It’s Been 30 Years Since ‘Masked Rider’ Tried to Give ‘Kamen Rider’ Its ‘Power Rangers’ Moment

In 1992, Saban Entertainment attempted to bring the Japanese "Kamen Rider" franchise to the United States under the title "Masked Rider." This was an effort to replicate the success of "Power Rangers," another Japanese-derived superhero series that had become a global phenomenon. The "Masked Rider" series ran for one season in the United States, but it failed to capture the same level of popularity as "Power Rangers." Despite the initial excitement, the show struggled to connect with American audiences and was ultimately canceled. As the 30th anniversary of this failed attempt approaches, the "Kamen Rider" franchise itself is making a renewed push to gain a foothold in the United States. This comes as the series continues to enjoy enduring popularity in Japan and other parts of the world. The article highlights the ongoing challenges of adapting Japanese pop culture for Western audiences, while also noting the persistent appeal of the "Kamen Rider" brand and the potential for future efforts to succeed where "Masked Rider" fell short.