Greetings, Splendid Seven devotees, martial arts aficionados, fighting video game fans, and admirers of all things Super Sentai and Power Rangers. Antoni here with another written entry focusing on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specializing in the martial arts they do. Now, we have come to the moment in which Saban-era Power Ranger fits each Splendid Seven member in terms of sparring. Some of these choices may surprise you, while others are selections that you know fit specific Splendid Seven members, given the many times I have posted about the Mighty Morphin Inurangers. Outside my Inurangers headcanon, I also composed seven-person dream teams that consist of the Saban-era Power Rangers from 1993 to 2002. One of the most prominent dream teams I have been composing thus far is the Military Squadron Power Rangers consisting of Tommy Oliver the White Tigerzord Ranger, Jason Lee Scott the Black Gold Ranger, Eric Myers the Red Quantum Ranger, Rocky DeSantos the Blue Zeo Ranger, Adam Park the Green Zeo Ranger, Taylor Earhardt the Yellow Eagle Wild Force Ranger, and Jen Scotts the Pink Time Force Ranger. This is a Power Rangers dream team that I have been enjoying so much. Where am I going with this? If it were not already clear, I have appointed the Military Squadron Power Rangers as the number one sparring partners for the Splendid Seven. Aside from sparring alone, they also make the closest sets of friends, comrades, and siblings from other parents who can have certain traits and activities in common. Therefore, I have hit the jackpot in terms of finding which Power Ranger is the best fit for each Yokai martial artist. With that said, let us get ready to rumble with these Power Ranger-Yokai martial artist platonic pairings and sparring match-ups. Osu! Hajime! Tommy Oliver and Sesshoumaru: The Icy Emperors of the Octagon (Mixed Martial Arts) Suiting up in their silver-white MMA shorts and silver MMA gloves to deliver fatal blows to each other in the octagonal cage are Tommy and Sesshoumaru, who are legendary mixed martial artists. Once they enter the cage, a deadly chill would surround the two powerful fighters who are ready to obliterate each other. Tommy’s speed and strength perfectly complement Sesshoumaru’s stealth and deadliness because they know how to deliver ruthless attacks with accurate timing and demanding power. Every time that Tommy delivers a double leg takedown, a kneebar, and a Kimura to Sesshoumaru, Sesshoumaru counters them with a sprawl and brawl, a series of ground and pounds, an armbar, and an ankle lock to finish the match. Given how Tommy has always witnessed how Sesshoumaru is as a mixed martial artist, he would always encourage him to never go easy on his opponents in every martial arts tournament he is in. What defines both Tommy and Sesshoumaru is respect, discipline, honor, and integrity as martial artists and as men of honor. Mixed Martial Arts may be important to Tommy and Sesshoumaru, but they also love drinking matcha and herbal tea, circuit training, meditative forest walks, and fine Asian fusion pescatarian cuisine. Jason Lee Scott and Shuran: The Fiery Executioners of the Ring (Professional Wrestling) Pairing Jason with Shuran may seem suicidal in terms of their massive size difference, but this works surprisingly well. Jason has always faced bigger and stronger opponents with courage and determination. In turn, Shuran has consistently respected Jason because of his fearless drive and strong will. When Jason in black wrestling trunks and Shuran in green wrestling trunks enter the ring, they would surprise each other in electrifying ways. Jason may give Shuran a host of body slams, Boston crabs, and camel clutches. However, Shuran can strike back at Jason with a vengeance, thanks to his piledrivers, bearhugs, German suplexes, and submission holds. Nevertheless, Jason has enough strength to always encourage Shuran to always give it his all when he faces off against bigger opponents, monsters, and demons and use his brute strength as well as pulverizing pro-wrestling moves responsibly. Jason would never allow anybody to bully Shuran because of his size, while Shuran makes it his main goal to protect Jason from harm and fight by his side. Outside the pro wrestling ring, Jason and Shuran enjoy drinking yak’s, buffalo’s, and bison’s milk; intense powerlifting, mountain-climbing, and a high-protein, carb-free, sugar-free cuisine. Eric Myers and Inuyasha: The Bludgeoning Sons of Heracles and Theseus (Pankration) Forget the restrictions. Forget holding back. Because Eric and Inuyasha are ready to engage in a bloody, brutal, visceral, and vicious match with their toned bodies all drenched in olive oil. They would find themselves situated in the Athenian arena hosted by Heracles and Theseus themselves. Eric may don a red loincloth to accentuate his lean musculature, but Inuyasha would not mind covering his private part in only a protective cup made out of a demon lion’s crimson mane to capitalize on his bulging muscles. With Heracles’s strength and Theseus’s combat prowess, Eric and Inuyasha would ferociously charge at each other like the Nemean Lion and the Minotaur. Eric would deliver Superman punches, hammer fists, and heel hooks. Inuyasha would counterattack Eric with double axe handles, tracheal grip chokes, rear naked chokes, and guillotine chokes. Eric always encourages Inuyasha to show no mercy in beating his opponents to a pulp while doing these battles for the Olympian gods. When Eric and Inuyasha are not bludgeoning each other to death, they love each other like brothers. They enjoy drinking Kykeon, goat’s milk, and diluted wine with honey; partaking in extreme strongman competitions, weightlifting, and dining on Mediterranean Greek cuisine. Rocky DeSantos and Hakkaku: The Crashing Crocodiles of Nine Limbs (Muay Boran) Leaving stronger opponents all black and blue, bruised, and battered is the name of the game once Rocky in blue and Hakkaku in black don their shorts, wrap their hands in hemp rope, and step into the Thai palace arena in Bangkok. Royalty would indubitably hail Rocky and Hakkaku as the finest…
Antoni Garcia
Greetings, Splendid Seven devotees, martial arts aficionados, fighting video game fans, and admirers of all things Super Sentai and Power Rangers. Antoni here with another written entry focusing on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specializing in the martial arts they do. I definitely enjoyed doing my first Power Ranger sparring partners for The Splendid Seven entry because of the possibilities presented for each Yokai martial artist with attitude to spar with the various Power Rangers suited for them. Now, the focus has become narrower and more specific for group-ups between each Splendid Seven member and three or four Power Ranger sparring partners. This means three Power Ranger sparring partners for Sesshoumaru and Shuran as well as four Power Ranger sparring partners for Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran. Why three for Sesshoumaru and Shuran plus four for Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran? Because, if you have been tuning into my Mighty Morphin Inurangers AU headcanon, you will automatically understand that Sesshoumaru and Shuran fit the bill as white/silver and black/titanium rangers, with Shuran being the Green Dragonzord Ranger, while Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran represent the five main ranger colors of red, black/blue, blue/green, yellow, and pink respectively. There are going to be the usual ranger suspects such as Tommy Oliver, Jason Lee Scott, Zack Taylor, Billy Cranston, Rocky DeSantos, and Adam Park. In Tommy’s and Jason’s case, they will not end up donning their Red Ranger attires here, for they will respectively don their White Tigerzord Ranger and Black Gold Ranger attires. I say this because both Tommy and Jason can do very well as sixth/extra rangers aside from being leaders. As for Rocky, I have always argued that he was much better as the Blue Ranger than as the Red Ranger. Adam has always been suitable as both the Black and Green Rangers, although he is the Green Zeo Ranger here. The surprise here is enlisting Eric Myers as a Red Ranger not just because of his attire but also because of his leadership experience with the Silver Guardians, which makes him a good candidate for being one of the best Red Rangers of all time, despite being a sixth/extra Ranger. Therefore, the choices for Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran are more streamlined and focused rather than just having the usual suspects. With that said, let us begin. Sesshoumaru with Tommy Oliver, Zhane, and Merrick Baliton (Mixed Martial Arts) The octagonal cage is experiencing a deathly chill when Sesshoumaru steps into it to do some training with Tommy, Zhane, and Merrick. Every ground and pound, armbar, sprawl and brawl, and Kimura thrown at each other is enough to make them bleed profusely like waterfalls. UFC and Pride FC know that they are in good hands when Tommy, Zhane, and Merrick proudly endorse Sesshoumaru as the fiercest fighter they have ever combated with. Tommy, Zhane, Merrick, and Sesshoumaru also maintain decorum, discipline, respect, and honor toward each other, especially when they drink matcha after a long day of sparring. Shuran with Jason Lee Scott, Mike Corbett, and Ryan Mitchell (Professional Wrestling) Just because Jason, Mike, and Ryan are chiefly collegiate wrestlers does not mean they cannot take down Shuran the all-star pro wrestler in the ring. In fact, brute strength, raw power, camaraderie, and tenacity are the names of the games whenever Shuran has his wrestling matches with them. These are clear in the bone-crushing piledrivers, German suplexes, powerslams, and bearhugs employed by each other. WWE and TNA can vouch for what Jason, Mike, and Ryan describe Shuran as a powerful wrestler. Outside the ring, they enjoy drinking big jugs of refreshing yak’s milk to fortify their bodies for the next few rounds. Inuyasha with Eric Myers, Leo Corbett, Alex Drake, and Wes Collins (Pankration) Heracles and Theseus have bestowed an indubitably formidable brotherhood upon Eric, Leo, Alex, Wes, and Inuyasha thanks to their super strength, resilience, determination, and fierceness. No Nemean Lion and no Minotaur in the arena can obliterate these Pankratiasts because they have the tracheal grip chokes, double axe handles, camel clutches, and hammer fists to subdue them. Even Inuyasha can give Eric, Leo, Alex, and Wes brutal beatings that would leave them numb, bruised, and bloodied. When not squeezing and beating the life out of each other, they love to drink Kykeon as a sign of gratitude for Heracles and Theseus. Hakkaku with Rocky DeSantos, Zack Taylor, Kai Chen, and Chad Lee (Muay Boran) The lush Thai jungles can never be tamed, for they are the perfect breeding ground for toughening determined warriors such as Rocky, Zack, Kai, Chad, and Hakkaku. It is through their toughness, passion, relentlessness, and dedication that they are able to survive even the direst of natural conditions. Backed up by their elbow slashes, flying knees, knee bombs, and headbutts, they can give several stronger and more skilled opponents plus each other the beatings of a lifetime. Aside from ensuring that their limbs and head are in mint condition, they replenish their bodies by drinking coconut water straight from the source. Ginta with Adam Park, Billy Cranston, Damon Henderson, and Joel Rawlings (Lethwei) The hot Burmese sandpits are always drenched in sweat and blood, given how they are made home to Adam, Billy, Damon, Joel, and Ginta. They are also defined by charisma, quickness, perseverance, and zealousness to achieve their goals as best as they can. All these attributes are supported by their push kicks, headbutts, flying knees, and backfists which are useful for bringing bigger opponents to their knees and paralyzing them. Nobody can ever knock these combatants down because they have the limbs of steel to prove it. Thrashing opponents aside, they keep their bodies refreshed by drinking Toddy juice mixed with Spirulina. Ayame with Taylor Earhardt, Maya, Katie Walker, and Ashley Hammond (Kyuk Too Ki) When speed, power, balance, and timing unite and are engendered in fists and feet of fury, it can…
Greetings, anime fans, martial arts aficionados, fighting game devotees, and enthusiasts of all things pertaining to anime, martial arts, video games, and fighting tournaments. Antoni here with another written entry. The UFC, Pride FC, World Combat League, martial arts tournament, and fighting game junkie in me has struck again. Deservedly so. I love the result of combining anime with martial arts tournaments because of how well they can correlate with each other in terms of strength, excitement, thrills, and formidability. One can never go wrong with such a combination, and I am one of the many people pleased to have done so. When I first made my anime martial arts septet line-up, I initially believed that some of the entries made sense. However, looking back at it, some of them have not held up that well. This time I will bump my list up to fourteen team-ups because, after all, fourteen is a number divisible by seven. It is also better that I work with this number because eight just seemed too deficient. Moreover, I based it on my Toonami-era Inurangers headcanon team line-up, which serves as a fictional counterpart to the real-life Saban-era Power Rangers teams. As I said, looking back at the martial arts I gave some of the teams, they could be better. The same rule applies I will list down the characters I caught on Animax, Adult Swim, Hero TV, and even on the internet. Therefore, do expect some of my favorite characters from Inuyasha, Baki the Grappler, Shura no Toki, Shootfighter Tekken, Hajime no Ippo, Texhnolyze, Wolf’s Rain, Fullmetal Alchemist, Solty Rei, Ultra Maniac, Detective School Q, Chrono Crusade, Geneshaft, Galaxy Angel, Hungry Heart, GetBackers, Full Metal Panic, Gokusen, UFO Baby, and Cardcaptor Sakura to show up. Characters from Cowboy Bebop, Baccano, Hellsing Ultimate, Trigun, Outlaw Star, Fist of the North Star, YuYu Hakusho, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Stratos 4, Witch Hunter Robin, Saiyuki, Saber Marionette J, Otogi Zoshi the Legend of Magatama, Rurouni Kenshin, R.O.D. the TV, Ayakashi Samurai Horror Tales, Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, Jungle no Ouja Tar-Chan, Great Teacher Onizuka, Flame of Recca, Gun X Sword, Tsukihime, Ghost Stories, Haibane Renmei, and many other anime series that I could barely name off the top of my head deserve separate lists too because they are a class of their own, especially the first seven I just mentioned, and I would not want to oversaturate this entry. Furthermore, the now grown-up Inuyasha kids as well as my anime OTP next-generation characters from Inuyasha x Ayame to Hakkaku x Shunran x Ginta to many others I would have loved to mention are also going to be featured in another entry. With that said, let us commence that great kick-butt, high-octane martial action. Osu! Hajime! The Splendid Seven (Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran) These seven Yokai martial artists consisting of two dog yokai brothers in Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha, three spiky-haired brothers in Shuran, Hakkaku, and Ginta, and two auburn-haired sisters in Ayame and Shunran can make their opponents tremble when they enter the arena. When combining Sesshoumaru’s ground and pounds, Shuran’s piledrivers, Inuyasha’s tracheal grip chokes, Hakkaku’s elbow strikes, Ginta’s flying knees, Ayame’s uppercuts, and Shunran’s nerve strikes, they become an unstoppable force. What keeps them together is ferocious formidability, for they can never be knocked down from every grueling challenge. Sesshoumaru (Inuyasha) – Mixed Martial Arts Shuran (Inuyasha) – Professional Wrestling Inuyasha (Inuyasha) – Pankration Hakkaku (Inuyasha) – Muay Boran Ginta (Inuyasha) – Lethwei Ayame (Inuyasha) – Kyuk Too Ki Shunran (Inuyasha) – Shaolin Kung Fu The Honorable Budoka (Kuranosuke, Kisuke, Shinosuke, Toran, Wakana, Enju, and Karan) Honor, decorum, valor, stamina, respect, cooperation, and confidence are what define these seven incredible martial artists. Kuranosuke Takeda, Kisuke, and Shinosuke are valiant combatants of the Kyokushin Kaikan discipline because of how these three gentlemen throw unapologetically hard blows against their opponents. Toran is like water when she makes her enemies fall on their knees. Wakana and Enju possess strikes so painful that they can make any perpetrator’s limbs go numb. Karan has lightning-fast attacks that see her go zero gravity into the air and land sharp blows. Therefore, any bum would be foolish to take them down. Kuranosuke Takeda (Inuyasha) – Ashihara Karate Kisuke (Inuyasha) – Enshin Karate Shinosuke (Inuyasha) – Seidokaikan Karate Toran (Inuyasha) – Jeet Kune Do Wakana (Inuyasha) – Nippon Kenpo Enju (Inuyasha) – Shorinji Kenpo Karan (Inuyasha) – Taekwondo The Noble Karate Warriors (Hoshiyomi, Suikotsu, Amari, Tsukyiomi, Sara, Kikyo, and Shima) Abundant decorum and sharp focus are these seven Karatekas guiding lights as combatants and as individuals. There is no strike, no takedown, no punch, and no kick strong enough to take these warriors down who all have the mindset of a samurai ready for either battle or death. Their enemies need to be wary of Hoshiyomi’s and Suikotsu’s penchant for full-contact strikes, Amari’s deadly precision, Tsukiyomi’s accuracy, Sara’s focus, Kikyo’s relentlessness, and Shima’s agility. Any blow these seven Karatekas have in store can either gain their opponents’ respect or break and burn them on the inside to ashes and cinders. Hoshiyomi (Inuyasha) – Kyokushin Karate Suikotsu (Inuyasha) – Shotokan Karate Amari Nobunaga (Inuyasha) – Goju-Ryu Karate Tsukiyomi (Inuyasha) – Shukokai Karate Sara Asano (Inuyasha) – Shito-Ryu Karate Kikyo (Inuyasha) – Shorin-Ryu Karate Shima (Inuyasha) – Motobu-Ryu Karate The Kings of Formidable Fists (Baki, Ryoma, Takeshi, Kiibo, Alexander, Ichiro, and Ippo) Boxing or Mixed Martial Arts? Who gives a damn? Seven strong and sturdy dudes who are Mixed Martial Boxing? You’re going to give a damn! This is especially true when Baki Hanma, Ryoma Sakamoto, Takeshi Sendo, Kiichi Miyazawa, Alexander Volg Zangief, Ichiro Miyata, and Ippo Makunouchi are prepared to give a whole array of painful uppercuts, jabs, hooks, straight punches, submission holds, ground and pounds, and armbars. Having furious fists and fine footwork may not be enough in the long run, but combining those attributes with abundant physical strength and…
This septet meme originally belongs to Alpha-Duelist35 and is dedicated to all of the Power Rangers fans in the world. Sit back, relax, and soak in the sheer awesomeness of the Military Squadron Power Rangers’ morphing sequence. Ah, my precious Power Rangers dream team consisting of Tommy Oliver the White Tigerzord Ranger, Jason Lee Scott the Black Gold Zeo Ranger, Rocky DeSantos the Blue Zeo Ranger, Jen Scotts the Pink Time Force Ranger, Adam Park the Green Zeo Ranger, Taylor Earhardt the Yellow Eagle Wild Force Ranger, and Eric Myers the Red Quantum Ranger have struck again and for good reason. This is a dream team that is formidable, strong, tough, and relentless both physically and psychologically. Every mission that they are in assigned by Commander William Mitchell, is guaranteed to be accomplished successfully despite all the harsh challenges and the brutally insidious monsters, demons, and all types of nasty invaders. Therefore, the Military Squadron Power Rangers are more than happy to protect and serve the people from all danger and do it so wonderfully as a team as well as a septet of great friends. When it comes to the complete team morphing sequence, this is how it goes down. Eric gathers his comrades with the command, “Military Squadron Power Rangers, assemble!” Eric remains in the middle. On his left side are Taylor, Jason, and Tommy. On his right side are Jen, Adam, and Rocky. Eric prepares his Quantum Morpher, Jason his Gold Ranger Zeonizer, Tommy his White Tigerzord Power Morpher, Rocky his Blue Ranger Zeonizer, Adam his Green Ranger Zeonizer, Taylor her Growl Phone, and Jen her Chrono Morpher. All seven rangers are ready to morph, as they bellow in unison, “It’s morphin’ time!” The morphing command sequence is as follows. Tommy: White Tigerzord Ranger Power! (Zoom in on the White Tigerzord Ranger helmet.) Jason: Black Gold Ranger Power! (Jason is then suited into his Black Gold Ranger outfit.) Rocky: Zeo Ranger Three Blue! (Rocky is then fully suited up in his Blue Zeo Ranger outfit.) Jen: Time for Time Force! (She presses the button and then says.) Time Force Pink! (After that, she is suited up in her Pink Time Force Ranger outfit.) Adam: Zeo Ranger Four Green! (Adam is then fully suited up in his Green Zeo Ranger outfit.) Taylor: Wild Access Yellow! (The Growl Phone becomes sentient, as Taylor appears making an eagle-like pose.) Soaring Eagle! (Close-up to the right side of Taylor’s face, as her helmet is inserted over her head.) Eric: Red Quantum Power! (Eric’s fist glows a bright red and raises it to the air, as he roars.) Red Quantum Ranger! (Eric is then all suited up as the Red Quantum Ranger.) All seven rangers would be suited up and ready for battle. Furthermore, this is a morphing sequence that could potentially end all morphing sequences, given how formidable and united the Military Squadron Power Rangers are. Villains, monsters, demons, and invaders do not stand a chance against Eric the valiant leader with an iron fist, Jason the strong muscle, Tommy the martial arts maverick, Rocky the headstrong warrior, Adam the conscientious strategist, Taylor the gutsy soldier, and Jen the determined action girl. Therefore, when these seven soldiers morph into the Military Squadron Power Rangers, innocent civilians will be surely confident that their lives are well-protected thanks to them. I hope you all enjoyed this, and I will see you in the next submission. Take care, stay safe, and may the power protect you, especially when you count on the Military Squadron Power Rangers, everybody. Tommy Oliver, Jason Lee Scott, Eric Myers, Rocky DeSantos, Adam Park, Taylor Earhardt, and Jen Scotts from the Power Rangers franchise belong to Saban and Toei.
Greetings and salutations, fellow aficionados of anime, Power Rangers, Super Sentai, and everything early 1990s to early 2000s, Antoni here. As you can tell from the title, I have decided to give the Toonami-Era Inuranger teams an extra final makeover in terms of some of the team members. While I am already satisfied with the respective seven-person Mighty Morphin Inurangers Seasons 1 to 3, Mighty Morphin Makai Rangers, and Inurangers Zeo teams, I still need to do some final tune-ups to perfection with the teams from Inurangers Turbo to Inurangers Wild Force. I was also fresh off going through four rewatch sessions of Power Rangers Time Force, thus justifying my action to make one final tune-up to the fictional Toonami-Era Inuranger teams from Turbo to Wild Force, specifically from 2002 to 2006. Without further ado, here are my redone Toonami-Era Inurangers teams from Turbo, In Space, Lost Galaxy, Lightspeed Rescue, Time Force, and Wild Force. Shift into Turbo! Let’s rocket! Go galactic! Lightspeed Rescue! Time for Time Force! Quantum Power! Wild access! Inurangers Turbo (2002) Alexander Volg Zangief from Hajime no Ippo the 19-year-old Red Lightning Turbo Ranger version of Tommy Oliver and Theodore Jay “TJ” Jarvis Johnson voiced by Dave Wittenberg Shinosuke from Inuyasha the 21-year-old Black Phantom Turbo Ranger version of the Phantom Ranger voiced by Trevor Devall Wakana from Inuyasha the 18-year-old White Centurion version of the Blue Senturion voiced by Lalainia Lindbjerg Kazuma Narusawa from Detective School Q the 11-year-old Blue Mountain Blaster Turbo Ranger version of Justin Stewart voiced by Jessica D. Stone Hige the 17-year-old Green Desert Thunder Turbo Ranger version of Adam Park and Carlos Vallerte voiced by Joshua Seth Myu from Wolf’s Rain the 13-year-old Yellow Dune Star Turbo Ranger version of Tanya Sloan and Ashley Hammond voiced by Julie Maddalena Luna from Ultra Maniac the 13-year-old Pink Wind Chaser Turbo version of Katherine Hillard and Cassie Chan voiced by Sandy Fox Inurangers in Space (2002) Mika Seido from Geneshaft the 18-year-old Red Space Ranger version of Andros voiced by Amanda Winn Lee Masaru Aoki from Hajime no Ippo the 20-year-old Green Space Ranger version of Adam Park voiced by Stephen Apostollina Mitsuhide Kuroda from Shootfighter Tekken the 21-year-old Silver Space Ranger version of Zhane voiced by Tom Wayland Tatsuya Kimura from Hajime no Ippo the 20-year-old Black Space Ranger version Carlos Vallerte voiced by Grant George Takako Kawashima from Shootfighter Tekken the 17-year-old Blue Space Ranger version of Theodore Jay “TJ” Jarvis Johnson voiced by Michele Knotz Rosé Thomas from Fullmetal Alchemist the 16-year-old Yellow Space Ranger version of Ashley Hammond voiced by Colleen Clinkenbeard Solty Revant from Solty Rei the 13-year-old Pink Space Ranger version of Cassie Chan voiced by Carrie Savage Inurangers Lost Galaxy (2003) Ryoma Sakamoto from Shura no Toki the 21-year-old Galaxy Red Ranger version of Leo Corbett voiced by Marc Diraison Yoshiki Takaishi from Shootfighter Tekken the 23-year-old Galaxy Black Magna Defender Ranger version of Mike Corbett voiced by Marc Diraison Mamoru Takamura from Hajime no Ippo the 23-year-old Galaxy Blue Ranger version of Kai Chen voiced by Eddie Frierson Akemi Takaishi from Shootfighter Tekken the 17-year-old Galaxy Green Ranger version of Damon Henderson voiced by Rachael Lillis Winry Rockbell from Fullmetal Alchemist the 15-year-old Galaxy Yellow Ranger version of Maya voiced by Caitlin Glass Megumi Minami from Detective School Q the 14-year-old Galaxy White Heavenly Seraph Ranger version of Kendrix Morgan voiced by Hilary Haag Maya Orihara from Ultra Maniac the 14-year-old Galaxy Pink Ranger version of Karone voiced by Philece Sampler Inurangers Lightspeed Rescue (2004) Ichiro Miyata from Hajime no Ippo the 20-year-old Red Lightspeed Rescue Ranger version of Carter Grayson voiced by Jason Palmer Tsume from Wolf’s Rain the 23-year-old Titanium Lightspeed Rescue Ranger version of Ryan Mitchell voiced by Crispin Freeman Blue from Wolf’s Rain the 21-year-old Chromium Lightspeed Rescue Ranger version of Nancy Cooper voiced by Jessica Straus Ryuichi Hayami from Hajime no Ippo the 21-year-old Blue Lightspeed Rescue Ranger version of Chad Lee voiced by Nathan Smythe Kintaro Toyama from Detective School Q the 20-year-old Green Lightspeed Rescue Ranger version of Joel Rawlings voiced by Sam Riegel Ayu Tateishi from Ultra Maniac the 15-year-old Yellow Lightspeed Rescue Ranger version of Kelsey Winslow voiced by Stephanie Sheh Nina Sakura from Ultra Maniac the 15-year-old Pink Lightspeed Rescue Ranger version of Dana Mitchell voiced by Carrie Savage Inurangers Time Force (2005) Kiichi “Kiibo” Miyazawa from Shootfighter Tekken the 22-year-old Red Time Force Ranger version of Wesley “Wes” Collins voiced by Michael Sinterniklaas Takeshi Sendo from Hajime no Ippo the 22-year-old Crimson Shadow Time Force Ranger version of Alex Drake voiced by Doug Erholtz Baki Hanma from Baki the Grappler the 23-year-old Quantum Time Force Ranger version of Eric Myers voiced by Robert McCollum Ichise from Texhnolyze the 21-year-old Blue Time Force Ranger version of Lucas Kendall voiced by Justin Gross Toboe from Wolf’s Rain the 17-year-old Green Time Force Ranger version of Trip Regis voiced by Mona Marshall Ran from Texhnolyze the 16-year-old Yellow Time Force Ranger version of Katie Walker voiced by Carrie Savage Kaoru Ichinose from Detective School Q the 16-year-old Pink Time Force Ranger version of Jennifer “Jen” Scotts voiced by Tara Jayne Sands Inurangers Wild Force (2006) Ippo Makunouchi from Hajime no Ippo the 22-year-old Red Blazing Lion Ranger version of Cole Evans voiced by Steve Staley Kyuzo from Samurai 7 the 22-year-old Silver Howling Wolf Ranger version of Merrick Baliton voiced by Sonny Strait Satella Harvenheit from Chrono Crusade the 22-year-old Emerald Leaping Deer Ranger version of Princess Shayla voiced by Tiffany Grant Kiba from Wolf’s Rain the 21-year-old Black Iron Bison Ranger version of Danny Delgado voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch Katsushiro Okamoto the 19-year-old Blue Surging Shark Ranger version of Max Cooper voiced by Sean Michael Teague Rose Anderson the 19-year-old Yellow Soaring Eagle Ranger version of Taylor Earhardt voiced by Colleen Clinkenbeard Cheza the 17-year-old White Noble Tiger Ranger version of Alyssa Enrilé voiced by Sherry Lynn …
Greetings, Splendid Seven devotees, martial arts aficionados, fighting video game fans, and admirers of all things Super Sentai and Power Rangers. Antoni here with another written entry focusing on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specializing in the martial arts they do. The Power Rangers fan in me always believes that there is select Power Rangers who are appropriate best friends and sparring partners for Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran to fight with, encourage them, and just be the best people they are in their lives as martial artists and as people. Therefore, I have mainly chosen the Saban-Era of Power Rangers from Mighty Morphin to Wild Force to act as The Splendid Seven’s sparring partners, best friends, and encouragers of the martial arts they do. As this has been a passion project of mine for several months, I figure that there are more Power Rangers suitable to be Sesshoumaru’s, Shuran’s, Inuyasha’s, Hakkaku’s, Ginta’s, Ayame’s, and Shunran’s best friends for life aside from their obvious Mighty Morphin counterparts, i.e., Tommy and Jason being Inuyasha’s best brothers for life as well as his main source of inspiration for being the Red Tyrannosaurus Inuranger and leader of his team. Thus, it is time to unleash the power for the rangers to champion every endeavor that The Splendid Seven find themselves in. Without further ado, let’s get started. It’s morphin’ time! Shift into Turbo! Let’s rocket! Go Galactic! Lightspeed Rescue! Time for Time Force! Quantum Power! Wild Access! Sesshoumaru and the Shining Emperors of the Cages (Mixed Martial Arts) Zhane, Merrick Baliton, and Sesshoumaru make a truly formidable trio of mixed martial artists who can strike terror on any paean who dares to challenge them. Unlike the UFC’s predominantly frat-bro, dude-bro mindset, Sesshoumaru and his two best friends who happen to be Silver Power Rangers live in discipline, honor, self-respect, and dignity. There are neither wild parties nor puerile pranks that these gentlemen find themselves doing, for regimented training, physical conditioning, mental meditation, and drinking tea after every sparring match are their rituals. Zhane considers Sesshoumaru to be one of the most valiant warriors to ever dominate the cage and always advises him on how to perform his takedowns more effectively. Merrick is grateful to have Sesshoumaru as his sparring buddy for life because they enjoy delivering deadly attacks, with his signature ground and pounds, sprawl and brawls, armbars, double leg takedowns, ankle locks, knee bars, and Kimuras being weapons of mass destruction. As a disciplined martial artist, Sesshoumaru is happy to have companions such as Zhane and Merrick, for they can find common ground in the things they enjoy most whether in Mixed Martial Arts or simpler moments like drinking tea in their dojo. Shuran and the Brutish Kings of the Rings (Professional Wrestling) Mike Corbett the black-clad Magna Defender and Ryan Mitchell the glowing Titanium Ranger may dwarf in stark comparison to Shuran’s massive size as a pro wrestler, but their coaching styles can motivate him to balance brute strength with tactfulness when making his opponents surrender. Mike and Ryan always encourage Shuran to remain open to every wrestling style, not just the American, British, Mexican, and Japanese styles that they have come to become familiar with, but also with international styles from Mongolia, Turkey, and India to attempt every submission hold, powerslam, bearhug, piledriver, Boston Crab, Full Nelson, and German suplex available. Outside the moves that Shuran practices with Mike and Ryan, they live by the codes of perseverance and being open to every challenge that is dished out to them and avoid any backstage politics usually omnipresent in Professional Wrestling. Mike always sees to it that Shuran does not always act impulsively when launching attacks, while Ryan ensures that Shuran combines technique with brute strength well. Shuran is grateful and happy to have two stout-hearted and valiant fighters like Mike and Ryan as his best friends because they can see beyond his brutishness and see a loyal soul underneath. Inuyasha and the Red Nemean Lions of the Olympic Arenas (Pankration) Inuyasha is one fortunate warrior to have intensely bloody ten-man Pankration sparring sessions with his best brothers forever Eric Myers, Leo Corbett, Tommy Oliver, Jason Lee Scott, Alex Drake, Wes Collins, TJ Johnson, Andros, Carter Grayson and Cole Evans, thus busking in Heracles’s and Theseus’s glory and might. Eric, Leo, Tommy, Jason, Alex, Wes, TJ, Andros, Carter, and Cole constantly champion Inuyasha’s muscular power as a Pankration champion and do everything in their power to encourage him to aim for Olympus. Inuyasha admires Eric’s fortitude, Leo’s strength, Tommy’s fighting prowess, Jason’s toughness, Alex’s military will, Wes’s heroism, TJ’s charisma, Andros’s focus, Carter’s determination, and Cole’s heart. Out of all the ten Red Rangers, Inuyasha is especially close to Eric, Leo, Tommy, Jason, Alex, and Wes because he enjoys his intense workouts with them and the many tracheal grip chokes, rear naked chokes, guillotine chokes, heel hooks, hammer fists, double axe handles, and Superman punches that they can employ on each other. Eric and Leo are just as impressed with Inuyasha’s strength and encourage him to be the strong husband he can be for Ayame, given that Eric and Taylor as well as Leo and Maya are also husband and wife. Hakkaku and the Black and Blue Bruisers of the Palace Grounds (Muay Boran) Black and blue may be the colors of the bruises that Muay Boran fighters receive when dealing with such visceral beatings, but they are also the colors of the attire Hakkaku’s brothers from other mothers wear as Black and Blue Power Rangers. Zack Taylor, Carlos Vallerte, Trey of Triforia, and Danny Delgado as Power Rangers donning black are honored to be as steadfast as a brother to Hakkaku, while Rocky DeSantos, Chad Lee, and Lucas Kendall as Power Rangers donning blue consider their loyalty to Hakkaku as unparalleled as ever. Zack and Rocky revel in Hakkaku’s head, shins, knees, and elbows of steel because of how they can be able to…
(The Silver Hills Hip-Hop Club. A vast building that serves as a venue for several hip-hop musicians, rappers, and R&B singers to perform, especially for a huge and nearly sold-out crowd. A black limousine is parked in front of the entrance, and a throng of people are entering the club in droves. Everybody is finding their seats, with a businessman in a black blazer with black pants, black shoes, and a maroon collared shirt; a gentleman in a silver Time Force uniform, and several Silver Guardian officers seated at the very front seats. The businessman is named Albert Collins, while the Time Force officer is named Captain Logan.) Albert Collins: This is going to be quite a performance tonight. My son is part of this rap band founded by Alex and Eric, who are also two of the finest commanders of Time Force and the Silver Guardians combined. Captain Logan: Indeed, Mr. Collins. It would be an amusing experience seeing what talents Eric, Alex, and Wes have in rapping. I never thought that they would be into this type of urban music. Albert: I’m confident they will perform wonderfully. Captain Logan: So am I, sir. So am I. (The spotlight shines on a blue mechanical owl flying from the left side of the balcony, as the audience cheers loudly. The mechanical owl is named Circuit and has a voice reminiscent of a young child, as he positions himself in the center of the stage.) Circuit: Wow! This is quite the full house tonight. All right, ladies and gentlemen! Without further ado, please give it up for The Red Chrono Crew! (Circuit points his right wing to his right to introduce The Red Chrono Crew consisting of Eric Myers the jet-black-haired Quantum Ranger, Alexander “Alex” Drake the jet-black-haired first Red Time Force Ranger/current Crimson Shadow Ranger, and Wesley “Wes” Collins the blond-haired second/current Red Time Force Ranger. Circuit exits to his left, as the spotlight shines on Eric standing in the center, Alex standing on the left, and Wes standing on the right and the fast-paced hip-hop beats begin. Eric, Alex, and Wes are wearing sleeveless red tank tops, khaki pants, and black and red sneakers. Alex and Wes cross their arms while moving their knees, and Eric is ready to start the rap.) Eric: Yeah! Give it up, give it up! Silver Guardian represent! (Eric signals the audience to cheer) Time Force too! (Audience cheers loudly.) Y’all know what time it is? (Eric points to his watch on his left wrist.) Yeah, y’all! Now, throw your hands up high! Clinch that Quantum Power might! Name’s Eric Myers I’m on fire With my Q-Rex pumped To crush some punks! Yeah, I’m the big mac daddy. Silver Guardians represent. (The Silver Guardians officers cheer loudly for Eric.) Alex: Name’s Alex Drake You cannot break My du-du-duty and authority! (Shows his Time Force badge.) Captain Logan: Word up. Time Force Officers: Boo-yah! Wes: The name’s Wes Collins Don’t need no bling Got my brothers and my sister (Lucas Kendall the Blue Time Force Ranger, Trip Regis the Green Time Force Ranger, and Katie Walker the Yellow Time Force Ranger pose alongside Wes.) And my queen! (Jen the Pink Time Force Ranger smiles, kisses Wes on his right cheek, and leads him on as if he were an obedient pet. After that, Jen breaks him off from being led on, as both she and Wes do some shimmies with smiles on their faces.) Eric: Yeah! Go, homeboy! Go, homegirl! So, y’all get ready to get a clue ‘Cuz it’s time to get busy with the- Eric, Alex, and Wes: Red Chrono Crew! (The back of the stage explodes with red smoke, as Eric, Alex, and Wes do the rock-on sign together. The crowd cheers wildly and loudly.) Albert: I never realized that Wes had it in him to rap so amazingly! Captain Logan: Alex’s rhythm and timing are impeccable! Albert: And Eric, wow, he makes a great frontman. Eric: And, now, the latest add-ons to our Red Chrono Crew. Alex: These guys are legends. Wes: And our soul brothers who need no introduction. Eric: Leo Corbett- Alex: Tommy Oliver- Wes: And Jason Lee Scott. Eric, Alex, and Wes: Give it up for our radical Red Ranger brothers, y’all! (Eric, Alex, and Wes point their fingers to their right to reveal three brown-haired men also in sleeveless red tank tops, khaki pants, and black and red sneakers entering the stage to greet the audience. The audience cheers more loudly than ever.) Jason (to Eric, Alex, and Wes): Thanks, bros! Tommy (to the audience): What’s up, everybody? Leo (to the audience): We got more coming up for you! So, let’s go! Jason: Now, everybody, go AYAH! Audience: AYAH! Tommy: Now, UYAH! Audience: UYAH! Tommy: Now, HIYA SI HIYA! Audience: HIYA SI HIYA! Leo: Now, everybody in the house, go AYAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!!!!!!! (The audience stands up, claps, and cheers very loudly. Albert, Captain Logan, the Time Force officers, and the Silver Guardians stand up from their seats and cheer for Eric, Alex, and Wes as well as for Leo, Tommy, and Jason. Eric and Leo clasp hands and give each other a hug as do Tommy and Alex as well as Jason and Wes.) Eric: Epic delivery, Leo. Leo: Amazing work you did on those bars, Eric. Alex: I love your work, Tommy. Tommy: Alex, you were totally awesome tonight. Wes: Dude, Jason, thanks for keeping up the ante tonight. Jason: No prob, Wes. By the way, you were just as morphenomenal. (Eric, Alex, and Wes take their bows as do Leo, Tommy, and Jason. The audience continues to happily cheer for all…
It was one thrilling surge of eclectic music selections featuring some classics from Debussy and Penderecki to some premieres all centering on the ocean’s majesty and life’s uncertain fleetingness. Enjoy my review and let me know your opinions as well.
Graduating from the flirtatiously flitting Fiakermilli to the imperious Queen of the Night was Hye-Young Moon, a young lyric coloratura soprano who embraced the challenge of tackling this demanding yet iconic Mozart villainess. Enjoy my review and let me know your opinions as well.
Damiano Michieletto’s production of Jenufa transports the action from a bucolic Moravian village to a cold, desolate, icy locale with minimal props. At least Evelyn Herlitzius and Asmik Grigorian carry the evening. Enjoy my review and let me know your opinions as well.