[Kamen Rider Die]

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Originally Posted by DreadBringer

And true that, I think that phase 1 is more experimental of the era, though it can result in controversial stuff, and that it won't likely happen anymore for phase 2 as phase 2 has been swimming in success with mostly similar formula for each series, or probably the experimental era does lead to a conclusion, where Den-O style is the one get chosen.

I think it's maybe just a general lightening in tone, more than it's a thing where Den-O won out. There's always been goofiness and humor and sweetness to Kamen Rider; I think we're just watching those elements increase in importance. Maybe more kids want to have fun than want to be scared? Maybe it's a shift in the culture?

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Originally Posted by DreadBringer

I don't know if this is offensive... but... the years shown is 1986 and 2008. Are you sure it's not 2020 instead?

Yeah, this introduction to Wataru plays a lot differently in 2021 than it would've a few years ago. It honestly took me a minute to think he was acting weird!

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Originally Posted by DreadBringer

I only wonder if you'd have objective view (and afraid of potential offensive takes) if Wataru doesn't come from a series written by Inoue.

I think I would? Good characters come from lots of different writers, just like a writer can have lots of different good characters. Like, I feel like you've got this view of Inoue writing heroes who are antisocial, but, like: dude created Agito! Inoue wrote Shouichi, arguably the sweetest Rider in all of Heisei. He's not just a writer who creates closed-off heroes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreadBringer

But between the actor Koji Seto and suit actor Seiji Takaiwa, there would be such a contrast between the portrayal as Kiva, where as Wataru he's painfully asocial, but Seiji Takaiwa fighting as Kiva would seem to have Wataru's character issues completely thrown out of window due to different people.

I can't really speak to much to this, since I've only seen one fight scene, but I'd assume that Wataru's shyness vs Kiva's aggression is maybe a thing the show will end up giving more information about? Not necessarily through dialogue, but it may become clear (as I get to know this world more) how someone as scared as Wataru can fight as a Kamen Rider. It's okay if it seems contradictory at first!