For years, fans have debated which tokusatsu series deserved a spot on Toonami's iconic lineup. While the block featured Power Rangers and Super Sentai shows, the absence of Kamen Rider—especially a series as compelling as Kamen Rider Agito—remains a point of contention. This article explores why Agito would have been a perfect fit for Toonami and delves into the reasons behind its exclusion.
Why Kamen Rider Agito Would Have Been a Perfect Fit for Toonami
Kamen Rider Agito, airing in 2001, offered a unique blend of action, mystery, and compelling character development that perfectly aligns with Toonami's target audience. Its darker tone and mature themes—a departure from the often lighter tone of Super Sentai—would have appealed to viewers seeking something beyond typical Saturday morning fare. The show's intricate storyline, featuring multiple riders battling monstrous creatures called "Unknown," would have kept viewers engaged week after week. The emphasis on individual character arcs and exploration of themes like heroism, sacrifice, and the human condition added layers of depth rarely seen in other tokusatsu shows of its time. This thematic complexity aligns with Toonami's tendency to feature shows with more mature narratives.
Furthermore, the high-octane fight choreography and impressive special effects would have easily held up against other action-heavy shows on the block. Agito's unique monster designs and the distinctive transformation sequences are visually striking, providing a fresh aesthetic compared to the already established Power Rangers and Super Sentai styles.
What Made Agito Stand Out from Other Tokusatsu Shows?
Agito distinguished itself through its nuanced characters. The protagonist, Shouichi Tsukasa (Kamen Rider Agito), embodies a relatable struggle between duty and personal desires. His journey is not one of effortless heroism but rather a constant battle against his own limitations and the overwhelming nature of his responsibility. The supporting cast, including the other Riders and their individual battles, add further layers to the narrative complexity. This contrasts with some other tokusatsu shows where characters are often more archetypal and less deeply explored.
What Were the Potential Obstacles to Agito's Inclusion on Toonami?
While the thematic and visual aspects of Agito align well with Toonami, several factors likely contributed to its exclusion:
Licensing and Availability:
Licensing agreements for international distribution of tokusatsu shows can be complex. The cost and availability of the Agito rights for American broadcasting might have been prohibitive for Cartoon Network at the time.
Target Audience and Scheduling:
Toonami's programming decisions are influenced by many factors, including ratings and demographics. While Agito's darker themes might have resonated with a portion of the audience, they may have also presented a challenge in terms of broadcast scheduling and potentially alienating younger viewers.
Pre-existing Contracts and Programming:
Toonami had already established a successful run with Power Rangers and Super Sentai, which likely contributed to a prioritization of those series. Switching to Kamen Rider might have meant interrupting existing licensing agreements or significantly changing their existing programming block structure.
Could Kamen Rider Agito Have Succeeded on Toonami?
It's impossible to say definitively whether Kamen Rider Agito would have been a hit on Toonami. However, considering the show's compelling narrative, impressive action sequences, and the potential appeal to fans seeking something beyond typical Saturday morning programming, there's a strong argument to be made that it would have been a valuable addition to the block. Its absence remains a missed opportunity to expose a wider audience to the excellence of Kamen Rider and the intricacies of its storytelling. The popularity of tokusatsu in recent years suggests that a show like Agito might have found its audience on a revived Toonami or a similar action-focused programming block.
