[Sh Ranger]

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Originally Posted by Switchblade

Obviously, the dragon and train are references to Ryuki and Den-O, respectively.

Dragonmaru is a European dragon with the power of magic, so I think it would be more of a reference to Wizard.

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Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

Of course I don't mind! It was nice reading that again!

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

RIDER TIME: SHINOBI EPISODE 1 - ?FIRST NINPOW! VOLUME: HATTARI'S ONE-SIDED LOVE"

First off, thanks for indulging my little April Fool?s Day gag of watching the first episode of Ninninger instead of Shinobi. I was going to do the ZO movie, but we happened to land the start of Shinobi on April 1st, so I called an audible and decided to write up Ninninger?s premiere instead.

I'm more surprised that you almost watched AND finished an installment of Showa Rider. Not that I can blame you for going with the ninjas instead, since this was such a perfect opportunity. I mean, ninjas, what's not to love?

ZO is a cool movie though, especially for us Metal Heroes fans who can excitedly spot the actors from Winspector and Spielvan.

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Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

The only problem is, uh? I think I already said everything there is to say about this episode? Accidentally?

Congrats, you managed to pull an April Fools on yourself!

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Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

It?s a pretty fun little goof, honestly. It doesn?t really make a case for itself as a lost gem, or anything. I didn?t watch this episode and think Why Were We Robbed Of This Series. It?s a little too light to feel like there?s potential here. Rentarou is too slapstick-y, and the world is too Everything?s Ninjas without really feeling like a coherent theme. It?s the sort of thing you can play around with for three episodes, and that?s plenty.

Everything's Ninjas is an awesome enough concept to sell the series on its own! But if you're looking for a deeper theme, then the values of a Kamen Rider aren't so far removed from the values of a ninja. They're both connected to Rentarou's identity and purpose. Kaneko Kaori is a very "dessert before dinner" kind of writer. She's focusing on introducing all these exciting characters and this crazy world in this episode, but while it's not apparent yet, there's still an important story that exists within that world that goes beyond the surreal comedy Kaneko has a reputation for.

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Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

So, yeah, cultural differences or whatever.

I'm glad you acknowledge that. Personally, I've learned to leave western taboos aside when watching Japanese media. That way, I never get culture shocked.