English Dub Review: Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider “I Wouldn’t Mind Dying Today”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Tojima and the Riders finally square off against the Bat Man.  But can humans really defeat a Shocker monster?

Our Take:
After twenty-three episodes of nonstop Kamen Rider madness, we’ve reached the ultimate turning point in the fight against Shocker!  Since the villainous Bat Man isn’t playing around this time, Tojima and the others would have to give everything they’ve got to defeat him.  Sadly, that doesn’t include the giant mechs from Power Rangers since Bat Man didn’t become a giant.  Needless to say, this is another finale where the heroes go all-in in a do-or-die showdown that determines the fate of the world or universe.  Unsurprisingly, it comes equipped with the flashy, stylized action we’ve come to expect from the show’s previous fights, but it all comes down to the execution to ensure its narrative stakes are as compelling as its extensive action set piece.
Based on what I’ve seen, I think it accomplished its dream of bringing this arc to a satisfying close pretty well.  It’s far from a perfect conclusion, but as a show that’s embracing the weirdness and stylized coolness of its tone, it’s rewarding enough.  Since there’s no season two announcement yet, I would be fine if this is really the end of Tojima’s journey, as he has fulfilled his dream of becoming Kamen Rider.  However, given his strive to perfect his Rider Kick and a new gang of Shocker members on the loose, I won’t be surprised if we haven’t seen the last of these middle-aged, masked super fans.  Speaking as someone who hasn’t read or watched Kamen Rider, this is certainly one of the most bizarre anime I’ve ever seen.  But to my surprise, I had more fun with its kooky meta approach than I thought I would.  Does it make me a Kamen Rider fan too?  Maybe, but I appreciate its attempt to introduce me to the franchise regardless.