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The premiere of Kamen Rider Zero-One, titled “I’m the President and a Kamen Rider,” stands as a high-energy launch for the Reiwa era. It successfully balances a futuristic, AI-driven premise with the classic grasshopper-themed roots of the franchise. The episode introduces Aruto Hiden, a struggling comedian who unexpectedly inherits his grandfather’s tech empire, Hiden Intelligence. The tone is immediately distinct, blending Aruto’s cringe-worthy puns with a sleek, high-tech aesthetic that feels fresh yet familiar.
Visually, the episode is a standout, featuring some of the most polished special effects and action choreography in the series’ history. The transformation into the Rising Hopper form is a highlight, utilizing a satellite-linked digital tutorial that feels genuinely modern. The battle against the Berotha Magia at the amusement park is kinetic and stylish, capped off by a visceral “Rising Impact” finisher that cleverly leaves Aruto with a realistically sprained ankle—a small detail that adds a grounded charm to the superhero spectacle.
Beyond the action, the pilot efficiently establishes a complex world and a compelling supporting cast. Izu, the deadpan Humagear secretary, provides a perfect comedic foil to Aruto, while the introduction of the anti-AI task force A.I.M.S. and the terrorist group MetsubouJinrai.net hints at deeper ideological conflicts. By the end of the 25 minutes, the episode succeeds in making the viewer care about the “dream” of human-robot co-existence, leaving plenty of intriguing mysteries about the “Daybreak” incident and Aruto’s own past to drive the season forward.
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