The Japan Action Club was formed by Sonny as a training school for martial arts actors. In S.S. Gavan, Sonny plays Gavan's father whom he rescues at the end of the show from The Space Crime Organization Maku.
Then and Now
Gavan's assistant Mimi was able to transform into a parakeet in order to spy on the enemy. (I take back what I had said in the previous article.) Mimi however was not much of a fighter and when caught had to be rescued by Gavan.
Gavan's Arsenal
Laser Z Beam: Instead of using a gun to fight the Maku, Gavan used his right and middle fingers to release lasers. He also used a sword like all the other Space Sheriffs.
Gavan's mecha is my favorite from the group because it's a Japanese dragon. It can shoot fire from its mouth as well as laser beams from its eyes.
Space Sheriff Shariban
After Gavan rescues his father Den Iga takes over as Space Sheriff Shariban/Sharivan (depending how you pronounce it.) Hiroshi Watari who played Shariban also played Jikuu Senshi Spielban (VR Troopers.)
Hitori Watari was also part of the Japan Action Club. Naomi Moringa who played Annie in SS Shaider played Spielban's sister in Jikuu Senshi Spielban.
I really don't know that much about the Spielban series aside from watching VR Troopers many years ago. I've only seen one episode of the original show. I have to say though from just watching the 1st episode of Spielban I like the original better. It may because VRT's storyline seemed choppy at times. That may have had to do with that fact that it was 3 shows in one. (Spielban, Choujinki Metalder, and Shaider.)
I never got to see Season 2 of VR Troopers but have been curious to watch it since footage from Shaider (my Fav) was used for the show. I wish Saban would release all the seasons of MMPR and VR Troopers (but I highly doubt it.)
Maybe someday (fingers crossed) the Japanese and Americans will get together and make a Sentai VS (meets) The Power Rangers.
Hope you enjoyed and comments welcome.
