Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger (2012-2013) [Tokusatsu Review]

Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger; or, Pain is Strength!

     I am… a man who’s so painful that I can break the barrier between delusion and reality! I don’t care if it’s reality or not! I will transform and fight!

My journey with Super Sentai continues for 2 years now. I have checked out roughly about a dozen of entries, and Tokusatsu Gagaga drama, but absolutely nothing prepared me for the wrecking ball of spellbinding grandeur that Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger [Unofficial Squadron Akibaranger] actually is.
Release Info

Created by: Hatte Saburo Starring: Masato Wada, Kyoko Hinami, Karin Ogino,

Maaya Uchida, Shione Sawada, Ai Shimomura

Language: Japanese Original Title: 非公認戦隊アキバレンジャー No. of eps.: 26 (2 seasons)

 

Synopsis

Hiroyo Hakase (Maaya Uchida) is the owner of a Super Sentai cafe shop in Akihabara district, Tokyo. She inherits from her missing father three strange Moe Moe Z-Cune devices. She recruits Nobuo Akagi (Masato Wada), a delivery guy; Yumeria Moegi (Karin Ogino), a cosplayer; and Mitsuki Aoyagi (Kyoko Hinami), a high-school student. Together, they use the devices and transform into Akibarangers; however, they are an unofficial Sentai team, not recognised by Toei. They battle evil in the realm of delusions, but very soon, malevolent villains find their way into reality. Now, Akibarangers have to protect not only their beloved district but also the entire Super Sentai Universe from being destroyed by numerous foes, including evil commander Malshinna (Ai Shimomura), mysterious Doctor Z (Kazuki Yao), and fanatic otaku Tsuu Shogun (Ryo Horikawa). Little do the Akibarangers know that there is a superior mastermind lurking in the shadows…

 

For the glory of Tokusatsu!

Let me start with stating that Hikonin Sentai Akibranger is the ultimate love letter to the Super Sentai franchise. Even though the show promotes itself as a Sentai parody meant for mature audiences (Remember, good little kids shouldn’t watch it!), it includes literally everything a Super Sentai fan would love to see: from countless Easter eggs through cameos of the tokusatsu veterans to featuring official teams. Akibaranger has it all and even more! That is to say, it is an enjoyable show.

 

Speaking about Season 1, the first five episodes are harmless fun, with Akibarangers poking fun at many clichés of the franchise. However, when the rules of the established universe are broken (which is described by the characters as a shake up), the show starts getting pretty serious. To be honest, I really felt as if I was watching a Japanese version of Doctor Who. Over-the-top villains and non-stop action left me breathless! (On a side note, Hatte Saburo is not a real person, but a collective pen name used by Super Sentai writers and producers).

 

With regard to Season 2, I had a feeling that I won’t like it, but it really surpassed my expectations. Everything seemed bigger and braver! The only thing I disliked was the replacement of AkibaBlue. The new character, Luna Iwashimizu (played by Sione Sawada), is very good, but Mitsuki (Kyoko Hinami) had better chemistry with the team. Also, this season was focused on fixing broken timelines (even more Doctor Who feels!), which I greatly enjoyed. I read that some fans disliked the finale, but I thought it was a brilliant send-off. It ended on such a high note! How I wish there was a third season!

 

Now, a few words about the characters. I totally love Akibarangers. If only they had not been the unofficial team. They have great personalities and they actually develop throughout the series. As for the villains, Malshiina (a.k.a. ©Na; meaning Copyrighted Name) steals every scene she is in (but Tsuu Shogun is the second best villain, to me). She’s got the looks, the swag, and the sass. Nevertheless, the prettiest female character of the series, in my opinion, is Hiroyo Hakase. I love her heart-warming smile and exaggerated mental breakdowns.

 

It has to be noted that many tokusatsu veterans served on this series, including Ryuta Tazaki (Kamen Rider), director/character designer Keiichi Satou (Tiger & Bunny, Gundam), writer Naruhisa Arakawa (Kamen Rider Kuuga), and the legendary composer Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell).

 

Recommendations

If you are in the mood for a ridiculous comedy mixed with science fiction elements, then please check out Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger. However, some previous knowledge of the Super Sentai franchise is required in order to fully enjoy it. All things considered, this show communicates the important message that you don’t have to be an officially recognised hero in order to make a difference. Being a fan who is good at heart is enough… Juu-Mousou Zukyuun!

Overall score: 10/10