How Toei's Tokusatsu Multiverse Format Can Make More Room For Better Innovative Ideas

I wanted to write this topic last week but I decided to take a short break from this blog. I still can't get my head off Space 18 where it's verified Kyuranger takes place in another Universe. This further backs up my Multiverse Theory where Toei's shows usually take place in a separate continuity. Some of them may be direct and/or indirect sequels to each other while most of them happen to be in their own continuity for a reason.

If you think Super Sentai was originally meant to take place in the same Universe then you need to take a closer look. The VS. Movies tend to have events that contradict series proper. Most series tend to act independently from each other. You can have the same motif but they act independently. Let's take for example.

It's usually a fresh new start for most story writing


I always wondered what role would the Dekarangers and Gavan have in a Universe taken over by Jark Matter. The answer turned out to be none. The Kyurangers landed in an entirely different universe that wasn't taken over by Jark Matter. Kyuranger is a huge what if the Universe is already taken over by the enemy forces. This is an example of how going self-contained can help writers have more room for new ideas without having to dig all the way from Goranger to Zyuohger before they start their ideas.

If we're going back to some older Super Sentai you'll probably notice some things. Events tend to happen independently. As of recent, I'm watching more of Hirohisa Soda's Super Sentai and beyond and noticed some events can't happen in the same continuity. Bio Robo's awakening happens only when the Earth is in danger. The Earth Force in Changeman only activates when the Earth is in danger. The events from Zyuranger up to Ohranger are mutually exclusive to each other in contrast to Mighty Morphin up to Zeo. Also, notice how Ohranger vs. Kakuranger as well as many VS. Universe have events that are pretty much out-of-continuity. Not to mention Ohranger, GoGoFive and Winspector all have their plots taking place in the Year 1999 which wouldn't make sense if they were all in one continuity.

It gave me a thought of how Metal Heroes do have a fragmented continuity. Gavan, Sharivan and Shaider take place in the same continuity but later seasons were mostly self-contained. Janperson started off as its own continuity but for some reason got involved with the continuities of B-Fighter, B-Fighter Kabuto and Blue SWAT's continuity. Winspector, Solbrain and Exceedraft are all indirect sequels to each other. Also, Exceedraft was supposed to be its own continuity but it was later changed for some reason.

Same motifs taking place in different continuities


Zyuranger, Abaranger and Kyoryuger are pretty much their own continuity. Dinosaur extinction may vary from Super Sentai to Super Sentai. Boukenger and Go-onger show events that couldn't match up to how dinosaurs went extinct in the dinosaur trilogy. Even the dinosaur trilogy has different explanations how dinosaurs died. None of the villains ever had hints they actually knew each other in the past. This leaves room for creativity to how to modify an already existing them. But these three aren't the only series where a trilogy took place.

If you think about trilogies we also have the ninja trilogy (Kakuranger, Hurricanger and Ninninger), the martial arts trilogy (Maskman, Dairanger and Gekiranger), the automobile trilogy (Turboranger, Carranger, Go-onger) and the sibling trilogy (Fiveman, GoGoFive and Magiranger). But all these series act pretty much their own continuity. Ninninger may take place in the VS. Universe but you didn't need to watch Hurricanger and Kakuranger to understand how events unfolded. Carranger and Go-onger aren't dependent on Turboranger's continuity. GoGoFive and Fiveman operate independently from each other. Most of them tend to write at a fresh new start.

More room for better Tokusatsu villain ideas

This also means that Super Sentai villains are also a fresh new start with fresh new ideas. Gokaiger's Zangyack is a huge what-if scenario if all 34 series were crammed into Gokaiger. Kyuranger's Space Shogunate Jark Matter didn't need to explain why the other 40 Super Sentai weren't there when they took over the Earth. Let's take a look at more instances how fresh new ideas taken place.


Most villains tend to have plots that just can't be put into one continuity. Changeman's Gozma has been conquering planet after planet for its ruler Star King Bazoo. Flashman's Mess has been messing up with the galaxy through genetic experimentation. Fiveman's Silver Imperial Army Zone has been gathering negative energy by destroying planets and it needs Earth to be the 1,000th planet. Zyuranger's Bandora Gang was responsible for dinosaur extinction couldn't agree with other Super Sentai villains who were also responsible for the same event. But you have to admit it's all a fresh new start for villain ideas isn't it?

I can also mention that what I don't like about old school Kamen Rider specifically most of the Showa era is the recycling of the Great Leader. Today, Great Leader is just a punching bag for the Heisei era which may prove his concept aged badly. Back then, almost every Kamen Rider were somewhat linked by the Great Leader who founded most the evil organizations that harassed the Kamen Riders. Kamen Rider Black was a fresh new start but Kamen Rider Black RX retroactively pulled it back to the other Showa era. This is different than most Kamen Rider series of the Heisei era were most of the villains tend to operate independently from each other for most of the franchise' run.

Most crossover movies tend to be a fresh new start


I don't find myself such a huge fan of the crossover movies but some of them are pretty good what-if scenarios. It's no secret how I really hate Super Hero Taisen's first entry but Super Hero Taisen Z managed to give a better plot. But what's the advantage behind having crossover movies leaving more room for the writer's imagination?

Take a look at how most of these movies operate. While Gokaiger did try to link the events of Goseiger vs. Shinkenger into its continuity but most of them are a fresh new start. The VS. Movies may or may not ignore events. A good example is how Ohranger vs. Kakuranger placed in a lot of creative thinking without relying on the events of both series involved. Bacchushund is still alive and Buldont is still a child yet all the Ohranger mecha are there. The Kakurangers supposedly gave up their powers but they still had it there. The same went for a lot of VS. Movies where non-canon villains are added for the sake of a what-if scenario.

More new concepts for how mecha concepts can translate into Bandai merchandise


I guess using the Multiverse format can give more room to creatively think of how to make up the toys. I mentioned some time ago in this post about the trilogies in Super Sentai. Their mecha have very different backstories from each other.


Take for instance how Turboranger and Carranger have different ways of handling automobile mecha. Dr. Dazai used a bizarre combination of magic and science to make their mecha. Carranger's initial mecha were magically produced. Carranger didn't need to rely on Turboranger's continuity to create its own set of mecha. Go-onger also didn't need to rely on Carranger and instead took the liberty of making talking car mecha mixed with animal motifs. The same goes for almost every Super Sentai. It's a fresh new start for mecha innovation.

I guess all these translate into a richer inventory of toy sales huh?

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Pretty much, I hope I've made my point in addressing how I think the multiverse format works better. I'm also thinking of how a lot of American superheroes tend to lack creativity due to the use of a single universe format (though there are what-if dimensions) but there's still some advantages of using it. In the end, it may just be a case-to-case basis.

Kyuranger 19: Kyurangers Play The Legends Of The Hidden Temple?

Super Hero Taisen is back after a week without it. But I think I'll focus on weekly episode reviews for now since I'm focusing on other stuff. Let's get started shall we? In this episode, the Kyurangers are trying to find the Carina Kyu Globe so they activate the Orion. But things aren't getting any better for the heroes leading to what could be an epic clash.

The monster of the week is known as Olmega. He's currently the monster of the week ruling over the Planet Keel. The people in this planet look like natives. He does look like some kind of weird ancient Incan or Mayan sculpture. I guess it's only fitting to put him in this episode. I can't help but remember game show called Legends of the Hidden Temple during the 90s. 

The planet feels like a planet of cosplayers. Then again, since when has Super Sentai really use any realistic costumes? Never mind that but I think it's a fun episode They meet Eris the protector the Carina Kyu Globe. It's revealed in a flashback that she was tasked by Orion. So who in the world is Orion anyway and what's his connection to the Orion? I hope the show tries to expand on that one but not too fast. I feel like there are times the show's going too fast or too slow.

Scorpio is once again involved. Scorpio wants to use the power of the Argo for himself. This is pretty much something. Does Don Armage really know that Scorpio is planning a mutiny? It's possible that Don Armage is still pretending not to know anything about Scorpio's plan. Scorpio also shows how much of a bastard he can be. We can see a dilemma here when Lucky realizes that they can't be truly saviors if they compromise the life of an innocent.

Next week's episode will be intense. It's Stinger going against his brother Scorpio. Speaking of which, will Champ return next week? I hope this will be an intense long arc that may soon conclude to the destruction of the armada sent towards Earth.

Meanwhile, here's a sneak peak of the upcoming Kyuranger movie. The name Geth Star is obviously a pun on Star Wars' Death Star. I wonder how this movie will turn out. It's only fitting considering that Star Wars has turned 40 this year.

Kyuranger 18: It's Another Universe After All?!

Sorry for the delay! This isn't the first time it happened is it? Let's get down to business and discuss about this crazy, rushed crossover. My slight beef is that where in the world is Kenji Ohba? Maybe he's decided not to appear for personal reasons but it's still a great episode. Anyway, new school Gavan, Geki Jumonji is still keeping his job proving himself to be the true successor and not stupid Zaidorks. Speaking of which didn't he also appear for two episodes on Go-Busters? Hmmm... the mind boggles how many universes do exist in Toei's Tokusatsu genres anyway?! 

Weird science is always part of Tokusatsu isn't it? I still remember some comics and shows as a child. I could remember the repetitive narrative in Gavan that says that the Makuu Space is similar to a Black Hole. Somehow black holes in some science fiction series tend to be a portal to another universe in some way. They are seen chasing Madoka who stole the Pyxis Kyutama which leads to a series of hilarious events. A huge misunderstanding is only natural especially you've been rammed to a completely different universe! 

Speaking of which I find this part funny. They find themselves in a Earth and Universe not conquered by Jark Matter. Sen and Umeko (So why didn't they just get married off-screen and act as a married couple here?) arrest Hammy, Shou Ronpou and Garu thinking that they're Alienizers. This also brings to yet another funny scene which I'll explain.

It was rumored that Doggie is actually a relative of Garu. Garu states that he's the last of his kind and he's a wolf. Doggie's well a dog. The two belong to two different universes. It's possible that Garu may have a brother who looks like Doggie in the Kyuranger continuity but not in the new universe that they are brought into.

The four do a crossover battle. This also spells the end of Madoka. So what's the next rules? If Madoka dies in another universe so how does that affect the universe the Kyurangers are into? Speaking of which it's not surprising how Dragon Ball Super is also part of Toei's properties. I haven't been watching Dragon Ball Super though. It was nice to see the team-up battle and the Death Worm enlarges itself.  Too bad we never see the Zaidorks make a fool out of themselves in this episode.

It's nice to see the CGI Dolgiram show up to do some badass kicking. My only complaint is that why isn't the CGI Dolgiram getting the chance to have the classic Dolgiram theme played while it's in action? We see a Double Dragon team where Ryu Voyager and Dolgiram team up. I love how the episode addresses standing up on the heads of the dragons. Hmmm... speaking of which didn't that also happen in Dairanger and Gingaman? Sidenote, I wish Avilo from Zaido appeared in this episode only to break apart or the Zaidorks get destroyed by their stupidity.

This episode also backs up the Multiverse Theory that has long been in my head since I was watching Super Sentai and Kamen Rider. Speaking of which, it would be fun to think if both Captain Marvelous and Tsukasa Kadoya get pulled into the Kyuranger universe for a crazy crossover. Just think of what if a whole new what-if scenario. 

Considering it's golf week next week (so no Super Hero Time) so I may consider writing something else or nothing at all for this blog. It might be what I'd call "break time". I also wish Over-Time can continue subbing Timeranger and I'll probably devote myself to catching up with the dark and gritty world of Amazons. But I can't wait to see the Kyurangers in another planet yet again. Can't wait to see how Scorpio can prove himself to be one magnificent villain as he causes trouble for the Kyurangers. 

I Think These Super Sentai Seasons Managed To Improve Previously Done Concepts

Super Sentai has the habit of either having new themes, hybridizing themes or improving what has been started. I thought of a couple of Super Sentai series that managed to improve previously done concepts. I'll write them by chronological order from oldest to newest. Just remember that learning from failure is necessary in sustaining a business.


Hikari Sentai Maskman

Dynaman started with the whole underground race introduced into Super Sentai. Maskman's Tube managed to do more than what Jashinka did. More depth was added into the relationship between Tube and the surface world.


Chojin Sentai Jetman

Jetman managed to improve Maskman's love story IMO. While I'm a fan of Maskman but I feel the whole Takeru/Ial love story isn't all that intense. Sure, it was a nice touch but Jetman managed to improve what Maskman started. Ryu is stuck in a complicated love polygon that he misses Rie deeply while Kaori likes him but Gai likes Kaori. Jetman's love story between Ryu and Rie was one of the best. My only complaint is how often Toshiki Inoue loved giving foreshadows that Ryu and Kaori will be together when the two don't have much of a chemistry. But we can't deny Jetman saved Super Sentai from near cancellation, can we?


Gosei Sentai Dairanger

Maskman may be mixed martial arts and Dairanger is kung fu. I don't deny that Dairanger took martial arts to a whole new level. Not only did Dairanger take Maskman's martial arts and made it even more legendary but it also took the whole concept of Chi power to a whole new level. The show has a lot of amazing choreography. The only downside is that parents complained about it being too violent.


Gekisou Sentai Carranger

Carranger didn't do much to improve ratings after Ohranger's lower ratings. Both Carranger and Ohranger relied more on toy sales to keep the franchise afloat. I think Carranger is a huge improvement from what Turboranger is as an automobile Super Sentai. They introduced bigger and better engine-based mecha combined with magical powers. Maybe some think Turboranger is better but I think Carranger is better. I don't care about the not so high improvement of ratings. I still like this series for its lighthearted nature.


Denji Sentai Megaranger

The one true Mega series still keeps it on. It may be so 20 years ago but I don't deny how this series can still kick Megafailed's sorry butt away even in this digital age. Turboranger started teenagers with attitude and it didn't immediately click. Megaranger continued it and improved what Turboranger started in that department. The characters aren't as strong in the start and the struggle is made more real than what Turboranger wanted the viewers to believe. While I don't think Megaranger's science theme was an intense was that Bioman, Flashman and Liveman offered but it's still a huge tribute nonetheless.


Kyukyu Sentai GoGoFive

I don't have any intention to write five reasons why I'd choose it over Lightspeed Rescue because I can only come up with "duh it's Super Sentai" or "duh it's a little more serious". Instead, I ended up writing five reasons why I prefer GoGoFive over Fiveman. Fiveman was the start of the sibling Super Sentai concept but GoGoFive made it better. Fiveman had potential but Hirohisa Soda was already burned out beyond belief that time. Fortunately, GoGoFive fixed the problem. My only problem is how Matoi Tatsumi tends to be too tense over Gaku Hoshikawa.


Ninpou Sentai Hurricanger

Hurricanger feels like a hybrid of Liveman and Kakuranger. I would say that it's my favorite ninja Super Sentai from the ninja trilogy. It managed to improve Liveman's mecha and what it means to have fun with ninjas. Kakuranger was pretty much fun in its own way but I prefer Hurricanger. Kakuranger may have better action scenes but I think Hurricanger is more fun as a ninja series. On the other hand, I might prepare a post to five reasons why I prefer Liveman to Hurricanger or better five reasons why I prefer Hurricanger to Kakuranger.


Bakuryu Sentai Abaranger

I think Abaranger is the best dinosaur-based Super Sentai series. Sure the action scenes in Zyuranger and Kyoryuger are better but I prefer Abaranger as far as I'm concerned. Zyuranger started the dinosaur series but doesn't get too focused on dinosaurs. Abaranger managed to focus more on what a dinosaur Super Sentai should be. It managed to move around with how newer dinosaurs got introduced into the series. Maybe I could provide five good reasons why I prefer Abaranger to Kyoryuger after I showed five reasons why I prefer Abaranger to Dino Thunder.


Tokosu Sentai Dekaranger

Dekaranger itself isn't your typical Super Sentai. I think it actually improved Timeranger's police concept. The Timerangers were tasked to capturing alien criminals under Don Dolnero's mafia. In Dekaranger, their job is to arrest or even delete alien criminals called Alienizers. The show's unique formula of using an overarching villain than a main villain in Abrella is also a nice deviation. The show feels more like a cop show than Timeranger itself.


Gougou Sentai Boukenger

I may not like Boukenger as much as I used to thanks to some series before it and after it that beat it. Even if I wouldn't say it's all that great but I think the series improved on the whole idea of villains competing for the top spot. The rivalry of different factions is something I'd like to see happen in any future Super Sentai seasons.


Jyuken Sentai Gekiranger

I think Gekiranger's action scenes aren't as good as Dairanger but I think this show knows how to handle the martial arts tribute better. The series features a lot of new training arcs and the Fist Saints are tributes to selected Chinese martial artists. Having both schools of thought namely Gen Juken and Rin Juken fight each other improves the whole Dai vs. Gorma conflict in Dairanger. Gekiranger may not be that serious but I believe it's a better tribute to Chinese martial arts. Dairanger gave a good tribute and Gekiranger improved it. As of right now, I don't think I can decide whether or not I like Dairanger or Gekiranger more.


Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger

I still can't forget how this series managed to do what was nearly impossible. It has a lot of cameos from previous 34 seasons. I don't consider it the best Super Sentai ever but I still think that the series is good for nostalgic reasons. It actually did more than what Kamen Rider Decade offered to the audiences last 2009. I think making another massive crossover isn't all that easy. This anniversary season got it right.


Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger

I don't find myself a huge fan of this series but I think I do like it to a certain extent. My only beef is that dinosaurs are already getting overused for Super Sentai. I think we should have a dinosaur-themed Kamen Rider for a change. But if I could talk about anything this show improved isn't the dinosaur theme but it's how it's a better dance party than Battle Fever J. It definitely improved what a dancing Super Sentai season should be. One could take a look at how they incorporated dancing into henshin which the very old Battle Fever J didn't bother to do. Hmmm... why did it take so long to improve the dance party that Battle Fever J started?


Ressha Sentai ToQGer

I still don't find myself so fond of the series. I consider this the lowest point in Yasuko Kobayashi's career as a writer due to her burnout. She was really that burnt out. But if I can say ToQGer improved on anything it's the IMAGINATION power. Akibaranger has the delusion power but I think ToQGer managed to improve on it. The ToQGers use their imagination powers more extensively than the Akibarangers ever did with how they use it to defeat Shadow Line. With that in mind I think executives made the wrong decision by not giving this project to Naruhisa Arakawa or anyone who was involved with Akibaranger.


Ucchu Sentai Kyuranger

I think Kyuranger is now improving on the space theme concept. We've had some space-themed Tokusatsu before which also includes the Space Sheriffs and Juspion. Flashman started a space themed Super Sentai but most of the battles took place on Earth. Changeman was military-based but it went more and more into the space theme. I wonder can we say that Kyuranger will be the true Ginga series? Juspion started with planetary travel for the first few episodse but landed on Earth for most of the run. Next week's Kyuranger will take place outside Earth and I wonder if we'll see more planets by then?

Some Rather Minor Wishful Thinking For Denji Sentai Megaranger

Make no mistake I like Denji Sentai Megaranger but I can never call a series perfect. Do you know how much I still criticize the way Gai Yuki and Naoto Takizawa died even if I like Jetman and Timeranger? I still end up criticizing everything anyway even shows that I like. While I do have my DUH I prefer Megaranger over Power Rangers in Space but here's some of the stuff I wish happened instead. For Megaranger's anniversary I could talk about some things I wish happened in Megaranger but it wouldn't make much of a difference if they happened.


Chisato Jougasaki's characterization

I guess you're thinking I'm being pervy in raising Chisato up here. In my case, I thought about the first few episodes of Megaranger. Shun wanted to leave the Megaranger team because he wanted to pursue his ambition. My wishful thinking was that it was her and not Shun who tried to leave the team to pursue her ambition as a photographer. I would actually have it go this way. I would have Chisato attempt to leave the team but Kenta tries to go after her, convincing her that if she doesn't join them then the whole world will be in danger. Maybe we could have a flashback of Chisato having a deceased older brother in Africa. This might be further expanded in the episode where Chisato's grandmother appears and suggests she get a date already.


As much as the show has Chisato having a crush on Koucihirou but the writers tend to make it look like she's going to land on Kenta. Okay, there's really no official dating in Megaranger but I tend to like pairing them both for crack reasons. So I thought of some instances where Chisato tends to run on her own, Kenta tries to call her back and she tends to snap on him. In turn, I thought I wanted to create tensions between them. Maybe, one way Chisato could play Mika on Kenta is by actually forcing him to take his studies seriously.


The plot where the enemy doesn't know the Megarangers' identities does seem quite off

Maybe some fans can praise it for innovative writing but I always like it better when the villains know the secret identities of the rangers. It's almost always been the protocol to do so maybe except for Battle Fever J. But 39/41 Super Sentai seasons have the villains knowing the identities of our heroes. On the other hand, other fictional superheroes' real identity isn't known to most of their enemies either. Okay, the Megarangers may have been given the threefold rule: never use your morpher as a toy, use the power only for emergency and never let anyone know you're a Sentai warrior. I thought that I wanted to smash the heads of the villains for not discovering that. But again what's innovation without making a few turns and seeing if it can work? Who knows maybe future installments of Super Sentai can make it better.


Trying to expand a bit more on Dr. Kubota and Dr. Hinelar's past

Megaranger's scientist vs. scientist duel is no doubt a season long version of Bioman's conflict between Dr. Shinichirou Gou and Dr. Hideo Kageyama/Dr. Man. Dr. Hinelar is someone like Dr. Man who was driven by his own selfish ambitions. I thought the series should have tried to expand more it as much as possible and not leave it dragging for too long. As much as I think the concept was an improvement from what Bioman offered but I thought their backstory needs more expansion. The Neziranger arc could have tried to put Hinelar's backstory of losing his daughter there instead of the finale. I felt Hinelar's revelation of his lost daughter was too much of a last minute addition. Also, Dr. Hinelar could have used his monster form throughout the finale or none at all. Or he could have fired missiles at the school with the Death Neziros or just launch it immediately. But it was still pretty good in its own way except for some nitpicks I made.

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So what stuff did you want to happen in Megaranger but you thought it didn't matter much anyway since the show was a huge it? Comment!

Kyuranger 17: To Attack An Unseen Enemy With Unfair Labor Practices

This week's Kyuranger involves liberating another part of Earth. One part of Earth is stuck with a 22 hour sunlight depriving people of badly needed sleep. Worse, they have to confront an invisible enemy. How can the Kyurangers defeat it?


One part of Earth is basically called an oppressor's paradise. The Malistrate forces its residents to work beyond eight hours and makes them lack sleep. It's literally a slave-driving culture which destroys efficiency. I guess this episode shows us how tyrannical governments become inefficient.

The enemy remains invisible for most of the time and emerges through shadows. What's surprising (or not) is that he resembles Baron Nero from ToQGer. Tribute to Shadow Line anyone? SO I wonder why didn't the Shadow Line think of overworking any area they captured in ToQGer? I thought that this new tricky Malistrate sure knew how to use shadows to his advantage. At the same time, he's really that much of a thin-skinned, thick-faced moron who attacks the Kyurangers every time they talk bad about him. 

Since the dome causes a disruption of signals then it's only normal to find some crazy plan. Commander Shou Ronpou delivers the Shining Kyu Globe himself. It's funny to see the plan go awkward but it worked. That's a good commander for you even if he's silly. 

This reveals two sides of the coin. The first one harnesses the powers of the sun which creates a rather crazy attack. One truly badass moment is to use Balance to destroy a Consumarz Tower in this episode. Talk about how crazy ideas can work themselves out.

Garu's powers somehow get enhanced by the moon power of the Shining Kyu Globe. I wish future episodes will find a way to improvise this.

Meanwhile, I'd like this storyline of Scorpio planning to the over the Space Shogunate get elaborated. So how will Scorpio create conflict? Will Don Armage figure out that Scorpio has ulterior motives? I hope we can see Don Armage interact with the show a little more. I also want to see how Stinger can cope up with the guilt that resulted to Champ's defeat.

Next week will be a crossover episode. But honestly, isn't Dekaranger getting milked too much with Ten Years After and the upcoming Dekaranger vs. Gavan? I admit, I do like Dekaranger and I still like it but it's best not to over-milk it because it's getting old. On the other hand, I also want to have Captain Marvelous and Tsukasa Kadoya show up for one to two episodes.