English Dub Review: The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World “The Red Ranger and the Mage”
Overview
Based on the Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoshi Nakayoshi The story begins when Yihdra a brilliant young sorceress of a disgraced court mage, seeks to redeem her family’s reputation and use sorcery for good. But when she meets an adventurer who transforms into an all-red Power Ranger-styled suit wielding otherworldly weapons, it could be the first step in achieving her dream… or it could drive her crazy.
Our Take
Togo Asagaki, better known as Kizuna Red (Basically this universe’s version of Power Rangers), finds himself transported to a fantasy world, but instead of being another overpowered swordsman or mage, he brings the spirit of positive energy. With his flashy moves, tactical mindset, and even a full mech suit, he takes on evildoers in a way that feels straight out of a Saturday morning Cartoon. Partnered with the sorceress Yihdra, who struggles to make sense of his over-the-top heroics, his presence turns the world into a stage for justice, complete with dramatic poses and explosive battles.
Upon meeting Yihdra, Red develops a hilarious dynamic with her, as she keeps questioning how Red’s strange powers work, and sometimes comedically come at her expense. It’s great seeing how his presence changes the world around him, even if Yihdra isn’t completely thrilled at how his powers function…
Overall, the first episode left quite a lasting impression as it wears its love for two separate Japanese subgenres on its sleeve, playing the hero concept straight rather than deconstructing or parodying it. The execution isn’t perfect since the CGI parts can be rough, and some moments lean a little too serious—but Red’s enthusiasm is easily one of it’s strongpoints. The mix of action, comedy, and adventure gives it a strong start, and it’s a fun throwback to the kind of hero stories that don’t hold back on the spectacle, and it left me quite hooked with that post-credits scene. Now the question is, what will happen next?
My Love Affair with Marriage was great! I hope this gets enough of a release in the US for me to be able to go to it in theatres.