My theories on this decade for Sentai

Where I see the next decade taking us I see the 00's as an experimental decade design and team wise for Super Sentai, what with four teams starting in trios (Hurricanger, Abaranger, Gekiranger and Go-Onger), compared to only one series per decade with one trio prior (Sun Vulcan, Liveman and Kakuranger). More experimental color mixes like in Hurricanger and Gekiranger. Goseiger and Gokaiger so far, are very standard. The 90's decade for me is the norm, the level of what is expected and standard. The 80's for me was also experimental, to figure out what is the norm for Sentai, with Changeman with a color scheme that has yet to be emulated and Liveman and Sun Vulcan with starting with three. And this past decade used less pink rangers, much to die-hard fans' chagrin and probably little girls who love PR. I love Pink and I love Pink Rangers but I understand where the use of less pink comes from the idea that boys are what the brand is for and they don't like pink and don't want pink on their robos. Hence less female toys for the past years. I think the main reasons girls are still in teams is for tradition and eye candy for boys and their dads. You might not agree.  

Where I see the next decade going is maybe a bit more Pink Rangers than in the last decade but not as much as in the 90's. Also, I am hoping for some more use of purple and some gender changes, like most fans have been hoping for (female green ranger, male pink ranger, etc.). But we'll see. I also for see another Dekaranger, with 7 or 8 members, to sell more toys. Or something like Go-On Wings, with two 'sixth rangers.' But most likely two males like the Gouraijers. I also foresee less robos for some reason and more arsenal, like Kamen Rider. Those are my theories. I am guessing there will be more teams starting with three, probably something like Go-Onger did, it quickly becoming 5, in order to sell more toys. But this is my own speculation. In 5 years, I may look back at this and laugh. I am hoping for a 'Back to the Future' theme in 2015 since the sequel was set in 2015 (well some of it). For 2012, we are getting rumors of a ghost hunting theme.

This might sound presumptuous (and even vague perhaps) but here are themes I think will be most likely covered from 2013-2019 in some shape or form:

• Animals (Specific region animals or mixed with vehicles)
• Vehicles (cars, planes, etc.)
• Law Enforcement or Government (Like Dekaranger or GoGoV)
• Specialized Martial Arts (Like Kakuranger, Hurricanger, Gekiranger or Shinkenger)
• Insects (which fans fear to not be like Kamen Rider)
• Time Travelers (e.i. Back to the Future)
• Medieval Fantasy (Lord of the Rings)

Now most of you might think that animals, vehicles and martial arts are expected and me saying it is vague, but what I am saying, I am sure that the themes will be touched upon once again, with some new themes of course. I've been wanting a sea-animal-theme for years but now I've given up on it. In the 35 years of Super Sentai, Ninjas have been repeated twice, Dinosaurs twice, Vehicles three times (Carranger, Turboranger & Go-Onger), Animals multiple times but the most prominent ones being Liveman, Gaoranger and Gekiranger, and other themes have been repeated. Granted Go-Onger was a mix and many have been (like Gekiranger). Some new themes in the past decade were Police (Dekaranger), Magic (Magiranger), Adventure (Boukenger), Pirates (Gokaiger), Samurai (Shinkenger), Angelic-like warriors from the sky (Goseiger), etc. Some themes that have not been repeated have been Birds (Jetman) and Time traveling (Timeranger) and see that being repeated in some way again. And yes, there are other themes that have not been repeated that I did not mention but there is a reason for that (not as relevant).

Old Vs New: Gokaiger Auxilary Mecha

MagiDragon

Basic changes are that it is completely red instead of multi-colored and it has rainbow color on the wings and the Gokaiger symbol on the head. But it is basically the same shape except for the tail.

PatStriker

Basically same design but the red was a bit darker and it is a bit wider, with rainbow color and gold part with Gokai symbol on top.

GaoLion

The shoulder cannons are longer, the shoulders don't have the line designs and are overlap the bottom leg, the feet are more out and the back legs have cannons and grey things on the butt. The mane is different.

Furai Maru

Complete change,t eh crescent moon went from the chest to the belt and smaller, the blue color changed into white. The red knee caps became smaller and the fist legs became more complex. The silver helmet became gold and he gained a weapon.

Speedor and Machalon

Machalon is Speedor's son and more suped-up and longer, the only thing I see in common are the tires (sort of), the color and the eyes (sort of) and the silver exhaust-thingy on the front. I admit i don't know much about cars so I don't know the name of stuff.

I left the more subjective one last, and as for Shinkenger, it is just the Origami is stuck out of the GaoLion, so I'm not comparing it. I say subjective about the Goujyujin because it's not exactly the same.

I think the Goujyu Drill is suppose to look like Jet Gamma because it is Timeranger but to me, it looks more like the LifeBird of GoGoV.

Goujyu Rex looks more like the Tyrannosaurus to me than Dragon Caesar. Everyone says this too.

Goujyujin looks like a reverse mirror AbarenOh on steroids and has some elements from past robos.

UPDATED 10/14/11

The Variblune from Goranger appeared in the 199 heroes movie and made GorenGokaioh.

 It looks very much the same, just darker and in CGI.

2001 Hyper Hobby Super Sentai Scans

Scans thanks to Evan Gurskis, this is Hyper Hobby back in 2001, pictures of the megazords of Super Sentai.

 

Gaoranger

Interview with Alan Palmer (Corcus the Black Aquitar Power Ranger) Part ONE

Exclusive Henshin Grid Interview!!!
Very little people know about the Aquitar Rangers, even fans. For those who don't know, during Season three there was a 12-episodes mini-series Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers which featured five new Power Rangers, based on Ninja Sentai Kakuranger. The Aquitar Rangers were aliens from the planet Aquitar, they live on water. Alan Palmer played Corcus the Black Ranger. Alan Palmer has created two musicals known as Fabulous Divas of New York and Fabulous Divas of Hollywood. He has choreographed, directed, acted, written, sung and much more. He has mostly been known for his stage work and his own shows, of his few television work includes Xena Warrior Princess and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Lavender: Are you currently doing? You said you had two shows. What are they about?

A.P.: I have been touring my new musical that I wrote, Fabulous Divas of Hollywood since returning from Edinburgh Scotland with the Fringe Festival. I am in a musical entitled Bye, Bye Birdie. It is an amazing 1950's musical and I am playing the role that was originated by Dick VanDyke. I am also doing a musical entitled Schoolhouse Rock Live, based on the old cartoons which teaches kids about Nouns, counting, planets, science and more. I am working on a couple of television pilots which I am assisting in the writing and also instructing Glee camps around the United States. But my biggest job is being a dad to my two AMAZING kids!

Lavender: When did you get into acting? Did you have the 'acting bug' from a young age?

A.P.: I started acting when I was four years of age. My parents took me to see a tour of Peter Pan and I fell in love with the lights, sets and applause. I have not stopped performing since that time.

Lavender: What was the first stage show you ever saw? Which is your favorite?

A.P.: Peter Pan was the first stage show and it was the most magical experience! My favorite show to do was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I have done over 1,000 performances of that show. My favorite show to watch is a tough one because I LOVE to see theatre. My husband and I go to New York a couple of times a year and see 10 shows in a week. I don't care if it is the best thing to hit Broadway or the worst thing in community theatre, I truly enjoy watching people do what they have a passion for. It's an addiction.

Lavender: As an openly gay actor, do you notice any stigma or are things easier these days? I think there is more stigma over actors who have mostly played feminine characters playing a leading heterosexual male role.

A.P.: I have played both leading men and more feminine roles. It is more fun playing a bit flamboyant roles because they have color and depth and I feel like I am playing against type. I did a couple of those Showtime after hours series and I never said that I was gay but the director brought me back in after my first one because he said that gay men tend to do better love scenes with women for some reason. I think it is still a very closeted industry due to fantasy. Straight women want want to think that the leading men they are watching are straight men and gay men want to think that the leading men they are watching might be gay, it's a fantasy and that is what sells tickets to the films or gets viewers. It's a bit different with gay women. Straight men fantasize about two women all of the time and women are not intimidated by gay women, look at Ellen.

Lavender: You sing, act, and write, do you feel slightly disappointed when you only are doing one element?

A.P.: I do all of the above plus produce, direct and choreograph, simply to keep me working. I feel blessed to have been given a gift to do all of the above because I don't know what I would do if I hadn't. It truly is a gift and I am just borrowing.(as they say in A Chorus Line) I love the chance to do just one element or all. I just LOVE to work.

Lavender: Fabulous Divas of Broadway was all drag, would you do it again? What has the response been from women of your portrayal?

A.P.: I Have done it again with my new show Fabulous Divas of Hollywood. I am also working on the Fabulous Divas of Television! I started doing impressions when I was very young. I would give friends and family celebrity impressions for their answering machines as presents. Then when I got to an age that I couldn't play the leading man roles that fit my higher vocal range, I had to invent a show that would showcase my talents and give me the flexibility to set my own hours so that I would be able to spend a lot of time with my kids. Anyone that knows me is aware that my least favorite thing about shows is costume changes, and makeup. So, drag would be the last thing that I would normally do. I started out doing the show in a tux and just doing the impersonations but it just added to the interest with the audiences. A lot of people get "Drag Queen" and impersonators mixed up. I am only playing a role on stage and not out on the town in a dress. My costume designer, Curtis Jerome is amazing! he is such a pro and makes each character that much more believable.

Lavender: Do your kids know you were a Power Ranger? What they think about it? Have they ever seen the show?

A.P.: My son knows that I was a Power Ranger but has not seen any of the episodes. He was more interested in me being a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. He was born right after. My daughter is too much into fairies and such...Hmm!
 

Lavender: When were you a Ninja Turtle and which one? 

A.P.:  Michael Angelo, the PARTY turtle! 

Lavender: You mentioned Glee camps, what does that entail? And where are they located and where can people join?

A.P.: I travel around to different states and do workshops with youth. They work on acting, singing and dancing as well as social skills and comfort in their own shells. I enjoy this so much! As a matter of fact a young kid came to my first day of a new Glee camp today. He shared with the group that he was a HUGE fan of GLEE. His favorite character is Kurt. I asked him why Kurt was his favorite character. He said it was due to his style, song choice and character. At break he came up and told me it was also because he was gay. I was very impressed in this young man to be as comfortable in his own skin to tell his family and community that yes, he is 13, but he is still proud to be who he is. I cautioned him to be very selective with whom he shared that information with. I told him that there are a lot of people out there that may look upon him in a poor light and might say hurtful things or worse. It is only because they are not learned in this subject, have not been exposed to this subject or have been raised to hate people that are not like them or that they do not understand.   

http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2011/10/interview-with-alan-palmer-corcus-black.html 

Interview with Alan Palmer (Corcus the Black Aquitar Power Ranger) Part TWO

 EXCLUSIVE HENSHIN GRID INTERVIEW!
Season three there was a 12-episodes mini-series Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers which featured five new Power Rangers, based on Ninja Sentai Kakuranger. The Aquitar Rangers were aliens from the planet Aquitar, they live on water. Alan Palmer played Corcus the Black Ranger. Alan Palmer has created two musicals known as Fabulous Divas of New York and Fabulous Divas of Hollywood. He has choreographed, directed, acted, written, sung and much more. He has mostly been known for his stage work and his own shows, of his few television work includes Xena Warrior Princess and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Lavender: How did you get involved in Power Rangers? How old were you at the time?

A.P.: I was directing a theatrical piece that the casting director for Power Rangers happened to be a producer on and I went to the audition not knowing she was the casting director at my callback, she was there but didn't say anything to them which I have always appreciated. I like to get things on my own merit. The rest is history. I can't remember how old I was at the time.

Lavender: How was it under that Aquitarian makeup that made the Aquitar Rangers?

A.P.: The whole makeup experience was so much fun with the Aquitar series. I loved getting plaster poured over my whole head and watching the entire process with the masks with fittings and the painting and the color coding of the makeup that went under the masks. The costumes were a bit hot when we would shoot outside but not bad and the crew treated us very well.

Lavender: For the short time you were on the show, but was there camaraderie between you and the other Aquitar Rangers?

A.P.: I met my dear friend Rajia on the show and we have stayed very close. We don't get to see each other very often but we do speak frequently.

Lavender: Have you been bugged by Power Ranger fans before? We fans know your character Corcus didn't get any characterization or personality at all. Basically only had a few lines, right?

A.P.: You know, I feel like I had a lot of back story. They didn't give me a lot of lines but gave me some very fun opportunities to do physical comedy. It is harder to bring something to the table that is not written but it is a lot of fun coming up with back stories. I don't ever feel like I am being bugged by fans. It is nice to think that something I did 15 years ago still holds up and is still appreciated.

Lavender: Please indulge me, what was your backstory then? I was going to ask what does an actor do if there is not written on the page? Was there anything they told you about your character and anything you feel his backstory was about?
I was looking at Corcus as a follower, he was the one always observing and taking in information, processing it and then being able to help the other Aquitar Rangers whenever they were in need. They never gave me ANY INFORMATION about my character. Delphine was the only one that they really worked on and Karim (Cestro) was her right hand man. I think we were just placed in the scene due to the footage that they received from Japan had five rangers fighting.

Lavender: David Yost (Billy the blue Ranger) came out last year and he also revealed of homophobia occurring on the set of Power Rangers. I was 11 when PR first came out and 15 when I came out of the closet and never imagined anything that happening on that set. For the short time you were on the show, did you ever sense or hear anything among those lines?

A.P.: It's funny that you bring up David. I was not aware that he had come out. He was the only ranger that worked with us and our 12 episodes. I have always been very open and never cared about who knew I was gay. It is such a small part of who I am and I hate labels. I think he saw me as a bit of a threat and probably didn't want to be seen socializing with someone who was gay, but I can't say. I don't think I ever noticed any homophobia on set. Everyone that I worked with were so professional and wonderful. I never had a run in or heard a harsh word.

Lavender: Were you aware that the Aquitar Ranger footage came from a series called Ninja Sentai Kakuranger and they were ninjas that had 60's Batman-esque onamonapia graphics? The Super Sentai series that Power Rangers come from Japan and has been airing since 1975 and now they are celebrating their 35th anniversary (Called Pirate Sentai Gokaiger) in which the present team turn into teams from past years. Gokaiger might get adapted in two years or so for Power Rangers, if Saban ever calls you to guest star, would you be interested?

A.P.: I had No idea! That is sooo cool! I would work with Saban in any aspect. I have nothing but wonderful memories.

Lavender: Rajia Baroudi (Delphine), Karim Prince (Cestro) and David Becon (Aurico) were asked to return to Power Rangers Zeo for cameos, were you aware of that and were you asked to appear as well? (By the way David Bacon was not asked to return for the Red Ranger teamup 'Forever Red' in which his character Aurico did return).

A.P.: I have been so busy that I have not paid too much attention to who was asked to do what or for that matter would not be hurt if I were never asked back. It was a great time and if they called to ask me to do something for the show and I was free, I would love to do it, but I am not holding my breath or waiting by the phone. I wish everyone the very best and hope for great things for everyone involved actors, crew, fans and Saban.

http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2011/10/interview-with-alan-palmer-corcus-black_11.html

New Kamen Rider Fourze and Gokaiger scans from NewType TheLive Magazine

 Scans are from the FANS TOKUSATSU INDONESIA website

PGSM Retrospective: