Monster Zero x SciFi Japan - Archive Only

My favorites are:

DaiRanger - DaiRanger is just a masterpiece from beginning to end. The plot is ongoing throughout the entire series as opposed to havign 3 episodes of plot, 10 episodes of filler, then an episode of plot, etc. It does have its filler moments, but almost every episode advances the show in some form or another. THe entire cast of characters is great, even the secondary characters are important to the show, which is one of the things that help it. Of course, when it comes to Sentai, the battle scenes are the most important and DaiRanger does not disappoint. The fights are simply fantastic in their motions and choreography, as both sides have their own stances, which really make watching the battles enjoyable. Lastly, the mechs are just down right awesome looking. From a design standpoint, the mechs, ranger costumes, and monster costumes are just gorgeous to look at. The ending is a little awkward the first time you see it, but it does grow on you the more you watch it. This is by far my favorite Sentai and my favorite Toku series ever.

Kamen Rider Kiva - Kiva is my favorite Kamen Rider series, as it is just chock full of great designs, concepts, and a cast of characters. The character development is so high in this series that you cannot help but like every character, even the ones that start out as complete dicks grow throughout the series to show their characters. Wataru's growth is by far the best I have ever seen in a KR series, as he starts out as a scared boy who is afraid of the world with only one friend and becomes a hero who is willing to do anything to protect everyone around him. The costume designs are incredible to look at, as are the battle sequences, but it is not without its flaws. For a series that deals with horror themes, there are barely any battles at night, which is a real shame, as the costumes really showed their awesomeness during the night. There are two story arcs that are really out of place, but it does not hinder the show at all. With that said, the show's plot and its constant changes between the 80s and 00s makes it all the more interesting. Like Dai, its ending is similar in both tone and being awkward, but it does not stop the series from being great as some series have done.

Garo - This is my third favorite Toku series of all time, and it is just like watching Devil May Cry as a live action series. Some of the themes feel the same, as do the camera angles. The battle sequences in this show are simply masterful, especially ones that take place while falling from a sky scraper. Sometimes the fights are unrealistic, but come on, they are fighting freaking demons, so realism was shot out the door before the show even started. Again, the monster designs are incredible and some of them border on being very unique to the Toku genre. The music is memorable and gets stuck in your head even days after you have finished the series, and being at 25 episodes, the fillers are kept to a minimum (minus one annoying clip show). Oh yeah, and the final battle rocks. There is a movie (2 specials) that follows the series, which kind of pisses me off, but there is a battle sequence in there that just reminds you of why Garo is such an incredible series.

Other series to check out:

KakuRanger
GekiRanger
AbaRanger
B-Fighter
B-Fighter Kabuto
ZyuRanger
OhRanger
GoGoV
Liveman
Gingaman
TimeRanger
MegaRanger
CarRanger
Kamen Rider Blade
Kamen Rider Ryuki
Kamen Rider Black

I haven't really seen quite enough Japanese superhero shows to really be able to give as good a list as, say, August. I can say, though, that I absolutely love JNP's release of Kamen Rider V3. I am actually in the process of watching all of the original Kamen Rider TV series (1971 - 1973) without the benefit of English subtitles.

I am actually shocked by not only how much I'm able to follow along with the series despite not understanding everything that's being said, but I'm also amazed at just how entertaining this show is even though I don't really speak Japanese. I think it helps that I was familiarized with the plot, background, and characters through the sequel series Kamen Rider V3. I'm only halfway through so far, but I can definitely recommend checking this out. A really nice incentive is Hideyo Amamoto (Dr. Who in King Kong Escapes) plays one of the leaders of the evil organization in this show.

As for JNP's next release, I know it might be a bit unrealistic, but I really hope that it's the original Kamen Rider. This, like the original Ultraman, is a quintessential watch for any self respecting Japanese special effects fan.

Well there is the 30th Anniversary of Sentai book that covers every series from GoRanger through the beginning of Boukenger.

Thanks but thus far I'm more into Kamen Rider and Kikaider...I've tried to get into Sentai/ Rangers but it's just not my thing

It's cool. I'm the opposite though. I love a majority of the Kamen Rider series I have watched, but I will always choose Sentai over Kamen Rider. Here is my good and bad list for KR though:

Good -

Original
Black (at least until the final episode, then the show goes down hill)
Agito
Ryuki
Blade
Kiva

Bad -

555 (had a shaky start but got good, then the last 10 episodes were utter trash)
Hibiki
Den-O
Decade

And while I have only watched the first three episodes to both W and OOO, I liked what I saw and will get to them someday soon.

hmm,really sorry bro,i dont know a link or a site for buying online the second book,i remember see this in a japanese library long time ago but i dont have any idea about avaliability in net stores,excuse me man!

I also love the caracter of ULTRAMAN TARO....
but the show was over the top, ridiculous, crazy and silly...

But if for instance you think GODZILLA VS MEGALON is one of
your favorite Godzilla films...then the serie of Ultraman TARO will be your cup of tea.

I love the Kikaider anime, so very much.