[Switchblade]

That's right, they're all the last item in a series of things.

It's that time of year again: we're in a weird lull week in between major holidays and Switchblade is exploiting their obsession with categorizing things for message board clout. I think it's safe to say that 2025 was a pretty chill, drama-free year in the tokusatsu world, especially if you're a big Sentai fan. Personally, I fell behind on every single show that I tried to watch, including the one I made my own watch-along thread for (I haven't forgotten about that, by the way, it's just that Tiga isn't available on streaming right now so I have to keep dragging out a blu-ray player like a goddamn cave person, which makes it just enough of a hassle that I decide to do something else instead). Still, never let it be said that I let a lack of complete knowledge prevent me from forming an opinion on something. And I know that the rest of you are probably better at keeping up with things than I am and I'm sure you have thoughts, too.

As always, for releases of this year I'm counting any series that aired any episodes during 2025, including:

Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger
No. 1 Sentai Gozyuger
Kamen Rider Gavv
Kamen Rider Zeztz
Ultraman Arc
Ultraman Omega

And, as always anything else that got less exposure and therefore slipped under my personal radar. Does Armorsaurs count? Only you can answer that for yourself.

We once again have a notable absence from the list and I have once again composed an original-ish song for it:

[to the deeply beloved tune of "Power Rangers Mystic Force"]
There's still no Power Rangers! (No!)
There's still no Power Rangers! (No!)
There's still no Power Rangers! (No!)

(on a personal note, I really hope the Disney+ reboot comes through next year because I don't know how many more of these I can make work)

For movies I'm counting anything that came out this year as well as anything that came out last year but wasn't available subbed until this year.

If you have more than one answer for some of these just go with it. The only rules are the ones you choose to impose upon yourself.

Favorite New Show of 2025

Favorite New-to-You Show of 2025

Favorite Movie, Miniseries, or Special of 2025

Favorite Rewatch of 2025

Favorite Male Lead Character

Favorite Female Lead Character

Favorite Male Supporting Character

Favorite Female Supporting Character

Favorite Villain

Favorite Returning Past Character

Favorite Actor

Favorite Actress

Favorite Writer

Favorite Director

Favorite Suit Design

Favorite Weapon/Vehicle/Mecha

Favorite Fight Scene

Favorite Dramatic Scene

Favorite Comedic Scene

Biggest "WTF did I just watch?" Moment

Favorite Song

Favorite Piece of Merchandise

Biggest Surprise of 2025

And, of course, because some things in 2025 were the original international release schedule for Zeztz on YouTube:

Biggest Disappointment of 2025:

The Onari Memorial Award for Single Worst Thing in Tokusatsu, 2025 Edition:

Finally, to end on a note of optimism that is a direct slap in the face to Sentai lovers:

Most Anticipated Tokusatsu Project and/or Merch of 2026

[GoldenXtreme]

I've been waiting for this! I actually remembered to track what my favorite show I watched this year was, so I didn't have to go through all my old posts to remember what I had seen. I've also seen Zeztz, Arc, and Omega, so I can at least pick from 3 shows this year for the other questions.

Favorite New Show of 2025
Ultraman Arc ENDED in 2025, it counts. A simple and sweet show that has a lot of fundamental Ultraman appeal, even if the episodes had erratic quality.

Favorite New-to-You Show of 2025

Special Investigation Robo Janperson blew my expectations out of the water once it figured out the story it wanted to tell. Deftly weaving ideas of justice and tragic robots into a show with a wonderful cast and fascinating episodes. Pure tokusatsu goodness, if you haven't see it, you should!

Favorite Movie, Miniseries, or Special of 2025

I guess the Ultraman Arc movie? It was fun, I liked the vignette format.

Favorite Rewatch of 2025

The tail end of my Kamen Rider Fourze rewatch was in 2025. It's a show that always cheers me up and is nonstop fun. I got to watch it with a friend this time and he absolutely loved it, which made it even better.

Favorite Male Lead Character

I rather like Kosei from Ultraman Omega. He's always trying his best and is a good guy, but he's also very human. I like his dude-ish friendship with Sorato a lot too.

Favorite Female Lead Character

Not sure if I can answer this question with shows that were airing in 2025 that I watched, so I'll instead give a shout out to Peggy from Goranger, which I at least watched this year. She's your cool gal for all your explosives related needs!

Favorite Male Supporting Character

Fujimi from Kamen Rider Zeztz I suppose. His actor is always doing a great job acting like he has a few screws loose.

Favorite Female Supporting Character

And where would Fujimi be without Nasuka to kick some sense into him? It's also nice to see her actor again after her previous role in Geats

Favorite Villain

Not really impressed with any villains from Zeztz or Omega, so I'll once again give a shoutout to an older show I watched for the first time this year. I really liked Grigio from Ultraman R/B. Her warped attempt at heroism and the way her strained relationship with her siblings contrasted the protagonists was really good.

Favorite Actor

Haruto Yoshida as Kosei in Omega.

Favorite Actress

Rina Onuki as Nasuka in Zeztz.

Favorite Writer
Masaya Honda perhaps. He writes very interesting episodes, I particularly liked the Miko and Mikoto episode of Omega.

Favorite Director

Takayuki Shibasaki. I really liked the visuals of the episode of Zeztz he did in the episode with the Wonder Capsem.

Favorite Suit Design

I love all the Meteokaiju designs in Omega, all three win.

Favorite Weapon/Vehicle/Mecha

Valgeness's halberd mode from Omega.

Favorite Fight Scene

I'll say the aforementioned Wonder Capsem battle in Kamen Rider Zeztz, where Zeztz and the Nightmare kept shrinking.

Favorite Dramatic Scene

I thought the finale for Arc with Yuma's farewell was very nice.

Favorite Comedic Scene

Everything with the Ghost Riders in Omega.

Biggest "WTF did I just watch?" Moment

I am still so confused about what is going on in those "Sister's Substory Agent Minami" spinoffs for Zeztz.

Favorite Song

VISIONS from Zeztz is so, so cool.

Biggest Surprise of 2025

Even if Sentai had obviously been in dire straits for a while, it was still shocking to hear it was ending so abruptly.

Biggest Disappointment of 2025:
I was awfully disappointed in Omega when it fell into the whole Defense Team angle like so many Ultraman shows do.
The Onari Memorial Award for Single Worst Thing in Tokusatsu, 2025 Edition:
I still can't believe Yuuya Takahashi was made head writer for Kamen Rider AGAIN. This must have been what is was like when Toei wouldn't stop hiring Toshiki Inoue in the 2000s.

Most Anticipated Tokusatsu Project and/or Merch of 2026:
Gavan Infinity of course!

[Switchblade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenXtreme

Favorite New Show of 2025
Ultraman Arc ENDED in 2025, it counts. A simple and sweet show that has a lot of fundamental Ultraman appeal, even if the episodes had erratic quality.

Oh crap, you're right. Updated the opening post.

[Kiwami]

Favorite New Show of 2025

I really like Kamen Rider Zeztz! The theme, the style, the characters – I have lots of fun with this show!

Favorite New-to-You Show of 2025

Has to be Ultraman Nexus! Had a blast with this one.

Favorite Movie, Miniseries, or Special of 2025

Haven’t watched much, but I’m a fan of the “Series of Sister's Substory Agent Minami”!

Favorite Rewatch of 2025

Did a rewatch of the “Shin”-movies this year, I still like them a lot. Against the majority of fans I interact with, Kamen Rider is my favorite, Ultraman and Godzilla share the second place.

Favorite Male Lead Character

Has to be Shoma. Gavv was excellent and its lead character plays a big role in that!

Favorite Female Lead Character

Another point for Gavv, Sachika is simply the best. Absolute champion of a person, I love her so much. Ride or die for everyone she cares about, a big heart who wants to make others feel better.

Favorite Male Supporting Character

And that’s point three for Gavv. Masaru Inoue is a great character and I’m thankful for his inclusion in the story.

Favorite Female Supporting Character

Oh boy, I have to be honest, I adore Nasuka Nagumo way, way too much. She’s so funny in every scene she’s in and I have to admit, the actress is an absolute beauty. A super well written and acted character!

Favorite Villain

He may not be the best written character ever but I have a soft spot for Fire Candle. The actor gives 200% every time, so much fun to see, and his rivalry with GoyzuWolf is very entertaining to watch.

Favorite Returning Past Character

I – don’t remember any. Blast. There are dozens nowadays but none really stood out to me

Favorite Actor

I’ve read that Hoeru Tono is Mio Fuyuno’s first big role? For that reason I’m giving him the award, his acting is great!

Favorite Actress

Nozomi Miyabe! Sachika wouldn’t be as awesome if this fantastic person wouldn’t have acted her as well as she did!

Favorite Writer

I’m terrible with writers and directors. But I looked them up and want to give the award to Junko Komura as head writer of Gavv! A well executed show all around!

Favorite Director

I don’t know if I can single out a person for this? The directing team of Gavv takes this, for the same reason as above. Gavv was awesome!

Favorite Suit Design

The Zeztz-suit is so sexy. No way it won’t take the spot! A simple, more grasshopper-like style I enjoy and I love the LED stripes, incredibly cool to see how far we’ve come technology-wise since the days of Faiz.

Favorite Weapon/Vehicle/Mecha

Tega Sword is awesome, he is indeed Number 1 in all these departments!

Favorite Fight Scene

I love the first fight of Zeztz, rewatched that a ton. Simple, full of “impact” but gets crazy visual wise with the dream influence later on. The Rider Kick at the end is excellent too!

Favorite Dramatic Scene

Gavv had a ton – the one I liked the most was when Shoma told Hanto what happened to his mother and the guilt Shoma feels.

Favorite Comedic Scene

I lost it at this, the joke since been repeated but gets me every time



Biggest "WTF did I just watch?" Moment

I’m watching Ultraman 80 this year and that show had vampire balls from space, nothing beats that!

Favorite Song

The Zeztzt OP is super catchy and fun. Love it!

Favorite Piece of Merchandise

I bought a DX Zeztz Driver and it’s a really fun toy. Figuarts go brrrrrrr like usual but I can’t single one out as particularly great.

Biggest Surprise of 2025

Super Sentai ending. The writing was on the wall, but that we’re actually living in that reality now is still weird.

Biggest Disappointment of 2025

Toei’s move at a “worldwide” release of Kamen Rider that isn’t very worldwide at all.

The Onari Memorial Award for Single Worst Thing in Tokusatsu, 2025 Edition:

The Maya Imamori witch hunt. Disgusting behavior from all parties involved aside from the person herself. She did nothing wrong.

Most Anticipated Tokusatsu Project and/or Merch of 2026

I had lots of fun with the DX Tega Sword and accumulated a big collection of Sentai Rings, so I want the full size Memorial Tega Sword! Also the Figuarts Seihou Gavan. Should I be able to buy it, that’s the most difficult part sadly

[Sh Ranger]

My sixth time!

Favorite New Show of 2025: No.1 Sentai Gozyuger

While it's hard to deny its problems, like the messy structure and problems beyond its control, I enjoy the playful yet serious spirit of this show and the valuable messages it strives to convey.

Favorite New-to-You Show of 2025: Seijyu Sentai Gingaman

My last Heisei Sentai and one that I rank highly! While not flawless, it did a lot of things right and had a likable team of heroes and intriguing competing villain factions.

Favorite Miniseries or Special of 2025: Formation Lap Cleaners of the Galaxy

Doesn't seem like there were many to talk about this year, so it was between this and Halloween Party and ultimately I decided the spectacle of Forever Sixth featuring Draco Commander was a pretty epic event!

Favorite (Sparkling) Rewatch of 2025: Machine Sentai Kiramager

Totally gave me the clarity to appreciate this show in a way I couldn't have done before. If anybody else feels like giving it a rewatch in this brighter sparkling time, I would recommend it for sure!

Favorite Movie of 2025: Gotchard Future Daybreak

While I wasn't sure of the plot at first when this orange Gotchard appeared in the show, the movie is an awesome payoff that answers many questions about the show's lore and has strong development for both Houtarous and Rinne. My favorite Reiwa Rider summer movie so far.

Favorite Male Lead Character: Tono Hoeru

An outcast to society, who knows he's an outcast, yet always tries his best at whatever he does. As something of an outcast myself, I think Hoeru is a great unconventional role model in the sense that even losers can draw strength from him. He teaches us that even without self-confidence, we can still win if we have ambition to succeed and rely on friends to help us.

Favorite Female Lead Character: Nem

Mostly by process of elimination, as she hasn't had much focus so far, but her first impression is good. The prison arc made her sympathetic and her variety of outfits is fun to see, with her roles in dreams making her like a female Kadoya Tsukasa.

Favorite Male Supporting Character: Dente Stomach

Literally the only character in the show who genuinely wants his family to get along and never gives up on them, even when it seems futile. Dude deserved a better family.

Favorite Female Supporting Character: Nagumo Nasuka

Maybe a little biased as a Lopo fan, but I think Nasuka is a good character in her own right. While she can be stubborn in her skepticism about Black Cases, she's not dismissive and recent episodes show how her rationality is an important balance to Fujimi's brashness.

Favorite Villain: Fire Candle

The evil counterpart of Kisaragi Gentarou. I enjoy the passion that Fire Candle brings to the fights and how much he cares about his fellow Bridans. Like I said in another thread, I totally think this guy deserves a Yodonna-like spin-off!

Favorite Returning Past Character: Sutou Siblings

I'm a big Go-Onger fan of course, so it shouldn't be surprising that I'd be excited to see the Go-On Wings once more. I'm curious how they knew Shou Ronpou though.

Favorite Actor: Imai Ryoutarou

He puts a lot of effort in to distinguishing between Baku and his Seven alter ego, while still making them seem like the same person deep down. Him practicing English to sound authentic totally sells it!

Favorite Actress: Marupi

She showed a lot of strong emotions in the Battle Japan arc, where Fire Candle was trying to get Bouquet to snap out of the brainwashing. One of her most memorable performances for sure.

Favorite Writer: Inoue Akiko (again)

I feel bad for her since it's her first time as head writer and she had to work with all that behind the scenes drama, but even that doesn't stop her from hitting me in the heart with those emotional moments. She deserves to write a non-anniversary show, so we can see more of her potential!

Favorite Suit Design: Wild Gozyu Wolf

I thought Gozyu Wolf was already the coolest looking Red in the Reiwa Era, but the sharp edges of Wild really brings out Hoeru's unbreakable free spirit.

Favorite Weapon: Tega Sword

IYASAKA!

Favorite Vehicle: CODE Zeroider

Reminds me of Auto Vajin, if he was the cunning boss of an organization of agents.

Favorite Mecha: Tega Sword Akatsuki

Orca Booster is already an awesome weapon and mecha on its own, but the Gattai with Tega Sword looking like a bad*ss samurai is even better!

Favorite Fight Scene:

Gavv and Valen VS Bitter Gavv Sparkingummy in Episode 22. That show in general has excellent use of the environment that keeps fights unpredictable.

Favorite Dramatic Scene:

Hanto accepting Shouma as a Granute and saving him from falling after the Bitter Gavv Sparkingummy fight.

Favorite Comedic Scene:

The butler battle between Butler Lonely Wolf and Butler Fire Candle.

Biggest "WTF did I just watch?" Moment:

Kuon: "Hoeru, let's get married!"

Favorite Song: Visions

I love how mysterious it sounds and how the lyrics tie so aptly to Baku's personal feelings.

Favorite Piece of Merchandise: Bandai's DX Tega Sword

A morpher, hand, sword and mecha all in one with electronics and a clean design. IYASAKA!

Biggest Surprise of 2025:

Metal Heroes are coming back, hell yeah!

Biggest Disappointment of 2025:

The mediocrity of Gavv's last 2 episodes. Even Boonboomger at least managed to have a good final arc with a moral about the danger of capitalism in the hands of evil.

Most Anticipated Tokusatsu Project and/or Merch of 2026: Chou Uchuu Keiji Gavan Infinity

The staff announcement has me feeling skeptical, but as the first in a new franchise, I want to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchblade

[to the deeply beloved tune of "Power Rangers Mystic Force"]
There's still no Power Rangers! (No!)
There's still no Power Rangers! (No!)
There's still no Power Rangers! (No!)

On a break now!
There's still no Power Rangers! (No!)
There's still no Power Rangers! (No!)
There's still no Power Rangers! (No!)
Still on hiatus, yeah!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenXtreme

Favorite Rewatch of 2025

The tail end of my Kamen Rider Fourze rewatch was in 2025. It's a show that always cheers me up and is nonstop fun. I got to watch it with a friend this time and he absolutely loved it, which made it even better.

I'm planning to rewatch Fourze once more soon as well, along with several others on this forum, probably.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenXtreme

The Onari Memorial Award for Single Worst Thing in Tokusatsu, 2025 Edition:
I still can't believe Yuuya Takahashi was made head writer for Kamen Rider AGAIN. This must have been what is was like when Toei wouldn't stop hiring Toshiki Inoue in the 2000s.

While I had this reaction at first as well, hearing about the writer for Gavan Infinity makes me feel more grateful for Takahashi. Zeztz is doing good so far, so I can only hope it keeps the momentum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwami

Favorite Villain

He may not be the best written character ever but I have a soft spot for Fire Candle. The actor gives 200% every time, so much fun to see, and his rivalry with GoyzuWolf is very entertaining to watch.

This for sure! Honestly, one of my main complaints about the show is that the Hoeru and Fire Candle rivalry doesn't get as much time as it deserves. Anytime these two interact, it's No.1!