An Openly Gay Kamen Rider MC? A Gay Fan's Perspective on Untapped Potential

As an avid Kamen Rider enthusiast and an unapologetic shipper, the rollercoaster ride of emotions that this franchise offers me is second to none. Yes, the high-octane battles and gripping narratives are awesome, but it's the undercurrents of deep male camaraderie that keep me coming back for more.

If you know me from my profile here on Boys Love Universe I used to be a fanfic writer back in early Tumblr and AO3 days. I used to be a pretty big name but left that behind once the queerbaiting situation got worse and worse with specific ships. Kamen Rider was more niche back then for fanfic writers so instead of fics allow me to showcase pairings instead on Boys Love Universe.

Let's kick off with "Kamen Rider Drive," starring Shinnosuke Tomari and Go Shijima. The bromance here, folks, is palpable. It's like watching a love story that’s not quite labeled but oh, so present. The evolution of Go from a solitary wolf to Shinnosuke's ride-or-die buddy is a transformation that's as satisfying as the series' plot itself. Their relationship, peppered with growth, complexities, and a dash of chemistry, screams untapped BL potential.

Next up is "Kamen Rider Ex-Aid," and the electric duo of Emu Hojo and Hiiro Kagami. They’re the yin to each other's yang – Emu's genuine warmth melting Hiiro's icy exterior. Every shared glance, every moment of vulnerability between them, stirs up that "will-they-won't-they" suspense. It's a slow-burn romance just begging to be kindled!

And let's not forget Eiji Hino and Ankh from "Kamen Rider OOO". The tension between these two is charged enough to fuel a power grid. Their unlikely partnership, coupled with Ankh's volatile nature and Eiji's steadfast resolution to help, creates a mesmerizing dynamic that's just ripe for exploration.

Imagine, if you will, a Kamen Rider series with an openly gay protagonist. Now, this isn't just about representation (crucial as it is), but about expanding the narrative horizons of the franchise. It's about painting a more inclusive picture of love and friendship that speaks to a wider audience.

Picture this: a Kamen Rider protagonist who's proudly gay, fighting the baddies with panache, and navigating the nuances of a heartfelt romantic relationship. Intriguing, right? It's a narrative twist that could break new ground for the genre.

The Kamen Rider series has shown us that it can gracefully tackle complex narratives. Throwing LGBTQ+ themes into the mix seems like the next logical step, a game-changer that could unlock a treasure trove of storytelling possibilities.

Sure, I'll stay hooked to Kamen Rider, always ready for the next adrenaline rush. But there will be moments when I yearn for that uncharted territory of BL potential. I'll find myself wishing for a narrative that delves deeper into the intricate dynamics of male friendships.

Here's to the hope that one day, these ties will be celebrated in all their glorious colors. And here's to the day when love, in all its forms, will be accepted and applauded as freely as our beloved Kamen Riders live their lives!