Best Showcase Rider
 

No, auto correct didn't screw up "Showa."

I'm curious which Rider is the best at showcasing what Kamen Rider entails for the purposes of introducing new viewers to it. I'd assume Decade might work action-wise with the whole "I can do it all" thing with the Decade Powers, but it apparently has hiccups with story that could seriously make or break it (hi Matrix).

What do you think?

Well *cracks knuckles* I find there a two options for the two extremes of fans, those two being those who prefer serious plot driver shows and those who prefer and more lighted character driven pieces.

Firstly with the latter option there is W, a series that (coming just off the tails of Decade) was tailored to bring a new audience and thus was required to explain the basics of what the franchise was about. Fortunately though the series isn't just a basic Kamen Rider for Dummies series and stands on it's own as well realized show with well done action, a satisfying amount of drama, hilarious comedic moments and unbelievably likable and memorable characters.

As for the other extreme, for that I'd say go with Gaim. A series that by this point time shouldn't need an explanation as it is universally agreed to be one of the best written and structure kamen rider seasons to date.

I think Kabuto is a good one, actually. Just because it retains the bug motif.

I'd have to say either W or Den-O. Possibly even Fourze.

Black. He perfectly sums up everything that's great about Kamen Riders and their mission to thwart evil. The show captures the classic 1- to 2-part format of classic Rider, but includes enough ongoing storylines that help keep the audience focused and engaged. It also has a fantastic lead character, highly memorable villains, great monster designs, top notch action, and the best damn soundtrack in the history of KR. There are probably shows that are objectively better, but there is no show that more successfully captures the spirit of "Kamen Rider."

I actually feel Gaim is one of the worst series to showcase what Kamen Rider is. The vast steps taken to make sure everyone is a horrible person beyond Kouta, the needlessly dark setting in the second half (KR gets dark, but Gaim kind of blots out the sun during the last 15 episodes), and the ending is kind of jarring, especially for first time viewings.
Just because a series is good doesn't mean that it should be shoved in the face of a newcomer. Often times, especially in a franchise based around tradition, the change of pace is why it's heralded as amazing (Good writing helps, too). But being the exception might actually detract viewers.

As for the question at hand, OOO I feel is the best Rider to showcase what KR is.

I wouldn't recommend Gaim for the same reason I wouldn't recommend Amazon or Hibiki (or Nexus to curious Ultraman viewers). It's a good show, but it is not representative of what Kamen Rider is as a franchise. If someone decides they don't like it, then they're writing off the entirety of Kamen Rider because of a show that is very different from normal. If someone absolutely loves it, you then have to explain that there's no other KR series that's going to be like it.

Well I have managed to get several people interested in the franchise from showing them Gaim so... guess I'm a tad biased with that opinion. :lol

I'd probably only go with Gaim if the people I'm wanting to have check KR out happen to find Gen "Happiness is a Terrible Thing" Urobuchi's works to be amazing. I'd probably also only go with Kiva if I'm banking on Vampires or Violins.

But then again, Violins are best instrument. :D

Clearly you have never encountered the gentle, dulcet melodies of the bagpipes.