Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Why I prefer Power Rangers over Sentai

Go ahead. Scream at me for using a remastered MMPR image.

People think it's kind of a shocker that I prefer Power Rangers over Super Sentai, but I think Super Sentai is a better franchise, and I like Power Rangers more....if that makes any sense?


Super Sentai has higher quality of writing, characterization, believable performances by the casts, and a bigger budget. Not to mention a better handle on what entertaining action looks like. Above is an image of Bioman, which I think is probably one of the BEST series I have ever seen! Thank you Fantasy Leader! XD


Power Rangers, on the other hand, is my childhood. I grew up with it. It's the thing that has stayed with me since I started watching it back in '97, and from that point on it's played a large part of my life. The key to continuing success for Power Rangers is always present something new and inventive, even knowing that most of the material comes from Sentai. Without originality, Power Rangers would be known as nothing more than an "English version" of Super Sentai. And no matter how bad the season may be, there is always at least one original thing that wasn't seen in the original material. Like for example, MMPR is about overbearing teenagers living their teenage life while fighting off a evil alien witch and her minions, where as Zyuranger is about ancient warriors from the past defending the planet from their sworn enemy.


Wild Force was an exact replica of Gaoranger, but watered down a little bit, and bad acting. The only thing that was new was Master Org, I think? Another example is Lost Galaxy. The setting was way different from Gingaman, took place in a Space Colony called Terra Venture. As well as added the Megaship, DECA, and Alpha from the previous season.

There was a thriving fandom for Power Rangers long before there was one for Sentai and Toku itself, and I knew people for years based purely on debates about how Astronema was Andros' sister, or why Goldar suddenly became lame in Season 3. You can't override those memories.


No matter how good Sentai is, it will NEVER take the place Power Rangers holds in my heart. I'll probably never grow out of Power Rangers, but I know for sure that I won't ever leave it for Super Sentai. I think both should just be enjoyed on their own merits.


One thing I do like about Sentai is how they let their heroes be their own comic relief. Even someone who's as much of a steadfast adventurer as BoukenRed has his silly side. It used to be with Power Rangers that they'd have the villains played for laughs or comic relief supporting characters like Bulk and Skull while the Rangers took themselves very seriously. The show's gotten better about that though.


These last few series of Sentai have been a let down for me. Last strong Sentai that I thought was really good was Gekiranger. Go-Onger was good, but RPM is amazing. Had a stronger plot, better characters, and a good tone, especially for a Disney season. Shinkenger is claimed as the best, it had a good start I'll admit, but I think it's greatly overrated...the story is too bland for me and episodes were boring. And Goseiger, like Shinkenger, the plot is bland for me. Had a good start until they started bringing in mecha that is really unnecessary and annoying. There's a plot for at least every mecha they introduce. There are a few good episodes here and there, but it's still not all that good. I'm hoping Saban won't let me down with Season 18, what I'm really looking forward to.

7 comments:

  1. LOL. Are you using the remastered MMPR Logo on purpose? xD

    Glad to hear you like Bioman! ^__^

    And I'm glad that you choose to be the person you are in your heart Kingdom Rider. Your nostalgia plays a huge part in who you are. And too many people tend to throw away parts of themselves that play a part in their lives. Good job man. ;)

    For what sentai has been doing these last three years... I blame it on the chief producer Jun Hikasa. He hasn't been making a lot of good decisions recently. When I saw Go-onger, I didn't like it. Though I'm willing to re-watch it soon since so many people keep telling me that I'm missing the good parts. I think Shinkenger is passable. Goseiger has just been a mess so far. I hate how it keeps teasing me with the supposed potential of it being good. Grrr DX

    Oh, and before I go.... *takes the re-mastered MMPR logo and chucks it at Kingdom Rider's head* All is forgiven. xD

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  2. I am so totally doing it on purpose, cause I know that NO ONE likes reversioned MMPR. You'd HAVE to be on acid to enjoy reversioned MMPR, like me. XD

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  3. Wow, you used the "remasterd" MMPR logo on purpose wow you seriously suck lol XD

    All kidding aside you wrote another quality blog. I mean half the stuff I already wrote a few years ago. Like Yes, Wild Force is a water down copy of Goaranger I mean, Saban was lazy with this one. I also felt Toei was lazy with Gaoranger more specifically in the naming department the red lion ranger named "ShiShi" which mean Lion in Japanese.

    That Shinkenger comment that sounds alot like me lol. Really, I was thinking about watching a Showa era Sentai season. I'm thinking about Flashman/Bioman.

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  4. I live to piss people off, that's why I used it. XD just kidding!

    Tzachor was the problem with Wild Force, which is why I'm scared that Season 18 is going to be a watered down version of Shinkenger, but I'll still watch it. It's too early for me to make judgments. xp

    Go for Bioman! It's pretty damn good! And it's dubbed in English! Actually, you should ask Fantasy Leader or Sean, they've seen EVERY Sentai and know what's a good one.

    I swear, we have a lot in common. Where have you been these past few months? XD

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  5. I've been under the radar for 2 years. I didn't have it in me to write my opinions anymore so I quit. And at the same time I saw how alot of people took tokusatsu serioulsy and that made me made infact last year I was in the personal period of hating all toku especially power rangers. It was' until I saw RPM and it restored my faith in toku but not completey. What got me back into toku was Kamen Rider Amazon (It's subbed if you wanna check it out)Then Faiz, Then Blade, Then Hibiku, Then Den-O etc. Finally it was Fantasy Leader's post about PR/Sentai completey brought back the blogger in me.

    I've noticed we do have alot in common. I'll check out Bioman after I'm finished with Dairanger. I don't want to pile up on unfinished toku.

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  6. Well I hope you plan on staying for a while. Oh yeah, I needs to catch up Amazon. Thanks for reminding me! XD

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  7. I feel the same way, dude. I love Sentai, but PR is something that will be in my heart forever.

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