Highschool is the time of our lives when we discover ourselves, forge enduring friendships, and, for some of us, fall head over heels into the fascinating world of Kamen Rider. If you’re not in the loop, imagine Power Rangers, but trade the spandex for leather and the Zords for motorcycles. It’s a wild ride, and here’s what diving into this fandom during those formative years is like.
The Discovery Phase
It starts innocently enough. Maybe a friend passes you a USB stick with “WATCH THIS” scribbled on it, or perhaps you stumble upon a YouTube clip with a guy doing a henshin (transformation) so cool it makes transforming robots look like child’s play. Next thing you know, you’re 20 episodes deep, and your social media feeds are a shrine to your newfound obsession.
The Secret Language
Then comes the lingo. Words like “henshin” and “Rider Kick” infiltrate your vocabulary. You start referring to your bike as your “Ride” and can’t help but strike a pose when you think no one’s looking. You and your fellow Rider fans exchange knowing nods in the hallways, like members of a secret society.
The Merch Temptation
Merchandise is your new kryptonite. You save up lunch money for that sweet belt buckle that plays theme songs. It’s just a toy, but strap it on, and suddenly you’re the hero. Never mind that it’s designed for kids half your age; it’s a piece of the dream, and it’s yours.
The Cosplay Conundrum
Cosplay is a whole other beast. You start small, maybe a mask or a jacket. But then you’re hand-stitching a suit for Comic-Con, and you can’t explain to your parents why you need to turn the garage into a workshop. “It’s for a school project,” you say. The project? Coolness.
The Community
Let’s talk about the fandom. You thought you were alone in your Kamen Rider mania until you found the forums, the fan clubs, and the social media groups. Suddenly, you’ve got pals all over the globe, sharing fan theories and subtitle files. You learn about the show’s four-decade history, and your watch list grows exponentially.
The In-Jokes
The in-jokes are the best part. You snicker every time someone says “Let’s go” because it sounds like “Let’s Henshin!” You start rating everyday activities by how dramatic they are on a scale from 1 to Kamen Rider entrance. And every time you jump, you expect explosions to go off behind you.
The Lifelong Obsession
Iif you’re about to embark on the Kamen Rider journey in high school, buckle up. It’s more than just a series; it’s an adventure, a hobby, and a community all rolled into one. And when you’re feeling down, just remember the Rider creed: No matter how hard the battle, never give up. Because, in the end, every episode is a promise that good will triumph, and really, isn’t that just the sort of hope we all need during the chaos of high school? Rider jump and… Rider Kick!
