Astro Fighter
Sunred 2
Number of episodes: 26 (fifteen minutes)
Production Studio: AIC A.S.T.A.
Fansub Release Viewed: ANBU
Likelihood of US Release: Low
The washed-up superhero Sunred and the pleasantly-antagonistic Florsheim organization, led by the ultra polite Vamp-sama, return in season 2 of this superhero gag comedy series.
Episode Summary
This summary covers episodes 1 and 2.
The first episode of season two finally introduces the third member of the famous “Weather Three” sentai group to which Red used to belong, as they gang up and bully Florsheim’s latest monster henchman. Later, Vamp and the crew try to prepare the base for the visit of a high-ranking official, only to make Red angry due to their constant change of plans. In act 3, Red rescues the Animal Soldiers from some angry children, and they repay him by attempting to take him down.
In episode two, Red joins Vamp and his other neighbors for a neighborhood council meeting, and gets thoroughly scolded by the others for not sorting his garbage in the proper manner. Later, a monster named Peeled Shrimp asks another monster for advice in responding to Red’s verbal attacks, and ends up attempting to apprentice at a tempura shop. Then Vamp returns with his easy recipe corner with the addition of Kayoko, and they teach how to make tarako spaghetti for adults.
Thoughts
I had debated even covering this show, which is mainly a continuation of season 1 and not a plot-heavy one either (to say that Astro Fighter Sunred has any sort of plot might be a stretch), but I enjoy it so much that I decided that, even though I may not have much to say about it, it deserves the attention.
This series is a gag comedy which means that, unlike something with more slapstick that can be universally-enjoyed, the content is something of an acquired taste. As a fan of series like Cromartie High School and Azumanga Daioh which rely more on comic timing and absurdism than physical hijinks, the character-based and situational humor in this series is a good fit for me. I also have the benefit of some knowledge of Japanese culture which helps whenever the show features a holiday celebration, some sort of food item, or references pop-culture (though props really need to go out to the fansub group for providing reference material when needed). This series in particular relies on some familiarity with the clichés and tropes of Super Sentai television series (think Power Rangers), and many of the series’ funniest jokes stem from the tendancy of the characters not to live into their roles as prescribed by that genre.
The unfortunate thing is that this style of humor can be a bit too subtle for some people, who are more used to in-your-face action or who don’t have a background in Japanese culture (and haven’t been able to pick it up from contextual inclusion in other shows). To those types of fans, the lack of a plot coupled with the unorthodox behavior of the characters and the lack of animation (much of the dialog-heavy show is animated by having the characters’ heads bob up and down) the show may seem pointless and boring.
In any case, my response to this is that you can’t please everyone. This series so far has provided me many laughs, and even a few pleasantly-sentimental moments. I’m attracted to the fact that the character interactions are so unorthodox. Vamp is probably the most domestically-inclined anime villain I can remember seeing, and though the joke may seem overplayed to some, watching as his politeness shows through his inability to properly attack Red is always funny to me. I especially like the interactions between Vamp, Kayoko and Red, since Kayoko is more often than not on Vamp’s side even though Red is technically her boyfriend. The baddies, who in any normal series would be throwaway and practically without any sort of personality, all have their own private lives that often get featured now and again. It might be strange to say so, but as the series goes on I’ve begun to care about the characters to some extent, and perhaps that familiarity helps the comedy to come across more fully.
For people still complaining about the lack of a plot (why some people have the mistaken opinion that shows without a plot aren’t worth the time to watch, I’ll never know) the final minute or so of episode 2 suggests that there may be some sort of minor continuing story involving the Pudding Empire and their plot to colonize the Earth. My inkling is that this story string will probably be akin to the “Spacacataz” portions of Aqua Teen Hunger Force (check out that series for some incredibly funny Western-style absurdist gag comedy) and will probably have no effect on the overall content of the series, but for fans who require some sort of conflict and subsequent climax, it’s at least something.
For the rest of us who enjoy the series for what it is, season 2 offers more of the same. For something with simple story that should by all means have grown old by now, the fact that it continues to be entertaining is encouraging and I can’t wait to watch more.
Pros
- In this case, “more of the same” is a compliment rather than a criticism
- The show continues to do a lot with a little and manages to get more than its money’s worth
- It’s all about the characters, who are still varied, funny and charming
Cons
- Those who prefer plot-based series should look elsewhere
- Some gags relating closely to Japanese culture may trip up some fans who don’t have a familiarity with those aspects
