The anime adaptation of Negi Haruba’s “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” is gearing up for its second season, with a confirmed premiere date of April 13, 2025. A new key visual has been revealed, hinting at the escalating conflict and the growing stakes for both the heroes and the villains. The series promises to deliver more of its signature blend of superhero action, dark humor, and strategic intrigue.
Return of the Underdog
“Go! Go! Loser Ranger!”, also known as “Ranger Reject”, flips the script on the classic Super Sentai formula, offering a subversive take on the genre. Instead of focusing on the heroic exploits of a pristine ranger team, the story centers on a monster grunt, codenamed Fighter D, who seeks to dismantle the established order from within.
Thirteen years prior to the start of the series, the Villainous Army of Evil invaded Earth but were swiftly defeated by the Divine Dragon Rangers, also known as the Dragon Keepers. However, instead of eradicating the remaining monster soldiers, the Dragon Keepers forced them into a humiliating charade. Every Sunday, the monsters are compelled to stage battles for the entertainment of the masses, reinforcing the Dragon Keepers’ image as saviors.
Fighter D, weary of this forced performance, decides to take a stand. He aims to expose the Dragon Keepers’ hypocrisy and dismantle their carefully constructed facade. To achieve this, he infiltrates their ranks, assuming a human form and joining the training program for aspiring rangers.
A Critical Look at Heroism
The anime delves into complex themes of power, corruption, and the nature of heroism. The Dragon Keepers, initially presented as paragons of virtue, are gradually revealed to be flawed individuals with questionable motives. The series explores the idea that even those hailed as heroes can be susceptible to corruption and abuse of power.
The Dragon Keepers: Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Each of the Dragon Keepers possesses a distinct personality and set of motivations, adding layers of complexity to their characters.
- Red Keeper: Perhaps the most controversial figure, the Red Keeper is portrayed as a tyrannical leader who resorts to violence and manipulation to maintain control. While maintaining a pleasant public persona, he is quick to lash out at anyone who challenges his authority.
- Blue Keeper: The commander of the Blue Battalion. He was originally in a gang to raise money for an orphanage, he joined the Rangers after Akabane blackmails him while in jail. He was killed by Peltrola’s sneak attack in a battle with D.
- Green Keeper: The Green Keeper is the only member of the team to have his entire face covered.
- Yellow Keeper: The commander of the Yellow Battalion. He is often seen smiling constantly. He is the brains of the current Keepers, managing a massive battalion of underlings with ease.
- Pink Keeper: The commander of the Pink Battalion and Hibiki’s older sister. She is obsessed with Hibiki.
Challenging the Status Quo
Fighter D’s journey is not simply about revenge; it is about challenging a system built on lies and exploitation. As he navigates the treacherous world of ranger training, he encounters both allies and enemies, each with their own agendas and secrets.
Season 1 Recap: Seeds of Rebellion
The first season of “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” laid the groundwork for the upcoming conflict. It introduced the main characters, established the world’s intricate power dynamics, and set Fighter D on his collision course with the Dragon Keepers.
Infiltration and Alliances
Fighter D successfully infiltrated the ranger training program, assuming the identity of a human trainee. He quickly befriends Yumeko Suzukiri and Hibiki Sakurama, two aspiring rangers who become instrumental in his plans.
- Yumeko Suzukiri: One of the lead Rangers.
- Hibiki Sakurama: A newbie ranger.
The Battle Exam Arc
The second half of season 1 focuses on a battle exam, a common trope in battle anime. This arc serves to introduce a wide array of characters and showcase their unique powers and abilities. However, it also introduces a new threat that further complicates Fighter D’s mission.
What to Expect in Season 2
With the stage set, season 2 promises to escalate the conflict between Fighter D and the Dragon Keepers. The tagline of the new visual, “Expose that madness,” suggests that the secrets and corruption within the Dragon Keeper organization will be brought to light.
New Characters and Alliances
While the original cast and staff are expected to return, new characters and alliances are likely to emerge. These additions will further enrich the world of “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” and add new layers of intrigue to the story.
Disney+ Streaming
International audiences can anticipate the second season’s exclusive streaming on Disney+. While Hulu streamed the first season in the United States, confirmation for season 2 availability on Hulu is still pending.
Production
The anime television series adaptation is produced by Yostar Pictures.
Keiichi Sato is the director.
Keiichirō Ōchi is the writer.
Yoshihiro Ike is the music composer.
A Fresh Take on Super Sentai
“Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” has garnered attention for its unique premise and its willingness to deconstruct the tropes of the Super Sentai genre. By focusing on the perspective of a monster grunt, the series offers a fresh and subversive take on the battle between good and evil.
Parody and Satire
The anime employs elements of parody and satire to critique the conventions of superhero narratives. The Dragon Keepers, with their exaggerated poses and self-righteous pronouncements, are ripe for ridicule. The series also pokes fun at the formulaic nature of Super Sentai battles, where the heroes always emerge victorious against seemingly insurmountable odds.
The “Power Rangers” Effect
Some have described the series as “The Boys” for Super Sentai, referencing the dark and cynical superhero series that subverts the genre’s tropes. “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” shares a similar sensibility, exposing the darker side of heroism and questioning the motivations of those in power.
Critical Reception
The first season of “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” received mixed reviews. Some praised its unique premise, its willingness to subvert genre conventions, and its engaging characters. Others criticized its pacing and its deviation from traditional Super Sentai tropes.
A Polarizing Series
The series’ unconventional approach has proven to be polarizing, with some viewers embracing its subversive take on the genre while others found it to be a disappointment. Ultimately, “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” is a series that challenges viewers’ expectations and encourages them to question the nature of heroism.
Conclusion
“Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” season 2 is poised to deliver more of the action, intrigue, and dark humor that defined its first season. With a confirmed premiere date of April 13, 2025, fans can look forward to the next chapter in Fighter D’s quest to expose the truth behind the Dragon Keepers’ reign. Whether you’re a fan of Super Sentai or simply looking for a fresh and subversive anime, “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” is sure to offer a unique and thought-provoking experience.
