Dr. Nazo
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Suzuki Ichiro
| Dr. Nazo | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Takeo Nagamatsu Suzuki Ichiro |
| Portrayed by | Kouji Sekiyama (Ōgon Bat (1966)) |
| Voiced by | Ushio Shima (Ōgon Bat (1967-68)) |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | Dr. Erich Nazō |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Supervillain |
Dr. Erich Nazō (ナゾー), originally known as Kuro Bat[1] (黒バット "Black Bat") or Phantom Thief Bat[2] and also sometimes known as Dr. Zero outside of Japan[3] is a Japanese supervillain created by Takeo Nagamatsu and Suzuki Ichiro in 1931 and is the main antagonist of the Ōgon Bat Kamishibai (paper theatre) series and it's various adaptations. He is Ōgon Bat's archenemy who wants to dominate the world and destroy all order and leads tens of thousands of subordinates by his side. Similar to his nemesis, who is also known for being considered Japan's eldest superhero,[4] Nazō is considered by some to be the first supervillain in Japanese media[5][better source needed] and made some cameos in other media outside of the franchise.[6]
Originally debuting in his own Kamishibai story he starred in, as a villainous protagonist depicted as a black-cloaked phantom thief commiting robberies and was said to have been inspired by author Léon Sazie's Zigomar novel series which's movie adaptation was a huge hit in Japan during the Taishō era.[7][2] It wouldn't be until the end of the story where, who would notably become the franchise's main protagonist Ōgon Bat appeared and defeated him. Since Ōgon Bat was more popular with children, Kuro Bat was reworked as the series' main villain he is better known as to this day as Dr. Nazō with Ōgon Bat taking the latter's place as the titular protagonist in the series ever since.[1][8]
Since his debut of the new series starring the new titular character in 1931, Nazo wears a black costume and mask with bat-like ears (similar to Batman's), a red eye and a blue eye.[9] The Toei version of the character (played by Kouji Sekiyama[10]) also created for the Anime version has an updated look of having four eyes being red, blue, green and yellow and has a mechanical claw on his left hand.[1] In both aforementioned versions, his empire consists of a drill-shaped tower shape known as Nazō Tower[1] and in the anime version (voiced by Ushio Shima[11]), he also has a lituenant who goes under the name of Mazō.[citation needed]
