Instead of the sleek battle gear of Kikaida or Kamen Rider, Gordon Rider’s costume is anything but heroic. It consists of a toilet paper scarf, a bicycle helmet with bent drinking straws for antennae, a loose-fitting reflective “safety” vest, and a man’s tight brief worn over baggy pants.

Japanese nationals may not relate as strongly to Gordon Rider as someone born and raised in Hawai‘i. Murakami drew inspiration from the unique practices developed by fans around a Japanese television show. His manga reflected their enthusiasm for tokusatsu and depicted their fanaticism as something humorous and endearing through the character of Gordon Rider.