2021 is an anniversary year for Super Sentai with the upcoming Zenkaiger. However, let's take time to remember these shows from Toei from past to present.
50th anniversary
The first Kamen Rider
It started in 1971 and had a whopping 98-episode run. It's really something to think about that the Showa era Riders were usually not a stable franchise. While Kamen Rider Kuuga gets lots of love from newer fans but can the same be said about this one?
40th anniversary
Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan
Sun Vulcan celebrates its 40 years since it aired last 1981. What was interesting was that Stan Lee nearly wanted to make this the first Power Rangers series. Marvel was also somewhat still involved at that time with Toei too.
35th anniversary
Choshinsei Flashman
Before Power Rangers Lost Galaxy - there was Choshinsei Flashman. Flashman may be regarded by many as the best of Hirohisa Soda's era. While I have no reason to believe Lost Galaxy was more popular than Seijuu Sentai Gingaman - there may be tons of reasons to believe Flashman is more popular than Maskman.
Jiku Senshi Spielban
The popularity of Hiroshi Watari created a new show with the same actor. Think of how Hiroshi Miyauchi became so popular that he had many more roles after his first iconic role in Kamen Rider V3. For me, this show just doesn't get much power as Ucchu Keiji Sharivan ever will IMHO.
30th anniversary
Chojin Sentai Jetman
It's no secret that I've got extreme favoritism for this series. It's also hailed back then as the best Super Sentai series that was ever done in the 90s. Though, I suggest checking more before and after it before you make that conclusion. What was interesting was that this series had both Takeyuki Suzuki and Shinichiro Shirakura running the show.
Tokyuu Shirei Solbrain
The huge success of Tokkei Winspector gave birth to a direct sequel (with different heroes) in Solbrain. Like Winspector, there was no central organization. However, it did have an overarching villain with Takaoka who arrived midseason and became the final villain. I also feel Solbrain's Takaoka was better written than Abrella in Tokosou Sentai Dekaranger will ever be.
25th anniversary
Gekisou Sentai Carranger
Carranger is hailed as an anniversary season after Choriki Sentai Ohranger retroactively included Himitsu Sentai Goranger and Dengekitai Sentai JAKQ. You can imagine how this show really didn't do much to improve ratings. Later on, it finally got vindicated. Yet, one can't deny this is one weird show that might be an acquired taste. Still better than what Engine Sentai Go-Onger has to offer IMHO!
B-Fighter Kabuto
After the success of B-Fighter came in the rather lackluster B-Fighter Kabuto. It didn't help that Kabutack followed it up resulting in the decline of the Metal Hero franchise.
20th anniversary
Hyajakuu Sentai Gaoranger
Mirai Sentai Timeranger was a "finale" while Gaoranger felt like a reboot. Why do I feel this show as a reboot? The show introduced several new concepts that would be used for most of the post-Gaoranger era such as multi-gattai. The show wasn't also afraid to try new concepts such has not having a real main villain instead of the cliche of having one.
Kamen Rider Agito
It's not possible to talk about this show without spoiling major details huh? Granted, I believe most people have watched this show. This show is hailed (by some) as Toshiki Inoue's masterpiece and last decent work. Strangely, Inoue had more pride in Kamen Rider Faiz over this one. The show tries to explore a different side of villainy where villains were simply trying to keep humanity's evolution in check to avoid the end of the world.
15th anniversary
Kamen Rider Kabuto
Gougou Sentai Boukenger
This was the 30th entry of Super Sentai now celebrating its 15th year. I feel the show is just plain overrated all because
Power Rangers Operation Overdrive is that backlashed. TBH, the show is better only in the regards of not being rushed and having better acting. Other than that, it seems the
Boukengers are a group of drunkards. The show's heroes tend to make way too many reckless decisions in the name of an adventure.
10th anniversary
Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger
It's been ten years since this show sailed, right? I can say I do love the series but hate it whenever people say "It's the best Sentai ever!" without checking older and newer stuff. The show in itself managed to get past beyond a crossover move with Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters. They even managed to resurface during the rather AWFUL Super Hero Taisen film (which was so full of sob stories) and even during Doubotsu Sentai Zyuohger. Personally, I think it'd be hard to beat this out as an anniversary season. Is Zenkaiger up to the challenge?
Kamen Rider Fourze
Kamen Rider Super-1 had its major anniversary last 2020. In 2021, it's this show's turn. It's a shame really that Shunsuke Takasugi got into criminal charges for swindling and went missing ever since. Fourze succeeded where Super-1 failed. Super-1 really caused a six-year hiatus between it and Kamen Rider BLACK.
5th anniversary
Kamen Rider EX-AID
It's a good thing that the lackluster Kamen Rider Ghost gets followed by the more interesting EX-AID IMHO. The show though did get concluded in 44 episodes due to some schedule change for Super Hero time. Other than that, I do enjoy the weird mix of retro-gaming and medical themes going on. Though, I'd rather watch Korean medical drama instead. Hehehehehe!
Doubotsu Sentai Zyuohger
I admit, at first I was feeling positive about it. Later, the show just sank IMHO due to Misao Mondo or Zyuoh the Wordl. It was just so fortunate that 2017 would eventually give us Ucchu Sentai Kyuranger.
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Missed any shows? Let me know!
Missing Spielban in this anniversary post.
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