The premiere of “The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World” has landed, and it’s a vibrant, if somewhat uneven, mashup of the isekai and super sentai genres. This anime, which debuted on January 12, 2025, throws a classic Red Ranger into a world of magic and monsters, creating a bizarre yet intriguing premise.
A Hero Out of Time
The story begins with Togo Asagaki, the leader of the Kizuna Rangers, a super sentai team, battling the villainous Break Up King. In a moment of sacrifice, Togo ensures his team’s victory, only to find himself transported to a fantastical new world. This is not the typical reincarnation or summoning; instead, it’s a straight-up isekai scenario where a fully-powered Red Ranger is dropped into a setting that doesn’t understand his brand of heroism.
The Unconventional Protagonist
Togo, still clad in his bright red suit, retains all his powers and his unwavering optimism. His powers manifest as explosions and over-the-top physical prowess, which are completely foreign to the rules of magic that govern this new world. This clash of styles creates a comedic dynamic, as the locals are baffled by his colorful transformations and seemingly inexplicable abilities.
A World of Magic and Cynicism
The Red Ranger isn’t alone in this new world. He quickly encounters Yhidra, a princess who is the descendant of a disgraced court mage, who seeks to restore her family’s honor. Yhidra’s cynical and grounded personality is a perfect foil to Togo’s boisterous and earnest heroism. She’s a sorceress who is bewildered by Togo’s antics and the “power of bonds” that he so often proclaims. The show leans into this contrast heavily, finding humor in her reactions to his sentai-style behavior.
The Supporting Cast
Besides Yhidra, the anime introduces other key characters such as Princess Teltina Liz Wagrel Alvarost, who is on a mission to stop demon seeds, and Rosie Mist, her bodyguard. Their interactions with Togo provide different perspectives on his unique brand of heroism, from admiration to outright envy.
Blending Genres
What sets this anime apart is its bold attempt to blend the over-the-top action and cheesy heroism of super sentai with the fantasy elements of an isekai. The animation style, especially during Togo’s transformation sequences, pays homage to the tokusatsu genre with detailed and vibrant visuals.
A Critique of Isekai
The series also seems to offer a subtle critique of the isekai genre itself. By throwing in a character as unconventional as a Red Ranger, it highlights how bland many isekai protagonists can be, often relying on overpowered abilities and predictable tropes. Togo’s character is refreshing, as he doesn’t need to embark on a journey to discover his strength; he already has it, and his focus is on using it to help others, which is in line with classic sentai themes.
Action and Comedy
The premiere episode doesn’t hold back on action. Togo’s battles are explosive and dynamic, showcasing his unique fighting style. For instance, when Yhidra and Togo are attacked by monsters in a dungeon, Togo mows through them using his Ranger Gear, creating explosions out of thin air. This leads to a confrontation with a Remains Dragon, resulting in a Zord fight, showcasing the anime’s commitment to its super sentai roots.
A Lighthearted Approach
The show embraces a lighthearted tone, prioritizing humor over intense drama. It’s a refreshing change of pace from many isekai anime that tend to focus on the power fantasy aspect. The series seems to be leaning into comedic situations rather than heavy plots, making it an easy and entertaining watch.
Where it Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the premiere is not without its issues. One of the main criticisms is the inclusion of fan service, particularly the sexualization of the female character Yhidra. This element undermines the attempt to bring originality to the genre and feels out of place.
Missed Opportunities
Some viewers felt that Yhidra’s backstory and her family’s loss of power, could have been explored in more depth instead of being used as fan service. The show seems to prioritize the spectacle of the Red Ranger’s antics rather than delving into the complexities of its secondary characters and world-building.
Overall Impression
The premiere episode of “The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World” is a fun and silly introduction to a unique concept. While it has some flaws, especially its reliance on fan service, the core idea of a Red Ranger in a fantasy world is entertaining.
A Breath of Fresh Air
The show offers a refreshing change of pace in the isekai genre, as its main character is not the typical overpowered otaku. It provides a humorous and action-packed adventure that could appeal to fans of both super sentai and isekai anime, or even someone looking for a fun, mindless adventure.
Future Potential
The show’s future relies on its ability to balance the comedic elements with character development and world-building. If it can improve upon the issues it presents in the first episode, “The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World” could become a standout title this season.
Final Verdict
This anime is not a serious fantasy epic, but rather a light-hearted comedy that uses the absurd premise of a power ranger in a fantasy world to its full potential. If you’re looking for something different that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this premiere episode may very well be worth your time. Though, those sensitive to fan service might want to proceed with caution.
