Yeah, and I especially get what you mean about the upgrade forms or secondary rider. I feel that what the Heisei Era really benefits from is having some type of game-changer, whether it be a form upgrade or new Rider, which is why I always welcome them. Like I mentioned, you had Ouja come along and completely change the Rider War. You had Zangetsu come along knock sense into Kouta and make him realize that these powers weren't just a game. Even Blade, who started off having a solid 3 Riders relatively close to the beginning of the series, introduced Leangle as well as Jack forms and King Form to create more of a dynamic.

Black just feels a bit formulaic. Gorgom comes up with plot, Kotaro finds out that they are behind it, Kotaro struggles against the MOTW, then finds a way to stop the MOTW, rinse and repeat. It is very good at doing that sort of thing, and in no way does it get redundant as far as reusing the same plot, but there hasn't been any real game changer. Birugenia I guess you could say does that for Black, but he's been mostly observing the priests continuously fail while taking a less active role in doing things. It just doesn't leave much reason for me to marathon it, but I guess the intention is so that anybody new to the show can jump into any episode and not be confused at just what is going on.

But Wizard had likable characters from the get go, a plot, momentum and character development. Faiz had none of this, it was so unengaged with itself you could play the scenes of any episode out of order and not even notice.

No it didn't. Wizard had Shunpei. And as much as I did not care for Keitaro in 555, he was a likable character. Shunpei was just annoying with no redeemable features except for the one time he dressed like a girl. Shunpei made a better girl than he did a guy.

Wizard did not have any variation in its structure. You could predict how every episode was going to go down after the first several. 555 kept changing things up, even if they did not always work. Nevertheless, there was a variation of dynamics going on. Oh, and Mari actually did stuff compared to "I'm going to quietly sit in the background for the next 25 episodes" Kiyomi. Kiyomi had maybe about 5 episodes worth of development whereas Mari had about 20.

I wasn't saying the Wizard cast was flawless but I didn't like a single character in Faiz. I absolutely adored Haruto and grew to love Nitou too by the end, it's disappointing about Koyomi's actress but I really enjoyed what she did for Haruto's character. Plus although the rest of the supporting cast wasn't great they seemed to be having a lot of fun and that shined through their performances. That is more than I can say for anyone in Faiz.

Faiz didn't change shit, episodes would always go nowhere, every development would be forgotten by the next episode and characters would go through the same arcs over and over again. Wizard was heavily structured and perhaps focused on the wrong things but Faiz just went in circles.

Pretty much how I'd put it.

Faiz had one character that was genuinely unlikable IMO, plus one character that was a bit of a waste. Wizard had a few characters I liked and a few that were just...well not really characters, Kiyomi in particular stands out, even worse because she ended up being the biggest part of the plot. Wouldn't have thunk it for as little as she was a presence.

And as Kain said, Faiz tries different things throughout its episodes, Wizard, again a series I did enjoy, was more or less the same exact formula every single episode.

And I really don't see how you can say the characters in Faiz had no growth or development or weren't even likable. They are some of the best developed characters in the franchise and the interpersonal relationships and drama add some incredible tension.

Personally, I prefer Wizard by far over Faiz. Not only did I like the show much more design-wise, but I also thougt the characters were... more likeable. Not necessarily better developed, but I could warm up with most of them far easier than with those in Faiz.
Takumi just was being an idiot most of the time (which is a pity, because the actor seems like a nice person). Then we had Yuji, who was sorta interesting throughout the majority and just went totally nuts (in a negative sense) at the end.
Keitaro and Yuka were okay, but their stories didn't have a very good build-up, so they barely left any impact on me.
Kaido was somewhat annoying most of the time while I just generally disliked Mari, mostly for being boring and overly naive.(Already couldn't warm up with the actress in Kiva, because I hated Mio.)
The villains were all characters I never cared for anyway, same goes for Mihara.
I also heavily disliked how the characters dealt with friendship. I mean, Takumi believes Kusaka, the guy who tried to make everyone think bad of him, more than his friend, Yuji? And Yuji, who knows that Faiz can also be used by other Orphenochs, just assumes that Takumi attacked him, despite them making up before? Yeah sure. Great friends they are.

My problem with Faiz wasn't about being "dark", it was more about missing a story I cared for, like in one that was told enjoyable. I mean, if people can enjoy Faiz, wow, great for you. But I pretty much spend this show waiting for the end, because I couldn't stand it anymore. I always try and give every show a chance until the end, but Faiz never used that chance- at least not for me.

You have to realize that he said he never finished Faiz...

Watched thirty eight episodes though, so if the show suddenly decides to start developing the characters in the final ten it's still shit. That is why I gave up in the end, nothing that had happened in those episodes had stuck yet and I realised all I was doing was wasting my time as the show lead me in constant infuriating circles.

Quite a few things I found frustrating about Faiz.

- As the poster above me put, Kusaka is the most blatantly deceptive and manipulative character I've ever seen in a Rider series. Yeah, sure, so is Micchy, but Micchy was way better at hiding his manipulative nature. The fact that, after a certain point, characters STILL trust his words, especially Takumi, was annoying.

- Yuuji's fall was rushed at the end for me. It's like they didn't know where they wanted to take him until the final 6 or 7 episodes.

- Mihara was completely useless and there were about 50 million different characters that could have been Delta instead and would have made a larger impact on the story. Even Keitaro's goofy ass would have made for a more satisfying Delta than who we got.

- Faiz has no ending.

- Yuka and Keitaro's 'romance'. Not so much that it exists, I think it was quite nice, except for one problem....they don't figure out who the other is until about 40 episodes in. You mean to tell me not once when they interacted in person did they ever bother finding out each other's full name, which would have been a dead giveaway as to their identities?

I still enjoyed Faiz, but it's probably one of the more flawed series I've watched.

It did not. In fact, you just missed the point where the show pretty much nosedived off a cliff, narratively.

The show gets worse? Oh my...

I just implied that it and the characters went somewhere, not that where they went was any good. :lol

Essentially all you need to know is that there isn't an ending. Nothing is resolved. A couple people get the axe before it just... stops. For seemingly no reason.

I enjoyed the ending of Faiz, I enjoyed Faiz in total and found the characters to be totally awesome, and I love Takumi.


Black Episode 28: The episode that predates OOO with dealing with human greed lol. Birugenia's plans are always the most deadly I mean people died because of his plan this was crazy. I was definitely happy that Kotaro pulled off a great plan and the great Showa Era laugh in the face of the villains moment. Also two great fight scenes against the mutant and Birugenia, I love Black vs Birugenia right now and the fight went in Black's favor for once that just elevates this even more for me. =)

Was this the episode with the gold lizards? I loved that one, especially because there was no scene at the end where everything goes back to normal. A bunch of people acted stupid and they still had to deal with it after the monster was destroyed.

Yeah, I just finished Episode 28 and it's probably one of my favorites so far. Really did a good job establishing the Birugenia vs Black rivalry.

I wish there was a figuart of Birugenia :(

I am currently watching... AAAAAAAAAAAAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAZOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!! I always wanted to try one of the Showa-era Riders, and with Amazon being the shortest AND having a tie-in with Fourze, I thought why not? I'm loving the story progression and Amazon's character being a take on Tarzan. It's quite violent, but the fights are still very enjoyable. Also that Ten-Faced Oni is nightmare fuel.

I love that guy. The execution of the costume may be a little iffy, but the design and idea behind it are fantastic. He's one of my all-time favorite evil generals.

Yeah I wish their was too, Birugenia is totally awesome.

Black Episode 29: The Armadillo Mutant is so stupid! First he interrupted Birugenia twice, and Birugenia could have killed Katsumi and Kotaro if not for him, and next he basically just takes Black to the prisoners! This mutant and the Priests basically didn't want Birugenia to succeed and the in fighting is why they are getting their butts kicked by Kotaro. It is always intriguing when we get a glimpse of Nobuhiko I am excited to see when he actually gets out of the bubble. Still can we stop interrupting the Birugenia vs Black fight! It needs to happen!

Black Episode 30: Birugenia just tells the Priests fuck you! By interrupting the monster that was almost going to kill Black this time lol. I love that Ryusuke came back, he reminds me of Ichijou from Kuuga in being badass, and that he should have been the secondary Rider. Though this Rana girl's powers were something else when Kotaro forgot who the hell he was for a second. The fight was great with the Squid Mutant and Ryusuke helping with his gun and knife. The ending was a great hint towards Shadow Moon, I definitely feel that the 30's are going to evolve the show even more.

Agito 21-23. For a throwaway suit, the V1 actually looks pretty cool. I kind of wish we got a figuart of it. It kind of pisses me off that Hojou is still trying to say that the V1 is superior to the G3-X after it clearly kicked the V1's ass, even if it was an accident. I'm really disappointed that Hikawa didn't figure out that Souchi is Agito after he practically admits it, but I'm sure it'll happen soon enough.

Black Episode 31: Yay another return! The Shonen Warriors from the previous episode that Kotaro helped them. I really enjoyed the Video Game theme from this episode it was really cool to see it done back in the 80's here and the Porcupine mutant was something else. Great to see the kids though and that Kotaro had back up against the threat, but dear god this was the most blinding episode of Kamen Rider ever, the screens were lighting up, he was lighting up, everyone was just shining bright lol.

Black Episode 32: Also known as the most trippy episode of Kamen Rider I have seen lol. Literally I could half follow this episode because of how messed up it was with the Mushroom Mutant, if I ever watch this show again I am skipping this episode lol. This was crazy, and I am just glad it got to Kotaro Rider Punching and Kicking the mutant to it's doom.

Black Episode 33: This makes up for the last episode, the action was great and I love when he pulls out one of his less used techniques like the Kingstone Flash. I enjoyed that he helped the kid believe in himself and helped him learn to walk again. I'm intrigued with what Birugenia's plan is with working with the Priests more. Still I know the end is coming and it's just getting more and more exciting.

Black Episode 34: OMG! I see this is where Black picks up the pace a whole lot! Birugenia getting the Satan Saber, The Priests kidnapping Kyoko and awakening Shadow Moon. Birugenia kicking the crap out of Kotaro, Road Sector, and Battle Hopper. Oh man and the cliffhanger was something else, I can't talk much I am too excited and want to watch the next episode.

Black Episode 35: The sad ending of Birugenia, he had the shot of killing Black so many times and never had the follow through to do so. Though I think he should have died after the Rider Punch and Kick of Black rather than at the hands of Shadow Moon. Shadow Moon's debut was kind of weak IMO I mean if he killed Birugenia with his own power then it would have showed how strong he is, all I know is the Satan Saber is immensely powerful and that's because Birugenia was using it, I'm sure if he slashed himself with it he would have died too. I guess I was expecting more of a darker voice for Shadow Moon, but I am intrigued to see how his storyline goes, I hope the Priests die soon too. I want less of them and more Black vs Shadow Moon. Kotaro was exceptional in this episode especially his line to Birugenia about always being reborn to stop them. Great to see that Kyoko knew that Kotaro was Kamen Rider Black because he's not hiding it well around them lol and the bad guys already know who he is. Still now in this final part of Black it's definitely picked up more. 16 episodes left this will be a fun ride.

Black Episode 36: Damnit! I wanted the Priests to die not evolve into Great Mutants, though now I understand why they had Heaven, Ocean, and Earth crystals because they turned into a Air monster, Sea monster, and Land monster. Shadow Moon I like now because of what he wants to get rid of in the world and that I can agree with but not the causing chaos and hurting innocent part. Shadow Moon must hate walking because after a while the sound his feet make must get annoying lol. I just love Kotaro, Kyoko, and Katsumi during this and finding out about Nobuhiko and being approached by him too. I can't wait to see more Black definitely picks up here.

Black Episode 37: I see we can return to the normal pacing of Black even with Shadow Moon, lol. Shadow Moon seems to be very wishy-washy so far now he goes to lengths of messing with Katsumi even though he said in the last episode he still remembered who Kyoko and Katsumi were to him. Sheesh, Hey Creation King you picked the wrong guy to be your Successor, Birugenia would have been the better choice. Right now I am not caring for Shadow Moon he is only aesthetically awesome and that's barely because his walk is annoying. Still this is his third appearance and it seems like it's switching from liking and not caring every time with him. Kotaro was kick ass this episode, 5 on 1 handicap match and does the best idea ever blind the fucking hell out of everyone including the guy watching the episode lol. Kingstone Flash is like Solar Flare in DBZ blinding and should be used often. The Rider Kick looked especially awesome in this episode too. I am still waiting for the epic showdown between Black and Shadow Moon.

Just started watching kamen rider kamen rider gaim wizard Sengoku Great War movie. I am liking it so far

V3 Episode 1: My internet and cable went out so I decided to watch this. I enjoyed it a lot, I think it would be better to watch after the first series but still great to see Ichigou and Nigou kick ass in this definitely very early Showa with everything. I've heard of Shiro's origin before and man this is just sad for him, and hell almost killed 4 times is insane. I can't wait to watch more because I was into it, especially with good subs.

Well, I just finished Kamen Rider Black and I feel that the last ten or so episodes of this series were some of the greatest Rider I've seen yet, and specifically the last 5.

I knew Kotaro Minami wasn't going to be dead, after all there was still a couple of episodes in the series plus Black RX exists so that already ruined any surprises for me. But I think it was handled wonderfully. Seeing Black die, seeing all hope for the city die with him, then having him return again to give the people hope all struck a chord with me.

The ending was especially impactful. I think for the first time in a series that I've watched, there's really no happy ending. Kotaro fails to save Nobuhiko from Shadow Moon, Kyoko and Natsumi moved to San Francisco, and this isn't even including the ones he lost before the series even began. Kotaro is all alone, but has sworn to protect the world from evil as Kamen Rider Black.

If I had to rank it amongst the series I've already watched it'd be:

Ryuki
Blade
W
Black
Kabuto
Faiz
Decade

Black was enjoyable start to finish, but in the beginning, I wasn't feeling that need to marathon through the series like I did with previous Rider series. But then from about 40-51 I started watching it nonstop. Kotaro is a great lead who I honestly think is impossible to hate (seriously, tell me you don't love him when he does that smile) and Shadow Moon had this creepy presence as an antagonist that I found really great. I also dug Birugenia and his rivalry with Black. Unfortunately, the Golgom priests didn't do much for me.

I think what I'm going to do now is alternate between 3-4 different Rider series, with Kuuga getting top priority, followed by Hibiki when I start to get Kuuga'd out. Then maybe OOO or Wizard.

I love Black's ending. That last scene with him sitting in the coffee bar alone, remembering all the friends he's lost was really powerful. It may have been a cheap way to tack a clip show onto the ending, but it really worked to show all he's had to endure and everything that it cost him. Defeating the Century King and Shadow Moon was a victory, but it was very much a pyrrhic one.

Indeed. It was really bittersweet and even sadder is the fact that he'll continue to be a Kamen Rider, which doesn't lend itself to many personal relationships.


I'm almost scared to watch Black RX because I feel like it's going to ruin that for me lol

Black Episode 38: So now I am reaching Grongi level with Golgom, that I just want them Rider Kicked into oblivion. This EP Party plan to defame Kamen Rider Black actually was smart but I hate how the people just blindly don't trust Kamen Rider Black even though he's never done anything else to betray the people's trust, still people can be like that though. I am happy that the Rat Mutant got Rider Kicked because that thing disgusted me and was a jackass. Still not feeling Shadow Moon, I mean he is intelligent but he's still not showing why Birugenia couldn't have done this I mean Birugenia had incredibly smart plans too. Man I love Birugenia lol. Kotaro bouncing back quickly to find out the guy was Golgom's spy was great too and that the Rebel group helped smash the machine, I feel that this is going to lead into another part of the show for next set of episodes.

Black RX works a lot better if you don't think of it as a sequel to Black.

I guess Black must be set in the Marvel Comic's universe. :p

Lol right?! Well I believe Battle Fever J is technically part of Marvel.


Black Episode 39: I hate Bishium's plans they always annoy me, I want her dead so bad. The Idol singer that brainwashes all the guys you know was a half-assed plan, you needed it to control everyone. I loved the fight scenes in this episode with Kotaro's ground moves, flip kick, and other cool moves. Battle Hopper also saved the day here which is also because he is my other favorite in this show. Shadow Moon is being pretty lax here which is very weird. Can't wait to get to more.

Hibiki 28-29: This was a nice little set of episodes. I've said before that I'm not the biggest fan of Asumu, but all of this coming of age stuff is handled well in the show and it really shined on his little trek with Hibiki. Hell, with a bit of tweaking these would have made a decent (if somewhat open ended) finale.

30: Surely this retooling can't be so bad can it...oh my god what have they done to Hibiki? City fights? Generic MOTW-looking Makamou? The show's unique flavour seems completely lost already :( and the less said about Kiriya the better - people like him are the reason I hated Kabuto.

It doesn't get any better from here. For me, the last scene of the show is everybody hanging out in the cafe at the end of episode 29.

Whatever you do, DO NOT WATCH 32!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I, for one, enjoyed Hibiki in it's entirely. Would I have wished it never changed pace? Absolutely. But I still think it's worth a watch all the way through.

I've sat through every Heisei Rider series and I can't say that ANY one of them was BAD. There were certainly ones worse than others, but I mean, even Decade had plenty of enjoyable moments... I dunno. Maybe I'm just being a Kamen Rider fanboy.

Black Episode 40: I really enjoyed this episode for the Master learning about Courage and even that he was willing to sacrifice himself even though he cowered in the beginning. Though I think Super-1 would have been awesome coming back for an episode like this. I don't understand why Black didn't use Multi-Eye to spot the invisible Salamander but then again he did move fast enough that it wasn't a big issue. Black kicked ass once again, and watching the fights are some of my favorite parts.

Up to episode 35 of Hibiki now and this show has taken a nose dive. The last couple of episodes have just been really bad comedy.

Armed Hibiki though? I don't know what to make of him. The suit is gorgeous but the whole point of the form just doesn't work for me. They've basically tried to make him more Rider-ish by giving him a gimmicky BUY THIS TOY weapon that doesn't even fit the general motif of the Riders. Not impressed at all.

I did. It was terrible but no more terrible than any other retool episode has been so far, why that one inparticular?

I really like the design of the suit, but I also absolutely hate it as it is one of the core symbols of everything that went wrong after episode 29. The only place where I think it works is the movie, where the sword is actually an ancient relic and not some cheap prop that the guy who sings the ending theme made. Either way, it totally doesn't work within the framework of how the Oni fight Makamou.

Black Episode 41: Kotaro's first bout into Time Travel because it's not his last with all the freaking times Black and Black RX team up together. I really enjoyed that he tried to stop Nobuhiko even for a quick second though I don't think it would have stopped Golgom though, he would have to go back in time and Stop Golgom along with saving Nobuhiko and himself from being turned into Cyborgs. The Time Travel Cobra was interesting and lead to a good fight. The little kid I felt bad for, this is like Kuuga for me with hating Golgom as much as the Grongi. It's funny how Kotaro and Yuusuke are reminding me of each other. The Samurais were fun too and they were helpful. Great to see they weren't stuck in our time. I can't wait for more.

Black Episode 42: Great plan to bring back practically all the mutants to take over the city. Too bad your fatal flaw was that it relied on a little kid to make it work, lol. These kids are from Agito with their psychic powers, this makes three anymore and I choose to believe Black and Agito are definitely connected. Great to see Road Sector get some action because it's been a little bit since the bikes kicked ass. Yeah I like Golgom less and less since Birugenia left.

So I decided to watch Movie War Core on a whim and my final thoughts on the movie are it's meh. The OOOs segment was not as bad as people made it out to be but that by no means it was good. It's biggest failing for me is not how badly it messes up the canon of the show but in how freaking boring it is. The Core segment of the flick was by far the worst part for me because it feels out of nowhere. The "final battle" generally felt very rushed and anticlimactic which is such a shame considering I generally love the final battle segments of Kamen Rider movies. The only saving grace for this movie was the Double segment which showed how badass Kamen Skull is both in and out of suit seriously why didn't this guy get a W returns movie instead Eternal. I tell a lie Movie War Core has one more saving grace it reminded me how much I love Gotta' Keep it Real:D.

That's basically my stance on it.

I really do wish we could have seen where the show would have gone if left to its own devices, and there was a lot lost in the production shake up, but what we ended up with wasn't at all terrible, most of the time anyways, and I know I've said it before but some of the show's best moments come in the latter portion of it.