Sentai 2006 -- Treasure Fleet Boukenger *spoilers*

[Peter]

http://img497.imageshack.us/img497/9387/boukenger2iz.jpg

From Dukemon22, who's pretty much on the ball when it comes to this kind of thing...

"Treasure Fleet Boukenger (name on the site, link under here), will premiere on 2/26/06. Regarding this, Magiranger will need to be pre-empted at least 3 more times, since the series is confirmed to be 48 eps long. One of those spaces could hold a special for the 30th anniversary, like Timeranger did. Will report more news as it comes. Here's the site for verification:

http://nagoya.cool.ne.jp/zatuyou1/ "

The suits look pretty sweet. I'm of two minds about the zords, but the Pink Ranger's zord looks like a submarine, which wins points from me.

Plus, "Treasure Fleet" has all kinds of piraty/Tomb Raider connotations, and quite frankly I don't think you can go wrong there.

[Cyke]

The suits remind me of early 90s teen superheroes.

Wait a tic, that's what the MMPR were! But without the angst!

[Peter]

More pictures.

http://img211.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bouken20cq.jpg

Megazord seems pretty cool, and it looks like another phone-morpher.

[Peter]

More from dukemon22

hey guys, here's the robo setup:

Red (Dump Truck)- Lower body and legs
Black (Racecar)- Upper body
Blue (Gyrocopter)- Head
Yellow (Bulldozer)- Arm
Pink (Sub)- Arm

Then there's two extra mechs, both belonging to red. One is an orange drill, the other a blue "crane". They form different arms on the robo for different finishers. The name of the robo is DaiBouken.

That actually sounds pretty cool. Not thrilled about the dump truck for red, but the fact that I guessed right and that the pink zord was a submarine -- that's pretty cool.

Edit -- there's a rumour that, because this is the 30th Sentai series or something like that, it's gonna tie in indirectly to a lot of the previous series. Treasure hunters searching for artifacts from past seasons would be pretty sweet, all told.

The storyline also suggests this, that the Rangers are part of a secret organisation (initials SOS, which his cool) in charge of rescuing/protecting artifacts from ancient civilisations. Honestly, it sounds pretty damn cool, right now.

[Peter]

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/3285/boukenger20051206015xp.jpg

I *love* that mech.

It doesn't have the Mystic Force Megazord's cute little mage helmet, and although tech-based series can be bad (I'm thinking about Turbo and Lightspeed), I can forgive tech-based zords if they really look like advanced technology.

This is one of those times.

And look -- semi-trailer mode :D.

Edit -- if you look above the zord's left arm, you can see the compass-design which is going to be this season's symbol. The more I find out about next year's Sentai, the more I'm loving it.

[Peter]

More pictures. Auxillery zords! :)

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/6332/32ze1.jpg

[Cyke]

They sure love gyrocopters. Second one in three seasons. At this rate, there might be more gyrocopters than lionzords :)

And Red zord is forming below the waist? My, how times have changed.

[Peter]

And Red zord is forming below the waist? My, how times have changed.

I was happier to see that the Blue Ranger's zord *finally* forms the Megazord's head.

That's never happened before, not in any of the PR seasons (not sure if that extends back through the Sentai).

[StoneGold]

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/3285/boukenger20051206015xp.jpg

I
Ultra Magnus is a Power Ranger now?

[Peter]

Yeah, I can just see the Transformers jokes wearing thin in about six months or so, actually :).

[Cyke]

Ultra Magnus is a Power Ranger now?

I say it's more like Devastator than it is Ultra Magnus. The construction vehicles in there just push it that way for me.

[Silver_Centurion]

Well Boukenger starts today, I wonder what it will be like.

[Peter]

First ever zord battle --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0ys6LX7uMc

And here's a promotional pic (yeah, somebody turned up to the wrong convention).

http://i1.tinypic.com/o51i5k.jpg

[Silver_Centurion]

I liked that. They carry their controls in suitcases! The Daibouken also has an almost stemepunk feel in all the visibly pumping pistons and gears.

[Nega Knight]

Well, I've seen the Raw of Task 1. In short: I like it. Seems like its in the same vein as DekaRanger, style wise, which isn't a bad thing. BoukenBlack seems like kind of a dick.

As far as the mechs, well, to tell the truth I didn't like them when I first saw them in promo ads, but after seeing them in action I'm a believer. DaiBouken so very ftw. I was kinda thrown off when they pulled out the shovel, and then started digging, though. Total "WTF" moment. But then they made it awesome.

Also, anyone else notice that the entire cast of rangers are, like, scarily hot? Especially BoukenBlack and BoukenYellow. Yowza.

[Silver_Centurion]

That was a great first episode. BoukenRed is certainly one of Sentai's most hardass leaders.

[Cyke]

I liked that. They carry their controls in suitcases!


How very japanese :)

As for the picture with all those Rangers up there: I always knew Optimus was a fan :)

[Silver_Centurion]

I wonder if they're ever going to Top Magishine/DekaBreak/Wolzard/DekaMaster in cool add on rangers.

[Silver_Centurion]

I really like the idea of all these different factions scrambling for the "precious" enegry. Interesting theme that I don't believe has been done in any other sentai.

Bouken Red don't mess around. The Boukenger's weapons are really cool.

[Silver_Centurion]

Task 3 was pretty cool, it had Ninjas.


Hehehe, when they're summoning their vehicles the professor character lauches their control suitcases at them.

[Antonio B.]

Task 3 was pretty cool, it had Ninjas.


Hehehe, when they're summoning their vehicles the professor character lauches their control suitcases at them.

The show looks like it is gonna be great. I mean it is already good and all. I like it alot so far.

[Antonio B.]

I wonder if they're ever going to Top Magishine/DekaBreak/Wolzard/DekaMaster in cool add on rangers.

I was thinking about that. Is it possible? Sure.

[HynerianChef]

I glanced at the RAWs, but I was waiting for the sub to come out before I actually saw this show. So it has, and I've seen Task 1. Spoilers ahead.

I have to say I like it. I was very pleasantly surprised because it was a lot better than what I thought it was from the bits and pieces of the RAWs. I like the team dynamics and the cast (though blue needs some fleshing out, so far he's rather generic with nothing specific to mark him out), and I'm extremely glad they're conscious of how utterly cool "treasure hunters" is as a theme.

I quite liked the BoukenRed. He's a nice departure from Reds of recent years in that he's not the fiery, wild card one, but rather cool and collected, very professional about his work. Yet at the same time he's clearly an adventurer, a risk-taker, and loves what he's doing. "The spur of the moment is also an adventure" was an awesome line. As Slay commented today through IM, "he is by the book and the book is kicking ass".

As for the other rangers, Pink seemed to be a by-the-book type as well, serious and professional for the most part. Blue didn't really get that much characterization. Yellow was kind of adorable, fulfilling the flimsy-energetic-free-spirit role that is usually the province of Pink. Black is the wildcard, the rebel who doesn't integrate well and doesn't follow rules. Heck, he's a former thief/treasure hunter who joined Boukenger in the first place just so he could use them to get his hands on a Precious and sell it to the highest bidder.

The villains are nothing special so far, to be honest. Certainly no Wolzard, who was instantly "whoa", but then again Agent Aburera wasn't really that impressive at the start either. Besides, the priest is no doubt not the main villain, judging how the episode ended.

So overall... I like it. Good cast, really going into the "high adventure" of treasure hunting, it's very promising.

Oh, an another thing that has to be mentioned is the improvement in image quality. Sentai has really been improving in this area in recent years. Magiranger had better production values than Dekaranger, and they've been upped once again in Boukenger. I don't think Sentai has managed to catch up to Kamen Rider yet (Kabuto is just amazing to look at), but it's very, very close.

[Gaz]

I was happier to see that the Blue Ranger's zord *finally* forms the Megazord's head.

That's never happened before, not in any of the PR seasons (not sure if that extends back through the Sentai).
Strictly speaking, Black's the head, as well as the chestplate. Blue's the helmet and that funny back bit that they always have because they have parts left over.

[Peter]

Strictly speaking, Black's the head, as well as the chestplate. Blue's the helmet and that funny back bit that they always have because they have parts left over.

Actually, going by the toys, Red is the head, Black is just the chest-plate, and Blue is just the helmet.

Which is a shame, because I was hoping we'd get the Blue zord to form the head, for like the first time ever. But just the helmet means it's only a step up from the Zeo Megazord wearing Rocky's zord's helmet.

[Gaz]

Actually, going by the toys, Red is the head, Black is just the chest-plate, and Blue is just the helmet.

Which is a shame, because I was hoping we'd get the Blue zord to form the head, for like the first time ever. But just the helmet means it's only a step up from the Zeo Megazord wearing Rocky's zord's helmet.
Wasn't the DT Pteradactyl the helmet also?

[Peter]

Wasn't the DT Pteradactyl the helmet also?

Well yeah, but the Yellow Ranger's zord has been the head for the Megazord several times. The Super Zeo Megazord, for one, and the Wild Force Megazord for another.

The Blue Ranger's zord has *never* provided the Megazord's head. The closest it's come is providing a helmet for the head (which is the Red Ranger's zord), like Zeo or Boukenger.

Every other colour -- black, green and pink -- has provided the Megazord's head at least once.

[Nega Knight]

Task 2 and 3 are subbed, opinions shall be forthcoming.

[Magneto_X]

Sentai + Transformers = TFB :confused:

I'm sure the Japanese will make it cool but I'm worried if the American version will be a clusterf*ck. They better get Bruce Kalish on it if it has a hope in hell of being enjoyable.

[HynerianChef]

Having now seen 3 eps, my opinion above still holds, with the exception that now BoukenBlue has gotten a focus ep and some character development, so I like him now. :)

I'm still not fully convinced by the villains. On the one hand, I absolutely love what they're doing, with the various different factions of the "Negative Syndicate" and the Goadan priest doing his own thing. It adds depth to the show that the villains aren't just one big mass, rather a number of seperate smaller groups each with its own goals, and it also plays well with the same of treasure hunting. A treasure doesn't only have two parties interested in it, after all. On the other hand, the villains are just, I dunno, lacking something when compared to Infershia from Magiranger; they're simply not as instantly likeable and interesting.

BoukenRed continues to impress. He reminds me of a cross between Houji from Deka and Luffy from One Piece. Houji in that he's very professional, cool and by the book. Luffy in that there's this glint in his eye, or when he smiles, where you just see how much he loves adventure, and you just know it's going to work out. For those who've watched or read One Piece, you know those moments where people falter a bit, or are worried about the danger, and Luffy just smiles and laughs and acts as he's 100% sure things are going to be alright and it's all fun? BoukenRed sort of has a hint of that.


So overall, I'm giving this series a big thumbs up. I won't lie and say it's the new super best thing; it's not as overwhelmingly cool as Deka, or have the emotional impact of Magi. But it's fun, it's about treasure hunters, it has lizard people, ninjas and transformers. What's not to love?

[Cyke]

I'm going to agree with you there on a few points. Blue is rapidly turning into my favorite ranger (that and he's just so darn cute), and I love the fact that there are different factions of bad guys. I didn't think it was so well handled in Lost Galaxy, but I really liked it when Shane took on Vexacus, a space villain who had no real ties to Lothor when he debuted. It just branches out the Rangers even more, instead of having them fight the same guys over and over again.

[Peter]

So, spoilers for upcoming episodes...

And yes, we largely have the toys to thank :D.

We've got the four auxillery zords, and they're very cool. Now, back before the series began, I called that we'd get a tenth mech so as to make an Isis Megazord-style mech where all the auxilleries combine.

Here's our tenth zord.

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5724/img105920813670ik.jpg

More importantly...

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4725/img200603291705498kc.jpg

Note the black octagonal pieces near the head. They definitely would be the same shape to fold out and form arm connecters. Which would give us the following -- now, this is just a fan mock-up, but going by the designs of the toys, it looks likely --

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4637/img200604142055438av.jpg


Also, from what I've heard, the third Megazord's name is BoukenHunter. It's a military-themed zord, with a tank, jet-fighter and battleship as the components. Like WF's Predazord. He or she is likely to be the Green BoukenRanger.

I also read two other rumours -- a seventh White or Silver Ranger, and a zord-combination featuring all 13 zords together.

[HynerianChef]

Whoo-hoo, Boukenger up to episode 6 released!

Episode 5 had a return of the Negative Syndicate Ninja clan, and was a Pink focus ep. We learn that apparently she's a former Olympic, and we get some character development about how she's so serious and professional. We already knew that, but it's interesting the contrast between BoukenRed, who while by the book and professional truly enjoys the spirit of adventure, and BoukenPink who is much more reserved and cold about it. It's obvious she'll open up progressively during the course of the series, and I'm wondering if we'll get a "tragic event of the past" that explains her more serious attitude.

I also really liked how BoukenRed predicted Pink's behaviour. It shows he knows his team very well, and is a good and prepared leader. I'm also going to be on a relationship between him and Sakura down the line. I think there's already something there, in their interactions; one example was how, in previous eps, when he was sleeping to recover from the Go Go Drill training, she put her jacket over him to keep him warm.

Episode 6 was also enjoyable; it didn't focus on any one ranger in particular, but had a number of character development moments for the cast and interesting concepts, such as the cursed precious, the nature of what is a Precious and how different factions view it, a bit of discussion on the core theme of treasure hunting and what it means to the characters. The action was also top-notch, though I still think the Go Go Drill's attacks sound dirty.

I found it interesting when the Goadam priest said they used "peace" as an excuse but in the end were as obsessed about getting the treasure as everyone else. It's a good point, and it did make at least Black think. Also good development on the Goadam priest, how he didn't really want the Precious for himself, but rather was just using it as an excuse to get the Boukengers into a trap.

[Cyke]

Also, from what I've heard, the third Megazord's name is BoukenHunter. It's a military-themed zord, with a tank, jet-fighter and battleship as the components. Like WF's Predazord. He or she is likely to be the Green BoukenRanger.

I also read two other rumours -- a seventh White or Silver Ranger, and a zord-combination featuring all 13 zords together.

Not really a spoiler, but speculation on a spoiler:

So we've got the classic Red/Black/Blue/Yellow/Pink team again. Then there's going to be a Green and followed up with possibly a White? Seems remarkably similar to the first two seasons of MMPR. And I couldn't be happier. If not tied to MMPR, then at least to ZyuRanger and DaiRanger.

Judging by the way the Sentai stories have been well-thought during its recent seasons lately, I wouldn't be surprised if this was all intentional.

[Nega Knight]

Episode 7 is subbed. Probably the first high drama episode of the series, and a great one at that. The Jaryuu Clan is probably my second favorite of the villain groups, with Dark Shadow just a bit above them. Don't really care for the Goadom at all, though.

Anyone else notice that they're going real light on the sparks this go around? Seems like they mostly save it for stuff that looks like it should really hurt. This Sentai also seems to be a bit more graphic than most others.... not at all afraid of showing grunts getting run through and monsters getting gigantic gaping holes blown through their torso.

The action was also top-notch, though I still think the Go Go Drill's attacks sound dirty.


Go Go Drill! RISING PENETRATION!!!! XD

This series = Best attack names ever. Jeebus, and I thought that 'Magical Climax' was bad...

[Magneto_X]

Where do you guys see the eps? You Tube doesn't even have any eps up. :confused:

I wonder if the sword that the Pink Ranger w/ glasses possessed in "The Power Of Pink" ep from Galaxy Rangers will show up here.

[Nega Knight]

Where do you guys see the eps? You Tube doesn't even have any eps up. :confused:

Well, whatever you do, don't go to TV-Nihon's Bittorrent section. (http://www.tvnihon.com/)

You totally won't find what you're looking for there.

[Antonio B.]

Well, whatever you do, don't go to TV-Nihon's Bittorrent section. (http://www.tvnihon.com/)

You totally won't find what you're looking for there.

Don't go to mininova either.

[Magneto_X]

The first few episodes are(n't) on You Tube now.

They are untranslated, however.

[HynerianChef]

What, nobody has commented on episodes 7 and 8? They've been out for a few days already.

Episode 7, the Salamander's Scale, introduced another vehicle, the ciment mixer, and the team-finisher, the Dual Crusher. I really liked this weapon, because it had design elements (and powers) in common with the Go Go Drill and the Go Go Mixer. It just makes sense that a good combo would work both on a small and a large (mecha) scale, and would be used.

In terms of character development, this was mostly about Red and his love for adventure books, in particular those from this writer which inspired him to be an adventurer himself. There were also a few good moments for the other characters, like Pink's concern for Red's shame over having missed Voice's call, to Yellow and Black's playful attitude regarding the situation. Most interesting, perhaps, were the hints about Ryuoun, and the whole mystery about the dragon-notes. I'm thinking that Natsuki's naive and joking comment that maybe Ryuoun had been the original writer were accurate, and I'm hoping for more backstory on him.


Episode 8 was the "ranger vs doppleganger" ep; it had good action, but what mostly shined in this ep were all the character moments for the various characters. We got to see them interact on their downtimes, we saw what they do on their civilian lives and so forth. Red, in a nod to the previous ep, is apparently a fan of books and reading; interesting, as well, that with his professionalism he's also thinking about the job in his downtime, and went straight for books on Atlantis to investigate the Vril claims. Pink showed her growing friendship with Natsuki by wanting to buy sweets for her. Black also had a number of character moments, from his competitive nature, as he went to try to learn the guitar just so he wouldn't be second best to Blue, as well as his obvious jealously regarding Natsuki and her growing friendship with Red and Blue, to how he figured out which Blue was the real one. Blue's spy past having an influence on his personality and how he collects data on every team mate made sense, as well as how he opted to delete it as a way to prove to himself that he trusted his friends. Yellow continues to be Yellow, kind, naive and playful, and was the reason around which most of the character development of this ep revolved.

Overall, two great eps. Endless Bouken Spirits!

[Magneto_X]

Blue's spy past having an influence on his personality and how he collects data on every team mate made sense

Blue is a Japanese Batman? :D

[Cyke]

Blue is a Japanese Batman? :D

Actually, I'd say Red fits the profile more.

Blue is probably a J-Pop Nick Fury.

[marshal99]

News on the american version ? Take it with a grain of salt for now. :)

Power Rangers Drive Force

After the Dragon Clan sector of the Alliance of Evil steals a mysterious treasure, a top secret section of the US government is called in to recover it before it can cause any harm. Instead of risking lives, the sector sends in it's top five agents, the Drive Force Power Rangers. After confronting an army
of Romblics and Dragrunts, the team recovers the treasure, but is told
of over 30 more that exist all over the world. The 5 warriors make a
pact to not rest until the treasures are found.

Later in the season, the 5 warriors will come across an evil Camouflage Power Ranger sent by the Ninja Clan sector and must be aided by the mysterious Silver Ranger.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

At the end of each episode, the Drive Force rangers will give a short 1 minute history session on a previous Power Rangers team. Also, they will later team up with Power Rangers Mystic Force in a three part adventure.

Power Rangers Drive Force will premiere in early February 2007 and consist of 42 half an hour episodes. Power Rangers Drive Force will also re-introduce
the long gone "Next Time" segment.

Drive Force will also feature cameo appearances of cast members dating back to 2003's Power Rangers Ninja Storm.

The Rangers for Drive Force

Duke, the Red Ranger
Mitchell, the Black Ranger
Sarah, the Yellow Ranger
Courtney, the Pink Ranger
Dane, the Blue Ranger
Silver Ranger

[Darkwatch]

Wow, boukenger really stands out. The team really trust each other with their lives. From playing games while under a mile of ice ebcause they knew red would come for them, to taking a shot at yellow because black knew the real blue would save her and boukenred stepping to the sword of darkness because he knew black would do the right thing.

[Peter]

News on the american version ? Take it with a grain of salt for now. :)

I think we should, actually. I mean, most of that is only theory now with the *Japanese* version. I mean we sort of know about the sixth Green Ranger and seventh Silver/White Ranger, but specific plot points? No, I don't believe it. Yet.

Although I will say that I like the idea of the group-team-up. I mean, "Forever Red" brought together the *first* ten seasons of the show, and "Legacy of Power" tied this new generation in to the old generation. To have the next group of series tied together for the 15th anniversary is pretty cool.

[Silver_Centurion]

Is anyone still watching this show? The new episodes have been pretty cool. I'm surprised they introduced the power up mech on episode 11. Super Daibouken is pretty cool though.

[Cephus]

Is anyone still watching this show? The new episodes have been pretty cool. I'm surprised they introduced the power up mech on episode 11. Super Daibouken is pretty cool though.

I am, but I have to say, I'm not as impressed by it as I was by Magiranger. I never expected to like Magiranger at all, I thought it was just a Harry Potter ripoff, but it really grew on me and I miss it a lot now. Boukenger, for being the 30th anniversary Super Sentai show... leaves something to be desired IMO. I really haven't connected to any of the characters and even though I know it's tradition to do a car show for every 10th anniversary show, the whole dump truck thing just isn't too impressive to me.

Personally, I'm enjoying Kamen Rider Kabuto much more.

[Silver_Centurion]

Eh, I like Boukenger's cast a lot more than Magi's. After Ban, Kai seemed like such a retread. Akashi is a very refreshing character.

Anyway, Task 17 and we have a new Negative Syndicate faction, the Ashu. They're kinda funny. Also, we have our 6th Ranger. Interesting hair to say the least.....

[Antonio B.]

I am, but I have to say, I'm not as impressed by it as I was by Magiranger. I never expected to like Magiranger at all, I thought it was just a Harry Potter ripoff, but it really grew on me and I miss it a lot now. Boukenger, for being the 30th anniversary Super Sentai show...leaves something to be desired IMO. I really haven't connected to any of the characters and even though I know it's tradition to do a car show for every 10th anniversary show, the whole dump truck thing just isn't too impressive to me. Personally, I'm enjoying Kamen Rider Kabuto much more.

I like it. Boukenger is pretty good. It is good so far. I too however am enjoying Kamen Rider Kabuto more.

[Cephus]

I like it. Boukenger is pretty good. It is good so far. I too however am enjoying Kamen Rider Kabuto more.

I agree with you, Kabuto is much, much better. I find myself looking forward to new episodes of that and often put off watching Boukenger until I have absolutely nothing else to do.

[Cephus]

Eh, I like Boukenger's cast a lot more than Magi's. After Ban, Kai seemed like such a retread. Akashi is a very refreshing character.

I don't know, I thougth Ban was a dick, especially if you look at how he acts in the Dekaranger vs. Magiranger special. Kai might have been a retread (what isn't in a series that's been running 30 years?), but he was a fun retread.

At least Magiking and the other mechs from Magiranger looked decent. It's all I can do when I see Boukenger to keep from yelling "Constructacons assemble!"

[Silver_Centurion]

Task 19, and with it BoukenSilver. I like his costume and I think the Black, Orange, and Silver really go well with each other. I kinda wish the SGS Sniper had a longer barrel like a real sniper rifle. His themesong is okay, but not as good as Magishine's.