REVIEW: ‘Go! Go! Loser Ranger!’ Episode 1 — “We Are Justice! The Dragon Keepers!”

Go Go Loser Ranger (Sentai Daishikkaku) Episode 1 marks the start of a brand new action-packed series. The adapatation is based on the manga of the same name by Negi Haruba. Go Go Loser Ranger Episode 1, “We Are Justice! The Dragon Keepers!,” introduces viewers to a world that has plenty of intrigue beneath the surface.

The premise of Go Go Loser Ranger Episode 1 is simple. Thirteen years ago, the world was invaded by a group known as the Nefarious Monster Army. The Dragon Keepers, Earth’s mighty defense squad, defeated the monsters in less than a year and now force them to battle each week for the public’s entertainment. These battles are known as the Sunday Showdown and are used to make the population think the NMA is still a threat that the Dragon Keepers are fighting back against.

The whole dynamic is very reminiscent of the Harlem Globetrotters and the Washington Generals. Every battle is creatively controlled so that it makes the Dragon Keepers look as epic as possible. There are newly created monsters and innovative attacks all designed to ultimately fall flat and entertain the public. The Dragon Keepers themselves are made to look like heroes but it already seems like there is more to them that is yet to be revealed.

Being used as a public punching bag for over a decade has to wear thin. One of these monsters, just referred to as Fighter D (Yûsuke Kobayashi), has had enough and is ready to push back. He has the brilliant idea of infiltrating the Rangers, essentially the support group for the Dragon Keepers, and defeating the Dragon Keepers once and for all. He is recruited by Yumeko Suzukiri (Yumika Yano), a member of the Rangers, giving him the perfect chance to begin his plan. His plan is only starting in Go Go Loser Ranger Episode 1, but it seems like a really interesting one that will be fun to watch unfold.

The entire premise that is set up in Go Go Loser Ranger Episode 1 is very unique. The good guys are made to look like bad guys and the bad guys are made out to be sympathetic losers being punished for eternity. There is no real effort made to have viewers like the Dragon Keepers other than cool animation and fight scenes. They are unapproachable heroes who are seemingly keeping up a facade for the people.

Fighter D, the main character for now, is also really interesting. He is not the only NMA member fed up with their treatment, but he is the only one willing to do anything about it. Everyone else is content to play their role and not risk the wrath of the Dragon Keepers. Fighter D is brave to try to infiltrate the Rangers, but he is even braver to go against the wishes of his allies.

The biggest real downside to using Go Go Loser Ranger Episode 1 as an exposition dump is that it limits the incredible animation. Yostar Pictures is a relatively unknown studio but they showcase a ton of potential here. The character designs alone are exquisite. The Dragon Keepers all have very distinct designs that are part of what makes them seem more like villains than heroes. The enemy monsters have innovative and creative designs, like a tiger with wheels on his back. Sure, why not?

Action is limited but it is exemplary from the start. Seeing the Dragon Keepers in action is so satisfying. Their role as the antagonists is made more interesting by how great they are in action. They have slick moves and powerful combat techniques that Yostar does a wonderful job of animating. Their creativity should be on full display as the series progresses and unveils all sorts of new characters and abilities. The action will need to ramp up to meet its full potential, but what we got in Go Go Loser Ranger Episode 1 was a great teaser.

Go Go Loser Ranger Episode 1 is a solid premiere episode that does a great job of establishing the premise and characters. It relies more on exposition than action, but that will serve the series well as the plot unfolds. Fighter D’s quest is an understandable one and it will be fun to watch him try to navigate his infiltration.

Go Go Loser Ranger Episode 1 is streaming now on Hulu.