Rider Tears

Kamen Rider My-Th 06 is impressing me with its surprisingly sophisticated storytelling! Sora's scientific approach to understanding the Fukashigi, the subtle characterization of Vanken, Mutn, and Asao, and the growing mysteries surrounding the Zodiac Alliance are giving me plenty to think about. I'm really enjoying how this show combines thoughtful ideas with engaging tokusatsu storytelling.

Dive Deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/10/14/kamen-rider-my-th-06/

Kamen Rider My-Th 05 digs deeper into Yuna's dependence on the Seed Eggs while giving us a much clearer look at the very different personalities inside the Zodiac Alliance. Between Vanken's surprising nobility, Jyao's aggression, my growing suspicions about Kamuri, and the questions surrounding My-Th's ability to save Fukashigi victims, I'm really appreciating how naturally this series keeps revealing its mysteries without rushing to explain everything.

Dive Deeper - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/10/07/kamen-rider-my-th-05/

Kamen Rider My-Th 04 has me increasingly convinced that Sora and Yuna's shared past, their families, and the unusual mechanics behind My-Th's transformation aren't separate mysteries. They're all connected, and the emotional story of these characters may be inseparable from the mythology behind My-Th itself.

Dive Deeper - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/10/01/kamen-rider-my-th-04/

Kamen Rider MY-TH 03 makes the Zodiac Alliance feel less like straightforward villains and more like a rival school with its own philosophy, while Yuna and Shiori give the episode some surprisingly strong emotional weight. I also dig into Rid’s introduction, the cat-themed action, and why some of that action worked much better for me than the rest.

Dive Deeper - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/09/23/kamen-rider-my-th-03/

Kamen Rider My-Th 02 won me over in ways the premiere didn't. The mysteries are taking shape, Sora's remarkable abilities are getting some explanation, and the relationships between him, Yuna, Asao, and the Zodiac Alliance are becoming much more interesting. Datt brings some welcome personality to the action, and the Ride Eggs are already showing their tactical potential. There's still a lot I don't understand, but now I'm having fun discovering it.

Dive Deeper - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/09/17/kamen-rider-my-th-02/

Kamen Rider My-Th 01 has ideas I genuinely like, from the tactical use of My-Th’s mouse abilities to Sora and Yuna’s dynamic, but the premiere feels bulky, effects-heavy, and visually underwhelming. The ideas are there. Some of the execution is off, and unfortunately, My-Th 01 was a miss for me.

Dive Deeper - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/09/08/kamen-rider-my-th-01/

Kamen Rider Zeztz 50 gives Baku, Nem, and the others a surprisingly happy ending while arguing that dreams can overcome nightmares without pretending those nightmares will ever disappear completely. I love the finale's cycle of hope, Baku finally coming home, and the future it gives these characters, even as ZEZTZ's new role protecting humanity leaves me with some frustrating questions about how Nightmares actually work. The worldbuilding may be soft, but emotionally, this ending works for me.

Dive Deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/09/02/kamen-rider-zeztz-50/

Kamen Rider Zeztz 49 brings Nem back, brings Oblivion back with her, and moves several other major pieces into place for the finale. I liked the episode, but more than anything, it left me ready to see Zeztz come to a close so we can finally understand exactly what this story has been trying to say.

Dive Deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/09/01/kamen-rider-zeztz-49/

Kamen Rider Zeztz 48 actually went there with Nem, and I have very conflicting feelings about it. Her choice saves the world, fits the “Nightmare Messiah” idea I've been seeing in her story, and feels genuinely heroic, but the way her sacrifice is framed also makes me deeply uncomfortable. Is there a meaningful difference between sacrificing yourself to save others and erasing yourself because you believe your existence is the problem?

Dive Deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/08/31/kamen-rider-zeztz-48/

Kamen Rider Zeztz 47 made me reconsider what I thought the series was doing. What looked like a stalled final arc now feels more like an unusually structured continuation of the Nem illusion storyline, with the world, the cast, and their relationships still being rebuilt around us. I still have questions about whether this approach works week to week, but I can finally see where Zeztz may be going.

Dive Deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/08/28/kamen-rider-zeztz-47/

Omegahorn Episode 2 reveals just how flexible its core mechanics really are. By breaking down the traditional barriers between human, monster, and giant-scale battles, the series gives itself far more storytelling freedom than I expected, while also laying the groundwork for a very smart toy line.

Dive Deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/08/05/omegahorn-02/

Episode 46 introduces some fascinating ideas, from Nox Midnight Shadow's ability to break through illusions to the growing partnership between Baku and his allies. But do those strengths justify an episode that spends so much time revisiting familiar ground? I break down where Zeztz's slower pacing works, where it doesn't, and whether the series is building toward something meaningful or simply stretching out the journey.

Dive Deeper with my Inspector's Notes -

Project R.E.D.'s Omegahorn gets off to a surprisingly strong start with a world full of mystery, exploration, and monster taming that feels both familiar and completely new. In this review, I explain why Episode 1 immediately grabbed my attention and why I'm excited to see where this adventure goes next.

What part of Omegahorn's world or lore made you most curious after Episode 1?

Dive Deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/07/30/omegahorn-01/

The strongest part of Kamen Rider Zeztz 45 isn't its plot mechanics. It's the quiet dream of home, family, and domestic peace that The Lady desperately tries to preserve. Even if that dream is built on a lie, the longing behind it reveals something genuinely beautiful.

Dive Deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/07/29/kamen-rider-zeztz-45/

Zeztz Episode 44 has an ambitious premise, but I don't think its clip-show format serves the story. The emotional core is strong, yet I believe the same impact could have been achieved in just a few minutes while letting the next chapter begin sooner. Here's why I think the execution missed the mark.

Dive deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/07/21/kamen-rider-zeztz-44/

Sieg takes his first real step toward redemption by finally facing his sins—but has he actually earned forgiveness yet?

Dive deeper with my Inspector’s Note - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/07/13/kamen-rider-zeztz-43

Baku's battle with Catastrophe Gore Nightmare isn't just an action scene—it becomes one of the best pieces of character writing in Kamen Rider Zeztz. Here's why Episode 42 impressed me so much and why Baku continues to grow into one of my favorite Rider protagonists.

Dive deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/07/06/kamen-rider-zeztz-42/

Odaka and Baku needlessly clash in Kamen Rider Zeztz 41, but I don't think this fight was earned. One conversation could have changed everything, and that's where I think the episode stumbles.

Do you think this conflict made sense? Let me know in the comments!

Dive deeper with my Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/06/30/kamen-rider-zeztz-40-2/

Kamen Rider Zeztz 40 might be the sloppiest episode of the series so far.

I enjoyed moments in this episode, but too much of it felt like setup replacing story. The reveal of the CODE: Somnia Capsem, the rise of the Oblivion Gore Nightmare, Baku's trip into the dream world, and Sieg's scenes all left me with the same feeling: the pieces are moving, but they aren't connecting as cleanly as they should.

Am I missing something, or is Zeztz starting to stumble as it approaches the endgame?

...

Kamen Rider Zeztz 39 left me with a growing concern about the series. Is Zeztz becoming too complicated for its own good? Between Odaka's rushed redemption, Seek getting the redemption arc Odaka arguably deserved, the missing Somnia capsule, The Lady's growing role, and a rapidly expanding cast of threats, it feels like the show may be opening new storylines faster than it's resolving old ones.

I still love Zeztz, but this episode made me wonder whether the series is trying to juggle too many moving pieces at once.

Do you think Zeztz...

Did Kamen Rider Zeztz 38 confuse character movement for character growth?

Odaka (Knox) ends this episode with a new form, a new purpose, a new alliance, and a major victory over Three. On paper, everything changes. But did he actually grow as a character?

In this review, I explore the difference between a trip and a journey, why Baku's development felt earned, why Odaka's redemption fell flat for me, and why Midnight Shadow's debut may be the most disappointing moment in Zeztz so far despite the fantastic suit design.

Was this a meaningful character...

Baku's battle to save Nox reveals the true theme of Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 37. This isn't just a story about friendship. It's a story about cooperation, trust, and why no one can win alone.

What did you think of Nox's redemption and the growing alliance against CODE?

Dive deeper with the Inspector's Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/06/02/kamen-rider-zeztz-37/

Baku never transforms in Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 36… and somehow that makes him feel more heroic.

This episode quietly proves something important about Zeztz. The real power was never just the suit. Baku still fights, manipulates dreams, saves Nox, challenges CODE, and pushes the story forward even after losing the ability to become Zeztz.

Ironically, the same toy gimmicks I’ve criticized since Episode 1 finally justify themselves here. The capsules stop feeling like merchandise and start feeling like actual tools that expand the story and the character.

In this analysis, I talk about:

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 35 completely changed the game.

Kureha dies again.

CODE: Somnia rewrites reality itself.

Baku loses the Exdream Driver.

And Zeztz pushes its hero into another brutal moral dilemma.

But strangely, the most powerful part of the episode might have been the quiet barbecue scene at the beginning.

In this analysis, I break down why contrast may be the secret behind Zeztz’s emotional impact, why Takahashi keeps resetting the status quo, and whether Baku made the right choice by sacrificing his power to save tw...

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 34 is stunning.

Baku’s new power completely changes the structure of the show, Sieg finally gets the nightmare he wanted, and Zeztz continues escalating in ways that feel logical, thematic, and honestly kind of terrifying.

This episode gave us dream infiltration, layered nightmare warfare, some incredible visual storytelling, and one of the most satisfying villain defeats in the series so far.

Check out my Inspector’s Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/05/15/kamen-rider-zeztz-34/

Baku’s impossible struggle against despair, death, and hopelessness becomes something larger than a simple power up episode. Zeztz 33 explores persistence, dreams, mythic storytelling, and the idea that refusing to give up can transform reality itself.

In this Henshin Inspection review, I discuss:

This episode also features the debut of Kamen Rider Zeztz Exdream.

Drop a comment to let me know where you stan...

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 32 delivers massive revelations about Zero, Baku, dreams, and Nightmares... but I’m struggling with what the show seems to be saying now.

Is Zero really being framed as noble?

Is Nightmare power actually evil?

Or is Zeztz setting up another false truth that Baku will eventually overcome?

In this review, I break down the fatherhood themes, the growing moral confusion surrounding CODE, and why this episode may be the first time the series genuinely frustrated me.

Drop a comment and let me know where you st...

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 31 drops a massive reveal: Zero is Baku’s father.

It should be shocking. It should be meaningful. But instead, it raises a bigger question…

Is Zeztz becoming too connected for its own good?

In this review, I break down why the growing web of relationships, Code agents, and shared backstories might be pushing the story from compelling into ridiculous—and why this twist might not actually add anything to the narrative.

Drop a comment to let me know where you stand.

Check out my Inspector’s Notes...

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 30 introduces Orderm — and just like that, everything changes.

I had issues with Catastrom and the way power was being handled in Zeztz… but this episode kind of wipes those away. Not because it answers them, but because it sidesteps them entirely.

Is that good storytelling… or just really effective tokusatsu?

In this review, I break down:

The visual storytelling of Catastrom vs Orderm

Why the new form works emotionally

The “trolley problem” Zeztz just escaped

And whether this is a cop-out… or exactly w...

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 29 is trying to convince us that Catastrem is dangerous, corrupting, and pushing Baku over the edge.

I’m not buying it.

In this review, I break down why the Catastrem arc isn’t landing, why the show hasn’t clearly defined the difference between dream power and nightmare power, and why Baku’s actions in this episode actually make sense based on everything the story has shown us so far.

If Catastrem is supposed to be a problem, the show needs to prove it. Right now, it hasn’t.

Is Ze...

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 28 introduces Sieg as a uniquely dangerous villain. Not just because of his power, but because of what he represents.

He is a fallen hero who knows the truth about Code, a criminal with a mysterious thousand-year sentence, and someone who can wield Nightmare power without a system. That combination makes him different from anything we have seen so far.

In this review, I break down why Sieg works so well, how he challenges Baku, and what his existence reveals about Code as an organization.

Drop a comment to let...

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 27 introduces Sieg in a way that expands the world of the show in a major way.

In this episode analysis, I look at how Sieg is making an already great show even better.

Three key things stand out:

• Sieg's strange nightmare realm where monsters are imprisoned and forced to fight

• His ability to enter and interfere with other people's dreams

• His power to rewrite and reshape the dream world itself

This episode also raises huge questions about the lore of Zeztz.

How po...

Kamen Rider Zeztz is a clip show, but...

This one feels different.

Instead of simply repeating old footage, the episode uses the recap to reframe the story and clarify what the conflict actually is, it keeps the conflict going and introduces a new threat!

So the question becomes simple.

Is this the greatest recap episode in tokusatsu history?

Dive deeper with Inspector's Notes: https://mjmunoz.com/2026/03/17/kamen-rider-zeztz-26/

ZEZTZ PLAYLIST - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe9IGJCLD_-0FNtTPRXlUSZZYAHQV1AVL

OMEGA PLAYLIST...

Episode 25 of Kamen Rider Zeztz might be one of the most important episodes in the entire series so far.

After the shocking events of Episode 24, the story appears to reset in a kind of New Game Plus timeline, but the emotional core of the episode comes down to one line from Baku:

"My mission now is to make sure my dream never comes true."

For years Baku dreamed of becoming an invincible CODE agent, Code Number Seven. But now that dream has become a nightmare. If his vision of the future is real...

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 24 - The Moment Baku Failed

In Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 24, the biggest moment isn’t Baku’s apparent death or the destruction of the Nightmares. The most important moment is much smaller and much more disturbing.

Baku walks past an injured man and does nothing.

Earlier in the series, Baku risked his life to save strangers. Now, as Zeztz Catastrom, he ignores someone dying in front of him and continues pursuing his mission. Has Baku lost his heart? Has he crossed the line from hero to something else?

In...

Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity Episode 1 is a very promising start; the biggest reason is Reiji.

In this Henshin Reflection review of Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity Ep. 1: Red Gavan, I break down why the premiere feels complicated and overloaded with multiverse lore, Emorgears, transformation devices, and large-scale sci-fi concepts… yet still works because of its emotional core.

Reiji Doki is a compelling, charismatic lead. His emotional performance, grounded presence, and untransformed Jackie Chan–style fight choreography elevate the episode and provide a strong human anchor in the middle of dense worldbuilding.

Does Gava...

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 23 “Destroy” proves this is the right way to sell a toy.

Catastrom isn’t just a new form. It shifts Baku’s trajectory, raises the moral stakes, and forces a real confrontation with duty and identity as Code Number: Seven.

The belt add-on, the Catastrum Buster, the dark framing — it all matters to the story.

That’s why it works.

In this review I break down: • Why Catastrom feels consequential • The moral tension between Baku, Nem, and Fujimi • How Zeztz integrates toy marketing into meaningful storytelling

Is this one of t...

Episode 22 of Kamen Rider Zeztz raises a serious moral question about CODE… and then distracts us with spectacle.

Baku embraces the power of Catastrum, destroys Nox, and delivers one of the most satisfying fights of the series so far. But in the middle of all that chaos, something important gets pushed aside.

Are we being emotionally manipulated? Is CODE righteous? And why does it feel like Yuya Takahashi just pulled a sleight of hand on the audience?

Let’s talk about it.

Bonus Content - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/02/20/kamen-rider-zeztz-22/

#Kame...

A spoiler-light review of Silver Buster by Jordan Allen (@MightySkrow), breaking down what works, where it stumbles, and why it feels like the strong opening arc of a modern henshin hero series.

If you love Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and transformation heroes with real consequences, this one’s worth a look.

Full Post - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/02/13/silver-buster-book-1-review/

Episode 21 is great and it sucks, because it is great at what it does. The Nightmares win in the worst way possible, by targeting children, and the consequences finally spill out of the dream world into reality.

Bonus Content - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/02/11/kamen-rider-zeztz-21/