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Super Sentai
Super Sentai (logo).png
The official logo of the Super Sentai series introduced in 2000 during the run of Mirai Sentai Timeranger
Created byShotaro Ishinomori
Toei Company
Bandai
Original workHimitsu Sentai Gorenger
Years1975–present
Films and television
Television seriesSee below
Games
TraditionalRangers Strike
Video game(s)Super Sentai Battle: Dice-O
Audio
Original musicProject.R
Miscellaneous
Toy(s)S.H. Figuarts
Soul of Chogokin
Super Robot Chogokin

Super Sentai (スーパー戦隊, Sūpā Sentai) is a Japanese superhero team metaseries and media franchise consisting of television series and films produced by Toei Company, and Bandai, and aired by TV Asahi ("Sentai" is the Japanese word for "task force" or "fighting squadron").[citation needed] The shows are of the tokusatsu genre, featuring live action characters and colorful special effects, and are aimed at children. Super Sentai airs alongside the Kamen Rider series in the Super Hero Time programming block on Sunday mornings. In North America, the Super Sentai series is best known as the source material for the Power Rangers series.[1]

Series overview

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In every Super Sentai series, the protagonists are a team of people who – using wrist-worn or hand-held devices – transform into superheroes and gain superpowers – color-coded uniforms, signature weapons, sidearms, and fighting skills – to battle a group of otherworldly supervillains that threaten to take over the Earth. In a typical episode, the heroes thwart the enemies' plans and defeat an army of enemy soldiers and the monster of the week before an enlarged version of the monster confronts them, only to be defeated again when the heroes fight it with their mecha. Each Sentai series is set in its own unique fictional universe; various TV, video, and film specials feature a team-up among two or more teams.

The first two Super Sentai series were created by Shotaro Ishinomori, then known for the 1971–1973 Kamen Rider TV series and the long-running manga Cyborg 009. He developed Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, which ran from 1975 to 1977, and J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai, released in 1977. Toei Company put the franchise on hiatus in 1978, collaborating with Marvel Comics to produce a live-action Spider-Man series, which added giant robots to the concept of tokusatsu shows. The giant robot concept was carried over to Toei and Marvel's next show, Battle Fever J, released in 1979, and was then used throughout the Super Sentai series. The next two series Denshi Sentai Denziman and Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan had Marvel Comics copyrights and co-productions, despite no influence. Subsequently, the remainder of the series has been solely produced by Toei Company.

Productions

Main series

This section contains a list of miscellaneous information. Please relocate any relevant information into other sections or articles. (December 2022)

The following is a list of the Super Sentai series and their years of broadcast:

No. Title Episodes Originally aired Power Rangers adaptation Korean Power Rangers title Notes
First aired Last aired
1 Himitsu Sentai Gorenger 84 April 5, 1975 March 26, 1977 — —
  • First Shōwa era series; first series in the franchise
  • First series to debut Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, and Pink Rangers
  • Longest-running Super Sentai series
  • First series where a core member of the team dies
  • Also known as Power Rangers FiveRangers in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
2 J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai 35 April 9, 1977 December 24, 1977
  • First series to have a leader change
  • First series to debut a White Ranger
  • Last series to be produced by Shotaro Ishinomori
  • Shortest-running Super Sentai series
  • First series to have a crossover with the previous series
  • Also known as Power Rangers J.A.K.Q. in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
3 Battle Fever J 52 February 3, 1979 January 26, 1980
  • First series co-produced with Marvel Comics
  • First series to debut a Black Ranger
  • First series to debut an Orange Ranger
  • First series to debut a giant robot
  • Also known as Power Rangers Battle Fever J in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
4 Denshi Sentai Denjiman 51 February 2, 1980 January 31, 1981
  • Second series co-produced by Marvel Comics and possess a Marvel Copyright, despite no influence.
  • First series to debut a transforming robot
  • Also known as Power Rangers Power Man in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
5 Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan 50 February 7, 1981 January 30, 1982
  • Last series co-produced by Marvel Comics and possess a Marvel Copyright, despite no influence.
  • First series to serve as a direct sequel to the preceding series
  • First and only series to have an all-male team
  • First series to debut an animal motif
  • First to have fewer than five members in the core team
  • First series to debut a combining robot
  • Marvel Comics failed to pitch an adaptation similar in concept to what would become the Power Rangers franchise
  • Failed Marvel adaptation pitch had involvement by Stan Lee and Margaret Loesch
  • Also known as Power Rangers Sun Vulcan in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
6 Dai Sentai Goggle-V 50 February 6, 1982 January 20, 1983
  • First season to air along with the Metal Hero franchise.
  • First series to introduce a three-piece robot.
  • Dubbed in South Korea as Earth Task Force Goggle V until it was officially renamed as Power Rangers Goggle V in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
7 Kagaku Sentai Dynaman 51 February 5, 1983 January 28, 1984
8 Choudenshi Bioman 51 February 4, 1984 January 26, 1985
  • First series to have two female characters on the main team
  • First series to debut a female Yellow Ranger
  • Last series to have a mid-series cast change
  • Saban's first, failed attempt to pitch an adaptation for the Power Rangers franchise
  • Dubbed in South Korea as Space Commando Bioman until it was officially renamed as Power Rangers Bioman in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
9 Dengeki Sentai Changeman 55 February 2, 1985 February 22, 1986
  • First series to debut a female White Ranger
  • First series with a mythological creature motif.
  • Last series to have one giant robot in the season.
  • Dubbed in South Korea as Lightning Squadron Changeman until it was officially renamed as Power Rangers Changeman in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
10 Choushinsei Flashman 50 March 1, 1986 February 21, 1987
  • First series to have the team originate from Earth but raised in outer space
  • First series to debut a secondary robot
  • Dubbed in South Korea as Earth Protector Flashman until it was officially renamed as Power Rangers Flashman in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
11 Hikari Sentai Maskman 51 February 28, 1987 February 20, 1988
  • First series to debut a five-piece individual mecha piloted by every Ranger
  • First series to debut a sixth Ranger
  • Dubbed in South Korea as Warriors of Light: Maskman until it was officially renamed as Power Rangers Maskman in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
12 Choujyu Sentai Liveman 49 February 27, 1988 February 18, 1989
  • First series to start with three members, with additional members joining mid-series
  • First series to debut a female Blue Ranger
  • First series to debut animal-based mecha
  • First series to debut a more powerful combined robot
  • Originally designated as the 10th anniversary series before Gorenger and JAKQ were officially incorporated into the franchise.
  • Last Shōwa era series
  • Dubbed in South Korea as Liveman: Warriors of Peace until it was officially renamed as Power Rangers Liveman in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
13 Kousoku Sentai Turboranger 50 + 1 sp. March 4, 1989 February 23, 1990
  • First Heisei era series
  • TV special was aired on February 25, 1989
  • Dubbed in South Korea as Turboranger until it was officially renamed as Power Rangers Turboranger in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
14 Chikyu Sentai Fiveman 48 March 2, 1990 February 8, 1991
  • First all-sibling Sentai team
  • Also known as Power Rangers Fiveman in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
15 Chōjin Sentai Jetman 51 February 15, 1991 February 14, 1992
  • First series to debut a female mentor
  • First series to have a third robot
  • Last series where a member of the core team dies
  • Also known as Power Rangers Jetman in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
16 Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger 50 February 21, 1992 February 12, 1993 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always
  • First series with a dinosaur motif
  • First series to debut a regular sixth Ranger
  • First entry to be adapted into the Power Rangers franchise
  • Saban's pitch for adaptation into the Power Rangers franchise was green lighted by Margaret Loesch
  • American adaptation dubbed in South Korea as The Invincible Power Rangers
  • Also known as Power Rangers Dino Rangers in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger before reverting back to the American adaptation's title in the South Korean dub of Zenkaiger
17 Gosei Sentai Dairanger 50 February 19, 1993 February 11, 1994 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Season 2)
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie
  • First series to debut a child Ranger
  • Originally designated as the 15th anniversary series before Gorenger and JAKQ were officially incorporated into the franchise.
  • Also known as Power Rangers Dairanger in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
18 Ninja Sentai Kakuranger 53 February 18, 1994 February 24, 1995 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Season 3)
Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie
  • First series based on a Japanese culture motif
  • First series to have a female leader.
  • Also known as Power Rangers Ninja Rangers in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
19 Chouriki Sentai Ohranger 48 March 3, 1995 February 23, 1996 Power Rangers Zeo
  • First team to regularly crossover with the preceding team
  • 20th anniversary series
  • American adaptation dubbed in South Korea as Zeorangers
  • Also known as Power Rangers Ohranger in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger before reverting back to the American adaptation's title in the South Korean dub of Zenkaiger
20 Gekisou Sentai Carranger 48 March 1, 1996 February 7, 1997 Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie
Power Rangers Turbo
  • First series to use an alternate version of the opening theme.
  • Also known as Power Rangers Carranger in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
21 Denji Sentai Megaranger 51 February 14, 1997 February 15, 1998 Power Rangers in Space
  • Last series with a two-piece main robot
  • First series to debut a Silver Ranger.
  • American adaptation dubbed in South Korea as Megarangers
  • Also known as Power Rangers Megaranger in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
22 Seijuu Sentai Gingaman 50 February 22, 1998 February 14, 1999 Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
  • First season to air after the death of Shotaro Ishinomori.
  • Also known as Power Rangers Galaxy Rangers in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
23 Kyuukyuu Sentai GoGoFive 50 February 21, 1999 February 6, 2000 Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue
  • Last season to air before the new millennium.
  • American adaptation dubbed in South Korea as Power Rangers Rescue
  • Also known as Power Rangers GoGoFive in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger before reverting back to the American adaptation's title in the South Korean dub of Zenkaiger
24 Mirai Sentai Timeranger 50 + 1 sp. February 13, 2000 February 4, 2001 Power Rangers Time Force
  • First series to debut an alien ranger.
  • First series to use the franchise logo at the start of the show.
  • First series to debut a Red Sixth Ranger.
  • Team is known as Power Rangers Timeranger in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger before reverting back to the American adaptation's title in the South Korean dub of Zenkaiger
25 Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger 51 February 18, 2001 February 10, 2002 Power Rangers Wild Force Power Rangers Jungle Force
  • First series to have a Super Sentai anniversary film.
  • First Sixth Ranger to have a spot in the intro.
  • 25th anniversary series
  • American adaptation dubbed in South Korea as Power Force Rangers
  • Series retroactively dubbed in Korean language and aired in South Korea under the Power Rangers title by Daewon Media over Shinkenger.
  • Currently the only series to have both itself and its American adaptation dubbed for South Korea titled as separate shows.
26 Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger 51 February 17, 2002 February 9, 2003 Power Rangers Ninja Storm —
  • First series to debut a Crimson Ranger.
  • First series to debut a Navy Ranger.
  • First season to debut a 10-year and 20-year anniversary movie.
  • Also known as Power Rangers Ninja Storm in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
27 Bakuryū Sentai Abaranger 50 February 16, 2003 February 8, 2004 Power Rangers Dino Thunder Power Rangers Dino Thunder
  • First series to be dubbed in Korean language and aired in South Korea under the Power Rangers title by Tooniverse.
  • First series between the American adaptation and South Korean dub to share the same Power Rangers title, but otherwise not be related.
28 Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger 50 February 15, 2004 February 6, 2005 Power Rangers S.P.D. Power Rangers S.P.D.
  • First series to debut a Gold Ranger.
  • First series to introduce a "Hand off" to the next series.
  • Last series to be dubbed in Korean language and aired in South Korea under the Power Rangers title by Tooniverse.
  • Last series between the American adaptation and South Korean dub to share the same Power Rangers title, but otherwise not be related.
29 Mahō Sentai Magiranger 49 February 13, 2005 February 12, 2006 Power Rangers Mystic Force Power Rangers Magic Force
  • Last series to be broadcast in standard definition
  • First series to have voiced equipment.
  • First series to debut a Purple/Violet Ranger.
  • First series to debut a regular Gold Ranger.
  • Only series to be dubbed in Korean language and aired in South Korea under the Power Rangers title by JEI Talent TV.
30 GoGo Sentai Boukenger 49 February 19, 2006 February 11, 2007 Power Rangers Operation Overdrive Power Rangers Treasure Force
31 Juken Sentai Gekiranger 49 February 18, 2007 February 10, 2008 Power Rangers Jungle Fury Power Rangers Wild Spirits
  • First series to debut a regular Purple/Violet Ranger.
  • First series to debut a female Green Ranger
32 Engine Sentai Go-onger 50 February 17, 2008 February 8, 2009 Power Rangers RPM Power Rangers Engine Force
  • First twelve-piece Giant Robo.
  • First series to debut two Sixth Rangers
  • First series to debut a female Sixth Ranger
33 Samurai Sentai Shinkenger 49 February 15, 2009 February 7, 2010 Power Rangers Samurai
Power Rangers Super Samurai 		—
  • First series to debut a female Red Ranger.
  • Skipped over in South Korea in favor of Gaoranger
  • Also known as Power Rangers Samurai Force in the South Korean dub of Kamen Rider Decade
  • Also known as Power Rangers Blade Force in the South Korean dub of Gokaiger
34 Tensou Sentai Goseiger 50 February 14, 2010 February 6, 2011 Power Rangers Megaforce Power Rangers Miracle Force
  • First Sentai team to cameo in two preceding Sentai teams' crossover movie.
35 Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger 51 February 13, 2011 February 19, 2012 Power Rangers Super Megaforce Power Rangers Captain Force
  • 35th anniversary series
  • First series to star a team of aliens from other planets
36 Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters 50 February 26, 2012 February 10, 2013 Power Rangers Beast Morphers Power Rangers Go-Busters
  • First series to be initially skipped over for a Power Rangers adaptation, but was adapted at a later date.
  • First series to debut an android Ranger
37 Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger 48 February 17, 2013 February 9, 2014 Power Rangers Dino Charge
Power Rangers Dino Super Charge 		Power Rangers Dino Force
  • First series to debut a Cyan Ranger.
  • First series to debut a Gray Ranger.
  • First series to receive a sequel in South Korea: Power Rangers Dino Force Brave
38 Ressha Sentai ToQger 47 February 16, 2014 February 15, 2015 — Power Rangers Train Force
39 Shuriken Sentai Ninninger 47 February 22, 2015 February 7, 2016 Power Rangers Ninja Steel
Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel 		Power Rangers Ninja Force
40 Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger 48 February 14, 2016 February 5, 2017 — Power Rangers Animal Force
  • 40th anniversary series
  • First Sentai to have a pixel/Rubik's Cube motif
41 Uchu Sentai Kyuranger 48 February 12, 2017 February 4, 2018 Power Rangers Cosmic Fury Power Rangers Galaxy Force
  • First series to start with more than five Rangers.
  • First series to debut a regular female Green Ranger
  • First series to not have an annual crossover with its predecessor since Dairanger.
  • Second series to be initially skipped over for a Power Rangers adaptation before being adapted at a later date.
  • Last Sentai team to cameo in two preceding Sentai teams' crossover movie.
42 Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger 51 February 11, 2018 February 10, 2019 — Power Rangers Lupin Force vs Patrol Force
  • First series to follow two distinct teams simultaneously
  • First series to debut a Sixth Ranger capable of assuming two distinct forms for both teams
43 Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger 48 March 17, 2019 March 1, 2020 Power Rangers Dino Fury Power Rangers Dino Soul
  • Marked the franchise's transition between the Heisei and Reiwa eras
  • First series to debut a Brown Ranger
  • Last Heisei era series
44 Mashin Sentai Kiramager 45 + 5 sp. March 8, 2020 February 28, 2021 — —
  • First Reiwa era series
  • Also known as Power Rangers Kiramager in the South Korean dub of Zenkaiger
  • First series to debut a genie motif
45 Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger 49 March 7, 2021 February 27, 2022[2] Power Rangers Zenkaiger
  • 45th anniversary series
  • First Sentai team to consist mostly of androids
  • First series to have the main protagonist not wear red
46 Avataro Sentai Donbrothers 50 March 6, 2022[2] February 26, 2023 Power Rangers Donbrothers
  • First season to have CGI rangers
  • First season to debut a regular male Pink Ranger
  • First season to have a female member of the team serve as the narrator
47 Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger[3] TBA March 5, 2023 2024
  • First series to debut an insect motif

Theatrical releases

V-Cinema releases

Televi Magazine releases

The following releases were on Super Video or Special DVD bundled with special issues of Kodansha's Televi Magazine:

Distribution and overseas adapations

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Although the Super Sentai series originated in Japan, various Sentai series have been imported and dubbed in other languages for broadcast in several other countries.

Europe

Bioman, Flashman, Maskman, Liveman, Turboranger, Fiveman, and Jetman were broadcast in France in the 1980s and early 1990s, with Maskman and Liveman marketed as Bioman 2 and Bioman 3, respectively.[citation needed] Additionally, Liveman, Turboranger, Fiveman and Jetman were broadcast in Spain and Portugal. Denjiman and Goggle-V were broadcast in Italy. In addition, some episodes of Bioman and Turboranger were released on VHS in Greece. In 1985, Bioman became the first Super Sentai series to be aired in the United Kingdom. By the early 1990s, the Sentai broadcasts were replaced by Power Rangers.

South Korea

Super Sentai has been broadcast in South Korea, dubbed in Korean. The first such series was Choushinsei Flashman which aired as Jigu Bangwidae Flash Man (Earth Defence Squadron Flashman), released in video format in 1989 by the Daeyung Panda video company; this was followed by Hikari Sentai Maskman and Chodenshi Bioman. Throughout the 1990s, Dai Sentai Goggle Five, Dengeki Sentai Changeman, Choujyu Sentai Liveman, and Kousoku Sentai Turboranger were also released in video format. In the 2000s and early 2010s, Tooniverse (formerly Orion Cartoon Network), JEI-TV (Jaeneung Television), Champ TV/Anione TV (Daewon Broadcasting), Cartoon Network South Korea, and Nickelodeon South Korea have broadcast Super Sentai series a year following their original Japanese broadcast, but have changed the titles to "Power Rangers".[4][5][6] Recently,[when?] there have been broadcasts of Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger, Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger, Mahō Sentai Magiranger, GoGo Sentai Boukenger, Juken Sentai Gekiranger, Engine Sentai Go-onger, Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger, Tensou Sentai Goseiger, Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters, Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger, Ressha Sentai ToQger, Shuriken Sentai Ninninger, Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger, Uchu Sentai Kyuranger, Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger, Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger, Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger and Avataro Sentai Donbrothers under the titles of Power Rangers Dino Thunder, Power Rangers S.P.D., Power Rangers Magic Force, Power Rangers Treasure Force, Power Rangers Wild Spirits, Power Rangers Engine Force, Power Rangers Jungle Force, Power Rangers Miracle Force, Power Rangers Captain Force, Power Rangers Go-Busters, Power Rangers Dino Force, Power Rangers Train Force, Power Rangers Ninja Force, Power Rangers Animal Force, Power Rangers Galaxy Force, Power Rangers Dino Soul Power Rangers Lupin Force VS Patrol Force, Power Rangers Zenkaiger and Power Rangers Donbrothers , respectively.[original research?] Currently, South Korea is re-airing Power Rangers Animal Force and airing Power Rangers Donbrothers.

In 2017, Power Rangers Dino Force has the South Korea-exclusive sequel called Power Rangers Dino Force Brave.

Latin America

Choushinsei Flashman and Choujyu Sentai Liveman were broadcast in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru in the early 1990s, and as reruns in the early 2000s. Flashman arrived with Spanish dubbing done in Brazil and Liveman in Venezuela.

Dengeki Sentai Changeman, Flashman, Maskman and Goggle V were broadcast in Brazil. The first season to air was Changeman in 1988, on TV Manchete (now RedeTV), and caused a tremendous impact in its time, considered a cult classic.[original research?]

In the early 1990s, the Sentai broadcasts in Latin America were replaced by Power Rangers.[citation needed]

Philippines

In 1978, Himitsu Sentai Gorenger was the first Super Sentai series aired on Philippine television and followed by J.A.K.Q the next year, both on RPN and was dubbed in English. In 1986, ABS-CBN returned to the airwaves after the EDSA People Power that resurrected the country's democracy following the end of Ferdinand Marcos' 20-year dictatorial rule as the network had shut down by his declaration of martial law in 1972. A year after Marcos was overthrown in 1987, ABS-CBN started to air Super Sentai series starting with Choudenshi Bioman then went on to do the Filipino dub of Hikari Sentai Maskman and continued until 1994 with Chojin Sentai Jetman.

In 1995, the network started to air the American-produced Power Rangers and continued until the end of Super Megaforce in 2015 when they rejected to air Dino Charge.

Malaysia

The Super Sentai series first aired in Malaysia starting with Choudenshi Bioman in 1986 and was dubbed in English. But two years later in 1988, the series started to dub in Malay with Choushinsei Flashman. In 1994, the Super Sentai broadcasts were replaced by the American-produced Power Rangers.

Mainland China and Taiwan

Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan was the first Super Sentai series aired in Taiwan in 1983. In 1987, Choudenshi Bioman was the first Super Sentai series aired in the People's Republic of China.

In 1995 after Chojin Sentai Jetman ended airing in mainland China, the country went on to air the American-produced Power Rangers and since then the series continued to popularize despite Hong Kong continuing to air Super Sentai.

United States

Main article: Power Rangers
Official Super Sentai logo for the North American DVDs by Shout! Factory
Official Super Sentai logo for the North American DVDs by Shout! Factory

After Honolulu's KIKU-TV had success with Android Kikaider (marketed as Kikaida) and Kamen Rider V3 in the 1970s, multiple Super Sentai series, including Himitsu Sentai Gorenger and Battle Fever J, were brought to the Hawaiian market, broadcast in Japanese with English subtitles by JN Productions.[citation needed] In 1985, Marvel Comics produced a pilot for an American adaptation of Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan,[citation needed] but the show was rejected by the major US TV networks.[7] In 1986, Saban Productions produced a pilot for an American adaptation of Choudenshi Bioman titled Bio Man.[8][9] In 1987, some episodes of Kagaku Sentai Dynaman were dubbed and aired as a parody on the USA Network television show Night Flight.[10]

In 1993, American production company Saban Entertainment adapted 1992's Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger into Mighty Morphin Power Rangers for the Fox Kids programming block, combining the original Japanese action footage with new footage featuring American actors for the story sequences. Since then, nearly every Super Sentai series that followed became a new season of Power Rangers.[citation needed] Some countries, such as France, Brazil, Thailand, and the Philippines, switched from broadcasting Super Sentai to Power Rangers.[citation needed] In 2002, Saban sold the Power Rangers franchise to Disney's Buena Vista division,[11] who owned it until 2010, broadcasting Power Rangers on ABC Kids, ABC Family, Jetix, and Toon Disney.[citation needed] On 12 May 2010, Saban bought the franchise back from Disney, moving the show to the Nickelodeon network for 2011 with Power Rangers Samurai.[12]

On 25 July 2014, Shout! Factory announced that they would release Zyuranger on DVD in the United States.[13] Since then, Shout! has been the official distributor of Super Sentai DVDs in North America, and as of 2019 has released all subsequent series up to Hurricaneger, plus Jetman. After Jetman, a release was announced of the series Fiveman, but was put on hiatus due to Hasbro's acquisition of the Power Rangers franchise. In June 2022, it was announced they would resume production/distribution of Super Sentai DVD sets in North America, beginning with Fiveman.

Beginning in 2016, Super Sentai episodes would be available on demand on ShoutFactoryTV.com. These episodes can only be viewed in North America.[14] Super Sentai episodes are also available to watch on the free streaming service, Tubi.

On 1 May 2018, toy company Hasbro announced they had acquired the Power Rangers franchise from Saban Capital Group for $522 million.[15]

Merchandise

As of March 2021, Bandai Namco has sold 30.89 million Super Sentai shape-changing model robots since 1979.[16]

Bandai Namco Super Sentai (Power Rangers) retail sales
Fiscal period Net sales Notes Ref
April 2002 to December 2005 ¥108.9 billion Bandai sales [17]
April 2006 to March 2007 ¥10.1 billion Toy sales [18]
April 2007 to March 2012 ¥102.4 billion [19][20][21]
April 2002 to March 2012 ¥221.4 billion ($2,775 million)
April 2012 to March 2013 ¥20.8 billion ($261 million) [21]
April 2013 to March 2014 ¥25.3 billion ($259 million) [22]
April 2014 to December 2020 ¥103.3 billion ($1,002 million) [23][24]
April 2002 to December 2020 ¥370.8 billion ($4.298 billion)
Super Sentai licensed merchandise in Japan
Year Retail sales Ref
2003 ¥24 billion [25]
2008 ¥37.28 billion [26]
2010 ¥24.58 billion [27]
2012 ¥40.96 billion [28]
2013 ¥37.99 billion [29]
2014 ¥39.21 billion [30]
2003 to 2014 ¥204.02 billion+ ($2.349 billion+)
Power Rangers licensed merchandise
Year(s) Retail sales Ref
1993 to 1999 $6 billion [31]
2005 $112 million [32]
2006 $131 million [32]
2012 $300 million [33]
2013 $333 million
2014 $326 million [34]
2015 $330 million [35]
2016 $361 million
2017 $548 million [36]
2018 $281 million [37]
1993 to 2018 $8.722 billion+

Parody and homage

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The Super Sentai Series has been parodied and emulated in various ways throughout the world.[citation needed] The term "Sentai" is also occasionally used to describe shows with premises like the Super Sentai Series.[citation needed]

Dai-Nippon

Main article: Aikoku Sentai Dai-Nippon

Gainax produced a Japanese fan film called Patriotic Squadron Great Japan (愛國戰隊大日本, Aikoku Sentai Dai-Nippon) in 1982 as a homage to the Super Sentai franchise.[38]

Sport Ranger

Main article: Sport Ranger

The Thai TV series Sport Ranger, another homage to Super Sentai, aired in 2006.[39]

France Five

Main article: France Five

Jushi Sentai France Five (later known as Shin Kenjushi France Five) is a French online mini-series that was released in six installments from 2000 to 2013.[citation needed] The series was so popular in Japan that Akira Kushida recorded its second opening theme.[citation needed]

Legendary Armor Samurai Troopers

Main article: Ronin Warriors

Known as Ronin Warriors in the English dub, this anime involved five young warriors each in possession of mystical armor and weapons which allowed them to transform into more powerful forms in the manner of Super Sentai.

Sailor Moon

Main article: Sailor Moon

Naoko Takeuchi used the Super Sentai Series as inspiration for the creation of the Sailor Soldiers in Sailor Moon.[40][41]

Digimon Frontier

Main article: Digimon Frontier

The fourth entry of the Digimon anime involved five young kids (eventually six) to gain Digivices known as D-tectors which contained the spirits of ancient heroes known as the Ten Legendary Warriors that allowed them to transform into Digimon forms to fight off monsters in a manner reminiscent of Super Sentai.

Jeanne d'Arc

Main article: Jeanne d'Arc (video game)

The Jeanne d'Arc PSP game made by Level 5 which depicts the title character (voiced by Maaya Sakamoto in Japanese and Kari Wahlgren in English respectively) in a fantasy universe based on the historical story has her and certain others with the power to transform into armored warriors akin to Super Sentai.

Kingdom Hearts

Main article: Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep

The PSP prequel entry to the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise made by Square-Enix involves the main characters (Terra, Aqua, and Ventus) transforming into magical armor akin to Super Sentai.

Sparanger

As part of the Omoikkiri Ii!! TV television program, a series of features was produced on various spas and onsen around Japan titled Bihada Sentai Sparanger (美肌泉隊ＳＰＡレンジャー, Bihada Sentai Suparenjā, Handsome Muscle Spring Corps Sparanger). This featured tokusatsu and drama actors Takashi Hagino (Changéríon of Choukou Senshi Changéríon and Kamen Rider Ouja of Kamen Rider Ryuki) as Spa Red (ＳＰＡレッド, Supa Reddo), Kento Handa (Kamen Rider Faiz of Kamen Rider 555) as Spa Blue (ＳＰＡブルー, Supa Burū), Kengo Ohkuchi (Emperor Z of Ressha Sentai ToQger) as Spa Green (ＳＰＡグリーン, Supa Gurīn), Masashi Mikami (Bouken Blue in GoGo Sentai Boukenger) as Spa Yellow (ＳＰＡイエロー, Supa Ierō), and Kohei Murakami (Kamen Rider Kaixa in Kamen Rider 555) as Spa Murasaki (ＳＰＡムラサキ（紫）, Supa Murasaki, "purple" or "violet" in Japanese, a running joke would involve people referring to him as Spa Purple).[42]

EA's Rock

In 2013, Gainax produced EA's Rock (エアーズロック, Eāzu Rokku), a 13-episode miniseries of live-action shorts which parodied the Super Sentai Series. The series' characters are all former members of a fighting group called Sensation Warriors Gokan Five (感覚戦士ゴカンファイブ, Kankaku Senshi Gokan Faibu, "gokan" is Japanese for the "five senses").[citation needed] EA's Rock is broadcast on the Tōmeihan Net 6 Japanese Association of Independent Television Stations as well as Nico Nico Douga.[43][44]

Akibaranger

Main article: Unofficial Sentai Akibaranger

Unofficial Sentai Akibaranger (非公認戦隊アキバレンジャー, Hikōnin Sentai Akibarenjā) is a Toei-produced parody series that premiered in April 2012 on BS Asahi and Tokyo MX. Akibaranger is made for adult fans who were fans of the Super Sentai Series as children. The story features three otaku who live in the Akihabara district of Tokyo who receive technology from a scientist to fight an evil threat that at first only exists in their delusions, but eventually starts materializing itself in the real world. Like Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, Akibaranger features guest appearances by veteran Super Sentai actors (as themselves rather than their characters), and voice actors and musicians who have worked in anime and tokusatsu.[citation needed] A second season aired in April 2013.[citation needed]

Bleach

Main articles: Bleach (manga) and Bleach (anime)

The manga/anime franchise Bleach has referenced Super Sentai twice. First with Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck and her Fracción (Dondochakka Birstanne, Pesche Guatiche, and Bawabawa) taking Sentai poses and introductions when they first encounter the protagonists in Hueco Mundo. The second is when Kisuke Urahara establishes the team of Karakura Raizer (lead by Kon) to protect Karakura Town in the heroes' absence, with their powers and introductions clearly inspired from Super Sentai teams.

Love After World Domination

Main article: Love After World Domination

The manga/anime series Love After World Domination is a satire on the Super Sentai genre, with a team of multi-color heroes who can don spandex power suits to fight against an organization bent on world domination.

Dragon Ball

Main article: Dragon Ball

Akira Toriyama was inspired to create the Ginyu Force for the Dragon Ball manga after seeing his children watch Super Sentai.[45]

Yu-Gi-Oh!

The anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS (2017) pays homage to the Super Sentai series, with the character Shima occasionally performing Sentai moves.[citation needed] The English dub adds a joke referring to a Sentai move as "the dab", referencing how the dab dance move in 2010s American popular culture has a striking resemblance to Sentai moves that have appeared in the Super Sentai series since the 1970s (and the localised Power Rangers series since the 1990s).[46]

One Piece

Main article: One Piece

Germa 66's Vinsmoke commanders bear a resemblance to Super Sentai series, as they bear similar color-coded designs and epithets: Reiju is "Poison Pink", Ichiji "Sparking Red", Niji "Electric Blue", Yonji "Winch Green", and Sanji "Stealth Black". These colors are also prominently incorporated into their clothing and hair color (except for Sanji).[citation needed]

The Red/Blue/Pink/Green team alignment matches that of J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai, the first and only Sentai squad which started with four members.[citation needed]

The clone soldiers used by the Germa likewise resemble the various foot soldiers used by the villains in Sentai series.[citation needed]

Pretty Cure

Main article: Pretty Cure

The Pretty Cure franchise largely resembles Super Sentai as a tokusatsu-style magical girl series with varying teams of girls over the years, as well as the fact that it is long-aired alongside Super Sentai on TV on Sunday mornings.

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