[Kamen Rider Die]

KAMEN RIDER ZERO-ONE: IS’S LECTURE ROOM EPISODE 3



It’s all Kamen Rider catchphrases here, and there’s maybe no better way to see off Aruto and Izu than this charmingly goofy tour of Kamen Rider history. Having these two actors deconstruct a few famous heroic declarations (Faiz’z “If fighting is a sin, THEN LET ME BE DAMNED” is and always will the most bad-ass thing for any Rider to ever declare) is fun as a window into two young people feeling the weight of a larger franchise, but it’s also a neat little celebration of their place within it. The segment where Aruto’s actor discusses what the “The only one who can stop you… is me!” catchphrase meant to him… gosh, it’s really lovely. It’s nice to see him feeling a sense of artistic accomplishment, as the series is completed.

As always, him and Izu have amazing chemistry. The recurring bit of Izu doing this high-pitched voice for Tiny Izu, as a way to give hints, was hysterical. Them both doing these specials as Forty Percent In-Character was absolutely the right move. It’s so fun. I wish there were a hundred of these quizzes, with Izu trying to lead Aruto to correct answers that he is a million miles away from (rucksack?!?!), and Aruto posing slightly philosophical questions that Izu really digs into. It’s delightful. I think these two kids were really something special.

Bonus: Decade is Aruto’s favorite Rider!!!