So is Wizard going to the two arc story style that the past riders series have been doing? So far we cannot tell since this was the first one, but even though Wizard starting with a one episode arc this two parter was very good. This episode follows what Wizard has been doing already and gave more different looks. The first thing I want to mention is how this arc didn't have much of a mystery. Haurto quickly caught on what the Phantom's plan was. I bet there will be times when there will be a mystery like the first episode. First I like how Haruto caught on since so many past rider series had obvious mysteries so it was really nice to see the main character see what's wrong when he first hears it. I knew from episode two that something was up, but I am surprised the show didn't keep holding onto that.
There was also some backstory with why Haruto and Koyomi are living in an antique store. First of all I wonder how Haruto found out that Wajime made the rings. Also why did Wajime make the rings, did he know about the powers they had? A good touch was seeing other materials which probably lead to rings like Water and Land. The best part is how Haruto wanted Wajime to continue making rings. He didn't want anyone to become a Phantom or to experience his pain. This just makes me like him more and more as he isn't just a cocky hero. Haruto is already a noble person and wants to save others.
In this episode Nara was completely tricked and was sent into despair, but it's way better than Rinko's. First I enjoyed how he gleaming with joy and even though he is showing off you can still feel his passion for magic. The scene where he accused Haruto of trying to trick him is understandable since Haruto doesn't want anyone else to be a Mage. It makes sense that Haruto could want Nara to not believe in his magic and when he was telling Nara to give up is like a Phantom destroying someone's hope. Then came when Nara fell in despair, being mocked by a man he thought was trying to help you, being seen as a fraud on television, and destroying his inspiration is way more understandable than Rinko crying over a broken pendant. Now Nara is going to hand around Haruto as an assistant. Another nice thing in this episode is how Rinko is being way too attached and now Nara will be the same. Koyomi is annoyed by this, but I wonder if it's jealousy (probably not, I think she doesn't like Rinko as a person and I would agree that it would be annoying to hear that commotion.).
Hellhound was really impressive. I haven't said anything about his design, but it's pretty cool with the fire look. What part of him looks like a hound though? Other than that his plan was really good. This was only a two arc villain too so I am ready for some impressive villains if someone like him can pull off a scheme like that. I mean there is embarrassing someone, but Hellhound puts salt in the wounds by showing he was in control of the magic and made Nara burn his childhood book. Another thing to point out is how Phoenix and Medusa acted, Phoenix went crazy with anger I mean my goodness calm down man. Medusa though was calm the whole time and mostly just watched Phoenix have a meltdown which was kinda funny. Going to that there were some good comedic moments like how Rinko was annoying Koyomi and how Haruto kept losing his moment to eat his doughnuts. I think next time he should ask Don to keep his doughnuts save (a reference to my first episode review of Gokaiger).
Finally there was the action and even though it's a little less than past episodes it was still fun to watch. This was the first time Wizard had a struggle as Hellhound uses his shadow ability to his advantage. After the Light Ring was used Wizard showed his moves again as he used the environment around him. He used them to hold himself so he can perform impressive kicks like usual. Water Style was shown and we see that rings like Defend can vary with different forms since this time it created a waterfall to protect Wizard from the flames. We also say Slashing Strike with a new form, but the biggest thing was the Dragon Kick! Again the effects on the dragon look good and those fights are very good so far. Still the finisher was just amazing to look at since the Dragon changed his shape, the fires were surrounding it, and we say an image of a giant Wizard as the Dragon looked like the foot. Overall the action was nice with showing new things and having the first feeling of suspense in a fight for the series.
I couldn't find the Dragon Kick image :(
So this episode was really showy. We got to see Haruto act like a hero even more in this episode, see a good and understandable reason for despair, a very good plan from the villain, nice bits of comedy, good action, and great effects. Wizard keeps impressing me and it's only the third episode, but let us hope this will continue as this episode gets the first A+ from me. Also a thanks to Henshin Grid for posting images it gets really hard to find some.
Next Time: World Rider Wrestling Entertainment
I can't say much that hasn't been said already. This was my favorite episode of the 3 we've seen so far.
ReplyDeleteStill fabulous action, more character development so the despair felt believable, good variety of abilities with sleep and light and new defend and new slashing strike. But best of all GIANT DRAGON FOOT.
I don't like how Orends Range is nit-picking with some of the effects. Did you read their reviews? They are completely worried that the show will soon show crappy effects. This episode didn't have the best looking giant monster, but I could tell what it was. They compared it to Hibiki's CGI which is way off.
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