Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger

[Chronocidal]

.... I couldn't understand a thing they were saying, but I can't wait.

Particularly due to a certain someone apparently getting ahold of one of the henshin devices.

[Old_Nash]

Episode 1 of second season (S2) was realese yesterday^^

[areaseven]

Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2 (非公認戦隊アキバレンジャー シーズン痛（ツー）)

TV Asahi/Tokyo MX/Toei Company, 2013

Like Saban would actually use this series for Power Rangers...

Directed by Ryuta Tasaki (Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Kamen Rider 555) and Nobuhiro Suzumura (Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger, Kamen Rider Ryuki)

Written by Naruhisa Arakawa (Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, Steel Angel Kurumi)

Music by Kenji Kawai (Mobile Police Patlabor, Ghost in the Shell)

Running Time: 25 minutes per episode

Not Rated (Suggested TV-14). Contains sci-fi violence, partial nudity and mild language.

"重妄想!"

"Jumoso!" ("Grand Delusion!")

Cast

Masato Wada (Kintaro in The Prince of Tennis live-action film) as Nobuo Akagi/Akiba Red

Kyoko Hinami as Mitsuki Aoyagi/former Akiba Blue

Shione Sawada as Luna Iwashimizu/new Akiba Blue

Karin Ogino as Yumeria Moegi/Akiba Yellow

Maaya Uchida as Hiroyo Hakase

Kozue Aikawa (of the dance group Danceroid) as KozuKozu Mita

Honoka (former AV Idol) as ©Na (pronounced "Maru-C Na")

Hiroaki Hirata (Kaburagi/Wild Tiger in Tiger & Bunny, Machalcon in Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger) as Delu Knight (voice)

Yuki Ueda as Tazuko

"痛さは強さ! 非公認戦隊アキバレンジャー!"

"Itasa wa Tsuyosa! Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger!"

("Pain Is Power! Unofficial Sentai Akibaranger!")

Episode 1: "Delusional War" (妄想大戦)

Nine months have passed since the final battle between the Akibarangers and the Stema Otsu Corporation. Aside from Akagi still working as a delivery boy and Hakase still running the cash-strapped Sentai Cafe Himitsukichi, The other Akibarangers have moved on with their lives. But after experiencing a weird dream about their final battle, Akagi discovers something wrong with the timeline when the Akibarangers are actually not only an official Super Sentai, but the 17th in the franchise (somehow bumping Gosei Sentai Dairanger out of the continuity).

Lowdown

By popular demand, the Akibarangers are back. But given the mess caused by Saburo Hatte on the last four episodes, how does one start the new season? With another recap, of course!

Well, that doesn't sound encouraging, but it actually sets up Season 2 well by rewriting the core plot from episode 4 onwards as if the whole fourth wall mess of the latter half of Season 1 never happened. In this rewrite, Delu Knight is introduced early without any reference to Doctor Z. In addition, it's Mitsuki-chan, not Akagi, who gets recruited to the Pentagon (which explains why Kyoko Hinami won't be in this show after this episode). And what a way to sell the S.H. Figuarts toys - by directly using them in the action sequences!

So yeah, many things don't make sense on this episode, but because it's Akibaranger, it's not supposed to. Let's see how they'll introduce the new Akiba Blue in the next episode.

Rating: B+

Next time, on Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 2: "Chinese Delusion" (妄想中華)

Someone got a lot of explaining to do.

Good boys and girls shouldn't watch.

Links

Official Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Homepage

Tamashii Nation's Official Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Homepage

Columbia Music Entertainment's Official Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Homepage

References

JEFusion

Edited July 5, 2013 by areaseven

[areaseven]

On this week's episode of Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:



Episode 2: "Chinese Delusion" (妄想中華)
Introducing: Ryo Horikawa (Vegeta and Gogeta in Dragon Ball Z, Kou Uraki in Mobile Suit Gundam 0083) as General Two



Just after discovering that the Akibarangers are now an official Super Sentai, Akagi encounters a new Chief Clerk with the ability to alter time and form with a remote control. As he fends for his life, Akagi discovers what really happened to the Dairangers.



Now that this continuity has been set up, it's time to figure out what's going on here. We're introduced to the season's main villain General Two, whose knowledge of Super Sentai completely rivals that of Akagi. We also meet the new Akiba Blue in the form of Luna Iwashimizu, an aspiring actress who is a fan of Gosei Sentai Akibaranger when it supposedly came out on the Toei Channel. And Yumeria-chan is back.



As always, the Akibarangers defeat this week's monster, but realize that their win does not reverse the continuity screw-up that replaced Dairanger with Akibaranger. Instead, the Akibarangers encounter a pissed-off Kiba Ranger.

Next time, on Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 3: "Martial Arts Delusion" (妄想拳劇)

The Akibarangers have one more shot at bringing the Dairangers back into continuity.

Good boys and girls shouldn't watch.

Edited May 3, 2013 by areaseven

[areaseven]

On this episode of Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:


Episode 3: "Martial Arts Delusion" (妄想拳劇)
Special Guest: Keiichi Wada as Ryu Ranger (voice)

The Akibarangers may have defeated Chief Clerk Blu-Ray, but the timeline is still screwed up, as the Dairangers still have not been restored to the continuity. Meanwhile, ©Na returns from the dead and reveals she's now the commander of the new evil organization Baros LOL (バロスｗ).

Now we know why Kiba Ranger is pissed off. As a result of Akibaranger swapping places with Dairanger in the continuity, further screw-ups occurred in 1993, when Gosei Sentai Akibaranger was cancelled after only 13 episodes due to the show's poor management. As a result of this, Kiba Ranger never saw the spotlight and ended up in obscurity. So in order for China Red and Kiba Ranger to return to normal, the Akibarangers attempt to re-enact scenes from Dairanger in hopes that they remember their past.

Oh yeah, ©Na is back, but she can't explain how because, well, it wasn't actually written in the script or the cue cards. Still, we're treated to a shower scene before she disrobes in front of this week's monster.

Next time, on Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 4: "Delusional Goddess" (妄想女神)
Naughty girls need love too.

Good boys and girls shouldn't watch.

Edited May 3, 2013 by areaseven

[Ivan]

I almost wetted myself when they re-enacted the opening sequence of Dairanger.... that was Akibaranger at its best...

[areaseven]

Here's a sneak preview of the DX MMZ-00 Moya Moya Z-Cune.

Edited August 6, 2014 by areaseven

[areaseven]

On this episode of Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:


Episode 4: "Delusional Goddess" (妄想女神)

Special Guest: Mitsuko Horie (legendary anime singer) as Yasuko Yokoyama

Hiroyo tries to get Luna back into the team, but to no avail. Meanwhile, Akiba Red and Akiba Yellow encounter a new monster that warps the reality of the Z-Cune Aoi anime. In effect, this not only ruins Z-Cune Aoi's reputation, it also leaves the Sentai Cafe Himitsukichi in shambles.

We've seen the new MMZ-00 Moya Moya Z-Cune. Now we get to see what happens when ©Na-sama uses it. Talk about gratuitous fan service!

Apparently, Yumeria-chan is now hitched, and she goes by her married name "Yuko Yokoyama". The downside to getting married to a wealthy family is that she's not supposed to cosplay anymore (at least in front of the family). But in order to help defeat this week's monster, she has to go back to her roots as a yaoi manga artist. The result is a new power-up for Akiba Red in the form of armor that resembles Aoi-tan embracing him. Now this is going beyond bizarre.

Next time, on Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 5: "Delusional Import" (妄想輸入)
It's Morphin' Time!

Good boys and girls shouldn't watch.

Edited July 8, 2013 by areaseven

[areaseven]

On this episode of Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:


Episode 5: "Delusional Import" (妄想輸入)

Special Guest: Sakina Kuwae (Natsume Masaki in Jyuken Sentai Gekiranger) as Akina Maihama

The Akibarangers attempt to pursuade Luna into staying with the team by convincing her that it will boost her career as an idol. However, they must prevent her from winning an audition for an upcoming American blockbuster. Meanwhile, Akagi and Yuko are shocked when they discover that the Super Sentai continuity has been altered once again - this time, having the series originate in America as "Powerful Rangers".

Oh boy, here we go again with Super Sentai history being rewritten, except that this episode parodies the American side of the franchise. And this is a rather patriotic one, as Akagi and Yuko-chan show their pride in Super Sentai being made in Japan while being beaten up by the Americanized Zyurangers. Nice to see the Zyusouken (Dragon Dagger for you Power Ranger fans) being used after so many years.

Luna-chan is just so kawaii. And so is her new rival Akina-chan.

Next time, on Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 6: "Delusional Niangniang" (妄想娘娘（ニャンニャン）)
It's Sentai vs. Anime!

Good boys and girls shouldn't watch.

[areaseven]

On this episode of Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 6: "Delusional Niangniang" (妄想娘娘（ニャンニャン）)
Special Guests: Moe Wakaki as Choco Nakagawa/Choco-tan, and Nobuo Tanaka (narrator in Dengeki Sentai Changeman)

The Akibarangers meet their match in the form of an anime mascot. But just as this week's monster is about to prevail, a mystery idol suddenly joins the fray. However, things get out of hand when the battle reveals Akagi's true weakness: robotic girls.

The show gets more hilarious when you get to know more about Akagi's past. But what really takes the cake here is Hiroyo-chan in a tight jumpsuit.

In addition, we see what happens when Akiba Red combines the MMZ-01 Moe Moe Z-Cune with the MMZ-02 Munyu Munyu Zubaan: instant bankruptcy for all otaku.

Next time, on Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 7: "Delusional Spy" (妄想間者)
Time for some ninja action.

Good boys and girls shouldn't watch.

[areaseven]

On this episode of Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 7: "Delusional Spy" (妄想間者)
Special Guest: Nao Nagasawa (Nanami Nono/Hurricane Blue in Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger) as Hadezukin (voice)

General Two unleashes yet another monster in the form of a ninja patterned after the Gouraigers of Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger. However, he and ©Na are at odds over how the monster is supposed to be presented. And their antics cause further mayhem on the real world, as a week has become 10 days, resulting in a month having only three weeks and the Super Sentai series reduced to 36 episodes per show (among other problems).

It just gets worse: These new days are dedicated to banning anything otaku-related. As a result, Sentai Cafe Himitsukichi is just an empty room, and Yuko-chan is a wanted fugitive. Even General Two himself falls victim to his own plans, but it's here that he discovers who he has been facing all this time, as he bumps into the Akibarangers in the ensuing mayhem.

But in the end, the Akibarangers manage to get the Hurricanegers and Gouraigers together once again and acquire yet another power-up, which is enough to restore everything back to normal. At least until the next episode.

Next time, on Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 8: "Delusional Beauty War" (妄想美闘)
The hunt for General Two begins.

Good boys and girls shouldn't watch.

[areaseven]

On this episode of Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 8: "Delusional Beauty War" (妄想美闘)
Special Guests: Yoshinori Okamoto and Seiji Takaiwa (veteran suit actors)

The Akibarangers begin their search for General Two all over Akihabara. Meanwhile, General Two upgrades his last monster into a male form with the fighting abilities of past Super Sentai villains.

One thing you must admire about this series is its appreciation of people behind the scenes. Here, we learn about Yoshinori Okamoto, who portrayed many of the Super Sentai villains of the 1980s. Just as Kazuo Niibori dedicated his career to making the best Super Sentai Reds, Okamoto complemented the scene with the most formidable arch-rivals. Because of this, we're treated to some really good - but otherwise hilarious - fight scenes between Super Akiba Red and this week's monster.

And as an incentive for fans to buy the new S.H. Figuarts Akibarangers, they show off their new Outrageous Bazooka.

Next time, on Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 9: "Delusion Number Two" (妄想弐號)
The Akibarangers and General Two square off once again.

Good boys and girls shouldn't watch.

Edited June 6, 2013 by areaseven

[areaseven]

Next, on Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:


Episode 9: "Delusion Number Two" (妄想弐號)

The Akibarangers enter General Two's lair to confront him once and for all, only to fall victim to his delusional world, where the trio can't use their powers or get help from outside.


Episode 10: "Delusional Pillow Talk" (妄想枕語)
Special Guest: Haruko Momoi (famous anime singer)

Following their victory in the delusional world, the Akibarangers bring a catatonic General Two back to Sentai Café Himitsukichi to get more answers from him. Meanwhile, as things settle down, it is revealed that the fluctuation of the delusional world and reality is caused by Saburo Hatte on life support. Making matters worse is ©na showing her true colors and stealing General Two's knowledge of Super Sentai to invade the real world.

Next time, on Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger Season 2:

Episode 11: "Delusional Cemetery" (妄想墓地)
The Super Sentai Series has been wiped out of existence. How can the Akibarangers prevail now?

Good boys and girls shouldn't watch.

Edited July 5, 2013 by areaseven

[areaseven]

Time for a quick recap of the final three episodes:

Episode 11: "Delusional Cemetery" (妄想墓地)

©Na's manipulation of Saburo Hatte has resulted in the death of the Super Sentai series, with her show taking over the Sunday morning time slot. The Akibarangers must battle ©Na and a resurrected Delu Knight to once again restore the Super Sentai continuity.

Episode 12: "Delusional Apostle" (妄想使徒)

Just when ©Na has the Akibarangers at her mercy, an "ultra" giant hero called Prism Ace arrives to save the day. However, his debut signals the absolute end to the Super Sentai continuity, as he is the product of Toei's rival company, which sent a spy to manipulate Saburo Hatte behind ©Na's back.

Final Episode: "Delusional Compilation" (妄想集編)

The Akibarangers recap their misadventures starting from Season 1 and explain the sudden change of continuity that led to Season 2. Oh, and because of the ending chosen by Saburo Hatte, R.I.P. Akibarangers.

オワリ
The End

[Ivan]

Thanks for the recap! Any hint of a third season? I really enjoyed this series.

[areaseven]

Thanks for the recap! Any hint of a third season? I really enjoyed this series.

Unfortunately, they gave no indication of a third season. No hints, no sneak peeks, whatsoever. The fact that this season was given an ending may have sealed it.

[Bariaburu Faita]

There was no hint of a second season at the end of the first one either. And considering how they have reality warping retcon powers the end shown in season 2 is meaningless. The most important reason to have a 3rd season is if the merch sells well, and allows them to resell old figures with slight repaints.

Unfortunately, they gave no indication of a third season. No hints, no sneak peeks, whatsoever. The fact that this season was given an ending may have sealed it.

[areaseven]

There was no hint of a second season at the end of the first one either. And considering how they have reality warping retcon powers the end shown in season 2 is meaningless. The most important reason to have a 3rd season is if the merch sells well, and allows them to resell old figures with slight repaints.

Actually, the recap DVD that Saburo Hatte sent to the cafe on episode 13 of season 1 was clearly the indicator for season 2, as it included a letter telling the Akibarangers to reflect on the events if they wanted a second season. The final episode of season 2 was merely a goodbye. But then again, this series was really about Saburo Hatte, so he can simply snap his fingers and bring back the Akibarangers anytime. That is, if the actors are willing to return.

[DuelGundam2099]

Did anyone else think that Prism Ace was a reference to Tsubaraya toku heroes? The Ultraman sound effects certainly gave that vibe.

[Old_Nash]

I believe in a third season...

Or Saban catch the serie and transform in Power Rangers Geek Force XD

[areaseven]

Did anyone else think that Prism Ace was a reference to Tsubaraya toku heroes? The Ultraman sound effects certainly gave that vibe.

That's exactly what they were going for.

[areaseven]

Edited August 6, 2014 by areaseven

[Gakken85]

His helmet looks like Emo hair.

Lulz.

[Ivan]

Actually, the recap DVD that Saburo Hatte sent to the cafe on episode 13 of season 1 was clearly the indicator for season 2, as it included a letter telling the Akibarangers to reflect on the events if they wanted a second season. The final episode of season 2 was merely a goodbye. But then again, this series was really about Saburo Hatte, so he can simply snap his fingers and bring back the Akibarangers anytime. That is, if the actors are willing to return.

I have yet to see episode 13, but didn't Akagi at the end say something like Saburo Hatte can always come up with an excuse to create another season if the audience wants it?

Edited July 10, 2013 by Ivan

[areaseven]

[Chronocidal]

My apologies for the necro, but I figured this might be worth dragging up. For everyone who thought the original price was insane (though this appears to be some variation on the original? I don't know the difference specifically).

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN981581/Sci

They also have the blade attachment on sale, for a similar discount.

Edited July 25, 2014 by Chronocidal

[Old_Nash]

I thinked was about a new season...

[JB0]

My apologies for the necro, but I figured this might be worth dragging up. For everyone who thought the original price was insane (though this appears to be some variation on the original? I don't know the difference specifically).

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN981581/Sci

That's the evil version from season 2.

I thinked was about a new season...

Me too... :'(