| Overview |
Kido (キッド Kiddo, often romanized as Kid in the Japanese version but romanized as Kedo in the VIZ manga translation) and Dr. Riddles (ナゾナゾ博士 Nazonazo-hakase, "Dr. Nazonazo"), whose real name is Howard Friedman, are two major characters in the Zatch Bell! anime and manga series. Kido uses Laser Magic and Mechanical Magic.
Appearance[]
Kido (called Kid in the original and spelled Kedo in the VIZ manga translation) is a lanky child mamodo who wears a blue jumpsuit with a K on it. He is partly robotic, which is shown in his various spells which involve weapons and changing the size of his body part.
Dr. Riddles (known as Dr. Nazonazo in Japan) is a tall, old American man (whose real name is Howard Friedman )with a prominent mustache, a top hat with a floating question mark above it, a monocle and fancy black clothing.
Personality[]
Kido is childish, cocky, and very gullible, showcased by a recurring scene in which Kido explains something with a lie Dr. Riddles had previously made up, and is utterly shocked when Dr. Riddles revealed he had been "kidding". Kid is shown to be easily scared, though he has grown considerably brave in the various battles he had encountered with Dr. Riddles. Despite it all, Kido is very loyal to Dr. Riddles, going as far as to sacrifice himself to protect him, Kanchomé, and Parco Folgore in battle from Belgim E.O. He has great admiration and respect for Dr. Riddles and their relationship is viewed as that of a father and a son.
Dr. Riddles is a fun and easy-going man that likes to joke about. However, he can be serious when he wants to and has a vast amount of knowledge, as shown when he teaches Kido the importance of light. Dr. Riddles is also shown to be very wise, teaching Kido many lessons about life that Kido is shown to be thankful about. Dr. Riddles often claims to be the "mysterious professor who knows all." While he is clearly exaggerating, it may not be far from the truth, since he is one of the users of the Answer Talker ability. A frequent scene between him and Kido shows Kido explaining something that Dr. Riddles had told him earlier, only for Riddles to say he was "kidding", which causes Kido's expression to become shocked and photo negative.
Dr. Riddles and Kido's relationship resembles that of a father and son as the duo is very close. Kido, before being sent back to the mamodo world, states that Dr. Riddles is his king. Thus, Dr. Riddles is shown to be very depressed after the loss of Kido, but is cheered up when Folgore and Kanchome visit him.
Biography[]
Background[]
Dr. Riddles first met Kido when Kido visited his library-of-a-house. Dr. Riddles ended up in seclusion in that house, reading many books because of a failed surgery on a child (grandson in the original version) as a doctor, which could explain his purpose for having his answer talker. He quit that job in shame, but felt more pride in purpose with Kido's help. Dr. Riddles first told Kido, when the mamodo asked him, that he was a person who knew nothing. He manages to read the spell book that Kido had presented him with and an excited Kido tells him to go outside so that he could be made the mamodo king, adding that it would be a waste if Dr. Riddles doesn't, since he knew so much.
Part I[]
In the battle with the Ancient Mamodo in South America, their final battle was with Belgim E.O., unlocking a new spell, Mikor Ma Zegaruga. After the battle, Dr Riddles was still upset and grieving over Kido. But when Kanchomé and Parco Folgore came around to cheer him up, he reflected about all his happy moments he had and began to embraced it, and no longer feels alone as Kido's spirit will linger around him. Even after Kido's book is burned, Dr. Riddles continues to accompany the other mamodo teams, and is the primary source of information throughout the series afterward, supplying Zatch and Kiyo with data regarding Maestro and Faudo.
Kido appears again to aid Zatch Bell in his battle against Clear, using his strongest spell, "Mikoruo Shin Zegaruga" to destroy the fragments of Clear's severed tail, telling Zatch not to lose focus. After Zatch defeats Clear Note and Vino, Dr. Riddles takes the baby Vino in as he uses the Answer Talker to search for his parents.
He is later seen in the library with Zaruchim, Sugino, Momon, Zabas, Robnos, and Furigaro.
Part II[]
Decades after the original Mamodo Battle, Dr. Riddles has become the head of a major medical corporation in Nevada, where he now cares for Vino under his supervision. Despite his age, frailty, and reliance on an artificial heart, his wit, humor, and tactical genius remain undiminished. Dr. Riddles first comes under threat when Bleu, a girl working under Beliel, plants the Reaper Butterfly on his forehead, a curse giving him only two hours to live unless she is killed. Even faced with imminent death, Dr. Riddles responds with characteristic mischief, tricking Bleu into reciting a fake incantation and offering her books instead of hostility, showing both his eccentric charm and deep compassion. He quickly discerns her humanity beneath Beliel’s control and calls her “a very good kid,” asking Zatch to save her rather than destroy her. His words shake Bleu, laying the groundwork for her later conflict with Beliel.
As Zatch and Kiyo fight alongside him against Bleu, Bobby, Hem, and the Rolling Witch, Dr. Riddles steps into a crucial support role. He reveals that even without Kido’s spellbook, he possesses a unique ability to identify former Mamodo partners and coordinate revivals. Through his intervention, Koral Q and Grubb are reunited and reactivated, adding strength to the coalition. He also narrates Kiyo’s strategy of identifying enemy weak points, guiding the battle toward exploiting the Rolling Witch’s orb. His combination of tactical foresight and unshakable humor reinforces his position as a master strategist rather than a frontline fighter.
At the height of the conflict, Dr. Riddles seemingly sacrifices himself. Smiling, he reveals to Bleu that his heart was already diseased and failing, leaving him with only a month to live. In a theatrical gesture, he stabs himself with a fake knife, allowing the Black Butterfly to leave his body and convincing everyone he had died. His “death” devastates his allies, while Beliel smirks, satisfied that another obstacle has been removed.
Later, at his residence, the truth emerges. Vino reveals that Dr. Riddles had orchestrated the entire performance, using his artificial heart — which could be stopped remotely with a phone app, to fake his death. The blood was supplied by transfusion packs, and Rocket Foot of the Majestic Twelve posed as his “corpse.” On video, Dr. Riddles confesses the ruse with glee, pranking his mourning allies by flashing a giant “KIDDING” on the screen before reappearing alive, though confined to life support. His survival reinforces his genius for deception, his eccentric sense of humor, and his refusal to allow Beliel the satisfaction of his demise.
Spells & Abilities[]
Since most of Kido's spell require distance to work effectively, Dr. Riddles usually takes advantage of Kido's robotic body. Kido will stand there and take a couple hits while putting distance between him and his opponent. Eventually, Kido fires several shots ending the match. Using this plan they burned quite a few books.
Non-Canon Spells[]
The Majestic Twelve[]
Main article: The Majestic Twelve
Dr. Riddles leads a league of American superheroes called the Majestic Twelve. They are seen at various points in the series, though they are generally little more than support characters. The members are Lightning Eye, Rocket Foot, Flying Beat, Second Sight, Dinosaur Arm, Future Wonder, Psychic Jungle, Fire Elbow, Lady Susan, Blizzard Thing, Tremor Mole, and Telepathy Radar.
Known Spell books they burned[]
- Kalura, on the outskirts of an old village (episode 67)
- Paramakion, on the outskirts of an old village (episode 67)
- Denshin, on the outskirts of an old village (episode 67)
- Belgim E.O., in the Devolo Ruins (with help from Kanchome) (episode 73)
- Kamakku, in a forest near the Devolo Ruins (episode 92, flashback)
Trivia[]
- Dr. Riddles constantly teases Kido and others by saying "Just Kidding" or "Not Really".
- It is a common gag in the series that Dr. Riddles does not use logic. Instead of explaining himself, he answers all questionings of his logic by saying "I am Dr. Riddles the marvelous doctor that knows everything."
- Lady Susan is the only member of the Majestic Twelve that Makoto Raiku says does not need help from his fans to come up with ideas for a new appearance.
- They are the first couple to use a "Ma" class attack.
- It is worth noting, however, that Tia and Megumi Oumi were the first to use a "Ma" class spell, Ma Seshield, however Kido and Dr. Riddles were the first to use a "Ma" class attack.
- Both Kid and Kolulu share the same spell Zerusen for some reason. Where both shoot their fists at the enemy like rockets.
- Dr. Riddle's birthday is on June 1st.[2] His star sign is Gemini.
- Dr. Riddle's blood type is O.[2]
- Dr. Riddle's height is 180 cm.[2]
- Dr. Riddle's favorite foods are sushi, potage soup and chahan (japanese fried rice dish).[2]
- Dr. Riddle's hobbies are reading, gathering information and traveling.[2]
- Dr. Riddle's favorite type is a fun child.[2]
- It was revealed in chapter 20 of Zatch Bell 2. That Dr Riddle’s true name is Howard Friedman. It was also revealed that he lives in Nevada, as he has created a medical corporation, whose headquarters are located there.
- Kido's starting location in the Human World was in Nigeria.