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itsmissing · 24 days

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how have you been enjoying the kamen riders!! which ones are you having a good time with

this is gonna be a long one, so i'm gonna put the full answer under a Read More!

so i actually have a spreadsheet i made to keep track of the series that i've completed and how i feel about each one as i finish them, but i'm definitely not gonna make that public.

since march of last year i've pretty much watched ALL of it, barring the original 1971 series (which i put down after like 20 episodes, intending to watch it Properly at a Later Date), Black, Black RX, Saber (which i could not, for the life of me, keep personal interest in), Zero One, and Gotchard (which i'm waiting to finish but have heard promising things about).

i think my general consensus is that as a franchise, Kamen Rider is 100% my jam and i hold it in my heart dearly, and is something that consistently rewards you for engaging with it earnestly, but a lot of the individual season are just kind of ok! even the "bad" seasons that i used to be constantly warned about ended up being just kinda boring to get through (like Wizard and Ghost), but i always found something to appreciate about them anyway. a lot of the "good" seasons that i always saw hyped also kinda fell flat for me (like Gaim and Build). the standout individual seasons that i really enjoyed were V3, Stronger, Kuuga, Blade, "that" half of Hibiki, and W - all of which i think are seasons that pay tribute to that original ideal i really like of the Kamen Rider being this tireless, incorruptible warrior of justice that fights for humanity. i think Kuuga in particular i super enjoyed having come from several other Heisei stuff first, since it was so surprisingly different and refreshing despite being like, the starting point for that era. that being said, i think after watching alla these seasons i'm realizing that the main enjoyment i get outta the franchise is just knowing who all these funny guys are more deeply having that pool of knowledge to draw from. all of it is just so fascinating to me, from pre-production stuff, to the individual actors and whether or not they'll ever reprise their roles again, to the actual meat of the narratives that usually have at least one thing i can appreciate, even if they don't always stick the landing. it's funny bug men slapping rubber suits together, but it's also so much more and i love it

#words words words #asks #rukafais #thanks for the ask!#as always i don't think i articulate things the best way but i really appreciate being asked about my Rider Opinions

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stressedlawsecretary · 5 months

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Today's Focus

12.06.23 - It's looking more and more like the season around here, but we're getting weird weather on the way so who knows if the snow will stick around. However, with snow it gets even colder and my house is already at 70F so since I don't want to bump the heat up (yet; that might happen as it gets colder) I'm wrapped up in two blankets, one of which is heated. My mom used to call me a lizard - guess why lol.

Work - Whatever comes in lol. Technically there's a leftover efile I should check, but it's for a lawyer who is not assigned to me so it's extremely not important for me. I think there's a couple of press releases I could read? Hopefully it being slow means I get to do other stuff I want to do.

Background Noise - I start the day with 100 on the Watch Later, which isn't as bad as it looks because I always add like a handful of videos to the thing when I open up YT in the morning. Though it is remote work day and therefore DVR binging.

Considering I managed to do 23 different videos yesterday, I'm pretty proud of my numbers and I'm looking to work in some more YT around the DVR stuff today.

Study - Well it's Wednesday so it's visual study day, which makes binging the DVR easier since I have a lot of news programs and such on there. Which means I want to:

Read at least three (3) articles on environmental conservation

Get off at least six (6) hrs on the DVR; this should cover at least half of the approx. 12 hrs I have backed up right now.

Watch a saved documentary something on YT

Now I did just as well on my reading/studying as I did on my YT watching yesterday, managing to do the following:

Read the testimony of Carolyn Bryant at Emmett Till's murder trial; this finishes off all of the trial testimonies.

Read four (4) articles on environmental conservation

Read one (1) article on Moms for Liberty

Read six (6) 'good news' articles

Read five (5) pages of the Glass Report

Read the JET Magazine article on Emmett Till's murder

Read William Bradford Huie's follow up article on Emmett Till's murderers

Read an old NYT article about the mysterious death of twin brothers, that formed the (very loose) basis of the movie/TV show Dead Ringers

Read the article Demarginalizing the Intersection Between Race & Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory, and Antiracist Politics

Extras - Okay so I'm going to attend to the catbox, and continue decorating the house. I also seriously want to buckle down and write. The goals here are: finish typing & posting Rant 1, draft Rant 2, begin writing the Gaim fic, re-draft & continue writing the Hades fic. I'd also like to take time to reorganize both my bookmarks on this account and reorganize a few YT playlists.

#studyblr #my study stuff #today's focus #talking

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friendshipstates · 2 years

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(Gentaro on: Past and Current Riders)

Ichigo, Nigo, V3: “There’s a reason these guys are treated like everyone’s grandpas. If you get a chance to spend time with them, do it!”

Riderman: “Man goes around in combat with his lower face uncovered like that, you know he’s not afraid of anything.” X: “Any man that can fight against a group that calls themselves G.O.D. is all right in my book.” Amazon: “Brutally efficient, but also a really good friend. Of course, I’m talking about the original Amazon and not the new Amazons. Those guys’ timeline is locked away for a reason.” Stronger: “ He’s got that catchphrase that can’t be beat. I’ve learned to ask him to discharge his electricity before shaking his hand. Once is enough to learn that lesson. Skyrider: “Only had a few run-ins with him at those big superhero taisen events. Seems cool though.”

Super-1: “He’s an astronaut. What’s not to love?” Black/Black RX: “If his instincts are pointing out that this might be a certain villain’s plot, he’s almost always on the money.” Kuuga: “Godai is awesome. Anyone who can learn that many skills, and keep a positive outlook in the face of monstrous serial killers is worthy of praise.” Agito: “Dude punched god, though not the same one in Pikarigaoka...I don’t think. He also cooks fantastic food.” Ryuki: “Somebody let that poor man sleep. I’ve met his counterpart, Dragon Knight. At least he can choose to keep fighting.” Faiz: “I love hanging out with Takumi, but I can’t imagine what it must be like to have such a malicious evolution.” Blade: “Outside those Taisen’s, I’ve never really met Kenzaki.” Hibiki: “I’ve never run into a man who embodies the phrase ‘Aging Gracefully’ like him.” Kabuto: “I have heard every single one of his expressions. But you know what? I have never met Tendou’s grandma. I know she’s alive...” Den-o: “Put Ryoutarou on the ‘Let this man sleep’ list. He’s got so much weight on his shoulders and even years later, his four permanent mental tenants don’t make it easier.” Kiva: “If you’ve never heard Kurenai Wataru play the violin, your life is incomplete. He makes those violins himself and then makes them each sing their own song.”

Decade: “He’s all right, so long as Kivala is there to keep him in line. But if I ever hear the phrase ‘This might tickle’ coming from behind me, I’m running.”

W: “Philip is fantastic, and Shoutaro’s a good friend. Not much more needs be said.” OOO: “One thing I’ve always found weird about Eiji, is that his adventure never seems to be over. That’s just inspiring.” Wizard: “ He’s got much more utility in his rings than I do in my belt. But he always seems to pick the flashiest option.” Gaim: “I have ZERO idea how a street dancer became god, and I try not to question it.” Drive: “Shinnosuke needs to receive birthday presents in the middle of the year. Being a december baby is awful.” Ghost: “Number three on the ‘Let him sleep’ list. He didn’t even eat anything for over 100 days. Comes from being mostly dead, I guess.” Ex-aid: “Saving lives isn’t a game. But when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like Whack-a-Mole.” Build: “The dude went through war and planetary collision event. I’d say ‘Let Him Sleep’ but I and the other Riders know, Sento and Sleep aren’t on speaking terms.” Zi-o: “There are so many Zi-o’s out there. The only one I trust is the one who’s now apprenticed to Sailor Pluto after spending time as a time cop.” Zero-One: “He faced a sudden inheritance, a robot apocalypse, having his company stolen from under him and building it back with a winning smile and some terrible dad jokes. He deserves good things in life.” Saber: “Books are cool. Swords are Cool. Put them together, and...well, usually you get banned from the library. But not him. He faced the end of all stories and wrote a brand new one.” Revice: “Sorry, who? Haven’t heard of that one.” (Revice is separate from main Rider canon)

#Gentaro's thoughts

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cina-full-moon-xanadium · 3 years

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i absolutely 100% believe this special will have like, Decade assuming at least some of the neo decadriver forms he didn’t use in zi-o like W or Gaim or Ex-Aid or something. That’s my only safe prediction I don’t know what to expect from this

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sailor-cresselia · 5 years

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13: Watching the sub this time! Ghost is fed up, and CURSE YOU DECADE

Woz: My lord has screwed up, so now I have to start all over. (sarcasm) Great. (end sarcasm)

See, tsukuyomi does have some combat skills, if her catching that chair so easily is any clue. She’s just not allowed to show them Because Toei.

“ENOUGH! You’ll break something.” I love you, Tsukuyomi. You’re the best. Please don’t die.

“there’s no good reason to be stealing from anyone. Well, unless it’s a girls heart, then it’s romantic.” SIR STOP IT. I HAVE SEEN THIS IN RAW FORM AND I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE GETTING AT. STOP IT.

sir you keep removing any chances for me to trust you ever. i think we’re at negative two. cut it out.

Wait, hang on… what was Sougo even doing at the bike-track underpass?

I really like that Narita just. Lassos Sougo. That’s the best way to catch a noodle-limbed rider, clearly. That way, you don’t let him get at his belt! … of course, we’ve seen that Sougo can get his belt activated by other people, but he still needs to put it on first, so…

I was wrong before. It’s less of a hit-list and more of a “pull a Masamune Dan and upload everyone before the bad things happen” list.

The guy in the car was driving in the dark and the rain. The kid at the underpass was on a bike… and I thought something was up, but forgot to mention it last time. Once they showed what happened to Another Ghost, I though he might be going after safety violations, which was helped by the guys at the factory being absolutely terrible at their jobs. But I forgot to say anything… drat.

So, I can’t tell what Woz’s goal is for getting the Time Jackers involved with Decade. He’s playing them in one way, Decade’s probably doing the same, and they’re all playing both of them… (This, too, is Toei’s fault.)

THEY’VE BEEN TRACKING ANOTHER GHOST FOR THREE YEARS. help them.

Takeru: Geiz. You just killed a man. You must pay.

Uhr: Sorry, wrong, he’s already a goner.

So Uhr is talking to Mika and Geiz. Well, presumably including Geiz, since Uhr knows full well that the other time travelers are at least resistant to the time freezing. But I don’t think Uhr knew TAKERU was listening.

*sobbing* oh nooo Another Ghost did The Thing to ‘release’ the souls he collected.

oh. So that’s what Uhr was saying to get him to go after Zi-O. He told Another Ghost about the whole evil overlord thing, and since Another Ghost’s whole thing is punishing people who hurt others… whoops.

(“Whoops” is the most applicable phrase ever for anything related to Ghost, I swear.)

And yeah, the Suika Sprite is still adorable.

Hey, come to think of it, this is the first time we’ve seen anyone go straight from one Armor set into another, isn’t it? The Ghost armor gets summoned as the Gaim armor removes itself. And that is basically by re-winding its own sequence. Zi-O reverts to his base form, and on goes the Ghost armor.

And thankfully the Ghost armor does not include the Parka Ghosts for Zi-O like it did for Geiz. THANK YOU.

See, is that a “oh, so he’s the guy who gave me the thing!” reaction on Takeru’s face, or a “who’s this imposter?” reaction? Or a “Oh, so this is the guy they warned us about!” reaction.

(I just really really want to keep my fake amnesia theory going, guys. Thanks, ‘OOO & Genm.’ Thanks.)

Decade: So, you’re my successor? Let’s see what you’ve got, kiddo.

Wait… wait. Have. Have we seen Sougo get knocked out of his transformation before? We’ve only seen two really bad beatings before this… First was Sougo vs Geiz in ‘OOO & Genm,’ then Agito!Decade vs Geiz earlier in this episode, and now Hibiki!Decade vs Sougo.

Takeru: Oh, good, I didn’t knock you too far away. I’m really sorry about this. I know, it sucks, but at least I’m going to be honest with you about your odds.

Unlike a certain sketchy old guy who apparently has a habit of taking recently deceased 18 year olds and giving them 99 days.

(sorry to folks in the zi-o tag, I finally got around to watching 100 Eyecons the other day and I’m even more annoyed with Edith now than I had been from his actions in just the season on it’s own.)

Preview!Makoto: Takeru, why aren’t you transforming?!

Preview!Takeru: Because these are the guys who’ve been screwing everything up with everyone else, and I was trying to keep them from finding me out, which you have just ruined.

13.5: Oh dear lord

I live for the interludes. I just live for these.

I’m so sorry Takeru. She had to bring up Officer Tomari. He’s incredibly relevant. I know you have some hero worship going on there. But he’s busy being a different detective right now.

And here’s some stuff.

Ryoma Takeuchi, formerly playing Shinnosuke Tomari, is soon to be the Japanese voice for the Human lead in the Detective Pikachu movie.

The most recent Pokémon games gave a dedicated voice for Eevee, who is now played by Aoi Yuki.

Aoi Yuki, while more known for playing Madoka Kaname (internationally, at least) was also the actress for Yurusen.

Who is a cat. Similar to Eevee. (Really, Yurusen being a cat explained so much in hindsight.)

And finally, a one Hiroshi Fujioka played the lead villain in the 9th Pokémon movie… and a certain Kamen Rider.

(also also, I was looking into the fact that Ryoma is the third Rider to have a part with Pokémon. Apparently Shu Watanabe (Eiji) did a series of shorts for the release of the Gen VI games. And, along with Ryoma, is in the right age bracket to have grown up playing Pokémon. Shu was born in 91, and Ryoma in ‘93. Just the right time frame. Starting with Gen II, maybe, but just the right ages nonetheless)

(this part is, admittedly, completely irrelevant to the topic of Zi-O, but really. You brought this on yourself, 13.5. You brought this on yourself.)

#kamen rider zi o #kamen rider ghost #sailorcressy says #sailorcressy looks way too much into things #i actually kinda want to see detective pikachu now #and somehow get a hold of the japanese dub once everythings on disc #just because

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jaysonblaze · 7 years

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Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Episode 42 Review.

Ex-aid draws to an ending as Gemdeus descends and wreaks havoc on Japan but mass infecting people with the bugster virus and nobody is able to stop him....thats what would of happened if A. Ex-Aid and Parad hadnt worked out their differences, B. Kiriya wasnt a master of the long con and produced an antidote by killing Kuroto Dan the Zombie man over and over again and also the fact Gemdeus was probably meant to be handled like a raid boss with a bunch of Ride Players and one Cronus taking him on. So yeah final boss Gemdeus is certainly not as he really goes down rather quickly. A little annoyed there wasnt more of a reaction when it turns out Gemdeus can use other bugsters moves Unfortunately resident cackling madman Massamune Dan decides to just completely jump off the rails and not just finish Gemdeus himself but then absorb his data in a move which I’m 100% sure outright killed him and let something else take over. The guy got a game over for fucks sake the fact he is still standing doesnt change that Masamune is probably utterly gone as a person and all that remains is a mix of him and Gemdeus.

I really cant believe Kiriya is only now just being made an official member of the CR after he ya know DIED to get them info that absolutely avoided a worse scenario with Kuroto in charge of Chronicle...ok no I actually want to see that just because before he died he was off the wall crazy and seeing that Kuroto being in charge would be something to see for sure. I’m sure the fanfic writers are hard at work, ok quick side not if anyone has any good kamen rider fanfics please please send them my way! Back to what I was saying it was super good to see Kuroto not only get the shit kicked out of him but to do so enough that he is now under 50 lives. That means our darling bike boy kicked the shit out of him at least 32 times and thats impressive as fuck even if Kuroto’s fighting style seems to have devolved into wild flailing while laughing like an absolute madman. I love that Dangerous Zombie’s riff is now basically Kuroto’s musical cue for everything he does. We also got to see Nico possibly discover what her future job may be?

Also I want to say worship with Gaim over. Best new God is GOD KUROTO DAN. How the fuck did he make the banner fall in time with his declaration I’ll never know.

We are two episodes away from the final and Ex-Aid has kept up the pace this far and it looks like its not going to let up. I do like they actually put a trailer saying you have to watch the final to get what the True Ending movie actually is. My guess now is that its not an alternate reality but like a DLC expansion that finishes the game proper. It seems fitting given the game theme.

The end beings. The final chapter is ready.

Next time: Cronus Gemdeus? Snipe!Cronus? The final battle begins!

If you have any problems with what I’ve wrote, want to add your own theory into the mix, want to give me fan fic to read or just want me to expand on something please feel free to message!

See you next game!

#kamen rider ex-aid #kamen rider ex-aid spoilers #kamen rider spoilers #kamen rider #blaze reviews

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norihisahyuga-archived · 7 years

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also ryoma

Why I like them: ryoma is so incredibly layered and amazing there is no end to mysterious when it comes to him. being raised by yggdrasil’s childcare facility, his prodigious talent at science, his ability to create stronger and stronger lockseeds, the depth of love he has for takatora that goes awry, his ruthlessness and his ability to manipulate everyone around him for his own gain. his fashion sense. there is so much to like about this man. he’s also like entirely honest about the fact he is a bad person and other people just refuse to listen and then he’s like /sigh/ and honestly mood.

Why I don’t: no i love ryoma

Favorite episode (scene if movie): gaim gaiden duke is the best thing they have ever made that includes ryoma because nothing is better than finding out more about his past. also his flashback scene with takatora and the way he took down kugai getting kickstarted by kugai badmouthing takatora... literally the Best Moment. kamen rider duke was the best gaiden i could have asked for i love anything that focuses on ryoma but also the way he acts as though takatora helping him is just a hindrance...

Favorite season/movie: full throttle is bad like most things gaim but mecha ryoma and his dragon fruit energy lockseed was still a great moment

Favorite line: “but i made that driver for you” / “takatora is indeed a pity. he doesn’t understand me the way i thought he did. now, he’s just an obstacle. but i still acknowledge him, unlike you.” / “back then, i used to admire you from the bottom of my heart. and you showed understanding of my research. even now, i believe that was a good relationship.” / “liars, cowards... those kinds of bad children are easy prey for bad grown-ups.” / “and i haven’t the faintest idea why you believed me”

Favorite outfit: the half tan/half dark blue jacket paired with the shorts and the short boots and the gradient shirt. that was the best look of all time. with his hair down was just a bonus. no one does fashion like ryoma does fashion.

OTP: ryoma/takatora

Brotp: ryoma & yoko

Head Canon: it’s not even really a headcanon because it’s pretty much 100% canon that ryoma is gay but headcanon that he never stopped loving takatora but that love wouldn’t stop him from achieving his goals no matter what

Unpopular opinion: ryoma is one of the top 5 characters of gaim Easily

A wish: that he and takatora got at least one world where the two of them could live in peace and happiness without the horrible childhood, the helheim invasion, the lack of communication and subsequent heartbreak, and everything else

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: don’t bring him back just to kill him Again

5 words to best describe them: extremely gay crafty mad scientist

My nickname for them: kamen rider lemon wedge

#asks #lemon wedge was what i called duke before i knew who duke was

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don-brother-husbands · 7 years

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“Also I could go into depth of how Urobuchi Gen is not the best LGBT ally.” ...What do you mean?

Wow okay so I just noticed this. So let’s do the thing.

Spoilers for Kamen Rider Gaim and Madoka Magica as those is the series Urobuchi Gen wrote.

Disclaimer: Yes I know both series. I am not saying that either one of them is bad. But in relation to their treatment of LGBT, mostly just Gay/Bi characters because there are no, to my knowledge, out trans characters, character being very bad.

Let’s start off with the first 100% canon gay character in Gaim. Our favorite Kamen Rider Bravo, Oren Pierre Alfonzo.

Do I like Oren? Yes. He is the strongest character in Gaim had none of this ever happened. He is an incredibly well written character when it comes to his coming in and saving the day towards the end of the end of the series. Originally being introduced for mostly comic relief before he became a major player. But here is the thing. He was just comic relief. He was a flamboyant predatory gay man. His attraction towards Takatora wasn’t portrayed as a genuine one and his near obsession with him wasn’t healthy. Did things turn around? Pretty much. But how often is using the stereotype of flamboyant gay men just used to beat down on the group? Pretty often.

Now lets go into subtext couples and over all similarities.

We’ll start out with the “I somehow turned into the things we were originally meant to fight” theme that Urobuchi likes to use.

Here we are talking about Ryoji Hase and Sayaka Miki.

Really Ryoji’s situation is a little better than Sayaka’s. So we’ll talk about him first.

Ryoji’s transformation into an Inves was meant to show what happens when you eat the Helheim fruit. He was promptly killed off after he turned into a monster and more or less just a reminder of pain. But he is brought up several times after his death and a big motivation for for Hideyasu Jonouchi. I know. It is a popular ship. Did Hideyasu kill Ryoji? No. Did it cause him to be depressed? Yes. His boyfriend died.

Now for Sayaka’s story. After she realizes her wish caused her crush to fall into the arms of another person. She fell into despair and turned into a witch. The fact she jumped head first into every battle also didn’t help. Madoka and Kyoko Sakura tried to find a way to bring her back to her senses before Kyoko decided to sacrifice herself kill the Witch!Sayaka, Oktaviavon Seckendorff. Now I can hear you saying that “But if they loved each other. Then it shouldn’t be that bad.” The bury the gays trope and specifically two young women dead.

Again their relationship is never discussed in depth and I don’t believe that they were announced as a canon couple. But if anything. The promotional art always pairs them up together and any interaction between the two is highlighted.

If we want to talk a little more on Gaim. We could discuss Ryoma for a second.

Ryoma is obviously a gay-coded villain. I don’t know if that is a popular opinion. But I believe it is certainly there. Ryoma certain didn’t help in the Helheim attack as he designed the lockseeds and the drivers to test everything out. Also he has no remorse over what happened when the world begins to end, no really conscience on that one.

Now. For the main event. Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi.

The anime series and first two movies.

The entire plot from the start and through the multiple timelines is Homura slowly losing her innocence and having to start her life over and over again to save Madoka from becoming a magical girl, witch, or dying. In the end, her struggles were for nothing as Madoka made a wish and destroyed the concept of magical girls and witches. We got that Homura was alone without Madoka in the world that she, Madoka, created. At least that is what we saw back then.

With the addition of the third movie, Rebellion, we see that Homura is back with the other girls again. This time they fight off nightmares instead of witches and there doesn’t seem to be a large threat of dying.But towards the end of the movie we find out Homura intends, and does, destroy the small paradise to save Madoka from suffering alone. she would sacrifice everything she had just to be with Madoka again.

Even after reuniting with Madoka and helping to destroy the suffering of magical girls. She pulls Madoka from godhood and becomes a self proclaimed demon that is out to destroy the system that caused Madoka to suffer. She destroyed the old Madoka and begins a new with her, but has become crazed and devoted to her. She pushes away Madoka’s old teammates and friends and turns them into enemies.

Homura “loves” Madoka so much that she betrays the law of cycles and destroys worlds for her sake. Not a healthy relationship if you ask me.

But those are just the examples that I know off the top of my head. I have not watched Urobuchi’s other work, Pycho-Pass and I’m not well versed in the Fate/ series. But these are just examples on why Urobuchi Gen’s works don’t portray healthy, meaningful, and positive LGBT characters.

But if you want to talk about how he isn’t a feminist. That is a whole other discussion. ( I have tried to find the post that prompted me to dislike Urobuchi’s writing but I cannot find it at the moment. But here are some points on PMMM. A big chunk of this is how female characters are often put through a large amount of suffering for little to no reward for their effort and many times see it thrown back in their faces as them being the villain.)

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mysticdragon3md3 · 4 years

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I was going through my records and remembered why I had blocked certain people.

I don't get why people get upset whenever comparisons are made between Kamen Rider Gaim and Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

They're both by the same author! Of course it's going to have some similarities! Literary academia compares works by the same author all the time! Are these grumpy fanboys saying that Gaim can't be held to the same depth as any other literary analysis??? (And it's always fanboys about Gaim. I never had these complaints until I got into Kamen Rider, and fangirls have always proven to be willing to analyze and even interpret series.) I think it's fascinating to see an author tackle a theme or motif more than once. Because each time, they'll be able to address a different aspect of their opinion or a new perspective brought on by Time tweaking their opinions.

Especially when you can compare the same idea from 2 different gender perspectives. Gender is essentially the biggest difference between Gaim and Madoka. But not only is gender an extremely prominent idea in society, worth discussing, but I personally love discussions about gender. When Gaim and Madoka are both henshin-hero "coming of age" stories, how does gender change things? Though granted, I personally think that because Gaim came later, Gen Urobuchi had more time to develop his ideas about "coming of age", Power, Strength (Hope, Compassion, Persistence), and breaking fundamental narrow systems, through Gaim, more than Madoka...unless you count Madoka's "Rebellion" movie...Though even including that, Gaim's epilogue episodes still had more discussions of ideas, past their similar theme/motif convergence points. ...There's just a lot of interesting things to discuss when comparing Gaim and Madoka, that instead being defensively offended at the notion of their comparison, just yields so many less interesting ideas.

But I get it. People get emotional and irrationally so, when it comes to fandoms which touched them emotionally. I know I do. But I know to catch myself, and at least avoid repeating that, or apologizing, admitting I was wrong. But in my encounters ever since getting into the Kamen Rider fandom, I more often run into this implication that if someone admits there's any similarity between Gaim and Madoka, then it negates any unique experience that an individual fan had on a personal level. Of course, that's incorrect. No one can negate someone else's personal experience, and certainly not the value of that experience to someone. That's why I love fanboying/fangirling and advocate for "ship it and ship it hard". And though I'm comparing literary motifs and cultural archetypes between Gaim and Madoka, I'm certainly not saying they're the same, making one series redundant! It's after identifying the similarities, that the interesting differences can then be discussed (on top of discussing why Urobuchi thought some ideas were interesting enough to repeat across different stories). But then I also have to sadly consider that some people are offended at comparing Gaim and Madoka because Madoka is a "girly series" and "the feminine is always a downgrade", so comparing Gaim to something as “devalued” as Madoka is offensive. Get the f**k out, misogynists. You didn't learn a goddamned thing from Kamen Rider. And I won't stand for the implication that Kamen Riders don't demonstrate human decency. GTFO.

And sometimes I can only conclude that such defensiveness comes from our modern era's obsession with "originality". First of all, any idea that is completely and totally, 100% new and never seen before, inspired by NOTHING, would be so far removed from human experience that it wouldn't speak to any humans. It would mean nothing to us. There's nothing wrong with ideas building upon each other and persisting to repeat throughout time. That's what CULTURE is. Philosophers throughout time have agreed that there is a "shared human experience", and it's very strange to me when I see people trying to deny it, while claiming to be human. Then again, I'm all-in with comparative mythology an Jungian Collective Unconscious ideas about common archetypes and motifs. I think it symbolizes our "shared human experience". And I think that Kamen Rider Gaim can speak to our "shared human experience". It's only during humanity's recent couple centuries that we've become too obsessed with "original ideas", discarding anything that reminds us of something previous. Though I agree that some works can be too derivative, those are just examples of people using the archetypes/motifs incorrectly or without the proper amount of storytelling skill. Familiarity with other stories is not proof of worthless ideas. After all, the best ideas, come from building upon previous ones. "Standing on the shoulders of giants" and all that. Building upon culture, is what allows societies and ideas to evolve. I think it's very valuable. But suspiciously after copyright came into being, and Disney kept extending copyright to extend profits, despite the original inherent transience of copyright meant to encourage new ideas to build upon past culture, we all became indoctrinated with only seeking fully "original ideas" and discarding anything else as "unoriginal". Because if we all buy into this idea that any work based on another is bad, then copyright holders can continue to make profits on their monopoly over an idea.

That's all I can think of when these grumpy fanboys come after me for reveling in Gaim/Madoka comparisons. ~_~;;;;;;;;;

#ranting #rambling #please ignore my idiocy #don't @ me arguments won't change my mind when I've made my resolve #comparisons #gaim #madoka #gen urobuchi #toxic fandom #venting

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