Sentai

Probably the one best known to Americans, Sentai (or “Super Sentai) translates as “task force”. The first recognized Sentai is Himitsu Sentai Goranger, although it wasn’t until Battle Fever J, a show loosely based on Marvel’s Captain America–very loosely, even more than Spider-Man, that the term would be used.  Later tropes would be added, like the combining robot, and the series gimmick changes from series to series, but there are still things universal to the series.

Defining Characteristics: Although it took a few years to get them all in place, most Sentai feature a group of young people who are chosen either by fate or training to become super heroes. The teams usually wear matching outfits of different colors, tailored to their specific token in some cases, and bear weapons that can be combined into a super blaster. They also pilot giant robots that combine into larger robots. Recently the trend has become to give the teams numerous robots that combine in different ways and then can all combine together into an ultimate form. This way, Bandai can make more toys to sell.

American Translation/Counterparts: While one could make the case for the original X-Men I guess, the concept first hit the US (again, you could make the case for Battle of the Planets) in Saban’s comedic dub of Dynaman. However, you may know the series better as Power Rangers. First using stock footage from Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger, the franchise came on like a juggernaut and has become a part of pop culture. While the series changed hands between Saban and Disney, the series has continued non-stop until recently when Disney decided to end the series. However, Saban has taken it back and a new series will debut on Nickelodeon using footage from the previous series, Samurai Sentai Shinkenger. I’ve already posted the preview here in the Spotlight, and noted some of the differences.

Current Status: Sentai continues to be produced to this day and the only one mentioned in this primer to have gone non-stop. The current series is Tensou Sentai Goseiger, and for obvious reasons will probably continue to see brethren for a long time to come.