Series Shounen, yo! Hit the beat! Does Kamen Rider Hibiki manage to keep its beat?!
I wasn't sure what to make of Hibiki when I first heard about it. Apparently, it hadn't been meant to be a rider series and was insanely different, and it also got really crappy near the end, but hey, it was about riders fighting giant monsters! WITH MUSIC! That was an insanely awesome concept and for the most part, I wasn't disappointed with what came of it.
The plot of Hibiki is often lauded, to which I respond: "What plot?!" Face it, Kamen Rider Hibiki was episodic. There was only a real sense of an overarching story near the very end, and really, it was just something else that happened. They set up the premise and play with it, and while there isn't as strong a sense of overarching story, I still believe that it was enjoyable. As for the executive meddling, I'm going to flat out say that I think you're all being incredibly silly and overblowing all of it. Ok, yes, there was character flanderization and derailment, but there were still some heartwarming moments! The action was also pretty cool, I have to admit, and I loved the stuff with Zanki and Todoroki, as well as, at the very least, Ibuki's final discussion with Akira about her apprenticeship. And the ending was very nice and fitting. Really, I wouldn't have known that there was executive meddling if I hadn't been told. I would have just credited it to the fizzling out near the end that KR series tend to do.
The characters were all pretty cool. Hibiki is an awesome old man and I wish he was my neighbor. Ibuki and Todoroki, the secondary riders, were interesting. But the real main character and Asumu, and watching him grow and develop due to inspiration from the riders was really fun to see. The other supporting characters are also well done for the most part, and yes, Kiriya is annoying and stupid. He's the wesley, just try to ignore him as best you can.
The music thing was awesome although here's the thing: Did they ever play a song? If they did, I can't recall it. It was just random beats usually and I wish they had done that thing in decade where they placed a goddamn concert. THAT was badass. The designs were unique and pretty good, for the most part.
Hibiki was a good show. If you're looking for something different, check it out.
Oh, my disk animals are back. I've gotta go blow up a lobster monster with my guitar. Seeya.
Series Unique series, until retool
Hibiki's main problem is the staff change in the middle of season.
The first half is unique, like a slice of life series. It gives a heavy J drama vibe, with the main theme being 'mentorship' and hard work.
Personally, I found the first part could be a bit boring though, but I like the realism and peaceful vibe . Most of the characters felt like a real person, with the focus being on Asumu and Hibiki.
I also like the gimmick of musical instrument being used as a weapon. The costume and the fight secenes are decent.
However, the second part after staff change is forgettable and not entertaining. Most people hate Kiriya and the fact Asumu didn't even manage to become Oni at the end.
Overall, I could only wonder how the series would turn out had it not undergoing the staff change. Which is a shame.
It is definitely not for everybody though. If you like slow, slice of life J drama with kamen rider element, then this is for you. At least for the first half of the series.