[Kamen Rider Lucha]

I grew up on Power Rangers, but I have surprisingly little nostalgia for it. Because despite being deeply, deeply obsessed with it since it debuted when I was in 3rd grade, part of me always hated the show in equal measure (honestly, I feel like if I didn't hate PR a little bit, I wouldn't have become nearly as obsessed with it-- so much of my obsession is rooted in imagining all the ways it could've been better... if that makes any sense).

As a youngster, I'd fantasize about a parallel world where Power Rangers wasn't just watered down pablum for American toddlers. Being half-Japanese, I always knew that Power Rangers was based on a Japanese show, but it wasn't until I got the internet in 6th grade that I discovered all the nuances of Sentai. And I was stunned to discover that Sentai provided a window into the alternate universe I longed for since Power Rangers debuted. The fantasies were real! The Power Rangers concept, when treated with respect, really could be as satisfying as I always imagined.

And after discovering Sentai, I kinda dropped Power Rangers and never looked back. It's been so long since that happened that I think I probably have more nostalgia for Sentai than PR at this point.