I remember a lot of people complaining about lupin v pat for not treating the patarangers well.

It paired well with my avatar at the time which were the two reds of this very show, so I will totally take credit for being clever! (Even if it was mostly supposed to be kinda funny non-sequitur)

I did like Lupin VS Pat to a degree, it did possibly continue introducing things that hadn't been done before like Kyuranger did whereas I suppose Ryusoulger was a bit more establishment, but I don't think I would quite put it as one of my favourites of the 2010s I'm afraid! LuPat-Ryusoul was a bad time for 6th/7th warriors for me and I did probably have a bit more I liked in the PatRanger element than Lupin! Trying to avoid spoiling anything though, that quite pivotal scene near the end that feeds into the finale in episode 48 I actually found very dramatic and cool!

I remember watching the first half or so of Magiranger way back in like 2014? Got to the summer movie and then kinda got busy with life. Was a good time though, I should get back into it at some point... 8 years on.

Btw, typing this post got the Ending Theme back in my head. I know I haven't listened to that song in years. Thank you memory, you always know how to treat me right.

Perfect timing, I FINALLY finished LuPat a few days ago. That was easily my favorite Sentai season so far. My only complaint is that the ending felt a bit rushed. I was hoping that the Patorangers would find out who the Lupinrangers were sometime in the late 30s, and then we could see a few episodes of the Patorangers chasing them down, eventually coming to terms with their identities, and then finally ACTUALLY teaming up. We never got that. However...no Sentai is perfect. With that in mind, I still thought it was one of the best I've seen.

My gf also got surprisingly invested in it. She kept hoping that Kairi and Keiichiro would kiss :lol

I recommend she check out the stage show then!

Ah, Lupinranger Vs Patranger, the first full Sentai show I watched. The first Sentai I saw was the first episode of Goranger (and only that, as that's the only one I found at the time), but some of the trailers for Kyuranger probably played a role, and I'll get around to seeing that in due course.

Now I know there's a bit of a divide between this show, but I guess that fit the theme, but I actually quite enjoyed it, even as someone who was more into the Patrangers over the Lupinranger, but both were still fun to see, and both teams' costumes are absolutely fabulous. Can't say I was the biggest fan of X, not that I disliked him or anything, but he wasn't someone who quite won me over like the others, but I like the gimmick he had going with being both teams with a weapon that matched the occasion, and his mech configurations were some of my favorites of the show next to PatKaiser.

I loved the Villains being an intergalactic gang that uses the invasion of Earth plot as a contest to see who's a worthy successor, and Boss Dogranio had an amazing design. There were a lot of fun ones in the mix like the Cuckoo Clock one, the gun freak, the space chef, or the one with the skeleton dog pauldron, and some of the big ones like Destra and Zamigo, this was the first sign that I would enjoy the ridiculous rogues gallery of Sentai Villains.

The show had its ups and downs, but it was overall enjoyable and got me into Sentai. I do kind of wish there were more interesting forms instead of the vehicle armor as the super powered form, though I do like them, but Patren U-Go was probably my favorite with how ridiculous and cool it is. There were a lot fun episodes like the cook-off, or the Christmas one (which is probably one of my favorite Toku Christmas Specials), then there were the bizarre ones like the one where the Patrangers had their genders swapped, but even so, this was a show I enjoyed, and maybe it's nostalgia for being my first Sentai, but I honestly can't stress that I did like this show.

And then Ryusoulger happened and became my favorite Sentai show until Zenkaiger stole the number one spot for me. I will watch more Sentai in the future, with Shinkenger, Gokaiger, Kyuranger, and more on my list.

Bouken was a good series. I have a few left and there are 3 series left after Time Ranger to finish the Jetix era shows.

Growl (Wild Force)
Hurri (Ninja Storm)
Aba (Dino Thunder)

Wild Force was adapted by Saban but owned by Jetix / Disney.

Also 2 for Saban Era II

Nin (Ninja Steel)
Kyo (Dino Charge)

Hello and welcome to another instalment of?

Androzani's Tsukai Detour: Super Sentai Movie Party Edition

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This week, we?re doing?

Part 2: Mashin Sentai Kiramager: Episode Zero

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There's no plot or character explanation, for reasons I think are rather obvious. Instead, I'll cut straight to the staff. Our writers are Naruhisa Arakawa and Ayumi Shimo, the latter of whom was on the third year of a three year writing contract with Toei at the time. Our producer is Hideaki Tsukada, returning after 13 years away, and our director, making his Sentai debut, is Kyohei Yamaguchi, whose one previous major credit was Kamen Rider: Heisei Generations Forever. With all of that said, on with the review.

We begin with an introduction to an alien planet where everything sparkles (How blindness isn?t an issue there, I can?t say, though I imagine the inhabitants have evolved to live with it).

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We then cut to the planet being attacked by the Dark Empire Yodonheim?s (a play on ?Yo? (demon) and Jotunheim, the Nordic hell) army of Bechat (from ?bechabecha?, the onomatopoeia for splattering mud) soldiers, under the command of Dark Mask Carantula (from ?cara?, Spanish for face, crunch and tarantula)

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Princess Mabushiina (from ?mabushii?, meaning dazzling) bursts into the throne room of her father, King Oradin (a play on ?Odin?, the father of the Norse pantheon, known to the Saxons as Woden or Wednes, and Aladdin, the fairy tale figure who turned his luck around when he found a djinn in a lamp).

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Oradin doesn?t know that, but he does know they have no hope of stopping Yodonheim from destroying the planet (Is there no militia of any kind?). But there is still hope for their next target.

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Oradin tasks his daughter with taking the 5 Kiramai Stones to Earth to find 5 shining warriors to defeat the Yodon. But as the enemy gets in, he ushers her behind his throne and faces Carantula, who makes clear the will of Emperor Yodon (as for why he?s not leading this invasion, she?s currently indisposed. No, that?s not a typo).

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Oradin pulls out his sword (which is Sargain?s Ganryuken from Hurricaneger, painted gold) to cut down several Bechats, only to be hit from behind by his own brother.

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(For the etymology of his name, it derives from ?Utgard-Loki?, one of the bad guys from Norse mythology. Given that, and his black skin and red eyes, and the fact he?s voiced by the guy who dubbed over Patrick Wilson in Aquaman, makes me wonder how no-one suspected his betrayal.)

Garuza explains that Yodon offered him greater power, before leaving Oradin to the none existent mercy of the Bechats and leaving with Carantula. Now alone, Mabushiina grieves for her father (whose body was dragged off by the Bechats, not even being afforded a proper burial), before discovering the 5 Kiramai Stones in the back of this throne (good thing no-one thought to trash the room, right?)

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As the Princess and her finds descend towards Earth in a meteorite made of white rock, ordinary high school student Juru Atsuta (a fairly dismal pun for a first name), wakes up from a dream.

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As he sets to work drawing what he saw, the local posse of female bullies spies on him, making plans.

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Their most junior member, Mizuki Kakihara, goes over to Juru and asks him to draw her. This causes Juru to point his hand to the air and say what can only be called ?a catchphrase?.

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As he starts drawing Kakihara, who realises she might have got herself into something she didn?t want, we cut to a mysterious group combing the woods, who discover the white rock with Mabushiina and the Kiramai Stones within.

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After being broken out, Mabushiina gets taken to the organisation, known as the Caring And Rational Ambitious Team (CARAT for short) at their base, which resembles Yggdrasil, the World?s Tree (Did Gen Urubochi come up with this idea but get removed at a later point? Because this much Nordic imagery is enough to make Kamen Rider Gaim blush).

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She then proceeds to meet the company?s founder and President, who comes out of his VR state to prove that Taketora Kureshima or Ryoma Sengoku, he is not.

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Mr. Hakataminami then shows off his invention.

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Mabushiina then performs a ritual to give life to the Kiramai Stones, so they can find their own partners. As for their personalities, Red is on FIRE.

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Yellow wants them to SHOVE off and aLLOW him some peace.

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Green has decided his type at MACH speed (and despite what you may here, the writers explicitly intended it as admiration, not lust).

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Blue is ready to JET off Towards his partnER.

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And Pink seems likely to raise HELL In other?s COmpany.

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The first to find their partner is Green, who chooses track runner Sena Hayami.

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He explains that he?s choosing her because not only is she very lovely, but she also has a very good running time (so she?s basically a female Towa, with none of the sass). Mabushiina isn?t convinced.

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Nonetheless, she goes up to her afterwards to introduce herself? but Green beats her to it.

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We then see a battle between samurai in the hills? which turns out to be the set of a jidaigeki flick starring Shiguru Oshikiri (played by Atom Mizuishi, previously Crow in GARO: Makai no Hana and Ryuichi Sakuma/AnotherFourze/Another Faiz n Kamen Rider Zi-O).

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He turns out to be the choice of the Blue Kiramai Stone, who admires his chanbara power. Once again, Mabushiina isn?t sold.

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Once again, they go up and pitch the fact they want him to fight for them. Though confused, Shiguru accepts readily.

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We then cut to a Tekken (the only game anyone plays in a Toei production) tournament, which gets won by one Tametomo Imizu?s team.

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He turns out to be the chosen one of the Yellow Kiramai Stone, based on his sharp shooting skills. And I?m honestly with Mabushiina on this one.

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But they still pitch to him regardless and he?s all too eager.

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The final Kiramager they find is Sayo Oharu (played by Mio Kudo, better known as Kanon Fukami in Kamen Rider Ghost) a supposedly excellent surgeon (though this is the only time we see her do surgery and only one of two times we see her doing anything remotely medical on the clock), who gets picked by the Pink Kiramai Stone for how cute she looks? a feeling that turns out to be mutual.

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Mabushiina then takes her outside and gives her the damn watch.

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But when it comes to finding someone to partner with Red, they draw a blank, forcing Mabushiina to return to CARAT without him.

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We then cut back to Juru, still at work, while Kakihara berates everyone including him.

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Sena, Shiguru, Tametomo and Sayo are escorted into CARAT, leading to some confusion.

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The other Stones explain that Red still hasn?t found it?s partner, which causes everyone to fantasise about what kind of guy he?ll be. Well, everyone except of Shiguru.

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Before the conversation can move in any direction, an alarm sounds, signifying that the Yodon are attacking their base (not unheard of for the start of a series, but still unusual).

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But they only make it as far as the car park before the Bechats ambush them, with one of them using his rake to cut down Hakataminami.

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As Mabushiina despairs, the 4 pick up their Kiramai Changers and initiate the transformation for the first time.

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=KKJbm63e6rg

All: Kiramai Change!

The power of the Kiramai Stones flows into their bodies, becoming one with their souls of justice to create the shining warriors that will change the future, Mashin Sentai Kiramager.

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Cue the music (which, compared to the artist?s other Sentai theme, I?m not keen on)

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In order for us to sparkle,
I think we met by chance,
so polish up the scratches,
Mashin Sentai Kiramager

I've only just started to slip out of the lines
of this blank sketchbook, 
and I've got this feeling I can go anywhere!

This dokidoki imagination is an engine
that wants to make a dream, but it's like
I can't break free from the outside world!

In reality, instead of worrying more
about what others think about you,
you just want to scream and run,
so, if you feel it, then Kiramai Go!

The future is starting,
so grab hold of the wind
and rise with a sudden flash, Kiramental
the power to believe in what you love!

In order for us to sparkle,
I think we met by chance,
so polish up the scratches,
Mashin Sentai Kiramager

As the fight begins, both Shiguru and Sena pull out their swords.

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Whereas Sena merely cuts down the Bechats, Shiguru destroys his with the Sword?s finisher, Kiramai Charge.

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Sayo and Tametomo opt to go with the gun for their battles.

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And like before, while Sayo merely shoots her opponents, Tametomo loads his Kiramai Shot with coins for his finisher (I?m getting misogynistic vibes from this battle).

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As the battle ends, everyone gathers around Hakataminami?s body to pay respects? but Sayo checks his pulse and finds...

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Sure enough, Hakataminami rises and reveals that the entire attack was nothing but a training simulation. The Bechats were holograms given a static charge to appear physical.

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Everyone is more annoyed than motivated by this. Especially Mabushiina, who headbutts him. While I didn?t capture the moment in question, I did capture Sena and Sayo reacting to it.

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Elsewhere, Red abandons its search and goes home? right outside Juru?s high school.

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Back inside, Juru is finally done. And to Kakihara?s dismay, it is not the cute picture she was hoping for.

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As Juru explains that the mosh mash of dark colours represent what a cruel, vindictive and manipulative person Kakihara is, she storms out in anger (he needs to work on his people skills).

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As Juru fails to realise why she left (having been distracted with his explanation while it happened), we see what he was drawing before she interrupted him? Garuza.

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Speaking of whom?

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(Got to admit, that armour is definitely better looking than his regular face)

In the streets, the people run as a large, imposing object, the Hildon (Is that a tap on its head?), emerges above them.

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As the 4 Kiramagers put on their uniforms (which, compared to their regular clothes, just look ugly. Go back) and walk into battle, as Mabushiina concludes on a hopeful note.

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After the credits, and a trailer for episode 1: Mashin Rebirth, we cut to Mr. Hakataminami to close this event.

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And how are we ending this puppy? In style, that?s how.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ralBW1cyj6g

Final thoughts: A pretty good first look at the Kiramagers that avoids taking away anything major from the actual premiere. It does a good job of giving everyone personalities, but not going too overboard on the task at hand.

Join us next time for the finale of this feature, wherein I become the first person on this site to review Mashin Sentai Kiramager vs Ryusoulger.

~Fish's Zenkai Tour!~

Episode 43 – Kishiryuu Sentai Ryusoulger

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(A couple people are missing from this picture, but they do squeeze in a cameo in the episode itself!)

I'm not sure there's any other Sentai out there quite like Ryusoulger, which is a pretty funny thing to say about it, given how strikingly familiar so much of it looks at a glance.

The comparisons are unavoidable, I suppose. Just like pretty much everyone else at the time it was announced, my first impressions of Ryusoulger were dominated by the sense that Toei was clearly trying to play it safe that year. Or at least, Bandai sure was. And to be fair, if so many fresh and novel concepts for Sentai shows were resulting in merchandise sales that ranged from below expectations to outright poor, the way they had been for a while by this point, maybe sticking to what you know works was worth a shot. And what they knew worked was Kyoryuger, to put it bluntly.

Granted, apparently the choice of motif wasn't actually as simple as them wanting to copy that one specific show, but that only makes it all the more odd how easy it is to draw superficial similarities between the two. One had guns that eat collectible items, the other has swords that do the same. One has a robot where Red forms the majority of the body while Blue and Pink go on the arms for the default combination, the other has... uh, literally the same thing. Oh, but you see, Kyoryuger had this kinda Go-Onger thing where Green and Black were sort of a clear subgroup within the main team, whereas Ryusoulger does, uh, exactly the same thing... (I can think of a couple more of these easily, but you get the idea.) Not that I would ever want to really diss Ryusoulger's designs. Honestly, despite everything I just said, I always got the impression they were really giving it their all to make the coolest possible stuff that year, and so much about the aesthetics and the functionality of everything feels appreciably refined and thought out. The merchandise sales didn't end up getting the bump they were hoping for at all, but like, it absolutely wasn't for lack of effort.

Still, that's just the surface level when it comes to the show proper. And the show proper... man, I'm not even sure how to describe it. As you can probably imagine from the dinosaur motif, Ryusoulger was a conscious effort to do another very traditional, very straightforward Sentai, emphasizing the strength of the heroes and a bright atmosphere and all that usual stuff, this time even choosing knights as the actual new (and very up my alley!) motif, because knights are a classic symbol of righteousness. And you can absolutely see that desire to take things back to basics reflected in the final product... it's just that that's not all you can see.

If I had to sum up Ryusoulger in a word, it might actually be "unfettered", believe it or not. Both the chief producer and the main writer were new to Super Sentai, and I think that's evident all over the place, because for as much as the show is trying to take a tried-and-true approach, it also seems happily unaware of a lot of finer points of traditional Sentai style. And I want to stress that last bit – it doesn't come off to me like people who know the rules inside and out deliberately turning tropes on their head; it just feels like people making their show however the heck they want to, and there's an honesty to that which I've come to respect about Ryusoulger. It drove me absolutely crazy while it was on the air, mind you, but by the end, I started to see the value in the way it did things.

A really easy example to raise of this is how Green and Black were introduced into the series a couple episodes in. This is the fun, lighthearted show about chivalrous knights being good buddies and fighting evil together, right? Like, that was apparently the goal, but Black is introduced as an antisocial stoic jerk dragging his smug and unempathetic little brother around, which okay, makes for a pretty typical arc about them learning to respect the more idealistic/nicer primary trio. Except, only a few episodes in, as our *introduction* to these two, the show decides to frame their beef with Red, Blue, and Pink around their belief that it's acceptable to sacrifice a single life in order to save a greater number of people, which, okay, is a rather grim moral conundrum, but still within boundaries. And then Black is abruptly raising his sword to kill the show's comic relief character in her sleep, and that feels sort of wrong for a Sentai show. Then the show's comic relief character is ready to throw herself off a cliff, believing her death would hold more value than her life, and I'm wondering how many other Super Sentai have ever wound up depicting an attempted suicide three episodes in, among many, many other questions.

I thought it was a bit much, when I was watching it. But at the same time, I was definitely engaging with the material? Like, nothing in that episode was that poorly thought out, or even in bad taste, despite how I might've just made it sound to people without context. First of all, the twist of the monsters of the week for Ryusoulger – being born from people's negative emotions, with abilities and behaviors that reflect some desire of their host, eating away at their life like parasites to grow larger and even more destructive – it's an utterly fantastic concept for driving meaningful drama. Introducing Bamba and Towa with the hardline stance that cutting down a monster's host is an effective and efficient solution also gives them something far more specific to work on than simply being abrasive, and makes their gradual complete reversal in attitude that much more rewarding. The steadfast refusal of Koh, Melto, and Asuna to give up on a friend is extremely easy to root for, and when the friend in question is Ui, using the plot to explore her issues with self-esteem makes her that much more sympathetic as well. For as much criticism as I would've given the episode at the time, I've never ever forgotten that moment on that cliff when Asuna pulls Ui back from the edge and straight into a hug.

And I think that's really the whole duality of Ryusoulger to me, right there. It's doing all this weird and unusual stuff for reasons that often confound me, but no matter how frustrated I get, it's difficult to deny that there's humanity and creativity and feeling in here. Whether for better or worse, Ryusoulger definitely kept my attention, and while I recall it being a rather uneven ride, some of those peaks are arguably all-time franchise great episodes. Legit best of the best material. By the end, I was way more endeared to this team and their adventures than I would've expected at the start.

Oh, and speaking of the start, I've been talking about the wrong episode for the past few paragraphs, haven't I? My bad!

Ryusoulger's first episode does a lot to leave a great first impression, and also a lot to demonstrate how odd Ryusoulger's writing style can be. Put simply, the focus is on Koh, Melto, and Asuna taking over as the new Ryusoulgers from their respective masters, and inevitably having a very eventful first day on the job. And that's all good stuff, of course, but again, some of the little things about the execution are just strange.

The very first thing in the episode is the three masters passing down their gear to the next generation, and ordinarily, you'd kind of expect that to mean they're passing down their powers or something, right? Obviously you've gotta have them fighting together when the bad guys show up, but it would probably be a thing where the old guys are just so cool and talented they don't even need colorful costumes anymore, underscoring the potential the main heroes have yet to achieve. Or I don't know, maybe that's just what I'd expect, but at any rate, the very first fight scene in Ryusoulger is two nearly identical Ryusoul Reds leaping into action together, differentiated only by their choice of blade and the presence/absence of a dino-themed bracelet. Is it fair to say this is breaking one of the most fundamental rules of Super Sentai? The whole point of the heroes being different colors is that each character stands out unmistakably from the rest as a unique individual, but Ryusoulger either missed the memo, or ignored it believing this idea would be fun. Admittedly, it is sort of fun. Other Sentai have done stuff broadly similar to this on occasion, but Ryusoulger is so utterly brazen yet completely casual about throwing you right into the confusion of trying figure out which one is Koh and which one is Master Red that it's a little adorable? Again, I could try and criticize it for being weird, but it's also a striking visual that commands your attention, and that's worth something.

Besides, if this episode succeeds at one thing more than any other, it's striking visuals. Ryusoulger was the first series Kazuya Kamihoriuchi was the main director for. Moreover, this premiere was the first episode of Super Sentai he had ever worked on, being yet another new voice for the franchise. He was coming hot off of some immensely impressive episodes of Kamen Rider over the previous few years, and that talent is no less apparent here. I love Teruaki Sugihara's work on shows like Lupinranger VS Patranger for his grasp on motion, but I love Kamihoriuchi's stuff for his grasp on stillness. The thing he does better than anyone at Toei is composition. There are so, so many shots in Kamihoriuchi's episodes that are arranged so beautifully I almost want to frame them on a wall or something. This one is no exception, but I'm going to be rambling on long enough without trying to describe every moment in the episode that makes me go "oooh, that's pretty!", so I won't bother trying. It's way too gorgeous, way too constantly, even in the places where it could get away with having far less effort put in.

Direction that good certainly helps at pulling you into the story of the episode, too, which, when it comes strictly to the script, does a competent but not especially remarkable job selling you on the bond between master and student. It's one of those things where the series fleshes it out better in retrospect, but you only get ~just~ enough of a feel for the three Masters for it to be sad when they heroically give their lives to protect their disciples. Master Red's death is given the most attention, stressing the whole "soul" part of the title, and how his spirit lives on through Koh as he inherits the duty of defending the planet, which, again, is all legitimately pretty cool material! I don't at all want to downplay how solid a job this episode does establishing everything. You've got a bit of a central theme going on with what I just mentioned, a setup for a rivalry between Koh and the bad guy general who murdered his master, and a strong fantasy vibe with the way the Ryusoul Tribe is built up, while contrasting that against the introduction on Ui and her extremely modern YouTuber shtick, so that you know the larger setting is still the "normal" world as we know it, give or take all the robots and monsters.

The action is also absurdly strong. The normal-sized stuff is quite cool, between Kamihoriuchi's touch and the choreography that emphasizes the aggression and raw power of the combatants, but the giant robot fight at the end! Now that is something to behold. Kishiryu-Oh's suit was designed to be far more slick than usual, capable of handling rough and energetic movements that are normally out of the question for a Sentai robot, and Ryusoulger wasted no time in showing that off. The sense of scale is immaculate thanks to the smart camerawork and tangible effort put into the all the great physical stuff going on with the set. Explosions, sparks, clouds of dust, bits of rubble flying through the air, it's all punctuating every movement, and it makes the incredibly athletic and fast fighting style Kishiryu-Oh brings to the table still somehow feel appropriately huge and weighty. Like, the robot might actually be moving more dynamically than Ryusoul Red does, and yet nothing about that comes off as contradictory. It's basically magic; the entire episode is worth it for this scene alone.

Fortunately, it's worth it for way more than just that, though. There's easily enough going on in Ryusoulger's premiere to elevate into a more than serviceable debut for the series.

The series as a whole, then... I feel like I'm not the best person to talk about it, honestly? Like I said earlier, a lot about Ryusoulger's style is subtly off, and I think as someone so used to seeing Super Sentai speaking a certain "language", that's always given me trouble trying to connect with it, even now that I firmly believe that unique flavor is also the beauty of the show. I could ramble about many more times it threw me for a loop, as well as many more times it pleasantly surprised me. Heck, just as an example, I mentioned the hurdles Bamba faced when it came to making a first impression, but he ended up being one of my favorite characters in the whole series... right alongside the rest of the team, once their characterization clicked, as well as other iconic characters, such as the robot T-Rex who learned Japanese from TV, and the stage magician main antagonist who fancies himself some sort of greatest showman.

I mean, there is a ton of stuff in Ryusoulger I absolutely loved, looking back. Way way *way* more than there are things I had problems with. This isn't at all a show I consider an all-time personal favorite, and yet I find myself frustrated I'm not talking way more about all the genuinely clever and interesting things it did throughout its run. But again, somebody else could probably do that better than me. I get too hung up on questioning things like the show's pathological aversion to having the entire team pilot the giant robots together (it's just Koh in the premiere, even!), when it's entirely possible other viewers (and probably the writers...) won't even understand why I would care about that sort of etiquette. So yes, this isn't my favorite series, but it is one I look at and want to see it be somebody's favorite, if that makes sense? Like, there've gotta be some hardcore Ryusoul scholars out there who swear by this series, and know it like the back of their hands, and I'd love to hear their opinions on it, because I do like Ryusoulger well enough to know it's a one-of-a-kind show that almost certainly has even more to like than I realize, just waiting to be uncovered by those willing to give it that deeper look.

Also, as a fun bonus for this week, I couldn't help myself, and have decided I'm at least going to frame a bunch of shots from this premiere on a virtual wall. (I should totally consider dedicating a real wall to pretty Kamihoriuchi screencaps at some point though. Tell me that wouldn't be awesome.)

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Considering the only experience I've had with these suits so far not actually being from Dino Fury, applying this summation to Power Rangers Kids Force is (darkly) hilarious to me.

Sadly, I honestly considered Ryusoulger ultimately the weakest out of all of the Sentai seasons I have seen thus far. Yes, even more so than Ninninger. I honestly want to like this series too considering most of the aesthetics as well as the knight motif the show got going for it as well as the early appearances of Ryusouls Black and Green that were used near the end of the Super Sentai Strongest Battle mini-series as well as the use of Gaisorg as a major antagonist during the events of it. Though, they really should've gone with dragons instead of dinosaurs mainly so it can help differentiate itself from Kyoryuger among other things. Also, Rysoulger coming across as more of a Kamen Rider series in Sentai clothing rather than being an actual Super Sentai series also did not help any matters.

I was quite into Morning Musume around 2011-14 time so it was interesting to see Reina Tanaka as a guest star, lol. I did at least like Ryusoulger more than Dino Fury so far, even if it is just of course by default and I much prefer Gaisorg as like a 'cursed armour' situation like in Abaranger with Girudon than just as some basic villain, I find the Wyzul and Kreon stuff a bit of a better aspect!

Haruka Kudo was a member of Morning Musume before. Her role is what inspired other MM members to watch Sentai.

I finally watched The Legacy of The Master's Soul, after deciding to just wait until I got to Ryusoulger's spot on the Zenkai Tour, and man, did that decision pay off. The way the plot ties right into the premiere feels so so much cooler having just watched it again than if I were struggling to remember it after like two years.

On which note, I still have no idea why this miniseries exists after like two years, but I'm glad it does, because I thought it was excellent. It's written by Ayumi Shimo, though, so that's not too surprising to me. Really, I think this thing ~might~ just demonstrate how she maybe has the potential for a main writer job one of these days? If I might dream? There are a quite few separate plot threads and new characters all mingling together in those 45 minutes, and it's really commendable how fleshed out they all feel in such a limited span of time. The story doesn't ever trip over itself, the returning characters all get their nice little moments without detracting from the real focus... it just left with me with a really good feeling, over all. I literally clapped at the end, because like with all those episodes of Kiramager written by Shimo, I was that impressed by what a well put together story I'd just watched. There's nothing even remotely remarkable about the low-budget action, so it's all up to the script to draw you in, and it totally delivers.

Again, it's weird that Ryusoulger keeps getting these little projects when I don't get the impression it was exceptionally popular (I guess it's one of those ones where the cast and crew are just extra tight then?), but I've got no problem with that when Memory of Soulmates and this were both such fun side-stories.

They definitely have a strong following in Japan. When the Final Tour got cancelled due to COVID, they got a lot of thank you Tweets on the intended premiere date and the project got revived as an audiobook, a script release and a manga adaptation. If that’s not a sign of popularity, then I don’t know what’s popular.

I have heard that while Lupat had pretty low toy sales, it did do well in merch sales of things like photobooks and stuff sold at movie premieres -- the sort of thing that dedicated fans would get of shows that aren't selling toys, and that also reflects how high it's been in popularity polls since. I guess it's the same for Ryusoulger?

Ryusoulger is perhaps my favorite Sentai to date, up until Zenkaiger. This show had a great cast, amazing suits, and my favorite Sentai Villain of all time, Wyzul (Wiserue?).

I really enjoyed this show, which sure, it had its flaws and low points, but it was a show I looked forward to each week. It had a strong start, and an emotional finish, some great mechs, a fun gimmick, and of course, Wyzul! I loved the Ryusoul Ken and its sound effects, the armor gimmick, and then there are the magnificent suits of Max Ryusoul Red and Gaisorg. Something about those suits being bulky, armored knights as opposed to just simple spandex with some shoulder guards and a few extras here and there, I just love.

There are some things that don't quite land for me, but I did like the cast, and Ryusoul Gold I enjoyed more than Lupin/Patren X, though I wish we had maybe some more undersea battles (unless I'm misremembering), and there were times the show didn't really progress, or Red, in typical Red fashion, gets every power-up, and the Ryusoul Calibur was a little lackluster (though I still love it and the forms attached).

And let's not forget the insane popularity of the Ryusoul dance at the ending, where just about everyone was doing it. Boy, lots of fond memories of this show. Of course, I also get reminded of Mana Kinjo, AKA Usui, which still stings despite her role in the show.

On a final note, I still have to watch the other pieces of Ryusoulger media, the movies, Master's Souls spinoff, and crossovers. Some Ryusoulger fan I am!

Ryusoulger isn't my favorite of all time, but I do owe a lot to this show for changing my perspective of what Super Sentai can be. Like, yeah, at the time all I could focus on was how, on the surface, it looked like Kyoryuger 2.0. and damn, I really didn't want another Kyoryuger. Not at all. I had a pessimistic attitude towards Ryusoulger as the upcoming Sentai, expecting that same disappointment I experienced before. I realize now that I was so wrong for thinking that way, as Ryusoulger instead turned out to be a surprisingly subversive and revolutionary installment of the franchise and an awesome way to end the Heisei Era! One of Ryusoulger's recurring themes is not judging a book by its cover, figuratively speaking, a trap I had fallen in to before the show even started.

Even though the show isn't my favorite, I'm pretty sure that Koh has become my favorite Red Ranger, for many of the same reasons I praise Juyong, as a motivational leader who understands the strength of his comrades and doesn't try and carry them on his own. Like that scene in Dinosaur Panic where Koh is fighting Gaisorg on the ground, while he trusts the others with the important job of destroying the meteor flying towards Earth. While I'm giving all this praise, Dinosaur Panic might be a contender my favorite Sentai summer movie, it's an awesome story with strong emotions, thrilling action and pretty much everything you could want from a Sentai movie, except for an explanation for how meteor fragments can create time portals to extremely specific destinations, but who cares about that little plot hole when it's such an awesome movie, right?

You know, I totally forgot that Master's Soul Episode 3 aired sometime around Christmas, so thanks for reminding me to catch up with that.

And yeah, I agree. Shimo really captured the essence of what the show was about and I think she's earned a future head writer role for sure. As much as I loved Ryusoulger, it left me with very little information about the Masters, specifically Red and Blue. So I'm glad this special exists to make them less like part of some obscure lore and more like actual characters with their own personal problems and worries about their students. It also has Matsuda Kenji, so that's pretty awesome as well!

Wiserue is up there with my favorite Sentai villains as well. He's a great source of entertainment for sure!

The most irritating thing about Canalo, other than his insecurity about being single, is how he virtually always joins the team's swordpile with his gun, even though he totally has a sword. Hopefully Androzani will screencap the rare exception to that in his Kiramager VS Ryusoulger review.

The ending theme is honestly one of my absolute favorite things about Ryusoulger. Totally fantastic example of a Sentai ED that's just irresistibly upbeat and catchy.

They even had to change their roll call catchphrase just to accommodate him! ...Although granted, that made for a cool payoff in the finale's version of it, which was already cooler than usual because of the whole missing man formation thing going on.

Actually, I didn't end up writing anything about it in there, but I was sure for a while that I wanted to bring up the team doing the roll call in episode 18 while in three separate locations, because that so effectively demonstrated A) that whole "subversive" freshness, because I honestly can't think of any other Sentai that ever did the same thing, and B) the show's theme of the heroes making their souls as one and whatnot, because, I mean, each of those groups timed that perfectly without even seeing the others, and the logical improbability of that moment only makes it even cooler. That scene is one that's always really stuck with me as a personal reminder not to underestimate Ryusoulger's quality.

Wow, I haven't thought about Ryusoulger in a long time.

But I think that’s for the best, I’ll probably never be able to watch it again because seeing Ui on screen would be depressing as hell.

It was a good show though. Far form my favorite but it did some petty clever things with the Sentai formula and I do remember it fondly overall.

I liked Ryu myself as well. Most dino series tend to be cool. However I have to wonder about Ptera being used as a main zord twice - the 1st time by Pink Ranger and the 2nd by Yellow. Granted Aba (Dino Thunder) had no Pink Ranger. At least it was a 6th Zord in Kyo. (Dino Charge) Tricera was used 3 times. The 3rd by Pink Ranger in Kyo. So maybe next time they do a dino series they need different main dino zords.

BTW Tiger was now used 4 times counting 2 White Rangers and now recently by Green Ranger in Ryu.

~Fish's Zenkai Tour!~

エピソード 44 – Mashin Sentai Kiramager

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Please go watch Kiramager.

I knew as soon as I decided to do this whole project that those were going to be the words I'd lead off with for this show, and here I finally am. It's rather direct, I know, but I don't think there's a sentence out there that could possibly condense my feelings toward Kiramager any better. I've talked plenty on this tour about the shows I consider my personal favorites, but Kiramager is something truly unique and special, because there's no other Sentai that makes me just want to share it with everyone the way this one does.

So why is that, then? I suppose it boils down to two key reasons. It's partly because of how much Kiramager excels at being a definitive traditional Sentai series, making it an easy blanket recommendation for anyone looking for a season to watch for any reason whatsoever. More than that, though, it's a series with a beautiful message at its core that really speaks to me, and I can't help but want it to speak to others the same way.

Starting with that first reason, Kiramager was yet another attempt to do a back-to-basics, tried-and-true Super Sentai in response to how wild the concepts had gotten, but what distinguishes Kiramager is the depth of its commitment to that approach. They didn't just stop at the superficial level of a mostly straightforward vehicle motif and a team of five rocking the Goranger color lineup. As much as all that stuff is important, it's the constant, careful consideration you can see absolutely brimming from the construction of its stories that lets you know how serious they were. Kiramager's chief producer, Hideaki Tsukada, was a veteran of several mid 2000's Sentai who tends to prefer straightforward toku heroes to begin with, and for the main writer, we've got none other than Naruhisa Arakawa, back again to further prove his masterful grasp on what this franchise is all about. The result is an extraordinarily well-rounded Sentai. The pacing of the episodic plots is tight and energetic, the tone is hilarious and light-hearted without ever detracting from legitimate drama and character development, and it handles things like the balance of focus for each member of the team with no trouble at all. Appropriately enough for a series that makes gemstones a key part of its iconography, polished is a word that immediately comes to mind to describe Kiramager.

Again, it's all about the thought that clearly went into everything, and Kiramager is an exceptionally clever series. When I say it's committed to being traditional, you might think I'm saying it's a show that went out of its way to avoid changing things, but that's Kiramager's greatest trick. Instead of trying to freshen things up by bolting more concepts onto a longstanding formula, adding things around the core without altering it, Kiramager uses its surface-level simplicity as an opportunity to give the fundamentals themselves a proper tune-up, and create a refined and updated version of that, consciously reflecting more modern values without losing focus on what makes the franchise so appealing to begin with. In some ways, Kiramager is arguably more of a reinvention of Super Sentai than many of the shows from the decade prior, and it's to the credit of the staff's immense talent that you probably wouldn't even notice at first, because the work they did is often quite subtle.

The main thrust of these updates, the way I see it at least, was all about upping the emotional sensitivity of the franchise. The show is Kiramager, and just like that name implies, it's all about people who sparkle. About people living their lives to the fullest, and the encouragement helping them to do that. This is a series that kind of redefines the entire purpose of a Sentai team. Their mission is still to fight evil and save the day, of course, but also, of equal importance to them, the purpose of the Kiramagers is simply to help one another shine. The show flips the script, and actively emphasizes how a group contributes to the individuals within it as much as it does the other way around.

Like I said, they were aiming to reflect more modern ways of thinking, and we're decades beyond stoic heroes dedicated exclusively to serving great justice and cool organizations. The first of many, many things I could note to highlight Kiramager's different outlook is that there's a notable focus on the team all having careers outside of being superheroes, and never are any of them asked to put their personal lives on hold for the sake of their duties as Kiramagers. Indeed, the show's second episode hinges on subverting that stalwart, longstanding trope, and the explanation for why. The show takes the stance that asking someone to sacrifice something deeply important to them on a personal level for the greater good is only going to ensure they won't be emotionally capable of giving their best anyway.

And like, that's it! That's the Kiramager attitude, in a nutshell. It's taking all these things that would be considered selfish and/or unproductive in a less nuanced series, and showing how they can be a crucial part of leading a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle. It's why the leader of the Kiramagers isn't the guy who makes up the battle plans, but instead the one who simply believes the most earnestly that his teammates are amazing people who deserve to be happy and follow their passions. You can really see how this line of thinking permeates so much of the series' writing, and there are loads and loads of extremely memorable, smart, and engaging episode plots I could bring up to help illustrate this point, whether they're about encouraging someone to change for the better by telling them they're fine the way they are, or about how it's important to acknowledge your limits and not recklessly force yourself past them – which was the episode where the team got their big power-up form – or about any of the other brilliantly executed and thoughtful points Kiramager made throughout its run.

Or, hey, maybe I could even talk about Kiramager's debut!

The only problem there is that I have to specify which debut I'm talking about, because Kiramager was preceded by an "Episode ZERO", released theatrically, and also available to subscribers of the Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club streaming service. This meant that like, we, the established Sentai nerds, got to see it first, but casual viewers didn't, and really, before I even bother arguing this point anymore, it literally isn't episode 1, so I'm going to be ignoring Episode ZERO in favor of focusing on how the premiere proper stands on its own, and how it reflects those series-wide themes.

Fortunately, Kiramager's first episode was designed to do both of those things, and with Arakawa handling the script, you can rest assured it does an exemplary job of it. There's more than enough exposition to get you familiar with the basics. You've got the main two bad guys sending out a giant monster to terrorize the town, themed after a faucet of all things, because one of those bad guys was smart enough to appreciate the delicious irony of destroying humanity with twisted representations of our own civilization, but not smart enough to check how much symbolic weight we generally assign to random inanimate objects. The series doesn't constantly dwell on that explanation after this point, but I always thought this was an utterly genius reason to give for the parade of quirky monster motifs in this show, and it really endeared me to these Yodonheim guys immediately.

Not that I didn't still want to see the Kiramagers taking them down a peg, of course, which is what they get right to doing. All four of them! I can't speak from experience here as someone who saw Episode ZERO first and now knows these characters like the back of my hand anyway now that the whole show is done, but looking back, Arakawa did a fantastic job making sure everyone's personalities were diverse enough that you only need a little bit to get a handle on everyone. And that's with eight characters, too, because this is also a show where the heroes have a partner dynamic with their sentient mecha, the Mashin... er, the Machines! (I went with the official romanization up top in deference to how consistently it's used, but this is probably more natural to read.) A big key to this is just how wildly different everyone is from each other. When every member of the team has such a particular fighting style, a unique occupation, and a partner with such a distinct speech pattern, there just isn't much to be confused about. You've got e-sports superstar Tametomo applying those gamer reflexes to his master marksmanship as Kiramai Yellow, backed up by the well-meaning if occasionally ornery old guy Shovellow. Lightning fast runner Sena speeds through the battlefield as Kiramai Green, cheered on very enthusiastically by Mach, who fancies himself her classy servant. Sayo is a medical prodigy who fights with surgical grace and precision as Kiramai Pink, her mature and composed demeanor contrasting against Helico's bubbly enthusiasm. It's a somewhat similar story for renowned action film star Shiguru, who's great at acting cool, especially when cutting down opponents as Kiramai Blue, all of which has won him the affection of Jetter, who looks up to his surrogate big bro as a model of awesomeness.

They're a pretty cool bunch, alright, and nobody seems more enamored with the team than ordinary high school student Juuru, who darts around the episode's initial fight scene, basking in the dazzling greatness of each of them, one by one, providing an absolutely brilliant extra layer to everything that's happening. I honestly think this has got to be one of the strongest introductory fights for any Sentai. Contextualizing how amazing we're supposed to think these guys are directly through one of the characters, and also making that part of his own arc in the episode? This is some masterpiece stuff right here. Juuru's presence lends so much more flow to the scene; the way he becomes utterly absorbed in his desire to sketch a picture of these incredible heroes adds a whimsical twist as he weaves in and out of the action, culminating in him proudly holding his completed masterpiece up high as an explosion goes off behind him, as though he just defeated a monster of the week or something. It's not only great fun, either, because that grand portrayal of one weird kid's enthusiasm for his hobby speaks so, so much to what Kiramager is about thematically.

The thing is, Juuru is there because he's supposed to be the fifth Kiramager. His eventual partner Fire sees something special in him, even though he's not sure what yet. The problem is, Juuru himself absolutely doesn't see that same potential. He may be full of energy when artistic inspiration strikes, but otherwise, he's a fundamentally timid, downright shy person who can't conceive of himself ever being as amazing as the Kiramagers all are. Doesn't even matter if a princess from another world tells him he's needed. That is, it doesn't matter... until Mabushina and Fire get a look at Juuru's sketchbook and actually see what he's been coming up with this whole time, which is when it finally clicks for them what his special talent is. Juuru is creative. When a giant monster started attacking the town, he imagined a giant robot coming in to save the day. When he saw the Kiramagers in action with their swords and guns, he stopped to rough out a concept for a cool combination weapon using both at once. And, when someone tells him how amazing what he's done is, he's able to take that imagination and finally put it to use as Kiramai Red. I've talked before on the tour about how Reds are often the most direct symbol of that particular Sentai's themes, and that is *immensely* true of Juuru. Being affectionately supported and encouraged by someone who believes in him allows Juuru's latent potential to blossom – allows him to believe in himself – and he becomes a much more confident and capable person because of that.

Now Juuru is using that imagination to turn magic stones into awesome super vehicles to save the day, and rescuing his classmates while opening fire on giant monsters with that exact combo weapon he thought of earlier. I mean, before I even say anything else about it, it's just a plain awesome action climax for the episode. It's all put together with impressive care, with loads and loads of great effects work both practical and digital. It makes Kiramai Red look like he was born for this kind of thing, and there's a suitably huge focus on the mecha action, allowing the Machines to finish off the monster without even needing to become a huge robot yet, all set to the series' fantastic theme song.

It's an absolutely stellar finish to an episode that is franky nothing but absolutely stellar from start to finish. I can't stress enough how tight Arakawa's script is. It's no small feat to make time for such a genuinely heartwarming and emotionally affecting arc with Juuru while still establishing everything around him so effectively. If Episode ZERO never got made, I don't think we'd notice the difference. It's a debut as flawless and brilliant as a fine diamond.

And man, if you thought the premiere was good...

Really, Kiramager is probably another one of those shows that's sort of, uh, dangerous, for me to start rambling about? If I'm trying to stay concise, I mean. There's so many other cool things about this show I'd love to mention! One of the ones I most want to bring up is simply how much this show gels with me aesthetically. The whole shining thing just works absolutely brilliantly (brilliantly!) for me. The team's suits are the sort that didn't immediately impress me, but the more and more I saw them on-screen, the more I fell in love. And the mecha! I've gotta mention in particular how much I love Kiramaizin. They just loaded up every part of the main robot's suit this year with lights and clear parts, and the result quickly became one of my absolute favorite robot suits in Sentai history. It's not even a suit that can do anything fancy in terms of movement, but it's a perfect reminder that a Sentai robot doesn't have to do that to be amazing. (And the head design with the five crystals forming a crown! You can tell it's a combination of five things just from the head!) Plus, since Kiramager eschewed the usual super combinations entirely, Kiramaizin is a constant presence, standing strong from start to finish, exactly as it should be.

Still, as much as I'd like to go on about every little thing I find cool about Kiramager, it's definitely that thematic core that I want to highlight more than anything. Besides, I kinda have gone on about every little thing I find cool about Kiramager, back when it was airing, and I did a write-up in most of the episode discussion threads for it here. Which brings me to the much more specific, personal reason I value this show's message so much. I know firsthand how much a little positive reinforcement can mean to someone. Juuru spends his days doodling; I spend mine writing about toku shows. It just sorta happened, you know? I've always found it fun, but at the same time, I can tell you about so, so many times there have been where I've felt genuinely anxious about putting my thoughts out there, especially when they constantly get so long-winded. (Remember at the start of the tour when I said I'd try and keep these posts short?) But while I can't always keep the length under control, I'd like to think the writing itself has improved over the years I've been doing this, and I don't doubt for a second that it's only because I've met people on this site who are kind enough to encourage me in what I'm doing.

That's what Kiramager wants to push, at the end of the day. How much of a difference it makes just to let someone know you care. What I think of a lot when I think of Kiramager is just what a great bunch of role models the protagonists are. It's difficult to describe the distinction when this sounds like something you could say about any Sentai team, but there's a very very particular warmth to this group's dynamic. The relationships the Kiramagers have with their Machines are ones of mutual support and admiration. In scenes of the heroes hanging out, it's always really apparent how much they simply enjoy being in each other's presence. Everyone is always genuinely interested in how the others are doing. They all feel like friends before they feel like a team, and that's an ideal I see and want to live up to. Kiramager is an inspirational series, and I think that, more than anything else, demonstrates how successful it was in distilling Super Sentai down to its raw essence.

So again – please go watch Kiramager. Even if you haven't before. Even if you have. It's never a bad time to make your day shine a little brighter.

I started watching Kiramager not too long ago myself and I’m already really liking what I’m seeing with the show so far. Definitely need to watch some more episodes at some point.

Kiramager was my first completed Sentai. I love this shoe to bits and any chance to gush at it I will take. It's the show that made a Sentai fan out of me.

I'm working on it! I promise!

I so badly need go watch Kiramager someday. I owe it for being the season that got me into Super Sentai. I first got into toku back in 2017, when I saw Vangelus gushing about how good Kamen Rider Build's premire was, after a year of hearing about Kuroto the living meme but being put off by the Ex-Aid suits and how long it would take me to catch up. With Build though, I had a chance to get in at the beginning, and got totally hooked. The previous year I tried watching Kyuranger after seeing pictures of the incredible suit designs, buy dropped the show show a few episodes after Ryu Comander's debut over how slow the main plot was. I figured Sentai just wasn't my thing. Then came the intersection of Saber and Kiramager on Super Hero Time. I was barely getting myself to stay up to date with Saber. It had the opposite problem to Kyuranger. Way too much plot and needless drama. (Too many characters too, but Kyu had the same problem). Meanwhile everyone I saw on Tumblr posting about Kiramager made it look like so much fun, and almost more mature in its childishness than Saber's darkness. Again, I had the problem of having way to much to catch up on to try starting at that point, but I was determined when season 45 aired, I was going to give it a shot. And as I imagine you'll get into in your next post, Zenkaiger has been a brilliant and beautiful and so very very fun an introduction to the world of Super Sentai

This is a big part of what makes alot of casts of Power Rangers work so well for me, and a big reason why I came out of the 2017 movie not liking it all that much. Really, Kiramager does sound like my jam based on what you've wrote. Maybe if the day ever comes that I decide to give Sentai another chance, I'll put it higher on the list for shows that I should check it out.

With Bouken nearly in the books I may get back to Kira.

I don't have a fave when it comes to this series. I will watch one of them if I haven't seen it. Once I finish the 2nd half of Aba I will need to catch up Shout Factory stuff.

However I felt that they had done a great job with Bouken. I actually liked it.

I have now seen a 9 series chunk start to finish starting with Deka (SPD).

Series Completed Count

16 shows completed

Zyu - Mega Ranger
Deka - Go Busters
Ryu

Just finished watching episode 10 of Kiramager and I'm seriously having a lot of fun with this series.

I tried. I really did. Twice. Not even Arakawa can make me get into modern Sentai, though. It's just not the show for me these days.

I admit, I often saw a lot of people saying they were not going to like Jyuuru from the moment they saw the trailers, and I can happily say, I was not one of them. In fact, as an artist, I often relate to him the most, probably out of all the reds, and that's what goes to show why I loved this season.

This show had flair (lots of sparkles) and heart, and it gave everyone spotlight, even sharing the powerup with everyone. The suits were great, especially Garza, and the mechs were fantastic as well, even if Land Mage and Sky Mage were only around for maybe a handful of episodes total. The cast was great, really enjoyed Takamichi as the extra Hero, the story was good, but the way it all works so well, and I've still yet to see the movies.

All in all, Kiramager is (wonder) great, and I still remember this one fondly.

Yeah I was ready to not like Kiramager based on the promotional material but the show has been super fun, I really liked watching it.

Well, you?ve posted this and it?s a Sunday where I am, so I might as well finish this? but first, an appropriate quote from myself.

Androzani?s Tsukai Detour

And this week, we?re going out with a bang. Or rather, a flash.

Mashin Sentai Kiramager vs Ryusoulger

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpXNEZW...jpg&name=small

?When people shine, a miracle is created. That shine is the mark of the warriors who will create the future. Kiramai Go!?

And since I introduced most of the characters last time (and if you failed to pick up that the kid who spent most of that film drawing was Red, there?s something wrong with you), I?ll only introduce the ones who?ve appeared since then.

Kiramagers:
Takamichi Crystallia (nee Hakataminami)/KiramaiSilver: the Sixth Ranger and the Silver Ranger of the Kiramagers. He is 47 years old, making him the oldest Kiramager. However, due to a Kiramai Stone implanted in his body, he looks 17. Takamichi Crystalia was born two years earlier than his brother Muryou Hakataminami. 30 years ago, at the age of 17 when he was still a high schooler, he was introduced to King Oradin, a friend of his father. Takamichi later went on an expedition with his father and King Oradin who had already an already filled notebook of locations for powerful stones. When Takamichi started digging, the treasure revealed itself to be a Monstone and went into Takamichi. With his life in danger, Oradin brought Takamichi to Crystalia and implanted a Silver Kiramai Stone into his body to dampen the effects of the Monstone. Afterwards, Takamichi was adopted as the prince of the Crystalian Kingdom and met the kingdom?s sole heir, Princess Mabushina. During his time in Crystalia, he came spoke at length with Galza, who manipulated him into believing that he did better when he worked alone than alongside others. After Mabushiina was afflicted with a curse that would eventually cause her to crumble to dust, Galza confided in Takamichi with false hopes about a way to save his sister while also pointing out that King Oradin's notebook has details of every potential location a valuble stone could be found. Initially, Galza didn't believe that this treasure hunt would actually garner anything of use and that it wouldn't cause problems for him in the future. This corrupted Takamichi's thinking into believing that the best way to prevent the same fate from happening to his sister was by acting coldly to her and leaving Crystalia to go "treasure hunting" for the Kanaema (wish demon) Stones, which grants a wish that he believed can remove Numajo's curse. Takamichi took the Shiny Kiramai Changer, Shiny Breaker, and King Oradin's notebook along with him as he searched the locations where King Oradin has been. He left around the same time period where Crystalia fell in which Galza took advantage of an exhausted Oradin and an absent Takamichi in order to complete the Yodonheim invasion. Takamichi is loyal, positive, and very sentimental. He is also very impulsive and stubborn, which more often than not, lands him in tough situations that require assistance. Takamichi often uses English words in his speech, especially the word "wonder", in "Wonder Cute" and "Wonder Thank You" as well as "shiny". In the early episodes since his appearance, he tended to put on a brave face to hide his true feelings, but later opened up more to the Kiramagers after they assisted him many times. As observed by Juru Atsuta, Takamichi is a kind and caring person deep down, who loves helping people and seeing them smile, yet pretends to act cold-hearted and selfish. He is shown to have happily greeted Mabushina before she berated him for his absence. Takamichi also has a habit of suddenly changing moods (such as going from disappointed/serious to happy and animated) when things don't go his way. Takamichi also was tricked into following Galza's advice about going solo, meaning he rarely accepted assistance. Though after he lost his Shiny Kiramai Changer, he realized that Galza was trying to sabotage him, which was something that he ignored in order to stoke his ego. Most of these mood shifts and his aloof personality stems from keeping secrets that involves the potential loss of his sister. Rather than letting her get involved, he started to act uncaring instead of letting her know the truth. When Muryou reveals Takamichi to be a Showa Era individual, Takamichi leaves the CARAT base by doing what Muryou says was a common Showa sign-off. He is also a bit of a flatterer as he gives ample compliments to Sayo Oharu, Sena Hayami, Mabushina, and various other women based on their beauty and looks or whether they assisted him.

Yodonheim:
Yodonna: One of the generals of the Dark Empire Yodonheim as well as the personal assistant and secretary to Emperor Yodon, though she has never met him in person. Following the destruction of Crystallia, she took possession of Oradin?s corpse and used the power of the Emperor to seal it in stone to prevent his conscience from leaving his body. She later appeared on Earth during the Kiramagers search for Kanaemastone Energia, inistally appearing as a shrine maiden named Shuka before revealing herself and demonstrating that her whip can either increase a being?s power output (though with Bechats, this comes with the drawback that they die in 101 seconds) or split a being into 5 aspects of their personality. Yodonna is loyal to Emperor Yodon and sees to it that his orders are carried out, and behaves in an authoritative manor when dealing with her allies. She does not tolerate having her authority challenged by others. She is extremely serious and prefers the direct approach when executing her plans, which is why she dislikes Carantula whose plans are always slightly comedic with flare. She also has a twisted side, claiming to love humans because they produce dark energy when they are harmed. She also has a tendency to stick her tongue out at opponents as a form of mockery, and licked her lips as an added punch. Yodonna has little to no knowledge of humans and their customs, not knowing what smiling and laughing were, and first learned of them from Tametomo. She later develops a liking for ice cream when one accidentally flew into her mouth.

What do I think of Kiramager? Well I answered that back when the show ended, so I?ll repost my musings here.

And also, I didn?t like the theme tune, but that?s besides the point.

As for the staff, this movie is written by Ayumi Shimo (for more details, click the link in my signature and scroll to the end of the second page) while the director is Sakamoto (in the midst of an already fairly busy schedule, given how much of 2021?s Toku offerings were directed by him). So with all of that said, on with the review.

We open with Takamichi taking Mabushiina out to see a movie (don?t ask how no-one notices her blatant blue head. They stopped caring about that after episode zero).

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They come across a theatre which Takamichi notes is unfamiliar, but he swallows his suspicion as the manager explains everything to him.

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The step-siblings walk into the theatre (which is offering free admission due to this being their grand opening), failing to register the movie poster falling away to reveal the real title of the movie they?re about to watch. As Takamichi and Mabushiina sit down, the trailer starts playing, showing off some familiar faces.

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It?s then, as the trailer?s narration gets more sinister, that the title gets revealed.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpXEStX...jpg&name=small

And then, the audience gets the sight of a camera themed Jamenshi (portmanteau of Jaaku Kamen Senshi, meaning Evil Masked Warrior).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpXNEZW...jpg&name=small

Mabushiina tries to get Takamichi up to fight, but he?s already gone to sleep due to his hatred of dark places (once again showing his spectacular brothering skills).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpXNEcW...jpg&name=small

Back at the Yodonheim? erm? lair (they never show what it is, as far as I remember), Garza finds Carantula reading a script by his latest Jamenshi, Movie Jamen.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpXNEnW...jpg&name=small

He then explains that their plan this week is to capture a load of humans who come in to watch at their cinema, and then force them to act in the movie (I?ll let you make your own joke there. I?m drawing a blank). And why is this a movie rather than an episode?

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Meanwhile, back at the CARAT office, in the middle of discussing a mysterious theatre that people enter but never exit and how Yodon readings keep coming and going too instantly to be pinpointed, Fire notices that something is off.

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As it turns out, Tametomo had taken him out to the rooftop? but not to push him off, but rather to offer him a participation ticket for an artist?s competition. (Presumably, so he can make a fortune selling Juru?s art after the latter suffers an unfortunate mishap while practicing with his sword). And now he?s gone out to find something to draw.

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But once he starts trying to draw something, Juru immediately enters a funk (as someone who?s written two commission as part of Ao3 challenges, I can sympathise). Until he sees Koh rafting into shore from underneath the bridge.

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As the two meet and Koh explains how he was coming back to meet with his friends, Juru presents the portrait he drew of the former.

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Seeing this, Koh asks Juru to redraw the map he was using to get to the reunion point (was this map made in the 1700s?)

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As the two arrive at the theatre, it turns out that the other 4 Kiramagers have appeared to investigate the theatre. Which gets Koh concerned about his friends.

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It?s then that Takamichi stumbles out, revealing that he woke up to see Mabushiina starring in a High School Musical knock off.

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He then gets a good look at Koh?s photo, recognising Melt, Asuna, Towa and Bamba.

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Then the manager appears and reveals the Yodon Changer, turning back into Yodonna (so much for that quote I made above. At least it?s a better disguise than most human villains attempts).

https://youtube.com/watch?v=affmlVSVJ2Y

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpXymoW...jpg&name=small

She then summons a group of powered up Bechats to fight the heroes. Everyone transforms, except Koh, due to the Kishiryu being destroyed in Ryusoulger?s finale (which the movie references as them being ?sealed? throughout), all set to this. And during the fight, Canalo turns up with Oto in tow. Or rather, Oto shows up with Canalo in tow.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpXymmW...jpg&name=small

Canalo explains that he was putting on makeup because his horoscope said he was going to meet his ideal partner so he wanted to look his best. Cue him getting a good look at Yodonna (To be honest, I don?t blame him. She is easy on the eyes. I can see why she got her own special).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpXymuX...jpg&name=small

But then the main team characters enter the theatre, and sucked into the screen by Movie Jamen. Meanwhile, Canalo?s attempts to propose to Yodonna fail, but he persists, even with Oto making it clear she doesn?t want her as a big sister. But Yodonna withdraws when she learns that casting for the movie is complete.

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Sena is the first to wake, up finding herself wearing a policewoman?s uniform.

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She wakes up to find herself being surrounded by a group of Bechats and an unfamiliar monster (Yodonheim has nothing like this), who force her to act in the movie.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpX9xDW...jpg&name=small

And hen it turns out her co-star playing the criminal she has to chase is Towa (in the first time that two characters with the same colour, but opposite genders get an extended interaction in either Sentai or Power Rangers).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpX9xVX...jpg&name=small

As Sena does the yell of exaggerated surprise (seriously, why does no-one ever gasp in this situation. Even a ?what the-?? would suffice), filming begins on the first segment of Yodon Barbarian. And while Sena is a fast runner, Towa has actual super speed.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpX9xRX...jpg&name=small

On another set, Shiguru ends up in the role of a samurai (I suppose even the Yodon believe in typecasting) in the second segment of the film.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpYPSrW...jpg&name=small

After taking out a bunch of samurai by himself against his will, filming stops and it turns out that an almost identical monster to the one from the police set (note the different hats) is directing his segment.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpYPTKX...jpg&name=small

As filming resumes, Shiguru realises that the creature is forcing him to act against his will. And after taking down more mooks and clearing level 3, he faces the boss character.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpYPS3W...jpg&name=small

A sword duel breaks out, and while Shiguru is trained in doing stunts involving swords, Bamba is a master swordsman. Meanwhile, Sayo wakes up on another set, this one for a girl?s action flick (what is the plot of this movie? Because as it is now, I can?t imagine this film doing anything other than flopping spectacularly), where she sees another monster directing.

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Filming then starts with Sayo having to face a group of female gangsters (or actresses playing them, at least).

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After taking them down with her martial arts, Sayo faces the ?Onee-san? of his gang, who unfortunately for her is played by the super strong Asuna.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpYYbYX...jpg&name=small

And on another set, Tametomo is in a casino thriller (he plays games for a living, so he?s in his environment) for the 4th part of the film (I predict Rotten Tomatoes will give this a rotten rating).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpYz1SX...jpg&name=small

And as before, there?s a new monster with a new hat.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpYz1SX...jpg&name=small

Fortunately, there?s no fighting in casino movies, so Tametomo won?t have to fight his matchup. Unfortunately, his matchup is Melt (why is that unfortunate? Because Melt has a photographic memory so he probably knows the details of the game enough to prevent cheating).(Though less seriously, it?s funny that they matched the Kiramager with the hardest name to spell with the Ryusoulger with the easiest name to spell)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpYz1QX...jpg&name=small

But since they?re not fighting, the two are able to discuss the evil plan?s details among themselves.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpYz1QX...jpg&name=small

And Melt explains what exactly this monster is (which isn?t really obvious from earlier in the film, given that it doesn?t resemble any mythical creature and it?s speaking in full sentences, rather than saying one phrase over and over like some demonic Pok?mon).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpY-VdX...jpg&name=small

And finally, Koh and Juru wake up in high school uniforms (well, Koh is. Juru looks more like Aruto from Kamen Rider Zero-One). They then see Movie Jamen, who explains that they plan to make Earth into a second Yodonheim by releasing this abomination of a movie.

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And it turns out that not only is Movie Jamen directing this high school love story segment personally, but it?s the same movie Mabushiina was trapped in.

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Mabushiina refuses to do the dance that the Jamenshi has choreographed for her, instead insisting that Juru act as her creative director, a role he refuses due to being in a funk. And then Yodonna calls Movie Jamen away for editing, to his chagrin, while also giving Koh a hint as to who?s behind the Minusaur (they just couldn?t have another naturally occurring one, could they?)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpY-VUX...jpg&name=small

Back at CARAT, Canalo explains how all of the Ryusoulgers came to be trapped. (Complete with semi-necessary Akibaranger reference) Then they detect a Yodon reading,W it?s both Takamichi and Canalo (who is sits he?s there for his friends, not to see Yodonna), while Oto gets left behind and has an idea.

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Back on the high school set, it turns out that, as you?ve probably half-guessed, Kleon is being held hostage in the storeroom.

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As Koh, Juru and Mabushiina find them, Kleon explains that they had a falling out with Wiserue after they got to the former?s home planet.

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And there, the mushroom came across Movie Jamen, who was annoyed about Yodonna stifling his creative freedom and getting annoyed at the troubled production.

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Kleon went over to comfort him, mentioning that in the old days, he would?ve used his minus emotions to birth a Minusaur. But unfortunately, Yodonna had come out to continue berating Movie Jamen and overheard everything.

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When Kleon refused, Yodonna tortured him by whipping him into excreting his goop and then feeding it to Movie Jamen, who?s frustration birthed 4 Minusaurs with different ideas of film-making.

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And then Kleon explains why this Minusaur is so different to the ones in the series (namely, due to how weird the Jamenshi?s biology is), the other Kiramagers and Ryusoulgers summon up their willpower to defy their directors? control, forcing all of them to change the script so that both sides of every conflict get mass-rushed by everyone.

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Back in the real world, Movie Jamen and Yodonna argue about how best to edit the film (he wants to make a masterpiece, while she wants to make something they can put out).

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But then the two Sixths show up and Canalo gets lost in his romantic proposals again? and Yodonna is as indifferent as ever.

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Back in the high school set, Koh and Juru have decided to take Movie Jamen?s clapperboard and use it to end the filming by saying ?cut?. But since Juru can?t come up with a good enough distraction to get the item, Koh tells him about his friend Ui Tatsui (unnamed, but who else could it be?) and how she struggled with her video creating career (Now that I can understand, as a Youtuber myself).

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With his confidence restored, Juru goes over to Movie Jamen as he?s about to restart filming and pitch a new dance to him, ?Kiraful Party de Kira Que Bom?, written and performed by the OP and ED artists for both shows.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=6ECUNN2Gqv4

Let's have a dazzling Que Bom
inside a sparkling party

Tension Max!
The braveness blows up!

Let's go ahead to that dazzling party,
here we go, Que Bom!

With our Kiramental, go! Let's go!

It's a sparkling shiny carnival,
With the sun blazing at its max power!

Everyone's shining power and souls
Makes a miracle happen! YES!

High touch! Make our
courage unite together

With our hope being our friend!

A future of wonder and beauty,
Is waiting for us, amigo!
Together! (together!)

Let's have a dazzling Que Bom
inside a sparkling party

A one, two, and three,
Everybody dance!

Let's go ahead to that dazzling party,
here we go, Que Bom!

It's a non-stop wonderful carnival

Let's have a dazzling Que Bom
inside a sparkling party

Tension Max!
The braveness blows up!

Let's go ahead to that dazzling party,
here we go, Que Bom!

The Ryusoulgers will blaze under the sun!

With our Kiramental, go, let's go!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpZ76_X...jpg&name=small

The distraction works as intended and Juru uses Movie Jamen?s clapperboard to end this film.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpZ77DX...jpg&name=small

Final thoughts: A disjointed mess of a piece. There?s no continuity between any of the 5 segments and they seem to have no sense of storytelling, as most of their developments seem like, they were made up on the spot by the director.

But Movie Jamen isn?t licked yet, grabbing Mabushiina and taking her to the Toei Quarry (the Japanese cousin to the BBC Quarry).

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When everyone gets there, as Movie Jamen is forcing Mabushiina to cry (for reference, her tears are a mineral known as Dia-Kun, which can mimic anything) Oto appears shortly afterwards, having recovered the Ryusoulgers? Ryusoulkens and Ryusoul Changers and Canalo?s Mosa Changer and Mosa Blade. She also got the Ryusouls to recover their power by? praying really hard. (Yeah, I?ll let this tweet I read once speak for me)

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With everyone having their powers back, it?s time to change.

Ryusoul Changers: Que Bom! Wassei, Wassei! Sou, sou, sou! Wassei, Wassei, Sore sore sore sore!

Mosa Changer: Que Bom! Dongara haha, Nossa Mossa! Essa! Hoissa! Mosa-sa-sa!

Ryusoulgers: Ryusoul Change!

Kiramai Changers: Kiramai Go! Ki-ra-MEI!

Shiny Kiramai Changer: Kagayake!

Kiramagers: Kiramai Change!

Ryusoul/Mosa Changer: Ryu So Cool! (Creepy laughter/Whoah!)

Kiramai Changers: Kiramekouze! (Portmanteau of Kiramai and ikouze (let?s go).)

Shiny Kiramai Changer: Oh Shiny!

Juru: Inspiration Sparkling, KiramaiRed!

Tametomo: Guided Shooting, KiramaiYellow!

Sena: Rush Lightning, KiramaiGreen!

Shiguru: Sharp Unstoppable, KiramaiBlue!

Sayo: Deft Incredible, KiramaiPink!

Takamichi: Tsuranuki (Piercing) Shining, KiramaiSilver!

Canalo: The Glorious Knight, RyusoulGold!

Bamba: The Regal Knight, RyusoulBlack!

Towa: The Gusting Knight, RyusoulGreen!

Asuna: The Stalwart Knight, RyusoulPink!

Melt: The Wise Knight, RyuSoulBlue!

Koh: The Brave Knight, RyusoulRed!

Kiramagers: Arriving in a spark! Solving in a flash!

Ryusoulgers: These proud souls will be used for justice!

Juru: Mashin Sentai?

Koh: Kishiryu Sentai?

Kiramagers: Kiramager!

Ryusoulgers: Ryusoulger!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaNoxW...jpg&name=small

Koh: We?ll show you the chivalry of a Knight!

The fight the breaks out, with everyone fighting Bechats, except for the two Sixths, who face Galza.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaNozX...jpg&name=small

Partway through the fight, Juru has a Illuminaking (which is now my preferred translation for that catchphrase) moment, for a power up for the Ryusoulgers.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaNo2X...jpg&name=small

The personal Ryusouls for the main 5 Ryusoulgers all transform into one (why couldn?t they have had Juru restore the Ryusoulgers? arsenal? It would?ve made more sense and given this whole creative slump arc a slightly better payoff than ?gratuitous dance?).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaNozX...jpg&name=small

And since there?s no transformation SFX for the KiramaiSoul, we play the generic power up sound

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaZeiX...jpg&name=small

The Kiramagers then go for their own power up (and for some reason, they all have the centre gem rather than only Sena, who fired it having one), as they fight the Minusaurs that held each pair hostage. And Shiguru gives us his opinion of Michael Bay?s filmography.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaZe1W...jpg&name=small

In the midst of this, Oto gets Mabushiina out of her bonds as they fight off Bechats together (neither of them are that badass in their respective shows, unfortunately).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaZe3X...jpg&name=small

And then, after Yodonna tries to release the movie as is, Movie Jamen?s minus emotions reach their peak. But rather than turning into a ChouJinKi through anger, he instead gets eaten by all 4 of his Minusaurs, who then combine into one giant-sized, bare-headed Minusaur.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaoGoX...jpg&name=small

Tametomo then gives all of the Ryusoulgers but Canalo the scattered Dia-Kun fragments so they can recreate their Kishiryu partners temporarily.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaoGxX...jpg&name=small

As the Kiramagers summon the Mashin to form Kiramaizin, the recreated Tyramigo, Triken, Ankyroze, Tigerlance and MirNeedle combine into KishiryuOh Five Knights.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XUB5lBsa8Gw

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ub6OzD3tuUo

https://youtube.com/watch?v=A-qyLCAKGE4

https://youtube.com/watch?v=j52QAkKMNu8

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaoGuX...jpg&name=small

The fight then begins, with some very Ultraman-esque camera angles. Back on the ground, as Canalo and Takamichi come within inches of defeating Garza for good, Yodonna appears, kicks them back, and then blows them up (don?t worry, they survive).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaoGoX...jpg&name=small

Back in the mecha battle, the two mecha combine their attacks, 5 Knights Ultimate Slash and Kiramai Dynamic, into one, destroying both the Minusaur conglomerate and the Yodon Movie. Kleon then decides to go home and make up with Wiserue.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaw35W...jpg&name=small

Back at Yodonheim, Carantula laments that Movie Jamen?s masterpiece will never be seen by anyone, due to Yodonna butchering it in post.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaw4AX...jpg&name=small

Back with the heroes, Juru decides to draw what he wants rather than drawing for the whims of other people (in other words, he?s dropping out of the competition), and thanks Koh for his advice.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaw33W...jpg&name=small

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpaw35X...jpg&name=small

Yeah, that?s not gonna happen

As Towa invites everyone to a Rysoul Tribe festival (the reason they all got together), and Shiguru tries and fails to get Bamba a movie deal, Melt decides to go into gambling for real and Canalo reaches the epiphany that looks aren?t everything.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpa1N2X...jpg&name=small

Cue Mabushiina (We may laugh, but this would actually benefit both of them. Canalo can continue his bloodline and Mabushiina can ensure the future of Crystallia?s monarchy). But Takamichi says no for her, as the movie ends.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpa1NyX...jpg&name=small

And the credits are a reprise of the theme from earlier, so I?ll just post this screenshot from earlier.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJpa1NvW...jpg&name=small

Final thoughts: For a last dance with the world of reviewing (from now on, I?ll stick to writing fiction instead of critiquing it), this was a good picture to end it with. Though nothing too excellent, since I think Ohranger had the better movie themed movie. But I still would recommend this.

And now, as the finale of this feature (at least until another VS Movie or related production comes out), we finish off with?

The Final Challenge: Which of my reviews do you think was the best?

You've made me really want to watch Kiramager!... even though literally the last thing I need is one more show on my To Be Watched list. But you've somehow managed to make a case for Kiramager!... you monster.

Goodness knows I'm totally unqualified to take part in a Sentai thread, but I'm glad to see that there are/were passionate fans talking about the shows. Thanks for posting these reviews! Come back to them whenever you'd like!

I'm honestly surprised we haven't already got an official word on the would-be crossover movie between Zenkaiger and Kiramager. You would think there would've been a teaser or something by now.

Anyway, here's another Sentai ranking list from me and this time it's all about the blue rangers of the franchise.

1. Mega Blue
2. Gokai Blue
3. Blue Dolphin
4. Magi Blue
5. Geki Blue
6. Tenma Ranger
7. Kyoryu Blue
8. Blue Buster
9. Time Blue
10. Blue Swallow
11. Deka Blue
12. Hurricane Blue
13. Gosei Blue
14. ToQ #2
15. Lupin Blue
16. Go Blue
17. Dyna Blue
18. Ginga Blue
19. Go-On Blue
20. Zyuoh Shark
21. Ninja Blue
22. Abare Blue
23. Bouken Blue
24. Ao Ninger
25. Ryusoul Blue
26. Blue Racer
27. Shinken Blue
28. Oh Blue
29. Tricera Ranger
30. Gao Blue
31. Lupus Blue

Kiramager's strengths are I think at how basic it is as a sentai show. Normally it could seem like a negative thing since it implies the show is boring, but for Kiramager I think it worked in its favor. It was a nice palette cleanser before we got Zenkaiger, story was decent, designs were nice, and they went with the Gorenger palette.
Juuru is one of my favorite red rangers. He has his HIRAMEKIIIN moments but I loved how after a few hiccups he eased in to the role of leading a team of 20 somethings and how he was just reserved while still being a kid. Tametomo I love for being the straightman of the group keeping people in check, Sena was the bubbly energetic type that the team needed, Sayo was the caring big sister who had her moments of hilarity, and my man Shiguru was BEST FUNNY MAN ever. :lolol
I just love how goofy he is in most of his featured episodes and he never disappoints. And last but not least we have Takamichi, who was Eiji/Bouken Silver 2.0 pretty much and another favorite tsuika senshi of mine.
Maybe this could be your first sentai review?

Yes, you should definitely go for it, Die! :D

Lupinranger vs Patranger vs Kyuranger. I think you know the exact reason why, too. Haha.