6.6 / 10 (based on 316 reviews)
Since ancient times, there have been books responsible for all of Earth’s civilisation. These books were written with all sorts of myths, stories, living things, sources of science and technology. The book was protected by the “Holy Sword” and the “Selected Swordsman”, keeping the world in balance. However, thousands of years ago, an attempt was made to steal the books. The books were scattered around the world and disappeared. This battle raged on in secret. In the present day, novelist Kamiyama Touma has a recurring dream: In another world, a swordsman fights a fierce battle with a monster in a book, and a mysterious girl seeks help. Every time he dreams about it, Touma is caught in the feeling that he is forgetting something important, but he doesn’t know what that is or who the girl is. It seems that everyday life can collapse so easily. The dream always happens without warning. Suddenly, a strange phenomenon occurs where part of the city disappears. Important family members, friends, lovers disappear in front of each other’s eyes. On the other hand, part of the disappeared city appears in a mysterious world. “Where are you?” “What happened?” “How can I get back?” The desperate people wonder. Touma and Mei Sudo, the editor-in-chief, are suddenly involved in this phenomenon. Surprisingly, the other world is very similar to the dream that Touma often has, and like the dream, mysterious monsters invade and begin to destroy the city. “I will definitely bring the city back to its original world!” Suddenly, a flaming sword appears as if responding to Touma’s thoughts. As soon as he picks up the sword, he wields the power of the dragon, becoming “The Swordsman of Fire”.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Shuichiro Naito, Takaya Yamaguchi, Asuka Kawazu, Hiroaki Oka
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1 season, 48 episodes, 24-minute runtime
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Kamen Raidâ Seibâ, also known as Kamen Rider Saber, is a Japanese tokusatsu drama in Toei Company’s Kamen Rider series. It’s the 31st series in the long-running franchise that started back in 1971. This show, which premiered in September 2020, offers a fresh take on the superhero genre, blending elements of fantasy, adventure, and action in a way that both honors the legacy of its predecessors and charts a new course for the future of the series.
The Premise
At the heart of Kamen Rider Saber’s story is a fantastical universe where the balance between the real world and a magical realm called Wonder World is maintained by powerful books known as Wonder Ride Books. These are no ordinary books. They hold the secrets to mythical creatures, ancient civilizations, and powerful heroes. The protagonist, Touma Kamiyama, is a novelist with a passion for storytelling who becomes entangled in this battle between worlds when he acquires the ability to transform into Kamen Rider Saber.
Characters and Transformations
The character roster in Kamen Rider Saber is diverse, each with their own unique backstories, motivations, and, most importantly, transformation abilities. Touma, with his fiery sword and dragon-themed armor, leads the pack, but he’s far from the only hero in this saga. The series introduces a plethora of Kamen Riders, each wielding their own Wonder Ride Books and drawing power from different mythologies and literary genres.
For example, there’s Rintaro Shindo, a stoic swordsman who transforms into Kamen Rider Blades, harnessing the power of water and a lion-themed armor. Then there’s Kento Fukamiya, the mysterious and brooding Kamen Rider Espada, who wields lightning and draws his strength from a mythical genie. The diversity in character design and powers keeps the show fresh and provides a wide array of action scenes that are as visually stunning as they are thrilling.
The Story Arcs
Kamen Rider Saber’s narrative is structured around multiple story arcs, each building upon the last to create a rich and complex universe. Initially, the focus is on Touma’s quest to understand his newfound powers and the significance of the Wonder Ride Books. As the series progresses, deeper layers of the story unfold, involving ancient prophecies, betrayals, and the true nature of the boundary between worlds.
One of the most compelling aspects of the show is how it handles character development. Heroes and villains alike undergo significant growth, driven by their desires, failures, and the harsh realities of their world. This dynamic storytelling keeps viewers engaged, eager to see how each character’s journey evolves.
Action and Special Effects
A hallmark of the Kamen Rider series is its action sequences, and Saber is no exception. The choreography blends martial arts, swordplay, and acrobatics, all enhanced by CGI that brings the magic of the Wonder Ride Books to life. While some might argue that the reliance on special effects can overshadow the hand-to-hand combat, there’s no denying that it adds an epic scale to the battles.
Moreover, the design of the Kamen Riders themselves is a visual treat. The armor and weapons are intricately detailed, reflecting the unique themes and powers of each character. This attention to detail extends to the villains as well, creating a visually cohesive world that’s as beautiful as it is dangerous.
Themes and Messages
Beneath the surface of its action-packed battles and fantasy elements, Kamen Rider Saber tackles themes that resonate on a human level. Friendship, sacrifice, the pursuit of knowledge, and the power of stories are recurring motifs throughout the series. It challenges the idea of destiny and underscores the importance of forging one’s path.
Touma’s journey from a solitary novelist to a hero fighting for the fate of two worlds is a testament to the show’s deeper narrative. His belief in the power of stories to inspire and bring about change is a message that echoes beyond the confines of the show, encouraging viewers to believe in their own potential to make a difference.
Conclusion
Kamen Rider Saber is more than just another entry in the Kamen Rider series. It’s a bold reimagining of what a superhero show can be, blending traditional tokusatsu elements with a modern twist. Its rich story, dynamic characters, and breathtaking action sequences make it a standout show that appeals to long-time fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
Whether you’re drawn to the fantasy elements, the intricate plot, or the high-octane action, Kamen Rider Saber offers something for everyone. It’s a celebration of the power of stories and the heroes that live within them, reminding us that within each of us lies the potential to be a hero in our own right.