Toku Time: My Top 10 Favorite Power Rangers Sagas

Returning to Power Rangers and countdowns EZ Rider lists ten of his favorite multi part stories from various seasons

Legends of Power, WEEK # 35: Blue Insecurities and Sword of Damocles

LEGENDS OF POWER, WEEK # 35
Mondo’s Last Stand
Power Rangers Zeo

            This week, we go back to Power Rangers Zeo as we get into some great character development for Rocky and Jason. With Jason’s return to the team, Rocky is feeling left out. So much so that this crazy blue Ranger decides that after Mondo brings out the Sword of Damocles …. YES … THE SWORD OF FRELLIN’ DAMOCLES, he’ll take him on his own.

            As Mondo grows big and trashes the city, Rocky comes in with his Super Zeo Zord to only find himself getting beaten up. Mondo, with the power of the Sword, makes quick work of Zeo Ranger 3 Blue. Rocky ends up going back to the Command Center … facing his friends. After Tommy and the others ask why would do something so insane. He answers that he’s felt out of place since Jason’s come back.

            After a small heart to heart with Jason and the others, they go into action against Mondo and unleash … for the first time, the Super Zeo Megazord. Like the Sword of Damocles of legend, Mondo meets his end at the hands of the Rangers.  The others celebrate … with a chuckle (what? No WOOHOO?!) and Rocky makes nice with Jason.

            Why oh why does THIS episode so high on this list compared to others. There are several reasons. 1 – There was a large amount of development for Rocky and some for Jason. 2 – It is the first time we see a Ranger going into action alone out of sake of wanting to prove himself . . .  even after being a Ranger for several years. 3 – Mondo’s own arrogance actually pays off towards his own end. 4 – Ron Wasserman Music!!!  5 – Tommy was NOT a focus of this episode. 6 – We got a great sparring match to open with Jason … and Adam. 7 -  Rocky’s insecurity was laid to bare fully while having small hints of it during this past season.  8 – And the Sword of Damocles takes another victim in Mondo. 9 – The series was not done yet and the Rangers took out a major enemy!

            This is a GEM out of Zeo. And even though most of the Machine Empire was a joke, it did take care of Mondo … twice.  It was great to see Rocky get great development. And that’s all for this segment.  Till next time, May the Power Protect You! 

Legends of Power, WEEK # 36: And All Bad Guys Wear WHITE

LEGENDS OF POWER, WEEK # 36
White Thunder/Truth and Consequences
Power Rangers Dino Thunder

            Welcome to another segment of Evil Ranger Theater. This time, We get the tragic tale of White Dino Thunder Ranger, Trent. Trent is the adopted son that we were introduced to earlier in Dino Thunder. As time went on, we saw that Trent was a good guy who’s dad, Anton Mercer, was kind of a jerk. Yet, things began to change after Trent stumbled into an invisa-portal where after Elsa finds a slap bracelet with a white gem on it … Trent finds it attached to his hands and gives him all this great power.

            Trent, unknowingly at first, has become the White Ranger. As things go along, the White Ranger is friend to NO ONE at first. He attacks Mesogog’s forces. He attacks the Rangers and wipes the floor with them. Yet, Trent is exhausted every so often … not sure how he came to be where he was.

            Meantime, Mesogog wants him. The Rangers want to take him down. Kira wants to jump his bones. Trent and the White Ranger start out as two distinct different people at first. But as time goes on, and he says this to Kira at the end of Truth and Consequences, that he can’t seem to control it and its taking him over.

            Yet, the Rangers aren’t the only ones who find out about Trent during Truth and Consequences. Mesogog also finds out that Trent is the White Ranger … which leads to some later storylines. At the end of this 4 parter … the White Ranger has won. He’s corrupting Trent and all that he knows and loves to the point where Trent leaves it behind. He’s beaten back the Rangers. He’s encased Tommy in amber. And he’s taken 2 of the Rangers zords.

            This was a different and exciting way for an evil ranger to come in. Instead of a spell instantly turning someone evil … this slowly happened over time. Trust became an issue amongst the Rangers. Tommy getting taken out  … at least for a short time, allowed Conner to really start calling the shots. Trent’s struggle with the White Ranger powers and persona was gripping.

            What pulled this down was the antics of Cassidy and Devin. Their looking for the identity of the White Rangers was reminiscent of Bulk and Skulls journey but rather boring. Also, Truth and Consequences, in my mind, is White Thunder Part 4 and should have been named as such. Those are what pushing this story down to the # 36 spot. 

Legends of Power, WEEK # 37 - To Catch A Killer . . .

LEGENDS OF POWER, WEEK # 37
Reflection
Power Rangers SPD


   We get our first taste of SPD on the countdown with this week's story. We start with our Legacy Ranger, Skye. Skye has, throughout the series, been trying to live up to his father, who was also a Power Rangers ... that wore the Red Time Force Ranger suit ... with an SPD logo on it. Skye started out hating our Red Ranger, Jack, but had come to respect him. Kat was imputing the new Battlizer for Jack when Skye said put him next only to be told that it was only for the Red Ranger. Skye lives and Jack goes after him. After another talk about not living up to his father's expectations, Skye reveals that he feels like he's failed to Jack. Jack says the now infamous and powerful line "... Heroes come in all colors."

 
   Meanwhile, a vicious attack by a monster leaves the SPD Rangers beaten and stumped because the criminal, known as Slate, can be anybody he wants. Skye is then sent to a prison planet where he must cover all his reflective surfaces because supposedly, the criminal Mirloc, can travel through mirror surfaces. Skye and Mirloc do a pretty damn good Hannibal Lecter and Clareese impression as Skye gets hints to what he needs.  Skye tells Jack and Jack ... with his metal thong and then the full battlizer to kill Slate and the copies that seem to spring from him ... Long story.

 Skye returns, as Mirloc requested. Mirloc shares how he killed Skye's father.Skye's shaken enough that a single tear falls. And Mirloc's planned worked. He escapes through Skye's lone tear.

    SPD chases after Mirloc but they are taken down one by one. Skye, with some help from Sam, frees his friends. Jack loans Skye the battlizer to take down Mirloc.


   And that was Reflection, parts 1 & 2.

This two parter really did a lot of good:

 - We learned of Skye's backstory with HOW his father died & who killed him.

 - We got more development from both Jack and Skye, really cementing their friendship while also seeing the  men they have become because of SPD.

 - The new battlizer which was pretty cool for the most part.

- Mirloc proved to be a great villain throughout the 2 parter.


Unfortunately, the fact that Skye's dad is wearing a Time Force Uniform leaves much to the imagination. Since his last name is Tate, it would be assumed that he is NOT Wes's son. Yet ... does that mean was that the real Time Force Outfit or a facsimile? Or what  if Skye IS Wes's son but just hidden? We  don't know nor will we ever know.

 Another gripe is that while the other rangers were there, because of this focusing on Skye, they were in the background ... a bit too much. I don't mind having focus but it did seem that most of the team save for Jack, Sam & Skye were pretty much limited in this two parter.

  Those are why this 2-parter is # 37 and not higher or lower.


Still, this was a great 2 parter. Check it out when you can. That's it for this week. Get more next week. Till then, May the Power Protect You! 

Legends of Power, 50 Greatest Power Rangers Stories Ever Recap # 1

  Okay. Before I drop # 40, Here's a rewind of all the previous 10 Legends of Power Posts. Now, while I have them marked down by week, this will not directly tell you the title of the episode or storyline that got the honor. So, the wording next to the numbers are merely hints to the title of said storyline, NOT the storyline itself. Under the title will be the actual episode and/or storyline title & series it is from.

Week Number/Position on Countdown:

# 50 - Nice to Meet You Zack; Toldja I'd Be Back
           Mighty Morphin Mutant Rangers (MMPR season 1)

#49 - It's Those Machines,Who Have the Means to Use the Art of Tuuu-ning
           Another Song & Dance (Power Rangers Zeo)

# 48 - The Prodigal Son Returns
           From Deep Within The Shadows (Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue)




#47 - Powers Explained by Dr K
          Ranger Blue (Power Rangers RPM)

# 46 - A Rhino Storming In
          Path of the Rhino (Power Rangers Jungle Fury)

# 45 - Do You Want Some T & A to Go With Your Freaky Friday?
          Invasion of the Body Switcher (Power Rangers in Space)

# 44 - Beware the Moon & It's Wolf
          The Zenaku Saga (Power Rangers Wild Force)




# 43 -  I'm NOT a Real Boy?!
          Things Not Said (Power Rangers Operation Overdrive)


# 42 -  Here Comes the Bride, Ready to Fight
           Ranger Yellow (Power Rangers RPM)
                    
          
# 41 - Time For Time ... Racist!
          Trip Takes A Stand (Power Rangers Time Force)


         

Legends of Power WEEK # 43: I'm NOT a Real Boy?!

LEGENDS OF POWER, WEEK 43:
Things No Said
Power Rangers Operation Overdrive


            I know. I know. I am hearing the groans, moans and hatred for this show from many fans already. Yet, every Power Rangers season is someone’s favorite … but it is not mine. That being said, Operation Overdrive had a few good gems in an otherwise mountain of crap as they raped one of my favorite Sentai shows. *sigh*

            I promised I wasn’t going to do this. I promised that I wasn’t gonna go in FAN BOY RAGE but seriously …Boukenger was so damn EPIC! It was GREAT  and Disney, you decided to take a massive shit all over it with a …

*Alpha Protocols Running. Anti Fan Boy Rage Cut off*

             . . . Okay. I’ll shut up about it. I do not often make comparison’s to the Sentai cause I find that ruins both sides of the coin for you. Operation Overdrive, in and of itself was HORRIBLE. Yet, like I mentioned earlier. There were a few gems.

            Chief among them was a twist that we had little clue and barely saw coming. In Things Not Said, the actors turned it up a notch for a very dramatic confrontation between father and son as we find out that Mack … Mack is an android. You see, his father said he didn’t have enough time to meet the right woman which lead to one of the best dramatic scenes in the franchises history.

            Mack’s emotions were authentic. The situation was out of left field but if you took a look back at older episodes, there were very vague clues. The rest of the cast, scans Dax (who was a horrible attempt to make a new Bridge but as a stuntman) cause he sucked, really helped convey the emotion of Mack dealing with his life being a lie. And not being alive at all. A very interesting twist handled extremely well. And that fact that they waited to the last 3^rd of the series made the revelation all the more impactful. Mack had felt real enough to the team and lead them. Will saying, “We’re brothers” really highlights the great writing, acting and directing done in this episode.

            As to why it’s # 43. 1 – It has Dax. 2 – the rest of the series only has a few more glimmers of acting this good. 3 – this is the best episode of the series. 4 – The twist and philosophical questions that came from it were handled extremely well. But yeah. Things Not Said comes in at # 43.  Well, till the next time, May the Power Protect You!



NEXT:  Anyone Up for A Wedding?

Legends of Power, WEEK #46 -

LEGENDS OF POWER # 46:
Path of The Rhino – Power Rangers Jungle Fury

            So yeah. Jungle Fury has it’s 1^st induction onto our countdown. Way of the Rhino marked the first appearance of Jungle Fury Rhino Ranger aka Dominic. Dominic has a Pau Zhu that RJ, Wolf Ranger, knew for a long time. Dominic has been traveling the world, looking for his ultimate destiny, as he told the other Jungle Fury Rangers and Fran when he first arrived. Yet, after first meeting with Dominic, the team, except for RJ and Fran do not like him. Heck, they don’t really give Dominic a chance or benefit or the doubt.
            He was eating pizza while  two Rangers were practicing with weapons. He give them constructive ways to actually focus  their attacks but he accidently gets pizza grease on it and it slips out. Dominic goofs off a little but the main 3 Jungle Fury Rangers don’t give him a chance. When Dominic sees the Rangers in action, he feels that he’s destined to join … only  to get shot by the 3 Main Rangers . . . who are acting like complete ASSHOLES at this point.
 

            This was definitely one of the best introductory episodes of a new Ranger the show has ever had. We got a team who are showing character flaws and pretty much being snobbish about Dominic joining the team. RJ tells them to look at Dominic in a different way but they don’t listen. When Dominic decides to leave cause he feels unwanted, Fran points out to the other Rangers who great of  a job they did of giving him a chance …oh wait … they didn’t. And she calls them out on it. After making them feel stupid, Fran walks away to go after Dominic. ONLY THEN  Casey and the other realize how bad they were and Casey goes after Fran. To have a non-Ranger be the one to snap the Rangers into reality was a great touch.

            Plus, Dominic is kind of like Zhane done right. He’s charming. He’s loyal. He’s fun. But when it’s time to be a Ranger, he’ll throw down with the best of them. Way of The Rhino showed a hero wanted to find his place in the world and when he finds it, being treated with skepticism once he finds his destiny. It reminds viewers that the Rangers are fair from perfect and that somedays … our heroes are NOT really heroes. Overall, a strong episode from Jungle Fury …

            That is it for this week’s Legend of Power. Till Next Week, May the Power Protect You.

 - Frankie Rodriguez (Power Ranger Fan for 20 years)


NEXT WEEK:  T n A really  Sells the Show! 

Legends of Power - Week # 47: The Countdown of the Top 50 Greatest Power Rangers Stories

LEGENDS OF POWER  # 47:
Ranger Blue – Power Rangers RPM

            The morphing grid was one of the first teams we ever heard on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 20 years ago. As time passed, we heard about the morphin grid less and less. Saban had sold the rights to Power Rangers to Disney who barely  touched the word … till their last season with the franchise with Power Rangers RPM.

            RPM reinvented the word, calling the Morphin Grid into the Universal Bio-field; which to be honest, sounds a whole lot better than Morphin Grid. In Ranger Blue, we get what many Power Rangers fans never thought we would … an explanation behind the Universal Bio-field and the actual morphin sequences themselves. Yes, Dr. K, in her infinite wisdom, decided to let the RPM team ask her questions for her to answer.

            And it ends up with her explaining the RPM filmed morphin sequence down to the tee. What is more amazing that the explanation is used as set up for the main plot of the episode later, dealing with Ranger Blue himself, Flinn. It was a great way to explain the long mysterious morphin grid.

            Why is this on the countdown? I think what I just told you explains why. Why is it # 47? Because while the explanation is good and the episode overall is interesting … it was kinda of down played by Flinn’s need for justice and him messing up. While that did give interesting character to Flinn, it also kinda of made him look good and bad all in the same episode. So, Flinn looking bad till near the end of the episode is why this is # 47.


Next Week: With a Strength of a . . . Oh no. Th at would be telling. 

Legends of Power, WEEK 49

       

     Welcome to another edition of Legends of Power! This week, we have one of those so bad it’s good type of episodes. So, we hop back in time to Power Rangers Zeo. Ah yes. Power Rangers Zeo. Stronger than before, we had one of, if not, the strongest line up of Rangers EVER. Why do I say that? Their power source just keeps getting stronger and stronger over time. Everyone in the cast we trained warriors (with the exception of Tanya but Adam & Tommy got her up to speed). 

            Tommy was now in the role of Red Ranger while Jason had returned to the sixth Ranger slot as the Gold Ranger. The Machine Empire was …honestly lackluster but still somewhat entertaining. Particularly Prince Gasket and Archerina.

            Prince Gasket and Archerina were devious. They caught Tommy and almost made him evil again … I say Almost cause Tommy was not full on fighting the Rangers in the King For A Day 2 parter. No.
            This week, The #49 spot goes to a little episode called “Another Song and Dance.”  In this episode we get Tommy lipsyncing and dancing for his life. We get a monster who sings and makes people keep singing. We get both Tommy & Tanya, who are rarely ever paired together, stuck with them singing badly after they are hit by a spell from the monster.
            “Another Song and Dance” was terrible. Bad singing. The plot was screwy. And did I mention Bad Singing? Tanya was singing badly on purpose cause of the spell but Tommy …just can’t sing.
            What is entertaining about it is that we get our first real invasion of the Machine Empire. Gasket attacks with force. Tanya & Tommy’s singing was comical for the most part.  And we get to see a pair of Rangers rarely every paired up to star in something together. Plus, JDF dancing around like any of us would was hilarious and resonates.
            This is what makes it interest. That is why it takes the spot of #49 on this list.


Next Week: Evil Rangers … Part 2.

Legends of Power, WEEK 50 - A Countdown of The Greatest Power Rangers Stories

   Welcome to the first of a 50 week long column. Once a week, there will be a new Power Ranger story that was seen on the series post on here as among the best. Before we get started, I wanted to break down how this list is tabulated.

     Between looking over each series and diving into the episodes of each show, we are gonna look at  the best that Power Rangers has to offer. There will be  at least one episode of each series, Save for Megaforce, on this list. So be prepared. Some of the stories you will see will not be surprises. Some of the stories in this list most definitely will.

   Remember, while this list is somewhat subjective, fan comments and votes are STILL viable. For the next 50 weeks, we will be counting down an episode each week. So, grab your morphers and let's rock.







           













 MIGHTY MORPHIN MUTANTS


   Ah. Yes. We start with the first season. And oddly enough, we start with the second to last episode of the very first season. Mighty Morphin Mutants has a lot of great things going for it as to why it made the countdown.:

 - We have The Rangers fighting against a team of Evil Rangers

 - We got a character subplot and slight development for Tommy: with his forgetfulness.

 - It's a six on six ranger fight with the evil Rangers led by a crayfish monster.

 - Some damn good fighting scenes.

 - One of the funniest Bulk and Skull scenes in Power Rangers History.

 - One of the best and longest Zord battles in PR history.


Mighty Morphin Mutants is probably the second best instance of evil rangers for the first season .... heck, for the entire run of Mighty Morphin. The episode felt like a movie for the most part and it was Glorious. Yet, there are several things that make this episode hit #50.

   - The Tommy Subplot seemed kinda of there. You could have substituted it with a different subplot and the episode would have been just as good for the first season.

 - Heavy Use of Zyu2 footage is both a good and bad in this episode.

 - We NEVER see what happens to the evil Pink and Yellow Rangers. We just *Assume* they were destroyed but we see them go flying.

 - It's season 1 acting. What do you want?


Overall, why not the best episode ever, Mighty Morphin' Mutants was an enjoyable ride with an almost cinematic like feel to it. Check out Mighty Morphin' Mutants to see what I mean.

But till then, Happy New Year's and welcome ... It's gonna be a bumpy and awesome ride.


- Frankie Rodriguez
 Broken Infinite E-I-C/Founder/President
 Power Rangers Fan 20 years and Counting.


Next Week: It's So Bad It's Good Kind of Episode

Top 20 Mecha that aren't in Gundam

Since the next in the Gundam countdown series isn't until next month, but since I also can't ignore the people who want more of these kinds of countdowns I've decided the next article will be about mecha anime in general. Just ones that aren't from Gundam. This time it's a bit more personal of a list, not just looking at designs or power or anything of the sort. This time these are just my favorites.

If you think a top 20 list is a bit much, trust me when I say I could have easily made this a top 50 list and still leave out mecha that I thought were awesome. Narrowing it down to 20 was a bit tough for one such as me. Whose first love was giant robots.

To kick things off here we have a jazzy start. What do I mean? Well, let me explain it with

Number 20

The Gads in Gad Guard

It's like Super Sentai but you know... with jazz

The Gads have a place in my heart for being unique. Instead of being built by armies or sentient robot coming from space they come to be by melding with machines and taking on some of their characteristics.

On top of the mecha the series has a place in my heart for having a sense of style not seen often (though it has been seen in some other series) in anime. A vibrant jazz soundtrack, and characters that wear urban clothes instead of a typical Japanese school uniform all add to the charm and makes it make sure it sticks in your memory.

Number 19 

REVOLVER STAKE!

The Alt Eisen Kyosuke Nanbu's mech in Super Robot Wars Original Generation 1 and most of part 2. Or if you're going by the PS2 game a lot of Original Generations. Besides being mostly red which is my favorite color he's a monster and when it comes to mecha designs I like the big hulking monsters. Add to that the huge amount of ammo this guy is packing. Plus the pilot Kyosuke is the man. He doesn't talk a lot but that's because he doesn't need to. His actions speak for him.

Number 18

Aim For The Top! Got it?

The sizzlers or whatever you want to call the mecha in Gunbuster are pretty powerful looking. They have a simple color scheme that seems to actually add to their coolness. Like they're robots that could actually exist and they shouldn't be messed with. 

Reasons other than the mecha why it's on the list. Noriko Takaya is a super hot blooded pilot, she can definitely rival any hot blooded male. That makes her ok in my book. 

Number 17 

Gigantor Gigantooor Gigaaaannttoooooor!

Tetsujin 28 or Gigantor as he's known to us in the west. What can you say about the humongous mecha? If it wasn't for Gigantor we probably wouldn't have all these other great creators get inspired in the first place. That definitely lands him a spot on any mecha related top list. Enough said.

Number 16 

One of the first anime Yoshiyuki Tomino worked on

Raideen is notable for a lot of things. Besided being one of the first anime that Yoshiyuki Tomino worked on, it also introduces the first super robot that had supernatural origins and was sentient instead of being built by a genius professor or the military. It was also one of the super robot shows that was part of the Shogun Warriors toyline in the United States. Raideen certainly was a pioneer in it's day and should be remembered.

Number 15 

Za za za za zan!

Speaking of Tomino another of his earlier anime was an anime called Zambot 3. This one has it's own place in history as well, being one of the first anime you can see where Tomino got his nickname "kill 'em all" with main characters dying and not only were they dying they were children.

Another reason to like the show? It's awesome theme song as referenced in the caption for the picture. Look it up, it's quite catchy.

Number 14 

1! Plus 1! Plus 1! Plus 1! Plus 1! He's the defender of the universe!

Voltron/GoLion is pretty noteworthy. In Japan he may not be as remembered but for those of us in the United States he isn't just a super robot, he's the super robot. But that isn't to say in Japan it didn't do some things that were on the edge. Like say, kill the entire population of Earth in the first episode? Which even in Japan at the time was a bit crazy. Voltron or GoLion whatever you want to call him, deserves a spot in the top list.

Number 13 

Grendizer don't take no crap

Grendizer is the third in the Mazinger series (Kouji Kabuto even appears) and one heck of an entry. Instead of a human fighting to protect Earth it's an alien protecting Earth from more aliens.

Besides there's always talk of people that believe Grendizer is as powerful as certain other Go Nagai robots. Is it true? I for one don't care personally. 

Number 12

In terms of robots that combine out of 5 machines in Japan Voltes is more remembered

Voltes V (pronounced Voltehs Five) is a combining super robot anime that was just plain old fun. You have a team of five that wore colors just like in Super Sentai you had evil horned aliens and you had a giant combined robot with a ton of weapons. What more do you need?

Number 11

God Bless Dancouga!

Choujuu Kishin Dancouga or as it's known over here God Bless Dancouga is another combining robot. But unlike Voltron and Voltes V this one combined with only four. Dancouga had a great voice cast and a memorable catch phrase from the team leader Shinobu "yatte yaruze!" Speaking of voices the voice actor or seiyuu for the leader, Shinobu was none other than Judau Ashta's voice in Gundam ZZ. 

Dancouga is a great example for anime in the 80s not only did it have great robot fights and designs but it had an awesome soundtrack. 

Number 10 

You thought blowing up the Earth was bad?

Space Runaway Ideon was the anime that cemented Tomino's reputation and nickname "kill 'em all". Unlike in GoLion where the entire Earth was decimated. At the end of Ideon the entire universe was destroyed. Not just the entire population the whole universe itself.

Ideon is one heck of an anime, it makes you think that it's just about protecting people from some evil aliens but it certainly takes some twists and turns you didn't see coming. It's a lot more than just a mecha anime and it definitely should be checked out.

Number 9

Neppu! Shippu! Cybuster!

The Cybuster is the first hero original robot in Super Robot Wars. Appearing in Super Robot Wars 2 for the Famicom (NES). Masaki Andoh is the first hero original character in Super Robot Wars. Never mind that anime that was made in 1999 and to be fair didn't see, but saw enough to think "that isn't Masaki, never mind this" The Cybuster has quite a legacy to it. Even though it's an original in Super Robot Wars it's been around long enough to be considered legendary.

Also, me and Masaki share the same horrible sense of direction. I can relate to him.

Number 8 

Goldion hammer!

GaoGaiGar with it's intensely catchy theme song, and extreme hot blooded characters just makes it a complete winner in my book. Also, concerning the mecha itself it's a giant transformer with a lion in it's chest! Seriously this thing just exudes awesome.

As you can tell I like this mecha and the series a lot. Go check it out if you haven't you will not be disappointed.

Number 7 

Lonely way! 

SPT Layzner is a robot anime that isn't very well known here in the United States. Boy, I wish it was. It was created by Sunrise around 1986 and had quite a story.

Besides that the Layzner is a very cool robot, with the blue color scheme and the dome like head piece. It has a bit more style than what you would see in other real robot series.

Number 6

Arguing about stuff that happened in grade school while in a life or death battle? Only Isamu.

Isamu Alva Dyson's mecha in Macross Plus wasn't as flashy as Guld Goa Bowman's but it stood out to me more. I don't know if it's the color scheme or what, but the YF-19 seemed to stand out in it's simplicity.

As for Macross Plus, it's a masterpiece and it should be checked out right now if you haven't seen it. Go on ahead, I'll still be here, it's on youtube free and legally and on Netflix as well. 

Number 5

Just don't mess with this thing alright?

Mazinkaiser was created specifically for the Super Robot Wars series first. The team behind the games went to Go Nagai and asked for a powered up version of Mazinger for the games Go created Mazinkaiser. Since it's for the Mazinger series which was still pretty popular they decided hey, why not make an OVA for it too? So they did. 

Mazinkaiser adds some attitude to Mazinger Z and lets you know that Kouji Kabuto is not one to be trifled with.

Number 4 

It's called a scopedog

VOTOMS is a series that is quite groundbreaking. Like Gundam it showcases robots as tools and weapons and not as heros fighting evil. But even more so than Gundam it gets a lot more realistic. The scopedogs are actually pretty viable in real life. 

Also of note is the main character Chirico. He doesn't have any powers or psychic abilities or genetic manipulation (if I remember correctly) If you're a fan of hard science fiction VOTOMS will be right up your alley.

Number 3 

Gan gan gan gan Getter gan!

Getter Robo is a mecha that's in a lot of people's hearts around the world. It's considered one of the trinity of robot anime. The other two being Gundam and Mazinger. On top of that it's one of if not the first robot anime to have a combining robot. How's that for top 3 material? 

Number 2 

VF1 Valkyrie

Did you know quite a few people who worked on the original Mobile Suit Gundam went on to work on the legendary Macross? Legends breed more legends I guess. Showji Kawamori created one heck of a design to be the main fighter robot in Macross. No matter which form it's in it always looks elegant.

Macross is also a great series for it's characters like Roy Fokker and Lynn Minmay and it's great animation. Even today the animation holds up well, no doubt thanks to Ichiro Itano who besides Gundam and Macross also animated for Cowboy Bebop.

Number 1

Who else, baby?

Mazinger Z just has too much love from me and everyone else I grew up with to not be anywhere else but number 1. It's the super robot show that set up the groundwork for every other super robot show. Plus it's one of the trinity along with Gundam and Getter Robo. Whenever I think of robot anime Gundam doesn't pop into my head, neither does Macross or Getter Robo. Whenever I think of robot anime Mazinger Z will always be the first to pop into my head.

Rocket punch!

Honorable mentions:

Gurenn Lagann

Combattler V

Shin Getter

Mazinkaiser SKL

Brave Exkaiser

Brave Fighbird

Daimos

How about you guys? What are your favorite robot anime? Don't forget to comment.

Top 10 Gundam designs in the Universal Century

Hello everyone on the Broken Infinite. This is Jeremias de Leon and I'm bringing you my first countdown. The countdown for this week will be part of a series of countdowns concerning the Gundam Metaseries, they'll be spread out over the next few months, although their might be two on some months.

The first countdown for this little series will be the top Gundam designs in the Universal Century. If the title didn't already let you know. Well, that's enough of the introductions let's start this thing off. Here we go with number 10.

Number 10

RX-78NT-1 Gundam "Alex"

Despite it being low on the list the pilot Christina MacKenzie is still hot so... it has that

In terms of design the Gundam Alex is pretty solid. The classic Gundam color scheme of red, white, blue, and yellow is accounted for here. But this color scheme has more blue and white than any other color. With the mainly blue and white color scheme that has yellow and red accents this Gundam is one of the more slender looking ones. Almost as if it was more about speed than power in combat.

It really is a great design, following the principle of simple and straightforward aesthetics that I myself follow when designing. It's low on the list however for not being too memorable of a design, it's not bad as I said before but it's not one that I feel compelled to look at.

Number 9

RX-79(G) Gundam Ground Type

Couldn't fight in space though

The grunt Gundam in the 08^th MS Team. Like the Alex it's none too fancy but it still has quite a bit going on. The torso is different than most Gundam designs, with the yellow vent only on one side. It has more of a militaristic look than the original Gundam as well. These being mass produced units they have numbers stating which MS team they belong too and have a more uniform look to them. Which is why the design is cool, actually. It looks like it can actually be a real military weapon. Like the Alex though, it's also a bit bland. Simple is good but it feels as though perhaps it's a bit too simple. Then again it's a grunt unit, and not a lead Gundam.

Number 8

RX-178 Gundam Mk-II

Whether in AEUG or Titans colors it'll look cool

The Gundam Mk-II also isn't too complex of a design but this is where the designs start to get memorable. It took the concept of the original RX-78 and made it more militarized like the Ground Gundam, but also gave it a bit of an update and with that update made it stand out on it's own. It has the classic Gundam head and V fin and also has the standard looking torso. However, the skirt armor, backpack and shoulders make it look more intimidating than other Gundams. It looks like something you don't want to tangle with in a fight. Which one would assume is the point and in this point the Gundam Mk-II excels beautifully. A design which will always stick with me.

Number 7

RX-105 Ξ Gundam

One of the more unique Gundams

The lead Gundam Hathaway Noa (Bright's son) pilots in the novel series Hathaway's Flash. Also called the Xi Gundam. It is more complex than the other Gundams in this countdown so far. It does not feel that it has way too much going on though. Your eyes never feel like they're getting tired trying to keep up with all the minute details in the design. One of the more underrated Gundam designs to, possibly because not many outside of Japan have read the novel Hathaway's Flash. I don't see many people bring this Gundam up when talking about designs. Which is sad, because it's such a nice, refreshing and unique take on a Gundam design. We usually don't see many lead Gundams look serpentine like this one. It's one that should be looked at more.

Number 6

RX-0 Unicorn Gundam

The Unicorn just has this quality to it, that you just have your eyes drawn to it

When looking at the Unicorn Gundam, just one word pops into my head, “sleek”. It's the kind of design that when you look at it all you can really say is “that's cool”. When it's flying around as a pure white moble suit in the darkness of space, it just seems to gleam. When it's rampaging with the glowing red and gold in destroy mode it is totally eye catching. The Unicorn Gundam is the kind of design that toy makers love, one that demands your eye's attention and never lets it go.

Number 5

RX-93 ν Gundam

Fin Funnels, you wish you had some, right?

The Nu Gundam in Char's Counterattack is one of the cooler designs in the Universal Century. The color scheme of black, red, and yellow is a nice break from the standard lead Gundam color scheme and works well with this design of what's essentially a more slender looking Gundam with an awesome backpack of beam funnels. Out of the other Gundam's on this list, save for possibly the Unicorn Gundam this one seems to be one of the more fanciful designs with a very non-standard weapon. Although fin-funnels have been seen before with Haman Khan's Qubeley in Zeta and ZZ Gundam. When it's in motion the design really stands out as it gives the Nu Gundam a kind of mystical look to it.

A very cool design.

Number 4

RX-78-2 Gundam

The OG

The classic, original Gundam. The grandaddy of Gundams. The RX-78-2 is an iconic design. It's not overly complicated, the color scheme is great and you can never forget it once you've seen it. It's the kind of design that not only works as a design for a robot but as an icon, that stands for something. Whenever it's seen it's almost as if it's more than just a robot for military use, it's a symbol and that right there is great design.

Number 3

MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam

Remember that weird attack that used the souls of dead people Kamille used? What? Can't be random?

The Zeta Gundam is such a cool design. From the different head type from most other Gundams to the unique shield this Gundam takes a lot of strides away from the usual Gundam design. The color scheme of having more blue than red or yellow helps it looks sleeker, just like the Gundam Alex. The waverider mode it can transform into also helps it stay in your mind. But sticking with mobile suit mode, it's the kind of robot a kid would love to get a toy of, it just looks like something you want to stand on your shelf. Since having people buy toys of these Gundams are the point of these designs that makes this design high on the list.

Number 2

MSZ-010 ΖΖ Gundam

Piloted by Judau and the junkyard kids.

Yes, that's right, I like the Double Zeta and yes, I like it this much to put it this high on the list. Hear me out though, you see there's three things that make for a good Gundam design in the Universal Century, how cool it would be as a toy, how much it looks like a military machine, and how unique it is compared to the other mobile suits. The Double Zeta is a cool toy, especially the recent high grade, it looks like a hulking military machine and compared to the other mobile suits it looks quite different.

Others who don't like the Double Zeta's design usually remark that they don't like big hulking machines and prefer the Zeta because it's a more elegant looking mobile suit. I say I prefer the Double Zeta because of it's behemoth size. It's something I'd expect a robot made to be so powerful by the military to look like. They'd want something that looks big and intimidating. The design works and like I've been saying throughout this countdown it is one to be remembered.

All right... so here it is, number 1 Gundam design in the Universal Century

Number 1

RX-78GP03S Gundam

Swag

The second lead Gundam in Stardust Memory after the GP-01. This Gundam has an almost pure white color scheme, extra powerful thrusters in the back and a sleek look, yet not totally slender. Almost in between the bulky Double Zeta and slim Alex and Zeta Gundams. This Gundam looks like it should. On top of all the other factors I mentioned before, like how it looks like a war machine, and looks like it would make a great toy, it also looks like a robot made for an ace pilot. Which is what the Gundams are, they're not made for the everyday soldier but the hotshots and this looks like a machine for an ace.

With all the white and bits of shiny green when in motion, it's like it's just a blur of lights. Whenever I think of Gundams in the Universal Century, or just Gundam in general the very first thing that comes is the GP03 Dendrobium Stamen. It's got a cool look, it's fast and it's powerful. It really is the total package.

What do you think? What's your favorite Gundams in the Universal Century? Also, keep a heads up for the next Gundam countdown top non-Gundam designs in the Universal Century.