[DreamSword]

Data 3: Mysterious Shadow - Guyver III

Zeraboobus. That is the name of the Hyper Zoanoid fought in this episode.

With that out of the way, I think the writers agreed with me when it came to how Tetsuro and Sho were handled in the second episode.

Because here, Tetsuro gets basically removed which in turn allows Sho to shine in many of the ways that he did in the original movie. His intuitiveness and ability to put others above himself are on full display during the climax.

And when it comes to my question of how exactly things were going to flow in terms of the narrative, I was surprised in how this episode still managed to use elements of Out of Control while still expanding into a brand new arc; That being the new threat of the Hyper Zoanoids.

Because just like in the film, Mizuki does get kidnapped. She is infact rescued by Guyver III. And Sho does experience horror over the possibility of him becoming a monster. The context of those elements are alot different, sure, but that overall felt like part of the fun rather than as a detriment like in episode 2. Just a shame we don't get that iconic scene of him all alone in the mountains.

One thing that I keep forgetting to note about Sho as Guyver though is that I rather like his fighting style when he transforms. Unlike many other toku heroes, Guyver is rather direct and to the point. Often aiming for eyes, slicing limbs off, and doing whatever he can to make quick work of his enemy. He doesn't even bother opening doors! Instead just opting to punch right through them. Funny, but effective.

The only thing left to note is that it's pretty obvious that the student council president is Guyver III, which makes me wonder why they even bother playing it up like some sort of mystery. But it's whatever. Overall just interested in seeing just what they do with the angle more than anything.

So yeah. Solid episode overall.