[Daikaijuman54]

First off, great April Fools review, nothing I can add to that, so I decided to wait for the full review of Shinobi.

While I can see a lot of people's criticisms, I can't help but look back on it fondly, possibly even loving it? I pretty much went into this knowing it was going to be a parody series, heck wouldn't surprise me if it was going to be an April Fools joke in the first place. The main factors were evident in the trailer, narrated by White French Woz (who also thirsts for Iroha) and some of the things like the Frog. But boy, did I enjoy the narrator shouting POW! in every sentence of the Episode Previews more than I should, and still crack up every time I listen to them, one of the reasons I love the sounds for the Driver.

First off, I actually love the kitbashes for Shinobi and Hattari (though I agree it seems like a waste for Dark Drive who has an absolutely fantastic suit...), even the villains, overall, just great designs, despite being remodels. And IZANAGI is an amazing Opening, maybe even too good for this show, but I'm not complaining.

Maybe it's also because I'm old-fashioned, but the Love Triangle shenanigans are honestly entertaining, mainly since I usually find love triangles annoying, so seeing it in a comical fashion is more often than not more enjoyable than serious ones. And quite frankly, I also think Iroha being 17 is better than being, I don't know 12 or something, so it doesn't bother me that much (I've seen worse). Also, they're not wrong about her being a looker, not that I'd fight Shinobi or anything (here's your April Fools, son).

For it's greater whole, I don't know if I'd want a full series in this vein, but than again, it's not something I'd mind. There's intrigue, some interesting ideas, potential for cool Ninja Riders, but I don't think it's something I can't live without. This special is fun, but it's no masterpiece, but neither is it something I wish didn't exist. It's most likely just a joke since Shinobi will most likely never become an official Rider, and takes it time making an absurd "what if" scenario poking fun at a bunch of stupid tropes and quirks, though honestly it feels more like a Sentai than a Rider, comedy hijinks aside.

And you know what? I don't mind this special's existence whatsoever.