[Tokumonkey]

Before I continue, I'm curious: are any of you the author of this blog? Because I'm loving these reviews.

https://capesandcoolscarves.wordpress.com/

I broke down and watched the Overtime version this week out of sheer impatience. This is silly because TV Nihon's turnaround on these episodes has been about as short as I've ever seen from them. I'm finding that I still prefer a lost of TVN's stylistic tendencies, but Overtime's mild script doctoring is sometimes great. If only I could combine the two into a BEST MATCH.

*ahem*

We're on episode three, and so far, the series still feels not just promising to me, but like it realistically might deliver on that promise. We got worldbuilding, character building, action, a Kamen Rider riding something, and still managed to hawk - pun only intended after the fact - some toys. I still like the tone, and the humor is still working for me, since it comes from character rather than faux-zany antics.

I'm curious about BloodStark, and I'm wondering if the point is that they're each in charge of Faust in that region of the divided Japan. If so, there's an implication of a third master villain for the final region. Is the security guard (Nobusomething?) dead - devoured by BloodStark's snake (form?) - or kidnapped?

I'm blaming the ridiculousness of the labels on the FullBottles on some combination of Bandai and Toei. Toei could have just removed the stickers for the purpose of the show, and then, they could hawk a premium-DX version of the bottles without the giveaway labels. Heck, this episode could have introduced that labels are only applied after a bottle's Best Match is discovered. Sloppy.

I'm excited that the core cast is feeling distinct, and they're beginning to be fleshed-out. Ryuuga may be my favorite character, but Sento isn't far behind, and the rest of the Cafe crew has me curious. NightRogue (I feel odd about using a space) feels dastardly in a way that the villains of a few prior series (I'm looking at you, Fourze, Wizard, and Drive) haven't. He's directly menacing rather than being a vague, looming threat.

Something understated that I've noticed about these episodes is that Sento and Ryuuga are both a little bit superhuman even when they're not transformed. Ryuuga has broken free of chains for two episodes straight, and there are a couple of other indications that they're abnormally strong. That Ryuuga gets additional power just from holding the Dragon FullBottle is pretty cool. I'm very much looking forward to Kamen Rider Claws.

A couple of years ago, we were at what felt to me like a low point in Super Hero Time. I wasn't enjoying Ghost or Ninninger. Now, we're back to where I felt when Kyoryuger/Gaim was airing: really excited for both shows.

If this series keeps up what I'm enjoying, I may need to revise my rating scale. I've been rating them as excellent so far, but I suspect I may be able to raise my standards for this show.