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SCROLLS FROM OUR ANCESTORS: TokuGAF 2015 | ToQGAF 2014 | TokuGAF 2013 | TokuGAF 2012 | Henshin 2009-2011 | Super Sentai 2009
What is Toku?
Short for Tokusatsu, it's Japanese for "special filming", referring to a live-action series or movie with extensive special effects. Superheroes, giant monsters, guys in rubber suits, miniatures, all that good stuff.
The term usually refers to Japanese productions like Super Sentai (and its ongoing American counterpart Power Rangers), Kamen Rider, Ultraman, Godzilla, Gamera, and many others. Though the term can also be applied to Western shows like Doctor Who and The Flash.
Cool. What's coming this year?
Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger
The parallel world of Zyuland, occupied by beastly animal people, is under attack by the Deathgalien. Four inhabitants flee to the human world and seek the help of a young up-and-coming zoologist to stop the invasion.
Directed by Takayuki Shibasaki (Go-Busters) and written by Junko Komura (Gokaiger and Akibaranger)
Where to Watch?
Premieres February 14th at 7:30 AM on TV Asashi
Elsewhere is currently unknown.
Kamen Rider Ghost
18 year old Takeru Tenkuuji receives a mysterious package from his late father on his birthday. Upon receiving it, he's killed by the ghostly creatures Ganma. But he's been given a second chance and has to collect the 15 Legendary Eyecons as Kamen Rider Ghost.
Where to Watch?
Airs Sundays at 8:00 AM on TV Asashi
Fansubs provided by Over-Time and Orange Lion.
Power Rangers Dino Super Charge
The follow-up to last year's Dino Charge. Sledge may be no more, but a new threat arises and attacks on the Rangers on two different fronts. The hunt for the remaining Energems continues with an eventual roster of 10 Rangers!
Where to Watch?
Saturdays at 12 PM (11 AM Central) on Nickelodeon. They're eventually uploaded to the Nick.com. Sadly, no Hulu this year.
Any older stuff to recommend?
The Tokusatsu Network has recently put out a list of legally available streaming choices. As seen here..
Shout! Factory TV
Shout! Factory have become big names in the tokusatsu fandom over the last couple of years thanks to their acquisition of Zyuranger, Dairanger, and the upcoming Kakuranger, the first legally available Sentai released within the US. These are the shows available through their streaming website, Shout! Factory TV:
Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger: The series the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is based on and the first time a Sentai has been legally streamed in the US.
Ultraman: The grandfather of the modern tokusatsu hero shows, Ultraman is available in its entirety. This series is also available on Hulu.
Ultra Seven: A unique take on the Ultraman formula, back when Ultra Seven wasnt a sequel but a reboot of Ultraman.
Ultra Q: The very first show in the Ultra franchise, featuring monsters and a traditional sci-fi formula over hero action.
Hulu
Johnny Soko and His Flying Robot: (Giant Robo): One of the earliest examples of a giant robot in tokusatsu TV show, brought to you by the producer of the original Kamen Rider series, Tooru Hirayama. This series is dubbed into English.
Crunchyroll
Weve seen a nice influx of tokusatsu fans thanks to the recent licensing of Ultraman shows for the popular anime streaming service, including:
Ultraman Mebius: The 40th anniversary series, often called a fan favorite, features a return to the original shared universe of the first 7 shows, along with cameos from some of the original Ultras.
Ultraman Max: The series that came before Mebius, a fast and fun series highlighting great action and unique directing, thanks in large part to the amazing cast of high profile directors who lent their talents to the show. (including Takeshi Miike)
Ultraman Leo: One of the greats from the original Showa era of Ultraman shows. Leo features a dramatic story line with high intensity action and the return of a fan favorite character from a previous series.
Ultraman 80: The last traditional Ultraman series until Ultraman Tiga, over a decade later. 80 is a unique experience all its own with one of the most bizarre looking Ultraman characters.
Ultraman Nexus: Its not out yet but Crunchyroll has announced the series will be coming to their site soon. Nexus was a dramatic take on the typically family friendly series, with darker story lines than usual
Ultraman X: The most recent Ultraman series and the very first tokusatsu to be simulcast to overseas viewers as it airs in Japan. With a recently announced series for later in 2016, hopefully this isnt the last we see of Ultraman on Crunchyroll.
Shout Factory has also released DVDs of Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger and Gosei Sentai Dairanger. A DVD set of Ninja Sentai Kakuranger is coming out in May.
Other series worth checking out
Super Sentai:
Chojin Sentai Jetman
Gekisou Sentai Carranger
Denji Sentai Megaranger
Mirai Sentai Timeranger
Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger
Mahou Sentai Magiranger
Jyuken Sentai Gekiranger
Samurai Sentai Shinkenger
Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger
Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters
Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger
Kamen Rider:
Kamen Rider Black
Kamen Rider Kuuga
Kamen Rider Agito
Kamen Rider Blade
Kamen Rider Kabuto
Kamen Rider Den-O
Kamen Rider W (Double)
Kamen Rider Fourze
Kamen Rider Gaim
Kamen Rider Drive
Be weary that fansubs will fluctuate in quality depending on the series. Avoid TV-Nihon if there are other options.
Where are all the GIFs like the last thread
Noooot doing that.
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