The Power Rangers franchise, with its colorful heroes, giant robots, and epic battles, has captivated audiences for decades. But did you know that this American icon has its roots in Japanese tokusatsu, specifically the Super Sentai series? While Power Rangers adapts footage and storylines from its Japanese counterpart, there’s a whole world of Sentai beyond what we see on screen.
For Power Rangers fans looking to delve deeper into the source material, particularly into the darker and more mature themes that Sentai often explores, anime provides a perfect gateway. Here are three dark Sentai anime that will resonate with Power Rangers reboot fans:
1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion – Lelouch in his Zero persona
Though not strictly a Sentai anime, Code Geass shares striking similarities with the genre. It features a charismatic leader, Lelouch vi Britannia, who gains a powerful ability, the Geass, and uses it to lead a rebellion against a tyrannical empire. Like many Sentai teams, Lelouch assembles a diverse group of allies, each with unique skills and motivations. The series explores themes of power, rebellion, and the cost of justice, all within the framework of mecha battles and political intrigue.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Set in a gritty and realistic sci-fi universe, Iron-Blooded Orphans introduces Tekkadan, a group of child soldiers who pilot mobile suits and fight for survival against oppressive forces. Like Sentai, the series showcases the power of teamwork and camaraderie in the face of overwhelming odds. However, Iron-Blooded Orphans doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutal realities of war and the moral complexities of its characters’ actions.
3. Gatchaman Crowds
Gatchaman Crowds offers a modern and stylish take on the classic Gatchaman franchise, which heavily inspired the creation of Sentai. This series follows a group of young heroes chosen to protect Earth from extraterrestrial threats. While maintaining the visual flair and action-packed battles of its predecessors, Gatchaman Crowds delves into themes of social media, internet culture, and the nature of heroism in the digital age.
These three anime offer a glimpse into the diverse and captivating world of Japanese storytelling that inspired Power Rangers. With their darker themes, complex characters, and mature storylines, they provide a fresh perspective for fans seeking a more mature take on the Sentai genre.