Tag: Sci-Fi

“Sentai Daishikkaku” Season 1: A Fresh, Twisted Take on Power Rangers

Introduction

If you grew up watching Power Rangers or Super Sentai and wondered, “What if the bad guys were actually the underdogs?” then Sentai Daishikkaku (also known as Ranger Reject) is the anime for you. Premiering in April 2024, this 12-episode series flips the classic hero-villain dynamic on its head, delivering a satirical, action-packed, and surprisingly deep story. Produced by Yostar Pictures (known for their high-quality adaptations), the show has already sparked heated discussions among fans—especially those familiar with the manga by Negi Haruba, the creator of The Quintessential Quintuplets.

The Premise: A Villain’s Struggle

For 13 years, the Nefarious Monster Army has staged weekly battles against the Dragon Keepers, Earth’s beloved defenders. But here’s the twist: the fights are rigged. The monsters are forced to lose every time, turning their lives into a never-ending humiliation. Enter Fighter D, a foot soldier who’s had enough. His mission? Infiltrate the Dragon Keepers and destroy them from within.

The first episode wastes no time setting up the absurdity of this world. The monsters are treated like disposable actors, while the Dragon Keepers bask in fame and glory. The show’s humor is sharp—imagine The Boys meets Power Rangers, with a dash of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure-style mind games.

Fan Reactions: Love, Confusion, and High Hopes

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit have been buzzing about the premiere. Here’s what stood out:

1. “This is The Boys but with Power Rangers!”
   Many viewers compared the show to The Boys, praising its subversion of superhero tropes. The Dragon Keepers aren’t just heroes—they’re egotistical celebrities who manipulate the narrative. One Reddit user noted, “The early parts of the manga were my favorite, and the anime captures that energy perfectly.”

2. “The animation is clean.”
   Yostar Pictures didn’t hold back. The fight scenes are fluid, the transformations are flashy, and the character designs stay true to the manga. Fans especially loved the particle effects when monsters “reform” after being “defeated.”

3. “The humor is weirdly endearing.”
   From a monster born from “the collective grudges of tigers” to fourth-wall-breaking text on screen, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. One fan joked, “The puns are so bad they’re good—like ‘tora’ (tiger) being used three different ways in one scene.”

4. “The twist at the end got me hooked.”
   Without spoiling too much, the first episode’s climax reveals that Fighter D’s mission is far more complicated than it seems. Some viewers admitted they almost dropped the show halfway through but stayed for the payoff.

5. “The OP slaps.”
   Tatsuya Kitani’s opening theme is already a fan favorite. One comment read, “The man doesn’t miss. I’ve had it on loop since the episode aired.”

Why It Stands Out

What makes Sentai Daishikkaku special isn’t just its premise—it’s the execution. The show balances comedy, action, and social commentary effortlessly. The Dragon Keepers represent fame and corruption, while the monsters symbolize the exploited underclass. It’s a clever critique of how media manipulates hero narratives.

Fans of Negi Haruba’s work will appreciate the sharp writing, while newcomers will enjoy the fresh take on a tired genre. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “If you’re tired of generic Power Rangers clones, this is the breath of fresh air you need.”

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for the Season

With its stellar animation, witty writing, and unpredictable plot, Sentai Daishikkaku is shaping up to be one of the standout anime of 2024. Whether you’re here for the action, the satire, or just to see Fighter D defy the system, this show delivers.

As the discussions show, the hype is real. Will Fighter D succeed in his mission? Or will the Dragon Keepers’ facade crumble on its own? One thing’s for sure: Sundays just got a lot more interesting.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A wild, refreshing ride with potential to become a cult classic.

What did you think of the first episode? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Dominion Tank Police (Episodes 1-4): A Wild Ride Through a Dystopian Playground

If you’re into retro anime with a mix of over-the-top action, dystopian chaos, and a sprinkle of absurd humor, Dominion Tank Police might just be your next binge-watch. Released in 1988, this four-episode OVA (original video animation) is based on Masamune Shirow’s manga—yes, the same genius behind Ghost in the Shell. But don’t expect the same philosophical depth here; Dominion Tank Police is more like a punk rock concert with tanks, gas masks, and a whole lot of attitude.

The Setting: A City That’s Basically a Garbage Fire

Newport City is a nightmare dressed up as a futuristic metropolis. Pollution is so bad that citizens wear gas masks just to step outside, and crime runs rampant. Enter the Tank Police, a squad of cops who fight fire with… well, tanks. The protagonist, Leona Ozaki, is a fiery rookie with a mini-tank named Bonaparte (because why not?). Together, they take on criminals like Buaku and the Puma Sisters, who are as ridiculous as they sound.

The show’s world-building is a chaotic blend of cyberpunk aesthetics and slapstick comedy. One minute, you’re watching a high-speed tank chase; the next, there’s a random dance sequence that feels like it was ripped straight from an ’80s music video. Fans on MyAnimeList have described it as “Patlabor on crack,” and honestly, that’s spot-on.

The Characters: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em

Leona is the heart of the show—a spunky, red-haired cop with a borderline romantic attachment to her tank. She’s got the energy of a caffeinated squirrel and the determination of someone who’s never heard the word “no.” Some viewers adore her, while others find her a bit one-dimensional. As one fan put it:
“Leona’s design and voice reminded me of Noa from Patlabor, but with less subtlety and more explosions.”

Then there’s the lieutenant, a walking disaster who somehow manages to be both the comic relief and the worst person in the room. His antics—like robbing a bank for no apparent reason—have divided audiences. Some find him hilarious; others think he’s just plain annoying. One commenter joked:
“The lieutenant is right though. It’s a rare woman who understands the bond between a man and his machines.” (Okay, buddy.)

The villains, Buaku and the Puma Sisters, are gloriously campy. They’re not deep or complex, but they don’t need to be. They’re here to cause chaos, and they do it with style.

The Tone: A Rollercoaster of WTF Moments

Dominion Tank Police can’t decide if it wants to be a gritty crime drama or a goofy comedy, and that’s part of its charm (or frustration, depending on who you ask). The first episode opens with a debate about police brutality, only to segue into a scene where the lieutenant dances like he’s in a disco. As one fan noted:
“The anime can’t seem to figure out if it wants to be an overly dark slapstick comedy or be taken seriously.”

The animation, while dated, has a raw energy that’s hard to ignore. The tank battles are surprisingly dynamic, and the show isn’t afraid to get creative with its action sequences. A MyAnimeList user raved:
“Look, look, we can do spinning shots without wasting our entire budget! Did you see? It’s all smooth and everything!” (Okay, maybe they were being sarcastic, but the enthusiasm is infectious.)

The Music: A Time Capsule of the ’80s

The soundtrack is pure ’80s cheese, and fans either love it or hate it. The opening theme is an earworm, and the background music swings between synth-heavy action beats and bizarrely upbeat tunes. One viewer summed it up perfectly:
“Dat music. Dat fucking music. Glorious.”

Final Verdict: A Cult Classic for a Reason

Dominion Tank Police isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a tightly plotted, serious sci-fi story, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re down for a wild, unapologetically weird ride through a dystopian playground, it’s a blast. As one fan declared:
“Anime peaked in the ’80s, and this OVA is more than enough proof.”

So grab some popcorn, turn off your brain, and enjoy the chaos. Just don’t think too hard about why anyone would name a tank Bonaparte.

Rating: 7.5/10 (for sheer entertainment value)

P.S. If you watch the English dub, brace yourself. As one fan warned: “The dreadful attempt at American accents is a crime worse than anything Buaku could dream up.”