[TokuKnight89]

Watched the first three episodes of Akumaizer 3, and it's unique even for its time.

The action is definitely extensive, and the effects are period standard. The real kicker that sets it apart is the set-up and characterizations of the main and recurring characters. Zabitan has already walked away from his people and is fighting against them, but shows mercy even to potential enemies (though violent enemies who've already killed won't get the same treatment). The Demon Clan is definitely a fully formed society with its own laws (though I noticed some contradictions). There are some unique concepts you might not anticipate, like a dramatized Hollow Earth (complete with an underground sun) and the idea that Downworld is potentially the basis for Hell in the minds of past civilizations. The ideas set forth by Kamen Rider are on the table, but dialed up a tad. The heroes are the same as the mechanized subterranean demons they fight, but they chose their path. The idea of humans not accepting the heroes because they're different is present and very much explored almost from the beginning. This makes the idea of our heroes being the types of protectors who fight evil and hide from people (remember the Kakuranger motto) all the more significant to both the story and its characters. I do see some ideas that could be considered prototypical of modern tokusatsu, like enemies who are on the ropes and try to bring out the "big guns" in the form of fanciful sci-fi vehicles (tanks are pretty typical here). Speaking of vehicles, the first one we see doesn't get used by evil for long and...well, I don't want spoil too much. Suffice it to say, using the enemies' own equipment against them is so significant in this show and it's only three episodes in!

I think it's a unique show given the period it was made in. It originally aired around the time of Gorenger and Stronger, but I think it was tackling themes one would equate with a more modern tokusatsu. I definitely want to explore more of this.

https://tokusatsunetwork.com/2016/05/15793/