[Kamen Rider Die]

Hey, I got 39 minutes before the SHF Saber orders open up on AmiAmi, let's talk about Hibiki!

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Originally Posted by Switchblade

I don't remember the first time I saw the Zanki/Todoyama transformation in the... abandoned mining town, maybe? It was before I saw the complete show and I tuned into part of that episode because of some reason - or maybe I saw it in a YouTube compilation, I'm honestly not sure. In any case, it's one of the single scenes in Hibiki that has stuck with me the most over the years and I always get excited watching our guys walk through the town while the Douji and Hime distantly flank them.

The way that scene is laid out is just the cherry on this episode's delicious sundae. You've got the Makamou in the distance, with Sabaki in its grasp. You've got the Douji and Hime, prowling on the outskirts. And then Zanki and Todoyama walk up, Zanki puts down his guitar, they strum their bracelets, LIGHTNING. STRIKE. And then superheroes. Chills, man! I got chills!

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Originally Posted by Switchblade

I unabashedly love everything about the guitar Oni. I love the suit designs, I love the transformation bracelets, and I love the hell out of the ongekigen (the guitar weapon). I always look forward to the moment when these guys arrive and complete the show's main cast. We're getting a little crowded now, for sure, but I can deal with a big, happy family.

They are so boss, and they instantly kick this show up a level. We've basically got a full band, now!

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Originally Posted by Switchblade

Also, loved the scene with Hinaka on the phone. The beat when she realizes that Zanki has taken over never fails to make me laugh.

The editing in that scene is priceless. All over this episode, for sure, but that sequence hits all of the comedy beats perfectly. I'm also a fan of how flustered and embarrassed Todoyama is, trying to give his official report while Zanki watches, and Hinaka is just like No We Are Talking About Our Date Now. He's, like, the anti-Ibuki.

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Originally Posted by FreshToku

I think in your second paragraph, you mixed up Midori and Hitomi's names!

Thanks! Fixed! Also, OH GOD, it would not be cool for Midori and Asumu to be flirting on the phone! Big nope!

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Originally Posted by FreshToku

Also I very much remember this and the next few episodes pretty distinctively, and was shaking in excitement over it like you were, probably! I hope you come to really like Zanki and his apprentice's story. They immediately stick out in this episode for like, having a story arc to themselves as opposed to only being people for Hibiki and Asumu to bounce off (not that there's anything wrong with that!).

That's the thing, though: the Zanki/Todoyama stuff is 100% about Hibiki and Asumu. (And Ibuki and Akira, but that's not as big of a deal.) Like, this story is about masters and apprentices, and about how the Oni tradition/skillset is kept in continuity. Zanki is able to step down because Todoyama is ready to take over. Eventually, Akira will succeed Ibuki. (I sort-of love how accepted it is that Akira will eventually become an Oni. For a franchise that ain't especially good at letting female characters fight as superheroes, this was fairly progressive!) Hibiki needs to figure out what Asumu is to him, and how he can best keep the Oni tradition alive. The idea of Zanki knowing he can step down because he trained a replacement... that seems like a very important thing for Hibiki and Asumu to address!

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Originally Posted by FreshToku

I'm sure Hibiki places equal value in all it's instruments, but I think we all agree that those guitar riffs and shredding is several notches up in coolness compared to anything else.

I feel almost bad saying it, but, yeah! Guitars are objectively cooler! Everyone on this show is great, no bum notes, but those Zanki fight scenes just ruled.