[Kiwami]

I'm currently doing something I have been kind of dreading for years: I'm rewatching Kamen Rider Gaim. Like, not because it's Gaim, but because of what that little project could entail. It was the first ever Rider show I had seen. It's the reason why I'm here.

Two amazing people, SanoBaron and CybermanWorf, were talking about it on another form, sharing clips, one of which was about a fabulously gay guy transforming into a durian armor man. I saw this and thought to myself "I gotta get in on that". They were so kind and helpful, showing me everything I needed to know to get started. And I fell in love with Gaim back then, fell in love with Kamen Rider. My life is so much better because of it, because I have this franchise in my life.

But as the years went by, as I watched more and more Kamen Rider I started to wonder: Was it really that good? Or was it all just really great new car smell? Would I end up seeing the cracks (pun not intended) when I rewatch it now? Will I end up disliking it even?

So that's what kept me from giving it another go. I was afraid it would not hold up.

But then like 2 weeks ago when they were pumping out the Seihou Gaim news and I saw that 10 anniversary logo - I knew now was the time. 10 years later, I need to watch it again.

Long story short, I absolutely love it still. From the first episode onwards I was hooked. It really is just that good, after all this time, after all the Rider shows I have seen since. The setup, the story, the characters, the sounds, the suits, everything. Watching the drama slowly escalate, looking at these characters knowing of what they will become. So many clever twists and turns I forgot about entirely.

It's not perfect of course, nothing is, but it is perfect for me. I'm really having a blast making my way through the episode count. Gaim is really awesome.