It was not until last year that I discovered what Kamen Rider was. Going into it I did not know what to expect however I instantly fell in love with the brilliant writing. The first series I watched as a “beginner” to Kamen Rider was Kamen Rider Build. If you have not seen Kamen Rider Build I 100% recommend you watching it right now.
Plot According to Wiki: “10 years ago, the Pandora Box was discovered on the planet Mars and brought forth a catastrophe that would forever change the country of Japan. In the years following the Sky Wall Disaster, the rising of the Sky Wall divided the country into three warring territories: Touto (Eastern Capital), Hokuto (Northern Capital) and Seito (Western Capital), and created a series of unidentified monsters known as Smash that relentlessly attack the public. To combat this chaos, the Touto government requested the help of Sento Kiryu, a genius and prodigious physicist to help decipher the mysteries left behind by both the Pandora Box and the Smash. Alongside prison escapee Ryuga Banjo, who was wrongfully framed for a murder he did not commit, the duo embark on a journey as Kamen Riders to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Pandora Box, the Smash, and their own pasts. Their journey would not come easy as they face adversaries from Hokuto and Seito, whom they must ultimately confide in if they are to have any hope in stopping their mutual enemy, Evolto from destroying the planet that they hold dear.”
The beauty of Kamen Rider Build is the writing. It is hard to find a plot-driven series that also has well-paced timing, brilliant characters, and the ability to have you crying one minute and laughing the next.
The Timing
Kamen Rider Build runs for about 25 minutes each episode, however, it truly feels like you are watching more due to all the information you receive in each episode. Many shows that have a faced paced script fail because you never get a chance to learn about each character’s wants, personalities, and characteristics. However, Kamen Rider Build successfully has a fast-paced script AND allows you to learn about each character. The beauty of this series is it does not shy away from giving each character a chance to shine while keeping the plot quickly moving.
The Characters
Like mentioned before Build truly knows how to write characters. The viewer gets to learn about each of them and they do not follow any typical character stereotypes. They are truly unique in their own way and without MAJOR spoilers there are drastic character development scenes that are very unforgettable. Each character has their own flaws, even the main cast, which MANY shows fail to include. Flaws are what gives the character a realistic touch to them and makes the cast more interesting to follow.
The Emotions
Build does not hold back when it comes to emotional scenes. The way they portray their characters when they are down is incredibly realistic. Most shows tend to glorify what characters look like when they are in a depressive state making it VERY unrealistic to the real world. Build does not make their characters look perfect when they are in pain or crying. The way mental health is depicted in this series is very realistic which makes the series MUCH more powerful than it already is. There are many scenes where a character is crying with music in the background. You truly feel the emotions alone with just the acting and the writing in this series.
The Comedy
There are many times where you will be crying in your seat, yelling, but then suddenly you will be hysterically laughing. Build has the ability to truly make you feel many emotions in just 25 minutes. The comedic timing to this series is perfect and you will never be bored watching any of the episodes.
All in all I 100% recommend anyone to watch Kamen Rider Build. You do not have to be a huge fan of action to enjoy this series. This series touches on important topics, has an incredible script and cast, and does not shy away from making character emotions real.
Be sure to check out All Ages of Geek’s reviews and reactions to Kamen Rider Build
Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Need coverage? Please send an email to [email protected]
Tatiana Stec is the Co-Founder and Creative Director at All Ages of Geek. You can follow her @Tatiana_Stec
