaintence of his after he becomes involved in the Skull Man incidents.
----
* BrokenPedestal: Eventually learns that [[spoiler:his partner Mitsuo, who he looked up to and learned everything about being a fair cop from, is actually a spy for White Bell.]]
* MaybeEverAfter: The epilogue implies: [[spoiler:he may have become a couple with Rena after starting a PrivateDetective business with her.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Yoshio Kanzaki]]
!!Yoshio Kanzaki
!!!Voiced by: Masayuki Kato
A 23-year-old catholic priest working at an orphanage, and a childhood friend of Hayato. Later revealed to be [[spoiler:the true identity of Skull Man.]]
----
* AffablyEvil: Even after it's revealed [[spoiler:he's the Skull Man]], he's still perfectly friendly with Hayato and clearly regretful about his actions.
* BadassPreacher: [[spoiler:He's a priest by day and the Skull Man by night.]]
* EvilAllAlong: [[spoiler:He's actually the Skull Man, though he's more a PunchClockVillain than anything else.]]
* FaceDeathWithDignity: [[spoiler:He's completely accepting of his death when the SIRKS destroy his church with him in it, believing it to be justified punishment for the murders he's committed.]]
* NiceGuy: He's a pretty friendly guy, opening his church to everyone and providing a home for orphaned children.
* PunchClockVillain: Though he's [[spoiler:the one murdering people as Skull Man]], he views it only as a duty given to him and is clearly regretful about some of his actions.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Rena & Tetsurou Shingyouji]]
!!Rena & Tetsurou Shingyouji
!!!Voiced by: Creator/MichikoNeya (Rena) and Hideki Tasaka (Tetsurou)
A mysterious BikerBabe and her brother who are seen hanging around the city occasionally. They're actually a pair of mutants serving the Skull Man who were originally experimented on by the Otomo Group.
----
* BrotherSisterTeam: They're a brother and sister who were both turned into mutants.
* CoDragons: They're both the Skull Man's henchmen and aid him on his hunts.
* HeelFaceTurn: [[spoiler:Rena ends up joining Hayato and co. in fighting the cult after Hayato becomes the second wearer of the Skull Man costume.]]
* MaybeEverAfter: The epilogue implies [[spoiler:Rena may have become a couple with Shinjo after starting a PrivateDetective business with him.]]
* NiceJobFixingItVillain: While aiding the Skull Man in his hunts, they also show up to help Hayato several times.
* SuperPrototype: Somewhat. While they don't appear to too much stronger than other mutants, the fact that they're early prototypes of the mutant process means that they retain their humanity in their mutant forms and can freely switch between them.
[[/folder]]
!Otomo Group
[[folder:In General]]
!!General Tropes
The MegaCorp responsible for developing Otomo City.
----
* OmniscientCouncilOfVagueness: The Otomo board, which appears at several points to speak vaguely of their mysterious "Gago Plan" and provide commentary on the events going on.
* OneNationUnderCopyright It's an open secret that they run Otomo City. They developed the city from the ground up, the mayor is their former spokesman, the police chief is also on their payroll and the most popular religious organization in the city is also controlled by them.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Gozo Kuroshio]]
!!Gozo Kuroshio
!!!Voiced by: Osamu Saka
The chairman of the Ōtomo Concern and financial backer of Otomo City's White Bell religion, as well as a friendly acquaintance of Hayato's. Secretly, he's involved in a number of dirty dealings behind the scenes and is planning something mysterious known only as the "Gagou Plan".
----
* AffablyEvil: He may be a CorruptCorporateExecutive, but he's a remarkably down-to-Earth guy who's friendly with Hayato and also a dedicated family man.
* BigBadEnsemble: Gozo Kuroshio is the mastermind behind Otomo's "Gagou Plan" and the main one responsible for the mutants springing up in the city. Next to him is the Skull Man, who is hunting the mutants, as well as his illegitimate son Masaki and Van Vogt, who both have their own plans. [[spoiler:He eventually willingly steps out of this role after losing faith in the Gagou Plan when he sees the strain the preparations for it are putting on his daughter.]]
* CorruptCorporateExecutive: He's the head of his city's ruling MegaCorp and secretly planning to turn everyone in the city into mutants.
* EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: Despite the evil acts he's responsible for, he deeply cares for his daughter Maya, putting her safety first and foremost. He's also on good terms with Hayato, and pulls strings at several points to get him out of trouble.
* GoodSmokingEvilSmoking: Is seen chomping on a cigar in a few scenes.
* NonActionBigBad: Subverted. While he spends most of the series not doing anything physical, in the final episode he grabs a shotgun and goes to [[spoiler:put down his BastardBastard son. Though by that he wasn't really the BigBad anymore either.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Masaki Kumashiro]]
!!Masaki Kumashiro
!!!Voiced by: Creator/ToshiyukiMorikawa
The illegitimate son of Gozo Kuroshio and an executive of Otomo. Is resentful towards his father for refusing to acknowledge him as his son while in public and appears to be involved in his own dealings behind his father's back.
----
* BastardBastard: He's Gozo's illegitimate son and an absolute piece of work.
* BigBadEnsemble: While technically subordinate to Gozo, it's clear from early on that Masaki has his own agenda apart from his father. [[spoiler:Once Gozo attempts to close the Gagou Plan, Masaki takes his father's place in managing it and winds up the final opponent of the Skull Man in the series.]]
* FinalBoss: [[spoiler:After transforming into a super-mutant, he serves as the last villain faced by Skull Man in the series.]]
* IncestSubtext: [[spoiler:After using Maya's power to transform himself, he declares he has both married her and become her child. {{Squick}} indeed.]]
* LightIsNotGood: [[spoiler:His OneWingedAngel form is bright yellow, but is so twisted and monstrous it's clear he's not good at all.]]
* MotiveDecay: He starts off mostly wanting to get back by his father, but by the end of the series it's clear he's mostly just out for power [[spoiler:and to [[AGodAmI become God]].]]
* OneWingedAngel: [[spoiler:After hooking Maya up to the White Bell cross, Masaki enters the cocoon and uses her power to evolve into a super-mutant, proclaiming himself god of a new human race.]]
* PhlebotinumOverload: [[spoiler:While his OneWingedAngel form is on equal if not greater footing with the Skull Man, it also lacks the stability the Skull Man's helmet provides and thus, he instantly becomes unstable once he detaches from the cocoon he came out of.]]
* TheStarscream: It becomes clear early on that he's planning to sweep the rug out from under his father and is slowly building up power in order to do so. [[spoiler:Once the Gagou Plan goes into motion, Masaki betrays the other members of White Bell and hijacks it all for himself.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Takumi Kusaka]]
!!Takumi Kusaka
!!!Voiced by: Katsuhisa Hoki
The 53-year-old Mayor of Ōtomo City. Prior to becoming mayor he was a spokesperson of the Ōtomo Group and is still on their payroll.
----
* PuppetKing: Even though he's the mayor, it's clear he's just a figurehead and Gozo is the one really running the town.
* ShoutOut: His name is taken from the names of the main and secondary Rider of ''Series/KamenRider555'', '''Takumi''' Inui and Masato '''Kusaka'''.
* VillainousBSOD: Freaks out when he believes the Skull Man is Tatsuo Kagura having returned to punish them, leading Otomo to [[spoiler:have him assassinated out of fear he'll spill their plans.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Gisuke Haniwa]]
!!Gisuke Haniwa
!!!Voiced by: Shinpachi Tsuji
The corrupt police chief of Ōtomo City, effectively acting as Gōzō's attack dog.
----
* BaldOfEvil: He doesn't have a hair on his head and is easily one of the most vile characters in the entire series.
* DirtyCop: Outside of being on Gozo's payroll, Haniwa frequently abuses his position for selfish reasons. He's also the one responsible for [[spoiler:framing Hayato for Nami's murder late into the series.]]
* TheDragon: He's the one Gozo usually gets to do his dirty work.
* FatBastard: He's a noticeably portly fellow and an amoral SOB.
* HateSink: There is nothing redeemable about Haniwa. He's cares for no one but himself and relishes in abusing his position. He's also the one responsible for carrying out the incident at the Kagura residence, burning the house down with the family still inside it, which even his associates thought [[EvenEvilHasStandards was going too far]].
* LaserGuidedKarma: [[spoiler:Is shot and killed by Kyoichiro Tachigi, who turns out to be the very same soldier whose family Haniwa was responsible for the deaths of (see below).]]
* SociopathicSoldier: While an officer of the Japanese military in World War II, Haniwa took part in the sacking of villages, embezzled valuables and sold guns on the side. When a soldier in his platoon threatened to expose him, Haniwa sent him to the frontlines so he would be killed and had the soldier's entire family locked up in prison, where they later died.
[[/folder]]
!White Bell Association
[[folder:In General]]
!!General Tropes
A popular religious organization within Otomo City, with many prominent figures in the city being members.
----
* LightIsNotGood: Though they're the ''White'' Bell, they're really just a cult propped up by a sinister MegaCorp.
* ScamReligion: While founded with sincere intentions, by the present day they're just being used by the Otomo Group to peddle {{Transformation Trinkets}} that [[spoiler:turn people into mutants]]
* TransformationTrinket: The silver membership pendants they give people are really [[spoiler:devices to mutate them into G.R.O. that fully transform their wearers once removed.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Maya Kuroshio]]
!!Maya Kuroshio
!!!Voiced by: Creator/FumikoOrikasa
The 17-year-old frail daughter of Gōzō and the religious figurehead of the White Bell Association.
----
* FriendlyEnemies: While nominally heading a religion hostile to Yoshio's church, Maya has no resentment for him at all and frequently helps him take care of the kids at his orphanage, apparently out of her attraction to him.
* LivingMacguffin: She's a key part of the Gagou Plan, as she's the central to the White Bell's ritual.
* NiceGirl: She's a sweet girl with not a bad bone in her body.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Sara Kuroshio]]
!!Sara Kuroshio
!!!Voiced by: Kazue Komiya
Gōzō's wife and the head of White Bell.
----
* AbusiveParents: Unlike her husband, she thought nothing of [[spoiler:using her daughter for a dangerous ritual in spite of her weak health.]]
* LadyMacbeth: She runs the White Bell for her husband and, [[spoiler:when Gozo gives up on the Gagou Plan, Sara continues to go through with it.]]
* SinisterMinister: Runs the White Bell and is secretly one of the key players in Otomo's Gagou Plan.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Jin Koichi]]
!!Jin Koichi
!!!Voiced by: Kenji Matsuda
A member of the White Bell working as an assassin for the Otomo Group who turns out to be an old friend of Kiriko's, having been involved in the same anti-war movement she was in two years ago, and is the one she came to the city to search for. On Gozo's order, Jin becomes a fake Skull Man in order to use the real Skull Man's murdering spree as a cover to eliminate targets for him.
----
* GoodScarsEvilScars: Has a scar right below the left side of his mouth. It's later what Hayato uses to identify him as the fake Skull Man.
* TragicVillain: He's only working for Gozo and Otomo because he has no where else to go as, were it not for them, he would be a fugitive for his actions in the anti-war movement.
* VillainousBSOD: When Hayato witnesses him murder [[spoiler:the mayor]], Jin tries to kill him as well for being a witness, only to hesitate when Kiriko rushes in to shield him, recognizing her as his close friend from two years ago and choosing to walk off instead and leave them alive.
[[/folder]]
!Brain Gear
[[folder:In General]]
!!General Tropes
A multinational tech conglomerate partnered with the Otomo Group. Secretly a front for Black Ghost from ''Manga/Cyborg009''.
----
* TheBadGuyWins: [[spoiler:At the end, they get their hands on the Skull Man suit after Hayato is taken over by it.]]
* GreaterScopeVillain: They're a much bigger force than the Otomo Group. [[spoiler:After Hayato becomes Skull and subsequently leader of Black Ghost, he is welcomed by a mysterious voice whom he pledges to serve.]]
* MegaCorp: They're a global tech conglomerate even larger than the Otomo Group.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Alucard van Vogt]]
!!Alucard van Vogt
!!!Voiced by: Creator/UnshoIshizuka
An executive of Brain Gear who comes to Otomo City seeking to obtain the Skull Man suit for Brain Gear.
----
* BigBadEnsemble: He's also seeking to claim the Skull Man, like Otomo, though he's considerably less active than the others in the Ensemble. Either way, [[spoiler:he's the one of them to come out getting exactly what he wanted in the end.]]
* TheCameo: He's pretty clearly Van Vogt from ''Manga/Cyborg009''.
* CorruptCorporateExecutive: Even without the knowledge that he's the second-in-command of an amoral [[WarForFunAndProfit war-profiteering group]], Van Vogt's actions such as employing the SIRKS cyborgs show he's not a man of many morals.
* DemotedToDragon: [[spoiler:After Hayato Mikogami is taken over by the Skull Man suit and transformed into Skull, Van Vogt willingly subordinates himself to him and is seen bowing before him in TheStinger.]]
* EvilerThanThou: [[spoiler:To Kanji Isurugi. After the major tries to gun him down, Van Vogt reveals his cyborg body and makes short work of Isurugi and his coup attempt.]]
* LargeAndInCharge: He has a large, stocky figure that noticeably towers over others.
* WeHaveReserves: Sent the SIRKS against the Skull Man in order to see how powerful the Skull Man was, not intending for them to return.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Helen]]
!!Helen
!!!Voiced by: Creator/SatsukiYukino
Alucard van Vogt's secretary.
----
* TheCameo: Is Helen from the Yomi arc of ''Manga/Cyborg009''.
* CoolShades: Dons a pair of sunglasses in a few scenes.
* SatelliteCharacter: Her characterization in this anime doesn't go far beyond her being Van Vogt's secretary.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Dr. Gamo Whisky]]
!!Dr. Gamo Whisky
!!!Voiced by: Creator/SeizoKato
A scientist working for Brain Gear and the one responsible for creating the SIRKS.
----
* TheCameo: Like Van Vogt and Helen, he's another character lifted from ''Manga/Cyborg009''.
* EvenEvilHasStandards: He seemed rather unnerved about Van Vogt's cavalier attitude over the SIRKS being lost.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:SIRKS]]
!!SIRKS
!!!Voiced by: Creator/ShowtaroMorikubo (SIRKS 01), Creator/{{Chafurin}} (SIRKS 02), Creator/MitsuoIwata (SIRKS 03), Creator/NobuoTobita (SIRKS 04) and Creator/AkioOhtsuka (SIRKS 05)
A team of five cyborg mercenaries employed by Brain Gear as assassins.
----
* {{Expy}}: They're pretty clearly based off of Cyborgs 002, 004, 005, 006 and 008, though some of their powers and appearances differ.
* MonsterClown: Their suits all have clown makeup on them, presumably for the [[RuleOfScary spooky factor]].
* NoNameGiven: They're all only known by their code names. SIRKS 04 can't even remember his real name from before he was a cyborg. [[spoiler:It's later revealed by Yoshio to be "Jack Goodman".]]
* ShellShockedVeteran: SIRKS 04, who is clearly still reeling from PTSD from the war he fought in.
* SociopathicSoldier: Most of them think nothing of killing innocents while on the job.
* WouldHurtAChild: SIRKS 02 had a lot of fun setting fire to Yoshio's orphanage. Luckily he was stopped before he could actually harm the orphans themselves.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:'''Spoiler Character''']]
!!Skull
!!!Voiced by Creator/NorioWakamoto
The sinister leader of Black Ghost, revealed to be the Skull Man after Hayato was taken over by the suit.
----
* ArchnemesisDad: It's implied by the ending that Kiriko's child is [[Manga/Cyborg Joe Shimamura]] and that Hayato is the father, meaning that Cyborg 009 is Skull's ''son''.
* DarkIsEvil: While the Skull Man helmet is silver for most of the anime, after Hayato is transformed into Skull it turns black.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: His helmet has bright red glowing eyes on it.
* WalkingSpoiler: Knowing he exists spoils the TwistEnding of the entire anime.
[[/folder]]
!Other
[[folder:Kanji Isurugi]]
!!Major Kanji Isurugi
!!!Voiced by: Creator/HochuOtsuka
A nationalistic member of the Japanese military secretly plotting a military coup. Has an alliance with Masaki Kumashiro of the Otomo Group.
----
* TheCoup: Is plotting once against the government to restore Japan to be a military power.
* EvilReactionary: He carries a lot pre-World War II sentiments about Japanese imperialism and seeks to restore Japan as "the leader of Asia".
* TooDumbToLive: [[spoiler:As he learned the hard way, picking a fight with Van Vogt is not a good idea.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tatsuyuki Kagura]]
!!Tatsuyuki Kagura
The scientist who studied the Skull Man suit before perishing in a mysterious incident ten years ago.
----
* PosthumousCharacter: He's long dead by the time the series begins, but his actions helped to shape the entire plot.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tatsuo Kagura]]
!!Tatsuo Kagura
The son of the researcher of the Skull Man suit, believed by many to have survived the incident ten years ago and to be the true identity of the Skull Man. Eventually it turns out [[spoiler:Hayato Mikogami is really him.]]
----
* TheReveal: [[spoiler:He's really Hayato Mikogami, having been saved by Gozo and sent to an orphanage after the Kagura incident.]]
[[/folder]]
