[Xtreme RX]

I'm just gonna drop in on this conversation to add my two cents about Zi-Oh possibly being a female...

A lot of you are saying this is not the right time being an anniversary series and all, but I completely disagree. Now is the PERFECT time to experiment. Think about it - even if the main Zi-Oh toys don't sell too well, they still have 20 years of Heisei Rider to bank off of. They can re-release belts like they did when Decade was airing. They can make new collectibles based on existing Riders and sell those at a premium. They can make new forms, new figures, new toys to complement old ones. It'll not only attract kids, but audiences that grew up with Rider in one form or the other.

This will carry on into the show too. People will be watching this series primarily for the anniversary elements. Same thing happened with Decade back in 2009 - I believe one of the Agito episodes hit like a 12% viewership rating which was completely unprecedented! -and most of the extended viewership for that show were there to see the Rider's they grew up with in action again. Now we have another generation of kids to join us mid 20-30 year old's in the celebration. Kids who may not identify with the lead will undoubtedly find someone else to root for in the form of the many male heroes who are reported to make a return.

And who wouldn't be able to relate to the lead in this scenario, regardless of gender? If it goes by the rumoured plot, then its about someone learning how to be a Kamen Rider. Take a blank slate - female representation in the series - and make them take a journey to be accepted as a hero worthy of the name by meeting legendary heroes. If the character turns out to be popular, Toei will know female leads are worth pursuing in the future. For people on the fence about having a female character, it could be a story that builds them up as equals in terms of representation for the series. If the character is found to be unfavorable, Toei can put the final nail in the coffin for female main characters but we'll be all the better for having been around to experience it. Either way no one really loses in this scenario, especially if it turns out to have a shorter run. People will undoubtedly watch the show regardless of the lead.

Meanwhile, an entirely new series is a lot more risky. You are looking at a year-long series with a dedicated toy-line that needs to sell on (mostly) its on merit. If the female lead doesn't work out from the start, Toei and Bandai would need to reshuffle the entire show's production. That would be a complete disaster.

Just my thoughts.

As for the Zi-Oh design itself, I am really digging it. Clock motif could have been a little more subtle though lol.