[Kurona]

Just finished Episode 29 of Hibiki. Given that I've been told this is where the previous writer's tenure ends and for the remaining 20 episodes the show is retooled and written by probably my least favourite writer for Rider and in general goes downhill, I figure this is a good place to take a break and evaluate how I feel about it before moving on.

I've adored this so far. It's a completely different feel from any other Rider series I've watched - which, I mean, it wasn't originally meant to be a Rider series, so that makes sense - and in the best ways possible.

I like the 'secret protagonist' thing the series has going on, to start. A bit like how Kabuto was centred around Kagami's journey; the main character of this isn't Hibiki himself, who instead serves as a sort of mentor to Asumu. What perhaps make this potentially more interesting is that Asumu isn't out to save the world and in regards to wanting to be a Rider, is at best undecided and conflicted -- he's just a normal kid living his life, with amazing people walking into it to help and guide him along the way.

The rest of the characters are so, so likeable. Hibiki and Ibuki are really similar in that they're wise, older mentors with a bit of a goofy side to them; but it works out Ibuki's student Akira is a counterpart to Asumu; so it's nice to see a similar dynamic showing what Hibiki and Asumu could be. Talking of Akira, my god; I like that for once we have a female side character who's actually involved in battles. I get a bit sick these days of just watching the likes of Misora and Tsukiyomi sort of, stand on the sidelines and not do much. But Akira's not even out of school and she's getting stuck in! She might not be an Oni just yet but I really like seeing her involve herself in battles in a different type of way as part of her training.

Todoroki and Zanki feel slightly disconnected to the rest of the cast given how close-knit and personal most everyone else is to Asumu, but it works out and they're still very enjoyable characters. Todoroki's a big goofball, and given that the only other time I've seen him is when he's a complete badass in Zi-O, it's kinda funny and it makes me wonder where it's gonna go. I also like the little glimpses of Sabaki, Danki and Eiki we see -- in perhaps the weirdest comparison I can make, it feels similar to the Teen Titans cartoon where we saw cameos of other heroes around the world. It makes the world just feel that bit bigger and developed. Do kinda wish some of them had more unique weapons, though; there's more instruments than drums, trumpets and guitars.

Something that strikes me about the series in particular though is that despite there of course being a big ongoing fight against demons and there clearly being some sort of overarching scheme developing in the background... Hibiki is a super chilled out series. Not quite in the same way as Den-O or anything, but there's still something very cosy and comfortable about it. Everyone gets on and helps each other with their problems and none of them are assholes about anything or presuming anything; they're just really calm and friendly with each other. It's not something I want for every Rider series or anything since at some point you do need some drama and conflict, but it's a very nice change of pace and just makes me like these characters even more.

A minor touch I really like? Hibiki is a show centered around tradition and hard training; with the Oni drawing their powers from mystical sources and hunting down mythical creatures. Great emphasis is put on how much they need to build themselves up and learn multiple styles of music; ancient styles of it passed down through the centuries.
... and yet they not only don't look down on modern technology, they consistently rely on it. Phones, vehicles, even their disc animals and weapons; all of it is either everyday commonplace technology or specifically designed by scientists in their midst. And it's just very casually a standard part of these mystical Onis' equipment and fighting styles. Usually you'd get older characters rolling their eyes about how the new young 'uns are relying too much on cars instead of walking or animals or something; or you'd at least get a single early episode where these characters have to learn to accept tech. But the show doesn't bother with that rubbish and just has it be a thing, and it feels so naturally integrated and the lack of conflict towards it contributes to that super chilled-out atmosphere I love about the show.
It's hardly the core of the best things about Hibiki, but it's something very rare that I enjoyed a lot and had to mention. It's pretty cool.

Also can I give a shoutout to that opening and how almost every episode it seems to have a different instrument? Much like the show it's very chilled out and gives you something different to look forward to each time. It's nice.

I keep saying "it's nice" but that really is the show in a nutshell so far. It's just so fucking nice.

Now let's see if everyone was right and I hate what Inoue does with this set-up and how not-Zeronos comes in and apparently wrecks everything