KAMEN RIDER ZERO-ONE #2, from Titan Comics on January 11th, 2023, finds Aruto Hiden struggling with his “punch first, think later” method to being a hero. Can Aruto learn to think strategically before it’s too late?
The Details
- Written by: Brandon Easton, David Clarke
- Art by: Hendry Prasetya
- Colors by: Bryan Valenza
- Letters by: Jame
- Cover art by: Simone Raggazoni (cover A)
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: January 11, 2023
Is It Good?
KAMEN RIDER ZERO-ONE #2 does exactly what a proper hero’s journey is supposed to do – show the hero trying and failing before he finds the key to unlock his full potential. In this case, Aruto Hiden acts without thinking, and unless he can bring his fighting mind up to speed with his fighting body, Ragnarok will take full advantage of Aruto’s weakness.
To that point, Easton and Clarke’s script does a fantastic job of showing Aruto as a hero with more heart and courage than wisdom. Aruto wants to save and protect his city, but his reckless actions create too much damage to ignore. Aruto’s desire to be better, although he largely fails in doing so, makes him instantly relatable and gets the reader on his side.
Let’s be honest. Who doesn’t love a training montage? Aruto gets the chance, courtesy of the Kamen Rider equivalent of a Danger Room, to hone his combat thinking. New tech is always a cool addition to this sort of material, and watching Aruto work out his shortcomings is a big plus in the character development department.
To be clear, this issue isn’t just about Aruto working out. Ragnarok attacks (again), giving the team valuable intel about the villain’s methods. If Easton and Clarke can capitalize on the character work in this issue, they’ll have a solid story on their hands.
Prasetya and Valenza nail the Kamen Rider aesthetic with cool armor designs, high-flying martial arts action, and sleek science-fiction gadgets. Where this issue actually improves on the TV show is in the displays of power with big blasts, crackling lightning, and explosive weapons. In other words, the cheesiness inherent in the live-action show is absent, so this is a case of the translation from one medium becoming an improvement.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our KAMEN RIDER ZERO-ONE #1 review to witness Ragnarok’s first attack.
We begin with Aruto about to be skewered by Ragnarok when Vulcan and Valkyrie arrive to lend a hand. With their combined strength, the Kamen Riders force Ragnarok to retreat. Vulcan and Valkyrie are unhappy about Aruto’s performance in battle, and the public is unhappy about the property destruction during the fight. Everyone agrees Aruto has a lot to learn.
Later, Aruto thinks back to the lessons his father taught him about thinking before acting, so Aruto asks Izu to help him learn to fight strategically. Izu reveals the HQ has a holographic training room that will teach Aruto how to overcome challenges by using his mind and his body.
We conclude the issue with an unexpected challenge, a dangerous hack attack, and more trouble.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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KAMEN RIDER ZERO-ONE #2 takes Aruto on the next leg of a classic hero’s journey by confronting him with his weaknesses and forcing him to improve if he wants to be the hero he hopes to be. The character designs and action scenes are highly entertaining, and Aruto’s character growth is an instant hook.
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