My Reaction To The Recent Zenkaiger Update

 
Looks like the Christmas gift has been unwrapped, right? I finally got the updates from The Tokusatsu Network which reveals several important details. Here are the details below:

Synopsis

In this story, our heroes will use full-force full-throttle (the catchphrase of the series: 全力全開) to stop the enemies who are trying to destroy the parallel universes. One hero known as Zenkaiser, with a heart of justice, will stand up to a preposterous giant mass of evil who has managed to break into their home world. Fighting alongside him are four robotic lifeforms.

The visuals of the five heroes are themed on past Super Sentai heroes. Zenkaiser’s design is based on Akaranger from Himitsu Sentai Gorenger; Zenkaijyuran is based on the Daizyujin from Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger; Zenkaigaon is based on Gao King from Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger; Zenkaimazin is based on Magi King from Mahou Sentai Magiranger; And lastly, Zenkaiburun is based on Daibouken from GoGo Sentai Boukenger.

One of the highlights of the series is seeing the four robotic life-size lifeforms squaring off against life-sized enemies – a new novel take on the usual mecha fights in Super Sentai history. They will also have the ability to engage in giant battles as they are.

The device in this series is called the Gear Tringer. An item that can be used to transform, used in battle, or in giant battles. The item can combine with the Zenkai Gear that will combine their powers.

Prior to the TV series premiere, there will be a multiple movie feature on February 20, 2021: Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger: the Movie, Super Sentai Movie: Rangers 2021 (untitled), Mashin Sentai Kiramager: The Movie and Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger: The Movie.

Director: Shojiro Nakazawa

Action Director: Hirofumi Fukuzawa

Effects Director: Hiroshi Butsuda

Original Work: Saburo Yatsude

Producers: Chihiro Inoue, Shinichiro Shirakura, Naomi Takebe, Koichi Yada, Akihiro Fukada

Writer: Junko Komura

My recent thoughts

I really think this is as said, thinking outside the box, and trying to redefine Super Sentai cliches. Back then, we didn't have a mecha team for Super Sentai. Tokkei Winspector did that but it's a Metal Hero series trying to be as "realistic" and mature as possible. The four robots would have the ability to engage in giant battles which I don't know how it'd turn out. I wonder how the sole human of this new oddball Super Sentai team will eventually operate as the star of the show? The plot of parallel universes seems to take me back to my most-hated Heisei era Rider series namely Kamen Rider Decade. Yup, it's been more than a decade since Decade and I still treat it as if it's the "sequel" to Saban's Mashed Rider. 

So far, we've got action director Hirofumi Fukuzawa who has been a longtime stuntman like the legendary Kazuo Niibori. Director Shojoro Nakazawa was also involved with Jyuken Sentai Gekiranger and Samurai Sentai Shinkenger which can also be good. Junko Komura though is one person I've been a bit critical of. I would admit that I'm more willing to rewatch Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger over Doubotsu Sentai Zyuohger. However, Komura was also the writer of the ambitious Kaito Sentai Lupinranger vs. Keisatsu Sentai Patranger. 

My concerns are now with the producers involved. Yes, SHINICHIRO SHIRAKURA the guy behind the Super Hero Taisen franchise (which he eventually unplugged) is here. Shirakura was also involved as a co-producer (he also appeared in The Toys That Made Us episode about Power Ranger alongside Takeyuki Suzuki) for Chojin Sentai Jetman, Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger, Gosei Sentai Dairanger, and Ucchu Sentai Kyuranger. Also, Naomi Takebe isn't that good with Super Sentai either. Sure, I'm a fan of Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters BUT Shuriken Sentai Ninninger is just SLIGHTLY better than Power Rangers Ninja Steel. TBH, I'd really prefer NOT to watch BOTH Ninninger and Ninja Steel as both are just plain terrible. Though I blame Kento Shimoyama as to why Ninninger is at its mess or maybe Bandai too - the toy sales dropping at that time were rather well-deserved. Takebe (at least for me) does good with Kamen Rider but Super Sentai? I still feel Go-Busters could've done better even when I still consider it to be a good series.