That Tokusatsu Thread

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Finally got to finish the last third of Kamen Rider Stronger. Please note that there are spoilers below for those who are interested to watch it.

First off, I liked the Delza Army’s structure compared to Black Satan. All of their members are remodeled demons, have different personalities, are descendants of some famous monsters from pop culture (ex. Captain Brank is the descendant of Frankenstein’s monster, Commander Wolf’s ancestor is the Werewolf, etc.) and have their own foot soldiers to command. They’re all vying to be the leader of the Delza Army due to General Shadow’s incentive on whoever defeats Stronger gets to lead them, which also created problems as each member now wants to sabotage their fellow demon's efforts like how General Shadow would undermine Titan's schemes. Also, since most of them are immune to Stronger’s normal Rider Kick, our hero had to improvise his attacks instead such as luring a bird-type demon underwater to minimize its mobility and then using an electrical attack after to fry his opponent’s entire body to death.

This story arc also feature’s Tackle’s death, with near the end of her last episode finally killing a monster who’s giving Stronger a hard time. As someone who managed to follow Stronger from the start, it does feel sad that his partner is now gone since our hero isn’t strong enough to deal with the Delza Army by himself. The next episode after that deals with Stronger getting a 1-minute power-up form, the concept of the “final form” or changing different forms originated from Stronger for those who don’t know. After gaining a power-up, Stronger gets to use different finishers while using his new form for most of the remaining episodes.

The previous six Kamen Riders return and all of them help Stronger deal with the remaining members of the Delza Army and then they finally face the Great Leader of the Delza Army himself who was responsible for the previous evil organizations starting from Shocker up to Geddon. This time, the Great Leader goes on the full offensive compared to his previous forms when he lead Destron and Black Satan. As always, the Great Leader tries to take down his mortal enemies by self-destructing while the seven Kamen Riders manage to see his “true form.”

Overall, I’m glad I gave Stronger a chance. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea due to the simplistic plot compared to the Showa and Reiwa-era shows but I can see that Stronger’s attitude went from being a smug fighter to mellowing down and proving himself worthy of being a Kamen Rider.
 
The Japanese equivalent of the BBC, NHK, hosted and announced the results of several votes for the Super Sentai series in honor of the 50th anniversary.


Here are the results:

Top 100 Sentai Heroes:
1. Shinken Red (Shinkenger)
2. Gokai Red (Gokaiger)
3. Don Momotaro (Donbrothers)
4. Spider Kumonos (King-Ohger)
5. Deka Master (Dekaranger)
6. Kyoryu Red (Kyoryuger)
7. Boon Red (Boonboomger)
8. Gokai Blue (Gokaiger)
9. Patren #1 (Lupinranger vs. Patranger)
10. Lupin Red (Lupinranger vs. Patranger)

11. Zenkaiser (Zenkaiger)
12. Papillion Ohger (King-Ohger)
13. Black Condor (Jetman)
14. Kuwagata Ohger (King-Ohger)
15. Ohkuwagata Ohger (King-Ohger)
16. Boon Orange (Boonboomger)
17. Boon Violet (Boonboomger)
18. AkaRanger (Gorenger)
19. ToQ #1 (ToQGer)
20. AoRanger (Gorenger)

21. Bouken Red (Boukenger)
22. Boon Blue (Boonboomger)
23. ToQ #6 (ToQGer)
24. Abare Killer (Abaranger)
25. Kyoryu Gold (Kyoryuger)
26. Gozyu Wolf (Gozyuger)
27. Time Fire (Timeranger)
28. Deka Red (Dekaranger)
29. Gao Silver (Gaoranger)
30. Boon Black (Boonboomger)
31. Zyuoh Eagle (Zyuohger)
32. Go-On Red (Go-Onger)
33. KiRanger (Gorenger)
34. Oni Sister (Donbrothers)
35. Gokai Yellow (Gokaiger)
36. Black Lion Rio (Gekiranger)
37. Dragon Ranger (Zyuranger)
38. Twokaizer (Zenkaiger)
39. Deka Yellow (Dekaranger)
40. Kamakiri Ohger (King-Ohger)

41. MomoRanger (Gorenger)
42. Tonbo Ohger (King-Ohger)
43. RyuuRanger (Dairanger)
44. Gokai Pink (Gokaiger)
45. Stacaesar (Zenkaiger)
46. Red Buster (Go-Busters)
47. Shinken Blue (Shinkenger)
48. Ninja Black (Kakuranger)
49. Bun Pink (Boonboomger)
50. Ninja Red (Kakuranger)
51. Sonoi (Donbrothers)
52. Shinken Green (Shinkenger)
53. Kyoryu Green (Kyoryuger)
54. ToQ #4 (ToQGer)
55. Shinken Gold (Shinkenger)
56. VulEagle (Sun Vulcan)
57. Lupin X (Lupinranger)
58. Kiramai Silver (Kiramager)
59. Kiramai Red (Kiramager)
60. Ninja White (Kakuranger)

61. Wolzard Fire (Magiranger)
62. Gaisoulg (Ryusoulger)
63. Big One (JAKQ)
64. Time Red (Timeranger)
65. Magi Red (Magiranger)
66. Deka Pink (Dekaranger)
67. Shinken Yellow (Shinkenger)
68. Hurricane Blue (Hurricaneger)
69. Kiramai Green (Kiramager)
70. Gokai Green (Gokaiger)

71. Sasori Orange (Kyuranger)
72. Hachi Ohger (King-Ohger)
73. GaoRed (Gaoranger)
74. Gozyu Eagle (Gozyuger)
75. Kiji Brother (Donbrothers)
76. Gozyu Unicorn (Gozyuger)
77. Black Knight (Gingaman)
78. Shurikenger (Hurricaneger)
79. Gozyu Leon (Gozyuger)
80. Geki Red (Gekiranger)

81. ShishiRanger (Dairanger)
82. Blue Buster (Go-Busters)
83. Beet Buster (Go-Busters)
84. Go-On Silver (Go-Onger)
85. MidoRanger (Gorenger)
86. VulShark (Sun Vulcan)
87. Gokai Silver (Gokaiger)
88. Zenkaizer Black (Donbrothers)
89. Lupin Yellow (Lupinranger)
90. Shinken Red [Shiba Kaoru] (Shinkenger)

91. Deka Blue (Dekaranger)
92. KabutoRaiger (Hurricaneger)
93. Bouken Silver (Boukenger)
94. Go-On Gold (Go-Onger)
95. Inu Brother (Donbrothers)
96. Zyuoh The World (Zyuohger)
97. Deka Green (Dekaranger)
98. Lupin Blue (Lupinranger)
99. Tyranno Ranger (Zyuranger)
100. Gosei Red (Goseiger)
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Top 50 Sentai Robos:
1. Don Onitaijin (Donbrothers)
2. Gokaioh (Gokaiger)
3. King-Ohger (King-Ohger)
4. Boonboom Robo (Boonboomger)
5. Shinkenoh (Shinkenger)
6. Tega Sword (Gozyuger)
7. Kyoryuzin (Kyoryuger)
8. ToQ-Oh (ToQger)
9. Super Muteki Shogun (Kakuranger)
10. ByunByum Mach Robo (BoonBoomger)
11. Battle Fever Robo (Battle Fever J)
12. Dekaranger Robo (Dekaranger)
13. Engine-O (Go-Onger)
14. Daizyuzin (Zyuranger)
15. Go-Buster Oh (Go-Busters)
16. MagiKing (Magiranger)
17. Sun Vulcan Robo (Sun Vulcan)
18. Dairenoh (Dairanger)
19. Daidenzin (Denziman)
20. GaoKing (Gaoranger)

21. Variblune (Gorenger)
22. King-Ohger ZERO (King-Ohger)
22. Lupin Kaiser (Lupinranger)
23. Varidorin (Gorenger)
25. Daibouken (Boukenger)
26. Tarantula Knight (King-Ohger)
27. Kiramaizin (Kiramager)
28. Kyurenoh (Kyuranger)
29. Zenkaioh (Zenkaiger)
30. GaoIcarus (Gaoranger)
31. Dragon Caesar (Zyuranger)
32. Abarenoh (Abaranger)
33. Pteraiden-Oh (Kyoryuger)
34. V-Rex Robo (Timeranger)
35. Galaxy Mega (Megaranger)
36. DekaBase Robo (Dekaranger)
37. Bio Robo (Bioman)
38. DaiGoyou (Shinkenger)
39. Victory Robo (GoGoFive)
40. Kishiryuoh (Ryusoulger)

41. GaoHunter (Gaoranger)
42. RV Robo (Carranger)
43. Senpuujin (Hurricaneger)
43. Live Robo (Liveman)
44. Time Robo Alpha/Beta (Timeranger)
45. Boonboom Leon (Boonboomger)
47. Jet Icarus (Jetman)
48. DekaWing Robo (Dekaranger)
49. Grand Liner (GoGoFive)
50. Zenkaijuoh (Zenkaiger)
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Top 20 Super Sentai Series:
1. Gokaiger
2. King-Ohger
3. Shinkenger
4. BoonBoomger
5. Lupinranger vs. Patranger
6. Donbrothers
7. Dekaranger
8. Kyoryuger
9. ToQger
10. Goranger

11. Zenkaiger
12. Kakuranger
13. Go-busters
14. Magiranger
15. Go-Onger
16. Kiramager
17. Dairanger
18. Timeranger
19. Jetman
20. Sun Vulcan

Obviously, many of these polls are subject to recency bias and "brigading" for lack of a better term. For example, I don't think most of the BoonBoomgers (robos or series) should be up so high. Or the obvious thumb on the scales from fujoshi cause LuPat is *not* that good whatsoever. But either way, these are fun little programs NHK cooks up. I look forward to the testimonials, demographics and other tidbits that will slowly be translated by fans from the program.
 
>daizyujin barely in the top 20
shigga higga
I am absolutely the opposite of MMPR nostalgia, when I was a little kid I was big mad about such an obvious ripoff of voltron, but since then I have grown to love the design
 
>daizyujin barely in the top 20
shigga higga
I am absolutely the opposite of MMPR nostalgia, when I was a little kid I was big mad about such an obvious ripoff of voltron, but since then I have grown to love the design
The reason Daizyujin looks so much like GoLion (Voltron) is cause originally it was designed by Katsushi Murakami who worked on the GoLion toyline. Murakami's other notable works include Spider-Man's Leopardon who is the precursor to Sentai robos.

Here is Murakami's preliminary design for Daizyujin.
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But Murakami eventually handed the job to his protege Tsuyoshi Nonaka who would come up with the final design. The GoLion DNA is there intentionally.
 
ToQ-Oh in the top ten? That has to be a troll. Overall though, it's a decent list.
 
The reason Daizyujin looks so much like GoLion (Voltron) is cause originally it was designed by Katsushi Murakami who worked on the GoLion toyline. Murakami's other notable works include Spider-Man's Leopardon who is the precursor to Sentai robos.

Here is Murakami's preliminary design for Daizyujin.
View attachment 7375225

But Murakami eventually handed the job to his protege Tsuyoshi Nonaka who would come up with the final design. The GoLion DNA is there intentionally.
yeah I found out the connections as I got more into heavy weeb
but yeah it's got a good lineage
 
Obviously, many of these polls are subject to recency bias and "brigading" for lack of a better term. For example, I don't think most of the BoonBoomgers (robos or series) should be up so high. Or the obvious thumb on the scales from fujoshi cause LuPat is *not* that good whatsoever. But either way, these are fun little programs NHK cooks up. I look forward to the testimonials, demographics and other tidbits that will slowly be translated by fans from the program
GoBusters not being in the top 10 is a travesty.
 
Kinda strange that none of the kikanoids from Zenkaiger are on that list, but Stacy is.

Really happy, though that the Japanese recognize that Patren Red is better than Lupin Red (despite Lupin having the better costume).

Also, its kinda ironic having the two best female rangers--Oni-Sister and Gokai Yellow--next to each other.
 
Kinda strange that none of the kikanoids from Zenkaiger are on that list, but Stacy is.
There's two factors that I think affected it. First and foremost, Stacy has much bigger development arc than the Kikanoids. The latter are generally goofy and their characters aren't terribly different during the finale compared to their introductions. But Stacy starts out as a villain and has a redemption arc which seems to be generally well liked by the Japanese Sentai audience. The evidence is clear by the incredibly high placements (and sole members of their respective teams) of characters like Black Condor and Abare Killer.

The second is that it seems like most Japanese people aren't terribly fond of "non human" Sentai members. The sole exception being Deka Master who is not only the one non human to rank in the top 50 but is ranked no. 5 overall. He is above the likes of Kyoryu Red who is from an incredibly popular and profitable series and his actor is a huge mainstream star now.

Really happy, though that the Japanese recognize that Patren Red is better than Lupin Red (despite Lupin having the better costume).
I have a funny feeling that the mini series before Ryusolger left a huge impression on the fanbase. A lot of the guest stars there ranked super high. And 3/5ths of the team also ranked very well. Lupin Red showed up most recently for the Zenkaiger team up with Kiramager but his role was significantly smaller than Patren Red in Strongest Battle. Either that or all the fujoshi voted for the top over the bottom.

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Finally got a decent way into Gaav. Quite enjoying it and taken a pause at E30. Can't say I love all the special effects fights but it's been entertaining enough as a series.

Nothing like the president dropping his balls on your negotiating table and telling you it's his company now. Followed up by daddy's little princess telling you what the new pecking order is.

It's pretty clear this is not going to remain status quo but was amusing.


I also need to hunt down new sources for the Tokusatsu stuff. A kind Kiwi sent me the way for most of the Kamen Rider things but the fallback of Nyaa torrents seems to be getting less and less stuff. Of course if Japan would stop pumping out content for the older stuff this would be easier. I liked Kamen Rider Gridon vs. Kamen Rider Bravo but new content for a series 6 years after is conclusion is as bad as trying to keep up Lupin III films finally getting an English dub.
 
I've been kinda ehh on Gav
I like the rounded colorful plastic aesthetic of the suits but I really don't like the snack food gimmick
it's like one of those "the five closest things on your desk right now are the main units for the next KR series" ideas
 
Speaking of Super Sentai from the 80's, I find it odd that the shows from Dynaman to Liveman weren't even included in the Top 20. I at least liked the mecha, the villains and the ranger's arsenal from that era.
I'd say it's because most audiences are more familiar with the newer seasons.
I've been kinda ehh on Gav
I like the rounded colorful plastic aesthetic of the suits but I really don't like the snack food gimmick
it's like one of those "the five closest things on your desk right now are the main units for the next KR series" ideas
Weirdest part is how the early episodes have people being terrified by Gavv for his "monstrous" appearance. Because bright purple candy armor is the pinnacle of horror apparently.
 
Maybe the suit designs?
Without being Japanese and elderly it's difficult to get an accurate reading as to exactly why Sun Vulcan is still so popular. We can only really list all of its accomplishments:
  • It's the 3rd most watched Sentai series of all time only behind Goranger and Denjiman respectively (itself being a sequel to the latter).
  • At least according to the NHK poll, it's the only other Showa series to rank along with 2 of its members being the only other Showa rangers to rank besides the Gorangers and Big One. Which is particularly notable since they haven't gotten any kind of cameos or tributes in recent works. They were also popular enough to get all members produced in the SHF figuarts line back in the day.
  • It's the first animal themed Sentai and the first to have a transforming robo (the latter having a big enough impression to also rank in the NHK poll).
  • The 3 man team, the first and only so far, allowed the members to have more characterization compared to many other teams at the time. The designs are certainly memorable, but their poses are also particularly iconic. To the point they were doing them during the NHK special announcing the results.
  • Machiko Soga, best known to westerners as the original Japanese actress to Rita Repulsa's Zyuranger equivalent Witch Bandora, she was the very first female main villain as Queen Hedrian. She would return as the same character in Sun Vulcan. A first and only accomplishment by her. Her popularity was enough that she was considered to reappear (recast due to Soga's passing) in the first Sentai and Rider crossover movie but was ultimately scrapped out of respect for her.
  • Its theme song is very catchy and memorable along with being sung by Akira Kushida who is still working on Sentai and mainstream anime to this day.
There's probably even more I'm forgetting at the moment. But when you stop and think about it, if any other Showa series was gonna rank besides Goranger then it was gonna be Sun Vulcan.
 
Despite Sun Vulcan having those accomplishments, I find the Super Sentai shows from 1978-first half of 1983 to be boring, quite bluntly.

But, here are the things I did like from each of those series:

JAKQ: The first third of the series and Big One.
Battle Fever J: Introducing the giant robot concept that would shape the rest of the entire franchise.
Denjiman: Daidenjin, the Vader Clan and Banriki Maoh's debut.
Sun Vulcan: Second Vul Eagle, Black Magma and Inazuma Ginga.
Goggle V: Deathdark and their flying castle.
Dynaman: Episode 34 onward and Dark Knight.
 
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