 This article is about a villain in Kamen Rider Kiva.
|
Bishop (ビショップ, Bishoppu), otherwise known as the Swallowtail Fangire (スワローテイルファンガイア, Suwarōteiru Fangaia) was one of the Checkmate Four, with his true name being The Ascetic and a Left Foot Sock (禁欲家と左足だけの靴下, Kin'yokuka to Hidariashi dake no Kutsushita). He was from the Insect Class of the Fangire race.
History[]
The Bishop appears as a member of the Checkmate Four, overseeing the progress of all Fangires and their moral conduct, with any that betray their absolute law deemed as a traitor. In such cases, Bishop will either notify his master, the King, or he will take matters into his own hands, usually executing the unfortunate victim.
Disgusted with the notion of Fangires having a mutual relationship with human beings, Bishop completely discourages such an act, remaining undettered to the shifting viewpoint of younger Fangires.
In 1986, as the King's right hand, Bishop conducts his duties while overseeing Taiga Nobori's development from afar, at one point reporting to the King of Maya's actions. When Maya refers to Bishop as a "tattle-tale" for this, Bishop refers to her attraction toward Otoya as "distasteful", declaring that Maya will eventually face a living hell if she continues to show interest in Otoya.
In 2008, Bishop first appears before Mio Suzuki, telling her that she had inherited the position of Queen, thus she was now tasked to execute any who "threaten" stability among the Fangire race.
Later, when asked by Mio of who the new "King" was, Bishop refers to him as one of great potential, capable of surpassing his predecessors in power.
With it revealed that Taiga Nobori/Kamen Rider Saga was the new King, Bishop was commonly seen by his side, acting as his advisor. Whenever possible, Bishop would try to influence Taiga and Mio into adopting his ideas, telling them to forsake their compassion and concern for Wataru Kurenai/Kamen Rider Kiva.
Upon learning of Wataru's secret identity, Bishop questioned whether Wataru was a pure human, suspecting that he was the child born from Maya and Otoya. Though unsuccessful in getting Maya to tell him the truth, Bishop already figured out the truth, being aware that only those of Fangire royalty could gain Kiva's powers.
Fearing that Wataru could potentially lead the Fangire hierarchy into great disarray, much like his father had done in the past, Bishop concealed the truth from his superiors, hoping that one of them would unknowingly kill Wataru in their battles. Upon Mio and Taiga's attainment of the knowlege that Wataru was Kamen Rider Kiva, Bishop managed to avoid blame with a few carefully chosen words, directing Taiga's attention toward Maya.
When Taiga had figured out his bond to Wataru as half-brothers, he commanded that Bishop stimulate Wataru's Fangire blood with a spell, so as to convince Wataru into joining their cause. Though not convinced of this plan, Bishop followed out this order, causing Wataru great grief afterwards. With Wataru reverting back into a reclusive, Bishop decided to destroy the Ixa system, easily defeating Kengo in battle.
Ultimately though, Keisuke stalled Bishop long enough for Wataru to arrive, preventing Bishop from executing Kengo. Proving no match for Kiva Emperor form, Bishop retreated without a word.
Later, with Keisuke having resumed the identity of Kamen Rider Ixa, Bishop interrupts his battle against the Jellyfish Fangire. Being stronger than expected, Keisuke puts up a decent fight against Bishop and the Jellyfish Fangire, until Taiga appeared before him. Outmatched, Keisuke has his transformation canceled, with only Kengo's intervention saving him.
During Keisuke's continued hunt for the Jellyfish Fangire, Bishop reappears himself, intent on killing Keisuke once and for all. Though initially matched in prowess, Keisuke proves himself the stronger warrior, with Bishop retreating in defeat.
When Mio attempted to kill Taiga in their "wedding", Bishop decided to execute her, using the situation to his advantage. Overseeing Taiga and Wataru's duel, Bishop recognized that Mio had been weakened from stopping Wataru's assault. Blasting her with a fatal attack, Bishop swiftly left the scene, tricking Wataru into believing himself responsible for Mio's death.
Though initially voicing his sympathy for Taiga, Bishop foolishly revealed the truth to him afterwards, causing a furious Taiga to banish Bishop entirely. Unable to recognize what he had done wrong, Bishop deemed Taiga unfit to bear the title of King, planning a coup d'etat in response.
Attacking Taiga with an army of zombified Fangires, Bishop overhears Wataru's declaration as the new King, much to his anger. Stating that a "lesser being" like Wataru could never become their King, Bishop attacked him, only to be swiftly defeated and forced to retreat.
Despite his humiliating defeat, Bishop remained adamant in opposing Wataru, appearing before him in the throne room. Aware of their difference in power, Bishop could only spitefully voice his contempt to Wataru, to which Wataru effortlessly swatted away. Stating that he would accept any challenges given, Wataru forced Bishop to leave, with Bishop giving out a sinister smile at Wataru's response.
Interrupting Wataru and Taiga's duel with his army of undead Fangires, Bishop mocked them, telling them to die together. Intent on resurrecting the previous King into take Taiga's place, Bishop attempted to eliminate the two Kivas beforehand, somehow believing that his plan would work.
Soon afterwards, Keisuke attacked Bishop, facing him in a near blind state. Sneering at Keisuke's handicap, Bishop attacked him relentlesly, believing that the battle was over. With Megumi's guidance though, Keisuke regained his footing, inflicting a mortal wound onto Bishop.
Defeated, Bishop used his own soul to become one with the zombified Bat Fangire, intent on using him as a means to defeat Wataru and Taiga. The previous King proved too powerful for his successors, neither standing a chance. Despite their teamwork, both Wataru and Taiga's attacks proved ineffective, with their transformations canceled. Severely weakened, Wataru was sent down a cliff, nearly dying.
Ultimately though, Otoya's spirit had saved Wataru, encouraging him to not give up. Empowered by his father's words, Wataru regrouped with Taiga, successfully defeating their foe. Crushed by Taiga's finisher move, the zombified Bat Fangire exploded, releasing all the souls stored inside him.
Kamen Rider Decade[]
World of Kiva[]
The Swallowtail Fangire in the World of Kiva.
In the World of Kiva, [Second Movement ♬ Prince Kiva] Bishop aids the Beetle Fangire when he regains his title as king, until he is shattered by Decade's Dimension Slash. [The Biting King's Qualifications]
World of the Rider War[]
The Swallowtail Fangire was among four Fangires who were part of a gathering of monsters which were revived by Super Apollogeist in the World of the Rider War through a surplus of Life Energy which he had gained during his wedding to the Fangire Queen. These four Fangires were combined to create a copy of the strongest Fangire from the World of Kiva, Beetle Fangire. This Beetle Fangire is later destroyed by Kuuga's Mighty Kick. [Destroyer of Worlds]
Personality[]
Though appearing as calm and wise, Bishop is actually a highly arrogant and ruthless Fangire, commonly mocking his foes in battle. Haughty to a fault, Bishop had a strict belief in "acceptable" Fangire society, being completely xenophobic toward the other Demon Races. At times though, he can show a small measure of respect toward humans, shown toward Keisuke in their later battles.
Being noticeably careless with threats, Bishop severely underestimated the Kamen Riders, believing that none would stand a chance against the King. Ignoring Wataru's heritage as Otoya and Maya's son, Bishop deemed him as a "lower life-form", entrusting Mio to execute the "fake" Kiva. Similarly, despite Keisuke's conquerment over Rook, Bishop treated him with distain, initially believing Ixa to be a weak foe.
While capable of respecting his superiors, Bishop was not beyond blatant acts of rudeness at times, shown when disapproving Maya's actions. Furthermore, strongly insistent that Taiga and Mio follow his advice, Bishop constantly attempted to mold them into what he deemed as ideal for the Fangire race, largely ignoring their personal viewpoints. In doing so, Bishop inadvertently caused his own downfall, carelessly turning Taiga against him.
After his banishment, Bishop became fully intent on usurping the throne, attempting to use the zombified Fangire King as a figure-head for his goals.
Statistics[]
- Height: 245cm
- Weight: 95kg
Behind the scenes[]
Portrayal[]
The Bishop is portrayed by Mitsu Murata (村田 充, Murata Mitsu), who previously portrayed multiple roles in Kamen Rider Hibiki. He would later go on to portray Naito/Legion in Kamen Rider Wizard and Agariyama in Revice Legacy: Kamen Rider Vail.
In the Korean dub of Kamen Rider Kiva (가면라이더 키바), Bishop is voiced by Jang Min-hyeok (장민혁).
Concept Art[]
Swallowtail Fangire concept art
Swallowtail Fangire was designed by Tamotsu Shinohara (篠原 保, Shinohara Tamotsu).
Notes[]
- The Swallowtail Fangire's hidden bird motif is a swan. Two swan heads can be seen o each side of the Fangire's head.
- In Kamen Rider Kiva: Final Stage, there is a Swallowtail Fangire that become the Neo Bishop. This is a different individual that has same appearance and powers as the original.
Appearances[]
Kamen Rider Kiva
- Episode 25: Fanfare: The Queen's Awakening
- Episode 26: Metronome: Miraculous Memory
- Episode 28: Request: Time-Altering Battle
- Episode 29: When the Saints Go Marching In: I Am King
- Episode 30: Curtain Raising: Kiva's Identity
- Episode 31: Applause: Motherly Dedicated Transformation
- Episode 32: New World: Another Kiva
- Episode 34: Noise: Melody of Destruction
- Episode 35: New Arrangement: Flying Rose
- Episode 36: Revolution: Sword Legend
- Episode 37: Triangle: Behead the King
- Episode 38: Erlking: Mother and Child Reunion
- Episode 39: Shout: Targeted Brother
- Episode 40: Encore: Nago Ixa Explosively Returns
- Episode 41: Lullaby: Release the Heart
- Episode 42: The Power of Love: The King's Anger
- Episode 43: Wedding March: Time of Parting
- Episode 44: Punk: Back to Father
- Episode 45: With You: Final Transformation
- Episode 46: Full Stop: Farewell, Otoya
- Episode 47: Break the Chain: Obey Me!
- Episode 48/Finale: Finale: The Inheritors of Kiva (Death)
- Kamen Rider Decade
- Episode 4: Second Movement ♬ Prince Kiva
- Episode 5: The Biting King's Qualifications
- Episode 31/Finale: Destroyer of Worlds
