[Sh Ranger]

My fifth time!

Favorite New Show of 2024: Kamen Rider Gavv

Strong character writing as expected from Komura and shows a clear vision for the spirit of Kamen Rider. I imagine I'll probably have more awards for this show next year.

Favorite New-to-You Show of 2024: Tokusou Robo Janperson

It's basically Kamen Rider Zero One, except with much better execution. Seriously considers the role that robots could have in human society and the problems faced by both sides, with a good amount of comedy as well.

Favorite Miniseries or Special of 2024: Geats Extra Gazer

Focuses on the more honorable side of Niram and I enjoyed his cute yet tragic backstory with Miiru.

Favorite Rewatch of 2024: Ninja Sentai Kakuranger

Ninjas, duh.

Favorite Movie of 2024: King-Ohger Adventure Heaven

Released in 2023, but due to the wait for subs, many of us likely watched it this year. I was surprised to see a Sentai summer movie be so integrated in the plot and the fight scene with Rhyniol in Haakabaaka was awesome!

Favorite Male Lead Character: Ichinose Houtarou (again)

If I knew he was going to be this good, I would've awarded it to someone else last year, but now it cannot be anybody but him! He's a role model hero who chases his dream with endless determination and he has a virtually infallible intuition for judging whether people are good or evil. When he says he'll do something, then I have no doubt that he'll do it.

Favorite Female Lead Character: Kudo Rinne

The other protagonist of Gotchard is also pretty great and I think she has the best development. She learns resilience in the face of adversity and becomes a good influence on Atropos. In combat, she shows high aptitude in martial arts that she gained from simply reading a book and even counters Golem Gouriki's backbreaker technique on her first try!

Favorite Male Supporting Character: Tsuruhara "Sabi" Sabimaru

I enjoy the softspoken/outspoken dynamic he has with Isaac and it was intriguing to learn more of his backstory in the Kongo Laboratories arc and see him find the courage to fight against his past trauma to protect Kenichi and the technology that will bring hope to the future.

Favorite Female Supporting Character: Edami Kyoka

She's a reliable nurturing mentor to Spanner and a skilled inventor, who also has some cool intellecutal hobbies like chess and the culinary arts. Seems like she'd be pretty fun to hang with.

Favorite Villain: Clotho

My favorite Dark Sister. Even though she causes a few problems for the heroes, she fights honestly for her beliefs and love for her sisters, showing a similar quality to Houtarou. Their team-up in Episode 32 was a memorable highlight for sure.

Favorite Returning Past Character: Inui Takumi

Initially shows a more cynical worldweary side of him in Paradise Regained, but by the end he proves he's still the same protector of dreams we all know and love.

Favorite Actor: Hino Yusuke

Shows a lot of detailed body language so far, expressing emotion easily to the viewers without saying a word. When he does speak, which is actually often, this is also full of emotion, like his shirtless argument with Shouma in Episode 12.

Favorite Actress: Matsumoto Reiyo

After watching her uncannily accurate performance as Houtarou in the body-switching Hyper Battle, I think she can clearly portray a contrasting personality which is pretty impressive! I recall hearing that Houtarou is actually closer to Matsumoto's real personality than Rinne! I'm sure she'll go far in her career.

Favorite Writer: Inoue Akiko

She was going to be my answer for this even before I found out she's writing Gozyuger. Her work on Gotchard has been peak in both comedy and drama, which makes me totally excited for her head writer debut in February.

Favorite Suit Design: Kamen Rider Fire Gotchard SteamHopper

Takes the already awesome SteamHopper and adds some little fire accents to make it even more awesome. Turning air resistence to speed has to be one of the most OP superpowers ever.

Favorite Weapon: Byunbyum Controller

Controller, bow, F1 steering wheel, purple, lot of sounds. It's a versatile device with a good design.

Favorite Vehicle: Yaiyai Yarucar

He's adorable, right?

Favorite Mecha: Boonboomger Robo 119

Red lion firetruck Henkei is a solid concept and looks strong in the Gattai with Bundorio as well.

Favorite Fight Scene:

God King-Ohger entering Dugded's dimension and punching him out of the damn universe!

Favorite Dramatic Scene:

Clotho's dying moment with Houtarou before she grasps the hands of her sisters. Successfully made me cry.

Favorite Comedic Scene:

The Zukyumpire episodes of Gotchard. Amazing debut for Inoue that shows her talent for romcom mixed with the typical absurdity of Tokusatsu genre.

Biggest "WTF did I just watch?" Moment:

Boonboomger Episode 20. How does Morichi write an episode about Mira that excludes Mira from the plot?!

Favorite Song: Sky's the Limit

Favorite Piece of Merchandise: Premium Bandai's DX Alchemis Driver Unit

Less options with PR getting shelved, but I guess Alchemis Driver is cool, right? The sounds are catchy and I like how it uses the alchemy ring in the gimmick.

Biggest Surprise of 2024:

Kakuranger getting a 30th anniversary special, unprecedented for Sentai and not seen since Once and Always.

Biggest Disappointment of 2024:

Everytime that Hando Taiya talks. Screw that guy with his arrogant smug punchable face, his monotonous line delivery like he's about to fall asleep, his lack of clear motivation, his non-sequitar questions phrased in a biased way and his obnoxious "handle" catchphrase!

Most Anticipated Tokusatsu Project and/or Merch of 2025: Gotchard Graduations

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchblade

[to the tune of "Power Rangers SPD']
Power Rangers MIA!
Power Rangers on hiatus!
(no no no no)
Power Rangers MIA!
Power Rangers on hiatus!
(no no no no)

Missing In
Missing In
Missing In
Missing In Action!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchblade

The Onari Memorial Award for Single Worst Thing in Tokusatsu, 2024 Edition:

Aw, you didn't change it to Hat Guy Award like we talked about.