MY JOURNEY | Kamen Rider

Geats was my third toku show but my very first contact with Kamen Rider. And I binged the hell out of it. I think it's a good entry point to Kamen Rider.

The whole concept is interesting and fun. You follow the characters through the Desire Grand Prix, rider against rider, challenge after challenge... and you can't take a break. Something is always happening. And be aware... we have some major twists and turns here.

The action scenes are outstanding. Not a boring fight in sight. But I wished for more character-driven plotlines. Some characters were too flat for me and didn't get enough time to shine.

Ace is a really intriguing protagonist. He's cunning and clever like a fox, friendly, mysterious and full of charm.

I enjoyed the grumpy and angry Michinaga the most though. Maybe annoying for some, but I found him interesting and endearing. He was full of hate and was not afraid to make that clear to everyone every time. But he also has a good heart. I needed even more scenes with him (and Ace). I would rewatch this show just for him and I think that's kinda insane...

Favorite characters: Michinaga, Jiin & Ace

Favorite forms: Geats Magnum, Geats Fever Magnum, GeatsIX, Buffa Zombie, Buffa Fever Zombie, Bujin Sword

(finished watching on 27 June 2024)

It's my second Kamen Rider that I finished.

I don't know how to describe it properly, but I really enjoyed the vibe of this show. It was somehow cozy and frightening at the same time. I liked the filming locations, especially Kotarou's house, the café and scenes in the nature.

The card theme is very cool and the suits are stylish. Sometimes I found the flow of the story a bit weird and confusing, but overall I was always motivated to continue watching.

Kotarou - despite being "just" a side character - stole the spotlight for me so many times. He's adorable and has some of the most funny dialogues of the show. 

The bond between Kenzaki and Hajime is really heartwarming. Hajime in particular is a very interesting and intriguing character. He has a lot of screentime and importance, but I wanted to see even more of his journey. 

And the ending... it took my breath away! I will remember it for a long time. It makes this show all the more special.

Favorite characters: Kotarou, Kenzaki & Hajime

Favorite forms: Blade, Chalice, Wild Chalice, Leangle

(finished watching on 22 November 2024)

It's my third Kamen Rider that I finished.

It took at least ten episodes for me to get hooked, but from the second arc onwards I liked it more and more (shout-out to my dear Kamen Rider Grease). 

It's very plot-heavy. Each episode flows seamlessly into the next. There's basically no time to breathe - which isn't always a good thing. Sometimes I would have preferred the series to slow down a bit. But well...the plot (or a particular villain... *cough*) simply doesn't allow the characters to relax for long periods of time. I really should get used to this while watching Kamen Rider shows, huh?

The show offers some fluffy moments and good comedy scenes in between all the action though. I love the main team very much. They all have a wholesome and natural dynamic - especially Sento and Banjou, the best match.

Kazumi - Kamen Rider Grease - is by far my favorite hero of this show. His heart is in the right place. He's goofy and serious at the same time. I was happy and I was sad because of him. On a side note... I love his hair and his civillian outfit a lot.

Favorite characters: Kazumi, Misora, Banjou, Sento

Favorite forms: Rosecopter, Blood Stalk, Evolt Cobra (Phase 1), Genius, Grease

(finished watching on 2 February 2025)

Nice little extra after episode 18 of Build with some comedy moments. And above all... we learn a bit more about Kamen Rider Grease. I guess he really has a soft side, huh?

Can be watched after episode 21 of Build. It's a solid extra which mainly shows different best matches (I like Rose-Helicopter a lot). And we see Utsumi again!

Can be watched after episode 45 of Build. It's a production with good quality. I enjoyed the bike and fight scene a lot. And we get some moments with wholesome bromance!

It's the fourth Kamen Rider I finished.

I'm not entirely sure what to think of Gaim. I really like the fruit samurai theme. The plot had its interesting and strong moments, I was often shocked and surprised, but as the story progressed it didn't do much for me. A looot of it fell flat. 

Mainly because of the characters. I haven't developed a real connection to any of them, which is often the deciding factor in how I rate a series. Emotion-related I wasn't too involved.

Kouta is one of the classic shonen manga protagonists - which isn't a bad thing, but didn't have much of an impact on me in this case. I saw Kouta's development, but I wasn't really rooting for him. Same goes for Micchy and a bit for Kaito as well.

Micchy was a difficult character that I learned to hate. Seeing him making cruel decisions over and over again was often exhausting for me. 

Of the three main riders, I liked Kaito the most. His whole appearance, the way he speaks, his dialogues about being strong, the respect he has for Kouta and his whole development (especially in the finale) are quite exciting.

The female characters in this series don't get much attention or fall flat. I didn't really like the whole storyline around Mai in particular - and how each of the three main riders was involved with her.

Favorite characters: Kaito

Favorite forms: Mango Arms, Melon Arms, Kachidoki Arms, Lord Baron

(finished watching on 7 February 2025)

(currently watching)

Favoite characters: Shoma, Hanto, Sachika, Rakia

Favorite forms: Poppingummy, Zakuzakuchips, Caking, Bitter Gavv, Chocodon, Blizzardsorbet, Frappe Custom

Some fun short clips set in an alternative universe where the Gavv characters are attending school together. I rewatched the Hanto-Shoma-Rakia confession scene way too many times. And hello, Nyelv is so handsome!?