Spider Riders

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Spider Riders
Spider Riders logo
Genre	Animated television series
Starring	English cast Japanese cast
Country of origin	Canada  Japan
No. of episodes	52 episodes ordered
Production
Running time	22 minutes approx.
Broadcast
Original channel	Teletoon (Canada) TV Tokyo (Japan) Kids Station (Japan) Kids WB (USA)
Original run	April 4, 2006 – present
Links
IMDb profile
TV.com summary

Spider Riders (スパイダーライダーズ ~オラクルの勇者たち~, Supaidāraidāzu ~ Orakuru no Yūsha Tachi~^?, Spider Riders ~the Heroes of Oracle~) started as a series of science fiction novels first published in December 2004, published by Newmarket Press which are authored by Tedd Anasti, Patsy Cameron-Anasti, and Stephen D. Sullivan (books 2-3). The stories became the basis of the animated television series produced by Cookie Jar Entertainment of Canada and Bee Train of Japan (licensed & distributed by FUNimation in the USA). There are three novels and they are, Spider Riders: Shards of the Oracle, Spider Riders: Reign of the Soul Eater and Spider Riders: Quest of the Earthen.

Contents 1 Plot introduction 2 Web Manga 3 Characters 3.1 Riders 3.2 Battle Spiders 3.3 Invectid (Insector) 3.4 Invectid Machines 3.5 Other characters 4 Oracle Keys 5 List of Episodes 5.1 Music 6 Cast 6.1 English voice actors (Riders) 6.2 English voice actors (Spiders) 6.3 English voice actors (Invectid) 6.3.1 Crew 7 Japanese Cast 7.1 Seiyū (Riders) 7.2 Seiyū (Spiders) 7.3 Seiyū (Insectors) 7.4 Others credited 8 Web games 9 Phone Games 10 Differences Between the English and Japanese Versions 11 External links

[edit] Plot introduction

Following instructions in the journal of his grandfather, thirteen year old Hunter Steele searched for the legendary Inner World underearth in a mysterious cave. He finds a mysterious manacle that attaches itself to him. When Hunter sees a spider he falls and ends up falling straight down to the center of the Earth, into the fantastic subterranean world of Arachna. Here, he discovers a small band of elite warriors struggling to survive and to save Arachna from the attack of giant insect mutants. The warriors are kids, just like Hunter, each fighting with the help of their own three-ton, ten-foot battle spiders. They call themselves "Spider Riders."

Changes made to the English TV series included lowering ages of characters (for example, Hunter Steele is 11 instead of 13 in the book and in the Japanese language version of the TV series).

There is a prophecy that says an "Earthen" (someone from the Outer World or Earth) will bring disaster to the Inner World. Sparkle mentions it in the beginning of the TV series, but it's not known whether the Earthen (Hunter Steele) will be a savior or a source of doom. When Princess Sparkle finds out she says, "I wonder if he will bring doom to us...or the invectids".

[edit] Web Manga

On May 31, 2006, the Spider Riders manga (comic) premiered at TV Tokyo's ani.tv website, illustrated by Junji Ohno of Studio 23. Final volume (7) was published between 2006-11-29 and 2006-12-27. Previous volumes were removed on 2006-11-29.

Starting from 2006-12-27, the comic was republished in Monthly Boy's Fang Comic.

The web manga has an alternate beginning, where Hunter Steele enters a spider-shaped monument and discovers the manacle (which looked different from the one in the TV series) floating above a spider web. Hunter wears the manacle when it flies to Hunter's hand (in TV series, it simply fell into his hand out of nowhere) and falls into Inner World through a gap between web strings (in TV series, Hunter falls into Inner World when the pyramid collapses). Inside the Inner World, Hunter discover Shadow after peeking at the bathing Corona and trying to rescue a cart of caged humans by himself (neither has happened in the TV series).

Each chapter of the web manga ends with the Sparkling Sparkle section, following the adventures of Princess Sparkle and Hortala in 4-square comic format.

In the Boy's Fang Comic version, certain scenes are reedited (for example, Corona is now naked instead of in underwear when Hunter first met her in chapter 1, illustration is added at the beginning of each chapter, removal of Sparkling Sparkle segments).

[edit] Characters

[edit] Riders

Spider Riders are elite warriors that ride huge metal spiders. To bring their Spider out the Manacle, they say the name of the spider and "Spider Out." When shouting "Arachna Power", the Manacle brings their armor onto them alongside their weapons and shields. Among the most known of them are:

• Hunter Steele - A boy who falls into the subterranean Inner World, and becomes a Spider Rider with his newfound battle spider "partner", Shadow. They both argue quite a lot, mainly because of Hunter's cluelessness and ignorance and Shadow's pride and desire to work alone as well as the belief that he doesn't need the help of others. It is unknown whether the prophecy refers to him, thus it is unknown of he is destined to be Arachna's salvation or its destruction. It is also shown in the TV series that he has affections for Corona and admires her good spirit but is too shy to share them. In the episode "Smells Like Team Spider," he unknowingly stares at Corona while she is marvelling at the flowers; then when they are battling the Invectids, his mind is calmed by the image of Corona's face. Lastly, when Igneous asks what changed Hunter's mind about the flowers, he becomes a bit embarrassed as it was Corona's image that changed him. Also, since Corona was the first person to discover Hunter, he has known her for the longest time, besides Shadow. Hunter may have a romantic relationship with Corona and their spiders might too. He also caught Corona in her sleeping shirt once in which she threw her pillow at him. In order for Hunter to return home, he must become an Arachna master. Hunter's weapon is a Axial Pike. His catchphrase and motto is, "Never Give Up!"
• Corona - Discovering Hunter and Shadow, she escorts the new team to Arachna so they may be officially inducted to the ranks of the Spider Riders. She seems to care a lot for Hunter, as does her spider for Shadow. She might also have a romantic relationship with Hunter too. She grows (using her power) most of the time when Hunter is deeply in fight and got hurt that proves that she could be the Oracle's chosen just like Aqune. She becomes especially worried when Hunter is hurt or in danger and becomes quite jealous when Hunter's guy nature foolishly allows him to mention spending some time the night before with an unknown girl (Princess Sparkle) by pushing him into the fountain he slept next to that night. In "Hunter's Holiday" Corona clearly expresses her desire to spend some time with Hunter alone but when he refuses she takes out her rage by practicing on targets with Hunter's face on them. Though she is taller and more mature than Hunter, both are the same age (stated to be eleven, though they act around twelve to thirteen years old). She and her battle spider, Venus, make a great team. She has no family and was adopted by twins. When they found her, Corona had a manacle. It was revealed that she is Aqune's long lost sister and that they are both "Oracle Handmaids". Her weapons are a bow and arrows.
• Igneous - A leading Spider Rider and captain of the Arachna military. His name, like Flame's, has a meaning to do with fire. Igneous is calm, gentle and has with quite a strategic mind. Igneous takes Hunter's training seriously and almost acts as a mentor to Hunter, to his annoyance. He challenged Hunter and Shadow to a duel when they joined the Riders, but it was all to see if both could cooperate. Igneous was part of the Arachna Knights, where he teamed up with a long-time friend Slate. Both were known as "Claw" and "Fang" and they proved to be quite powerful, especially since Igneous didn't call his spider Flame to assist. Regardless of his grade, Igneous is proud to serve the royalty of the Arachna Kingdom, and always offer his help to prince Lumen and princess Sparkle. His weapon is a cavalry lance and one of his attacks is a flamethrower coming out of the tip of the lance. He has a crush on Queen of Nuuma, Illuma. Igneous had a fan club of Arachna's castle's females, but while he was away to Nuuma, they had found boyfriends, leaving him crushed.
• Prince Lumen - Leader of the Spider Riders and prince of Arachna. He is rather lazy for a ruler, preferring diplomatic solutions over fights, even against the Invectid. Some say it is because his spider, Ebony, is so powerful that he is afraid to let it loose. He'd much rather negotiate with the enemy, and only fight when absolutely needed. Lumen is bright, loquacious, and loves cute girls. Ebony, his spider, also loves to talk and always advises Lumen on how to rule Arachna, his battle technique, and on dating! His weapon is a sword.
• Princess Sparkle - Lumen's younger sister, also a Spider Rider. She is the one who points out that Hunter might save, not destroy, the Inner World; she also visits Hunter in the night and advises him to bond with Shadow and when Hunter first sees her, he blushes while she giggles. Sparkle is very adventurous. Her spider's Hotarla, and is very small. Her weapon of choice is a yoyo-like device, with which she pummelled Grasshop to submission when he was trying to get away with one of the keys. She was the first one to trust Grasshop, causing him to change his ways. She is also the only one who calls him "Uncle Hop".
• Magma - Not affiliated with the Arachna military, he is a "lone rider" with his partner, Brutus. He made a promise to find the purple spider Portia, supposed to be Brutus's younger sister, and this promise keeps him joining the ranks of Arachna. He later joins up with Hunter and the others to prevent the Invectids from stealing the Oracle Keys. He is somewhat obsessed with rescuing Portia from the Invectids. His weapon is a mace that can switch to a flail.
• Aqune - A Spider Rider in a reluctant service of the Invectid Buguese. Aqune wears a mask that covers her face, which contains a mind control device. She has a deep sense of honor: while fighting Hunter and being unmasked, they both fell from a clif, and Aqune took care of Hunter and refused to fight him because he was injured and weakened. Then after that Buguese found them, Buguese tried to destroy Hunter once and for all but before he was about to strike Aqune blocked the blow which made Buguese stop (she was not hurt or anything). Aqune is Mantid's weapon ready to use against the riders. She also is trying to gain something from a sphere. It seems that Buguese found her and her spider lost in the Forest of Bewilderment where anyone who enters become disoriented and cannot find the exit. The web site itself claims that she was banned after caring for a weakened enemy and was taken into by the Invectids. He seems to call her "Oracle's Chosen" and uses her to find the Oracle Keys. When unmasked, Aqune cares much for Hunter, as she showed this by giving the Oracle Key back to Hunter. In episode "Paradise", her mask is broken, releasing her and Portia from Bugese's control. This lasts for only a few episodes, however. In "Reunions", Bugese plants a new mask on her, returning her to the side of evil. Queen Illuma has revealed Aqune is Corona's sister. She uses a glaive when unarmored, but her weapon of choice, when transformed, is a longsword. Aqune is a better cook than Corona.
• King Arachna I - The first Spider Rider, known for defeating the Invectid army in ancient times,which brought the spider rider creation. He even stopped Mantid from taking the Oracle Keys. He may be an Earthen.
• Quake - The legendary Spider Rider made famous by the play that praises his ability to destroy the evil within enemies without taking their lives. It is rumored that he brought an Oracle Key to Nuuma. Quake was last seen with The Lost Mariner, during Quake's voyage to Nuuma. Currently Quake has given up fighting and resides in a forests. He help Hunter and Aqune escape Buguese's attack. Quake uses his power to bring all of the Spider Riders's deepest desires to come true in hope to get Hunter to never fight again. However, Hunter's bravery made Quake drop his spell. He then invited the Spider Riders into his home and had Hunter and Magma clean his stuff. Apparently, Quake liked Corona's cooking. After repelling Invectids through use of his staff, Quake opened a portal to Nuuma Castle. Later, Quake decided to join the Human-Invectid war and remarked that Hunter was as foolish as his grandfather, who he must have met before. He dispatched Dungobeet, who blocking the Spider Riders from leaving the labyrinth and went to Castle Mantid to confront the Invectid leader. It was also revealed that he knew Mantid in the past.

[edit] Battle Spiders

Here are the Spider Riders' Battle Spiders:

• Shadow - Hunter's spider (though Shadow disagrees in the beginning), a prideful warrior who thinks he doesn't need a rider (i.e., he distrusts and underestimates all others), especially one who may be destined to bring disaster to Arachna (i.e., Hunter). He hates large crowds. He is said to have legendary strength. He complains about most of the things Hunter does. Shadow is a direct descendant of the Ancestral Lord of Spiders. Shadow cares for Venus.
• Venus - Corona's spider. She is soft-spoken and gentle, but is fearless in battle. She also cares a lot for Shadow.
• Flame - Igneous' spider, has the ability to shoot webs made out of fire. He has yet to talk in the English version.
• Ebony - Lumen's spider. Said to be very powerful and destructive, which restrains Lumen to call it out. He doesn't talk after his first appearance, but finally talks (much to the Spider Riders' amazement) to persuade his Rider, Prince Lumen to take his Sister through the Labyrinth to get to Mantid's Castle.
• Hotarla - Sparkle's spider. Unlike the other spiders, she's not a spider ready for battle and has distinctive large eyes. She'd rather not take risks.
• Brutus - Magma's spider, has tremendous strength, and is looking for his sister, Portia.
• Portia - Aqune's spider. She is Brutus's missing sister. Like Aqune, Portia wears a mask over her face that controls her.

[edit] Invectid (Insector)

The main villains of the series who plot to conquer Arachnia. They reside in the Invectid State. Members of the Invectid race include:

• Lord Mantid - Mantid, a mantis-type Invectid, rules the loose-knit nation of Insects. From the top floor of his fortress, he directs his Invectid troops to remove the wasteful and hated humans from the Inner World and find the Oracle Keys. Although it is assumed by his followers that he is the ultimate in Invectid evolution, Mantid actually wears a covering of high fidelity mechanics, which encases the body of a human! Anyone who finds out, must be slain. He needs the Oracle Keys to sustain himself for some reason or else his body turns white. With two Oracle Keys, Mantid's actions had caused the Oracle sun to go dark and preventing Hunter from using the oracle keys. However, after regaining that ability, Mantid decided to meet Hunter face-to-face. After Hunter is captured in the Labyrinth, he is brought to Mantid's Castle and finally comes face-to-face with Mantid himself. Mantid planned to trick Hunter into getting the Oracle Keys for him.

• The Invectid's Big Four: Four of Mantid's mightiest warriors. They are:
  • Buguese - Mantid's right hand man, he is a masked humanoid Invectid with many plans to defeat the Spider Riders. He is the leader of the Big Four. He despises the Oracle, as he is bitter about her taking the sun away from the Invectids, and is eager to hurt her for what he thinks are her wrongs. Buguese claims to care little for his comrades, but he has shown respect for Stags, and concern for both Aqune, whom he is mentor to, and Beerain. Personally, he hates Hunter Steele for the many defeats at his hands. He wields a long red sword for a weapon. Buguese has remained a loyal and faithful servant of Mantid, but over time, he lost faith and couldn't trust anyone. He plans to destroy the Spider Riders and take control over the Invectid Nation from Mantid.
  • Larva P. Grasshop - Former member of the Big Four (was "fired" due to failure in "Dark World"), he is a grasshopper-type Invectid who uses many technological devices to defeat enemies. So far, he hasn't really fought the Riders; letting his minions do the fighting for him instead. He has (unfortunately for him) seen little success against the Spider Riders, and is seen with disdain and disappointment by the other members of the Invectids as well as his family. He is now banished from Invectid state and forced to wander the Inner World, swearing to defeat the Spider Riders. As such, he may have mild drinking problems, but this is only speculative. Due to recently assisting the Spider Riders (Sparkle in particular) escape captivity, he is now a traitor to the Invectids. Sparkle calls him Uncle Hop. One of his biggest achievement in helping the Spider Riders is removing the Battle Beetle's regeneration device, allowing Hunter to defeat it. According to his wife, Weeval, his promotion to the Big Four was a mistake as he is peaceful and loves children. This might explain why he gets along so well with Princess Sparkle and allows her to call him "Uncle Hop". It may also explain why he is reluctant to actually fight the Spider Riders.
  • Beerain - She is a bee-type Invectid who uses a whip to fight. She is a member of the Big Four and commands the buzzrays (flying manta ray-like creatures). She has a certain charm about her. When fighting, she has no regard for honor and thinks winning is everything. In Episode "Spies and Lies" she states that she is losing faith for Lord Mantid but still has faith for Buguese. When she returned to the Invectid fortress, she overheard Mantid planning to grasp all of Oracle's power and not share it with anyone else. She barely managed to escape with her life at the hands of Mantid and Aqune. With her wings damaged, she felt useless and for the first time in the series, cried. Her name is notable in that it is one 't' removed from the name of Bee Train, the company that produces Spider Riders. In the episode, Lumen's Love, Beerain dresses up as Lumen's childhood friend. Even after Lumen finds out, he still willingly gives her the oracle key. After she is blown away, and his real friend arrives, he keeps searching for her, calling Beerain, his "true love". She is also a former member of the Big Four since she found out Mantid's secret of what he wants to do with the Oracle's power. She attempted to warn Buguese of Mantid's true intent, but he refused to believe her, saying he is still faithful to Mantid and can not trust a 'traitor'. Princess Sparkle calls her Auntie Bee.
  • Stags - He is a stag beetle-type Invectid who is very powerful and very loyal to the Invectid cause. He wields a short Zanbato for a weapon. He is considered by many as the most powerful of the Big Four. He has a strong sense of honor, and cannot stand when it is disrespected. Corona and Igneous have once faced him, but barely managed to escape with their lives. So far, Hunter is the only one who has ever harmed him, causing Stags to break off one of his horns. Stags was ordered by Mantid to find the two Oracle Keys in Nuuma but both slipped out of his grasp. He has now turned control of the invasion to Bugese. His latest encounter with Hunter Steele and Shadow proves he has become much stronger, since he is able to defeat Hunter even with the aid of two Oracle Keys. However, he is then defeated when Hunter uses a third Oracle Key. With his warrior spirit broken, he plunges from the castle into the ground bellow (he doesn't die though). He then threw away his broken sword and cape and departed. He is yet another former member of the Big Four due to his warrior spirit being crushed.

• Unnamed Invectid Captain - An Invectid who led his troops to attack Tanda Village in search of something. Prince Lumen promised him their own village with him as the self-appointed mayor in exchange that they stop attacking Tanda Village. It wasn't enough when they began to start the Invectid's conquest campaign on Tanda Village. He was defeated by Prince Lumen.
• Dungobeet - A dung beetle-type Invectid and spy. He likes to roll on a ball. He rats sometimes to Grasshop's family. During a mission in the Labyrinth, he and Aqune used a Special Whistle to anger the creatures of the Maze. After Hunter is captured, Dungobeet attempts to destroy the Spider Riders again with the beasts, but is captured by Quake, thus, saving the Spider Riders.
• Buzzbit (Messenger bug) - A small bug that is about the size, shape and colour of the Golden Snich from Harry Potter. It had Two wings and a pair of Red eyes. It is used by Dungobeet to spy on the Spider Riders. It Relays the information it find out to whoever gets it. It was what informed Scarab of Grasshops demotion from the "Big Four" in episode 33. Usually Lord Mantid or Buguese is on the reciving end of a Messenger bug.
• Weeval - Weeval is Grasshop's wife. She appears taller than her husband and makes big curfews on him or else he would not get his dinner. She may have a goof for a husband but he's her goof. When Hunter told her that Grasshop was safe she was very realived. She cares very much for Grasshop.
• Scarab - A scarab beetle-type Invectid and leader of an Invectid transport platoon seen in episode 33.
• Ninja Bug - This Invectid's true name was not mentioned in the episode, but it had the ability to project copies of itself. The true Invectid was revealed when Shadow shot his spider threads at the copies until there was only one which Hunter struck sending it out the castle. It was used as a reconnaissance agent by Stags before the invasion. It is unknown if it was destroyed because it was never revealed.

• Invectid Foot Soldiers - The foot soldiers of the Invectids. They come in different varieties and often accompany any member of the Big Four or any other field commanders. Some of these variations include:
  • Original Foot Soldiers - These are the lesser version of the Invectid Foot Soldiers. They are usually commanded by Buguese and Grasshop and even other high-ranked member of the Invectid Army.
  • Stags' Foot Soldiers - These came in two varieties so far. White foot soldiers were the most common variety. They used curved clubs/swords to combat their opponents. The second variety were tan and they used throwing knives that resembled Stags' sword.
  • Buzzrays - The flying manta ray-like soldiers of the Invectids. They seem to only appear with Beerain.
  • Enhanced Invectid Warriors - Invectids made from science and the Oracle's power. Very fast and strong. One was able to stand against the power of 2 Oracle Keys before being thrown back. They don't talk much.

[edit] Invectid Machines

Giant metal insects used by the Invectids. Among those are:

• Smashopper - A giant metal grasshopper-type Invectid Machine that battles Hunter in episode 1 while Grasshop rides on him.
• Praying Mantech - A giant metal praying mantis-type Invectid Machine that Buguese rides on in his battle against Hunter and Corona near the memorial of King Arachna I. Praying Mantech has a weak spot if attacked once his missile launcher in his chest opens up.
• Billbug - A giant metal pillbug-type Invectid Machine that fought Magma and Brutus in the Forest of Bewilderment. It is indestructible when in its ball form. It was defeated by Magma.
• Sphere-Beetle - A Invectid Machine that had three stages. The first form was little harmless balls called "sparkling orbs" which the kids found in a crack. The second form is when the orbs fused to create a light built Invectid. In this form it uses telekinesis to use the kids as a shield. The last form is created when the last unclaimed orbs fuse into the beetle to create a heavier built beetle. It still keeps its telekinesis but since it's so large that it could not use the human shield as effectively but it required a camouflage technique that rendered itself invisible,
• Celpido - A giant metal centipede-type Invectid Machine used by Buguese. Celpido caused sinkholes in a village to destroy it. Celpido is the first Invectid Machine to have the power of speech. It also has feelings, which may mean he is organic.
• Battle Beetle - A giant metal Invectid Machine used by Buguese when fighting the Spider Riders within Oracle's Shrine. This Battle Beetle has the ability to blind its enemies with a bright light when it opens its armor. This beetle has shown its mass strength as Lumen, Igneous, Corona, and Magma struggled to survive against it. Hunter defeated it in one shot using the Elektra Twist for the first time in the episode "A New Power." Another one was introduced in "Protectors of Life" and this one had laser cannons and the ability to regenerate damaged parts. Grasshop managed to uninstall the device that enabled this, allowing Hunter to finish the bot.
• Cyber Cricket - A giant cricket-type Invectid Machine that use sound waves as it's main attack.It survived one attack with the Spider Riders or it was simply rebuilt but it was destroyed in the second battle by the combined force of Igneous and Magma after it attacked Hunter when he got in the way of it's attack on Corona.
• Battle Bug - A giant metal beetle-type Invectid Machine used by Grasshop. It uses laser beams. In "Wages of War", Grasshop used it to capture an Invectid named Katy, but forgotten to install the device that determine friend from foe. It's armed with a laser cannon and it gets more powerful the more Katy fears fighting. He gave Hunter its weakness out of cowardice; slash off both antennae at the same time or they will grow back. It took Hunter and Aqune defeated it together.
• Iron Ant - A giant metal ant-type Invectid Machine that Grasshop used after Hunter foiled his chase upon the Nuuman Page. It has powerful pincers and large contact lenses (ants can't see very well). Hunter almost lost his life fighting this Invectid Machine solo.
• RoboBeetle - A giant beetle-type Invectid Mecha that is strong enough to survive the attack of 1 Oracle Key. It was destroyed when Hunter combined 2 Oracle Keys.
• Golden Bowr - A huge Invectid Mecha that produces an industructable shield called Gold Rush and a powerful burst of energy called Gold Fever that defeats all enemy's in the area. He doesn't liked to be bossed around, and tends to call Grasshop "little bug". He really loves regurgitated grubs and sugar as his magic words were "Pretty please with sugar on top". He's only weakness is that when he falls on his back he can't get up. He's the second Invectid battle machine that can talk.
• Buzz-Warrior - One of Beerain's machines which she used in "Spies and Lies" to fight Hunter. She fought honourably but still lost to Hunter even though he never used the Oracle Key. It's capable of creating high winds and fires stingers from its abdomen.
• Dark Opal - An extremely powerful machine created by two Oracle Keys. It has laser beams in it's eyes, mandibles that shoot a big energy sphere and the ability to absorb the Oracle Key's power. It is the first Invectid battle machines that can be piloted.

[edit] Other characters

• The Oracle - The Oracle is a beautiful woman, who united both human and spiders together. All the time, she has her eyes closed and moves her hands. King Arachna and his Spider are the first ones to see her. Hunter has seen her before too, when he fell down to the inner world from the outer world. She chose Corona and Aqune to be her handmaids, it is possible that Corona and Aqune might have seen her before. She is the goddess of the "Inner World." Whenever anything sacred to her is destroyed, it hurts her. The Web Site states she was the first Spider Rider of the Inner World, which may mean the first Rider was an Earthen..
• Lily - Lily is Arachna castle's mystic seer. She was the first to find out that Hunter had entered the Inner world and feared he would bring misfortune.
• Quint - Quint was the builder of the finest ship in the town of Fuushyu which could go up the upwards waterfall. However, he wouldn't lend it to the Spider Riders to go save Nuuma. When the Invectids destroyed him ship and Hunter saved him, Quint didn't fuss over the loss of the ship. He revealed he had a new and improved ship and this time, gave it to the Riders on the condition that they return it. However, it was left at a port in Nuuma and he went all steaming about it but settled down. He has a picture of the Lost Mariner (his great, great grandad).
• Slate - Slate was once an Arachnian knight who was a good friend and rival to Igneous. The were both known as the legendary "Fang and Claw" to everyone. However, he left the rank of knights a long time ago but came back and challenged Igneous a duel to the end. Hunter did a little investigating and found out Grasshop took Slates valuable pendant (in some way it is valuable to Slate) so grasshop has a honest agreement to get Igneous or else his village would be destroyed. Hunter and Shadow were able to successfully drive away Grasshop's occupation force. Even though the Invectids were gone, the two knights still fought and they concluded that they were equally matched. A few episodes later, Slate had arrived to help Arachna against an Invectid invasion but it had been already driven off. However, Prince Lumen left him in charge of Arachna castle while the Spider Riders helped the people of Nuuma.
• Lost Mariner - When he was young he help Quake deliver two of the Oracle keys to Nuuma. Many years later he helps the Spider Riders get through a fog when they were under attack from Beerain and her Stingrays in "Ghost Ship". With the task done, he mysteriously disappeared, frightening Igneous, believing he was a ghost. He is the great, great, great granddad of the ship building Quint.
• Queen Illuma - She is the Queen of Nuuma, she sensed a familiar connection concerning Corona and Nuuma. When Illuma attempts to discover more about Corona's childhood, Corona is only able to reveal that she can only recall her parents named her "Corona". It is later revealed that Illuma recognizes that Corona and her sister, Aqune, from when they were children who often visited Nuuma and that they are both Oracle Handmaids. Illuma initially rejects the Spider Riders' offer to defend to castle because she feared they were too young. However, after Hunter and Corona disobey her orders and run off, she ask all her troops the fight under the command of the Spider Riders. Igneous has a secret crush on her, but his feelings are not reciprocated as she actually loves her servant, Solan.
• Katy - She is an Invectid who lives with the humans. She is a pacifist, so she left the Invectid Nation to live a peaceful life. She was branded a traitor and is currently wanted for treason against Mantid.

[edit] Oracle Keys

The Oracle Keys are fractions of the Oracle's power. They take the form of a card that can be split in two. The Invectids hope to gain them for Mantid who wants to use their power to rule Arachna. The Oracle uses much of her strength to protect them. The Spirit Oracle Key passed its power onto Hunter and Shadow, giving them new armor and weapons as well as new attacks called the Electra Twist, Blue Bolt and Blue Wave. To activate these keys, the holder must shout "Oracle's Light!" Two in combination, can create more powerful armor and weapons. You must not be arrogant of yourself, or it will not work. The Oracle Key from Numa can be called by Corona (using her power) to let Hunter use it without him actually holding it.

Mantid had used two of the Oracle's keys to power himself, plunging the Inner World into darkness and preventing Hunter from his keys.

Currently four of the locations of the four oracle keys are known in the English Version:

1. In the possession of Hunter and Shadow (Power has been stolen to provide power to Castle Mantid.)
2. Powering Castle Mantid (Invectid Castle) and sustaining Mantid
3. In the possession of Hunter and Shadow (Power has been stolen to provide power to Castle Mantid.)
4. Powering Castle Mantid (Invectid Castle) and sustaining Mantid

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[edit] List of Episodes

Screenshot	Title	Original airdate	#
	"The Inner World"	3/25/2006	1
	Hunter Steele enters the Inner World through a portal deep within a pyramid after finding a sacred talisman called a Manacle. Hunter meets Corona, and Shadow, who was meant to be Hunter's Spider. Together they find off an invectid platoon, and they are revealed to be Spider Riders.
	"Never Give Up"	3/25/2006	2
	Hunter and Corona are on their way to Arachna Castle, the home of the Spider Riders. They visit a small village that is being attacked by the Invectids, and Grasshop of the Big Four is revealed. Hunter defeats Grasshop in a duel in the Coliseum. Corona's spider, Venus is revealed. "Never Give Up" is Hunter's motto that his deceased grandfather told him.
	"First Impressions"	3/25/2006	3
	Hunter and Corona arrive at Arachna Castle, and Hunter meets Igneous and Prince Lumen. Igneous instantly accuses Hunter of being a fake Spider Rider, and challenges him to a duel. Hunter teams up with Shadow, and they win the respect of Prince Lumen and Igneous. They are pronounced Spider Riders in front of all Arachna.
	"Smells Like Team Spider"	5/14/2006	4
	The Village of Fragrant Blooms is being attacked, and the Big Four Mistress Beerain is behind it. Disguised as a young girl "Raine", Beerain tricks Igneous and Corona into smelling the Blossom of Darkness, which Hunter ultimately destroys, reversing the effect.
	"Memories of Champions"	5/21/2006	5
	The Hill of Champions holds a monument where the Spirit Oracle first enshrined the first King Arachna with a Manacle. Buguese, the leader of the Big Four destroys the monument, expecting to find something. Aqune is introduced to the series.
	"Spider Rider's Ball!"	5/28/2006	6
	Buguese's loss to Hunter and Corona is found humoring to Grasshop, so he wants to show he is better by defeating the Spider Riders. He creates a Sphere Beetle out of the shiny Sparkling Spheres. Sparkle's creativity leads to Hunter's success in defeating the Invectids.
	"Princely Power"	6/4/2006	7
	Lazy Prince Lumen is asked to defend a village from the Invectids, but he makes a deal instead. At first the Invectids promise that they will settle in their own village and never attack. The Invectids attack again, and Lumen attacks. He is seen transformed for the first time, and Ebony, his spider, is first introduced.
	"The Wandering Warrior"	6/11/2006	8
	The forest of bewilderment holds a secret. Hunter falls into it, and is to never return out of it. Here he finds a man named Magma who is searching for a purple Spider named Portia. After the attack of a purple billbug, Magma uses the billbugs weight to carve a path out of the forest. Magma swears that once he finds Portia, he will regroup with the Spider Riders at Arachna Castle. It is revealed that Aqune and Portia were found in the Forest of Bewilderment by Buguese.
	"Hunter's Holiday"	6/18/2006	9
	Hunter is given a day to relax, but uses it sleep. While trying to sleep the day away, he was interrupted by Corona who want to jog 10 kilometers (about 20 miles) with him, Igneous who wanted to train with him, Lily, the fortune teller, and a marching band. Hunter decided he going to search for a relaxing place where he could sleep the entire day through. During his search he spotted Prince Lumen, who wanted to meet pretty girls, while Hunter wanted to sleep in a pile of hay.
	"The Mask of Aqune (a.k.a. The Enemy Below)"	6/25/2006	10
	A village on solid bedrock has an earthquake. An invectid called Philpedo has created the earthquake while making tunnels for Mantid. Hunter, Corona, and Igneous almost defeat Philpedo when Bugese and Aqune interfere. Hunter still remembers how Bugese destroyed the Oracle's monument. Hunter slices off Aquene's mask. They both fall down the cliff into a forest. Shadow, Corona, and Igneous look for him, but can't find him. Aquene takes care of Hunter until Bugese shows up and takes her back. Hunter and the other Spider Riders defeat Philpedo, but Bugese and Aquene find a tunnel and an entrance to the Oracle's shrine.
	"Deadly Distraction"	7/2/2006	11
	Grasshope is asked to distract the Spider Riders in every way possible, while Buguese goes to search for the Oracle Keys. Grasshop challenges Hunter, Corona and Igneous to a duel. Meanwhile Bugese and Aqune venture into a underground shrine to find the first of the four Oracle keys. After 50 rounds Grasshop uses a giant Invectid Mech to crush Hunter. Magma saves Hunter and helps him defeat Grasshop's giant mech.
	"Keys to Destruction"	7/9/2006	12
	Grasshop unintentionally told the Spider Riders of Lord Mantid's plan on getting the Oracle Keys. After they found out about the Shrine they headed there with all haste. They were ambushed by Beerain. Hunter, Magma and Corona decide to enter in the shrine while Igueous and Prince Lumen fight Beerain's buzzrays. Lumen decide to cheer instead of fighting. Hunter, Magma and Corona discover Buguese is already there. Buguese summons the Battle Beetle.
	"A New Power"	7/16/2006	13
	With the Oracle Key in hand, Hunter gains another attack, the Electra Twist. The new power also brings a new armor, however it was not enough to return Aqune nor Portia to the Spider Riders.
	"Stag's Challenge"	7/23/2006	14
	Stags has heard of Hunter's new power and wants to try and defeat it. Hunter attempts to call on it and fails, but tries again when there is true danger and succeeds in defeating Stags. One of his antlers breaks, however he vows to return someday to defeat Hunter.
	"Ghost Spider"	7/30/2006	15
	Legend says whoever sees a shadow of a dancing spider will be cursed, unless the person sees the shadow again (which will remove the curse). Hunter sees the shadow, then Igneous and Magma, then Corona. Finally it is revealed that the shadow is more friend than foe and not a ghost at all.
	"Corona's Homecoming"	8/6/2006	16
	Prince Lumen sends Corona and Hunter to search for the second Oracle Key in Araja Village, which happens to be where Corona was raised. Everyone in town believe that Hunter and Corona are boyfriend and girlfriend, despite the Spider Riders' insistence that they are not. Beerain follows them to the village, hoping to snatch the key away, but in the end they simply battle without ever finding any clue to the second key's location.
	"Return of a Friend"	8/13/2006	17
	Igneous, Princess Sparkle, and Hunter are walking though a market place. Their duty is to watch over Princess Sparkle. When Hunter became hungry Igneous lost trust in Hunter's ability to watch Sparkle and decided to guide Princess Sparkle himself. However, he lost her only to be found by his old friend Slate, once called "Aracna's Claw". Slate is only visiting Aracna, and Prince Lumen asks him to stay. Igneous (once called "Aracna's Fang") on the other hand doesn't seem happy with Slate's return. It turns out Slate is forced to duel with Igneous to the defeat by Grasshop, otherwise Slate's village will be destroyed. Hunter discovers this and defeats Grasshop, stopping the fight which ends in a tie anyway.
	"Unmasked"	8/20/2006	18
	Hunter and Magma discover Aqune in an ancient school with no knowledge of how she arrived there. Suspicious, Magma convinces Hunter that she needs to be watched because she may sent by the Invectids. Aqune does discover something but Bugese declares to be naught but a light show and a battle ensues. Aqune's mask in place, Brutus tries to reason with Portia who declares that Brutus is her enemy. Magma and Brutus nearly lose the battle. After an attack from Hunter and his Oracle Key, Bugese pulls back and Hunter has to deal with an angry Corona who believes they were simply loafing around.
	"Lumen's Love"	8/27/2006	19
	Lumen is visted by an old childhood friend of his. However, it was really Beerain in disguise. She and Grasshope decided to look for the Oracle Keys. Lumen wanted to spend the day with her so she tricked him that she was playing hide and seek. Eventually her real identity is discovered but Lumen still consider her his love.
	"Hero Act"	9/3/2006	20.
	Hunter and Corona are watching a play about the legendary hero Quake. However they find the play boring. The theater owner is losing business because of the lack of audience. The actors quit and Hunter decided he wants to help. He convinces the rest of the Spider Riders to act in the play. Grasshop interupts the play, resulting in a battle. Hunter, instead of finishing Grasshop says he slashed the evil spirit in Grasshop, as Quake would have done.
	"Because I'm a Warrior"	9/10/2006	21
	The Spider Riders have been facing Invectids everyday for weeks now. Corona was tired of fighting and wants to know what would be like to be a normal person with a normal life. Lily lets Corona see through her dream box to see what it was like. Soon, it becomes a nightmare. Then, Grasshop shows up and got defeated by one fateful person.
	"The Wages of War"	9/17/2006	22
	Magma decide to find more information about portia. Hunter wanted to come along. They meet Katy, whos an invectid who does not belived in fighting. Buguese send Grasshop and Aqune to capture katy who is consider a traiter in the invectid world.
	"Dark World"	9/24/2006	23
	In this episode Grasshop makes a new plan where he dresses up in women's clothing so he could steal the Oracle Keys from Hunter. However, since Grasshop had no lips and had such a lousy disguise Hunter knew who it was immediatly. Hunter blasted Grasshop back to Great Mantid's castle. While Grasshop was at home he was called by a messenger to go straight to Great Mantid, unfortunately Great Mantid was not feeling very well that he ordered Bugeuse to tell him that Grasshop is no longer one of the Big Four and is now recognized as a regular soldier.
	"Key to the City"	10/1/2006	24
	coming soon
	"Big Bug"	10/8/2006	25
	coming soon
	"Action in Arachna"	10/15/2006	26
	coming soon
	"Fateful Decision"	10/22/2006	27
	coming soon
	"Journey Of Champions"	11/5/2006	28
	coming soon
	"Voyage"	11/12/2006	29
	coming soon
	"Ghost Ship"	11/19/2006	30
	coming soon
	"Paradise"	11/26/2006	31
	Hunter has landed on the beach near after the ship was being destroyed. Buguese found the spider Riders and has Aqune to attack them. They were sucked in by a black hole created mysterous force. Hunter woke up with Aqune, a woman came and give them food. She ask Hunter to throw away his manacle and never fight again. Hunter and Shadow refuses and wanted to go to Nuuma. Hunter discoverd all his friends are enjoying themslves and told them they need to go.Soon after Hunter and the rest of the spider riders ended up back into the forest with a strange old man in front of them.
	"Hero"	12/3/2006	32
	coming soon
	"Grasshop's Misfortune"	12/10/2006	33
	Lumen and Igneous are the only Spider Riders to have reached land. While they are walking they find Princess Sparkle. When Lumen asks his little sister if she traveled alone she says she did not and that she traveled with "Uncle Hop". She asks him to come out from the bushes and out comes Grasshop. Prince Lumen and Igneous think that he is trying to attack them and that he took Princess Sparkle hostage. He runs away down the path. Princess Sparkle explains that Grasshop is her friend and tells them to apologize or she won't speak to them. They chase Grasshop and it ends when he trips and falls. They apologize to him. Before they can react they are captured by invectids who are led by Scarab. They think that Grasshop is still a member of the big four and ask him to lead their army to Nuuma. Grasshop thinks that this will be a great opportunity to prove himself to Mantid and the other invectids, and that his wife woun't see him as a failure. Whenever he looks over at the tied up Spider Riders (including Princess Sparkle) he feels full of guilt. He also realizes that Sparkle is the same age as his two children. Scarab says that they should dispose of the humans. When Grasshop realizes that he wants to kill them he says to do it another time and just lock them up. He decides he wants to free Princess Sparkle, but she refuses to leave without her brother and Igneous. Sadly Grashop thinks that Sparkle doesn't like him any more and goes for a walk. He sees a messenger bug telling Scarab about his demotion. Realizing that now Scarab will outrank him and be able to kill the Spider Riders, he returns and hands them their manacles and tells them to leave. Scarab walks in at the same time and calls him a traitor for helping the enemy escape. Grasshop tries to hold them off but fails miserably. Sparkle pleads with her brother to help, which he does. Scarab attempts to attack Princess Sparkle but Grasshop steps in and absorbs the attack, knocking him out. Seeing her "Uncle Hop" hurt, Princess Sparkle gets angry and transforms using Arachna Power and attacks Scarab, beating him. As the three Spider Riders start on the road towards Nuuma, Grasshop thinks he is being left behind, until Princess Sparkle grabs his hand and says that he is coming with them. This cheers him up greatly. He wonders to himself why the Spider Riders still trust him after he betrayed them.
	"Reunions"	12/17/2006	34
	coming soon
	"Spies and Lies"	1/23/2007	35
	coming soon
	"Nuuma Castle"	1/23/2007	36
	The Spider Riders have just arrived at Nuuma. They discover that the people are gone. It turns out that Nuuma castle was floating up high in the sky and only a party accompanied by a Spider could teleport up to it. The Spider Riders are greeted by Queen Illuma. She thinks the Spider Riders are too young and does not allow them to defend Nuuma. Igneous develops a crush for Queen Illuma at first sight.
	"Bitter Revenge"	1/25/2007	37
	The Invectids have invaded Nuuma Castle with the help of Aqune. Queen Illuma does not want the Spider Riders to fight, but Hunter and the other Spider Riders did not listen and convince Illuma that they will stay and defend Nuuma Castle. Stags challenges Hunter to a rematch. Hunter heads to where Stags is, and uses the Oracle Keys but Stags proves to be stronger then the last time they met. He throws Hunter back where he crashes into the castle wall causing rubble to fall on him. Stags declares that Hunter Steel is defeated.
	"The Confrontation"	1/25/2007	38
	Hunter Steel has awakened after Stags defeated him. He continues to fight. Hunter repeatedly tries to attack but cannot hurt him. Stags asks Hunter to break his warrior spirit. Meanwhile Buguese uses Battle Beetle to attack Prince Lumen and Igneous. They try to defend the oracle key. Hunter finally uses the power of two oracle keys and knocks Stags down Nuuma Castle. With his warrior spirit broken he throws away his sword. Hunter decides to go fight Buguese.
	"Protectors of Life"	1/29/2007	39
	Hunter is challenged by Buguese who uses the Battle Beetle to fight for him. Hunter uses Blue Wave and slashes the Battle Beetle, however it has the ability to regenerate itself. Grasshop helps out by removing its regeneration part causing its defeat. It turns out Buguese was distracting the Spider Riders. 'Aqune' removed the Oracle Key from its "chamber". It being removed causes Nuuma Castle to begin to fall towards the ground.
	"Oracles Maiden"	2/5/2007	40
	Hunter, determinded to save Nuuma from falling, attempted to put his Oracle Key in, to get a safe landing. However he couldn't, but Corona aided Hunter using the Oracle's power. Together they save Nuuma. After Queen Illuma reveals that Corona and Aqune are both Oracle Handmaidens and that they are sisters. Corona started to remember about what happen to her in her past, and became sad. The Spider Riders leave Numma on one of Illuma's ships.
	"Returning"	2/11/2007	41
	Upon returning the Spider Riders discover Invectids attacking Arachna Castle. Slate and his troops are struggling to hold them off. Then Igneous came and told the Invectid troops to leave or face the Spider Riders, and the Invectids decide to flee. Late at night while everyone was sleeping Slate and some other guards were attacked by a new type of Invectid.
	"Bad Omens"	2/18/2007	42
	Lord Mantid has the two oracle keys, so he decides to built a long range-cannon capable of attacking Arachna Kingdom. Hunter and Corona were sent to sneak into the fortress to disable the cannon. Mean while Beerain and Stags discuss of what to do ever since they lost the battle. Beerain flew back to Arachna to find answers and to do that is to spy on Mantid Beerain saw that Mantid wanted all of Oracle's power for himself and had no intention of bringing back sunlight on the Invectid land. Mantid drained so much energy that Hunter could not summon Oracle's power and then the sun was starting to turn purple "A very bad omen " says Lily. Beerain was finally caught by Mantid, and Mantid attempted to kill Beerain but didn't succeed.
	"Fly no Longer"	2/25/2007	43
	After Beerain discovers Lord Mantid's true intentions, she attempted to find Buguese and then tell him the whole story. However Buguese left, along with the new strong Inventids. Meanwhile Corona was thinking about what should she do. Buguese arrived and fought Hunter, but he does not want Corona to be in danger so he used his web to trap Arachna Castle. Hunter could not call Oracle's Light. Buguese decided to leave. Mean while Beerain fought with Aqune who damage Beerain's wings. She wandered in the forest only to see Buguese coming back but she could not get to him as she could no longer fly.
	"A Lack of Trust"	3/4/2007	44
	Beerain escaped but her wings were damage, and she walked near a lake and fell. Mean while Grasshop and Princess Sparkle decided to take a hike where they found Beerain. They help heal her wounds. Hunter and the other Spider Riders are thinking of negotiating peace with the Invectids. Buguese shows up, and talks with Hunter but still does not trust him. Together they agree on a duel. As they fight Beerain came and tries to tell Buguese of Mantids intentions.
	"Labyrinth"	3/11/2007	45
	Beerain decided to leave, not knowing where she will go. Grasshope came and ask her to stay but it seems Beerain still doesn't trust Humans. She told Grasshope to tell the spider riders to cross the Labyrinth to get to Mantid's lair a.k.a Castle Mantid. Hunter decided he wanted to go. It turns out that Labyrinth is the most dangerous place in the inner world. Grasshope was chosen to be their guide through Labyrinth. As they went, Mantid sends Aqune and Dungobeetle to retrieve Hunter and leave the rest of the spider riders to die. Dungobeetle create a loud noise which awakens giant caterpillars to attack the spider riders. The spider riders must cross a bridge but they can't fight anything on the way for the bridge will collapse and they would fall with it. Hunter tried to hold them off but the bridge collapses and unfortunately he falls with it. Hunter woke up and mistaken Aqune for Corona, who take him to Mantid's fortress, and there Hunter Steele will meet Mantid for the first time of his life. The downfall is that Hunter is not sure whether he is guest or a prisoner.
	"Afraid Of the Dark"	3/18/2007	46
	coming soon
	"Dark Deception"	3/25/2007	47
	Hunter has agreed to give Lord Mantid the Oracle Keys as long as the invectids promise to never attack Arachna again. Quake came and interrupted them and told Hunter the truth. Both Quake and Hunter fled. Buguese was sent to hunt them them down. Mean while Corona and the other Spider Riders have discovered the way out the Ladyrinth. Hunter and Quake greets them after wards.
	"Mantid's Trap"	4/01/2007	48
	Mantid gives Buguese control of his new creation, Dark Opal, and commands him to attack the Spider Riders. Hunter and Quake talk about what they will do, and Quake reveals that he still has his Manacle. Buguese and Aqune attack the Spider Riders with Dark Opal. Hunter attempts to negotiate with Buguese but fails. Hunter tries to use the Oracle Keys but Dark Opal, controlled by Aqune, absorbs the keys' power and gives it to Mantid. Aqune explains to Buguese that she serves Lord Mantid and that she won't let Buguese use oracle's power to betray Mantid. The end is near.
	"coming soon"	4/08/2007	49
	coming soon
	"coming soon"	4/15/2007	50
	coming soon
	"coming soon"	4/22/2007	51
	coming soon
	"coming soon"	4/29/2007	52
	coming soon

[edit] Music

Japan

• Opening Theme #1: "Alright" (eps. 1-26)

• Opening Theme #2: TBA by Saeko Chiba (eps. 27-??)

• Ending Theme #1: "Twilight Time" by MCU (eps. 1-13)

• Ending Theme #2: "Koi no Keshiki" by Tamaru Yamada (eps. 14-26)

North America

• Opening Theme: "Calling All Spider Riders"

[edit] Cast

[edit] English voice actors (Riders)

• Narrator - Ron Pardo
• Hunter Steele - Julie Lemieux
• Corona - Stacey DePass
• Prince Lumen - Cameron Ansell
• Princess Sparkle - Melanie Tonello
• Igneous - Tim Hamaguchi
• Magma - Lyon Smith
• Aqune - Alyson Court

[edit] English voice actors (Spiders)

• Shadow - Joseph Motiki
• Venus - Caroly Larson
• Brutus - Darren Frost
• Flame - Peter Capllan
• Hotarla - Grace Fulliton
• Ebony - ???

[edit] English voice actors (Invectid)

• Mantid - Lawrence Bayne
• Buguese - Jack Langedijk
• Grasshop - Carman Melville
• Beerain - Ellen-Ray Hennessey
• Stags - ???

[edit] Crew

Music Score: David Shaw

[edit] Japanese Cast

[edit] Seiyū (Riders)

• Hunter Steele - Motoko Kumai
• Corona - Saeko Chiba
• Prince Lumen - Kumiko Higa
• Princess Sparkle - Kaori Shimizu
• Ignus - Takehito Koyasu
• Magma - Kinya Kotani
• Aqune - Sanae Kobayashi

[edit] Seiyū (Spiders)

• Shadow - Takashi Kondo
• Venus - Sanae Kobayashi
• Hotarla - Yuu Asakawa
• Brutus - Shigeru Chiba
• Portia - Kumiko Higa

[edit] Seiyū (Insectors)

• Mantid - Hiroshi Yanada
• Baguese - Toshihiko Seki
• Grasshop - Shigeru Chiba
• Stags - Kenta Miyake
• Beerain - Yuu Asakawa
• Lemin - Megumi Toyoguchi

[edit] Others credited

• Lily - Takako Honda
• Melissa - Naoko Matsui
• Grey - Anri Katsu
• Kenta Miyake
• Kinya Kotani
• Yuu Asakawa

[edit] Web games

Tribal Nova produced the tie-in online game based on the show, available on the official site.

[edit] Phone Games

On 2006-07-29, Anime X site published Spider Catcher and Oracle Daifugo downloadable phone games based of the show, for the FOMA-enabled cell phones. The 3rd game, Jumping Spider, was released on 2006-08-09. Each game cost 105 yen.

[edit] Differences Between the English and Japanese Versions

• The Insectors in the Japanese edition are known as Invectids in the English version.
• In the Japanese version, Hotarla's vocabulary consists of "Kyu", while in the English version (in her first appearance in "Spider Riders' Ball") she can speak in full sentences. This changes in "Big Bug", and Hortarla's "Kyu" is transferred to the English version.
• Aqune is referred to as a priestess in the Japanese version and an enchantress in the English version
• In episode 6 of the English version, the scene of Lumen calling Sparkle cute while watching her play is removed. This is likely because of Lumen and Sparkle's sibling relationship.
• Some dialogue in the English version was altered, often for the inclusion of puns or English slang, but none have affected the plot so far.
• The Opening theme in the Japanese version (Alright) differs from the OP in the English version (Calling All Spider Riders.) None of the Japanese ending themes are used in the English version. As there is no current DVD release, it isn't certain whether they will be used or an original ED will be created.
• The eyecatch in each version is the same, with the exception of the language that the logo is written in.
• The character Ignus is called Igneous in the English version. This is not an edit, because his name was Igneous in the original novel series. It's debatable whether his name was meant to be Igneous in both versions, however it is written as "イグナス" (I-gu-na-su) on the official Japanese site.
• In the English version, the song "Calling All Spider Riders" plays frequently during the series as an insert song. A number of other BGM changes have also been made.
• The character called Grey in the Japanese version is called Slate in the English version
• The character called Lemin in the Japanese version is called Kati in the English version
• The character called Melissa in the Japanese version is called Galena in the English version
• The Japanese version ended its broadcast as of episode 26, while the version airing in Canada will continue for 52 episodes. It's unknown whether the Japanese version will continue airing at a later date or only be available through the Japanese DVD release.
• Quake is called Brade in the Japanese version, as well as in the original plans made available in a Teletoon Corp. press release
• In episode 18 in the Japanese version, the song Aqune hums is actually the second ending theme. This scene is also extended slightly.
• Spider Riders has started again in Japan. The second half of the series will begin to air on April 14, under the name "Spider Riders ~Yomigaeru Taiyou~" as opposed to "Spider Riders ~Oracle no Yuusha-tachi~," which was the subtitle for the first 26 episodes.
• Loraine, a body in which Mantid keeps stored in a room of his castle, is seen on a few occasions in the Japanese version. She was cut from the English version, as her existence was thought to be too disturbing for American viewers.

[edit] External links

• Newmarket Press SR page
• Official Spider Riders page
• Spider Riders Wiki - a Wikia of the Spider Riders Series
• Tribal Nova's SR page
• TV Tokyo's Spider Riders page
• Library of Congress entry for SR book
• Telefilm Canada's approval of funding Spider Riders
• Teletoon's announcement on SR
• Ani.tv's SR page
• Studio 23 home page
• Screenshots from the TV series
• Anime News Network: Spider Riders
• Monthly Boys Fang SR page

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