[Fish Sandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwami

Just an interesting point to think about, especially for someone like me who likes this trope and wants to see it back all the time. Now I am actually not so sure if I still do. I think the decision made was right, although I think the message could’ve been altered slightly. If such procedures become commonplace, wouldn’t it be important to show that someone could have them and still be a hero? Or is the message send to children inappropriate, especially to those who are sick and do not gain superpowers after their operations?

I remember this discussion coming up in some thread or another a few years back and having a similar position to this, but the more I think about, and after being reminded of this while looking up everything I could about Kuuga, I think now I'm pretty firmly over wanting to see another cyborg Rider, despite my similar fondness for those old tropes.

The desire to avoid any unfortunate implications on Toei's part was super admirable and considerate, but even beyond that, I think something about the simple truth that elaborate surgery and artificial body parts are no longer fantastical elements really struck me the first time I heard this anecdote. So not only would refusing to make the change they did have risked making light of a serious issue, it straight up wouldn't carry the same weight it did back in the day regardless. The more thought I put into it, the less reasons I found to want to see the old formula back.

I also realized with some thought that the important core of that Rider formula, the part I actually care about, which is them as heroes who were created to be tools of the villains, is still very much a part of the franchise. Ryuki, Wizard, Gaim, Build in particular... it's not a constant anymore (which keeps things more varied!), but it's very apparent to me Toei knows when not to discard a trope as much as they maybe know when it's time to let go.

Anyway, yeah, thanks for bringing attention to this Kiwami; it's a pretty fascinating thing every Rider fan should hear about.