Gai Yuki -- Alive?!

Igadevil was afraid the news would break my mind, and that the accompanying video link might make my computer explode. It was true. Toshihide Wakamatsu was reprising his CHOJIN SENTAI JETMAN role of "Gai Yuki" on KAIZOKU SENTAI GOKAIGER. What's more, the script was reportedly by Toshiki Inoue - the man who defined the characters of JETMAN.

It's a fair question to ask how this makes me feel. After all, I spent the better part of 15 years shepherding a fanfiction story that spun out of JETMAN. I still maintain Return of Jetman and sporadically add content (which is in progress, I promise). What do I think of this return that seemed unthinkable just a few years ago?

I think it's great!

I'm not sure when I will see the full episode, but I am thrilled that GOKAIGER has been allowed to explore one of the great endings in sentai series history. Because whether you love it or hate it, everyone has an opinion on the ending of JETMAN. I am sure the very nature of that conclusion was what led my good friend Lewis Smith to create ROJ, and take it in the direction he chose.

But...what about "Return of Jetman"? Doesn't a Toei-produced sequel invalidate it? Maybe; maybe not. It depends on the specifics, doesn't it? But even if the show contradicts what we created, who cares? The stories, the artwork, and the site itself were created to be fun and entertaining. They build off a specific premise, from a specific reference point. I tried to incorporate nods to other follow-ups featuring Jetman where appropriate (the manga, SUPER SENTAI WORLD, GAORANGER VS. SUPER SENTAI). But in the end, the sentai shared universe doesn't make a lick of sense when you scrutinize it. And that's fine. It's just meant to be an exercise in creativity, not something that changes the world.

Memo to some people in this world: Your fanfiction is not canon. Expecting fidelity to your vision is a fantasy worthy of its own fanfiction. Write what you want, but don't complain if it becomes obsolete later. Just because there's a chance Toei might do something that renders ROJ null and void as far as sentai "canon" goes doesn't mean I can't enjoy GOKAIGER's sequel to JETMAN. ROJ still exists somewhere, and it's not as if the fact that it might not "fit" anymore into some imaginary timeline diminishes that.

As I have said in the past, competing with Toei is hard work. I'm glad I finished ROJ when I did, because I would likely be tearing my hair out trying to figure out what to do. As it is, I can just sit back and be entertained. Oh, and marvel at the fact that Toshihide Wakamatsu still looks like he did when he was filming JETMAN. HOW DOES HE DO IT?!

Ask Commander Tendo

This whimsical piece was an idea I'd had for years, and it was a special delight to actually get to realize it. The fact that I made it into a tongue-in-cheek teaser for a new story made it all the sweeter. I posted it to LiveJournal at http://celamowari.livejournal.com/321493.html on May 17, 2007. Need I add that this one should be considered "non-canonical", even by ROJ standards?

 

Ask Commander Tendo

A special advice column in which I, Supreme Commander Ryu Tendo of Skyforce, answer questions submitted by you, the readers.






Our first letter arrived via time warp from 1993 in a special capsule stamped "If unclaimed, please return to Command Center".

Dear Commander Tendo,

I just recently joined up with the other Rangers, and it's great! Way, way better than being evil, though I seem to be getting beaten up a lot. That's part of why I'm writing. I am constantly losing my morpher, misplacing it, etc. What should I do? Also, I think I have a crush on one of my teammates. Is that wrong?
--T.O., Angel Grove, CA


Dear T.O.,

Your henshin bracelet is your most important possession! Never let it out of your sight, even if you are practicing karate forms. This is just common sense, son, because you never know if that innocent-looking man, woman, child, dog, or vending machine is secretly a monster in disguise.

Love between two sentai teammates is a perfectly natural thing, and I see nothing wrong with it. However, be prepared for the possibility of being punched in the face by one of your fellow members.

***

Our next submission is not technically a question. Rather, it is a message which was burned into the ground of my front yard. I have transcribed it here.

MONGOL EMPIRE MUST FALL! JETMAN MUST DIE! NEMESIS RULES!
--D.D., location unknown


Dear D.D.,

I am not one to judge a person's character based solely on their writing, but you strike me as someone who needs to be shot with a very large cannon.

***

Our last question this time comes from a faithful reader who claims to be writing for the first time ever.

Dear Commander Tendo,

I am a big fan of the "Return of Jetman" website! I am going crazy waiting for the next episode! Do you have any idea when it will be coming out? Also, would you mind plugging my website in your column?
--P.S., www.igadevil.com


Dear P.S.,

I share in your frustration over the lengthy delays in the ROJ saga. However, my sources tell me that the next episode will definitely premiere on May 29th, 2007. Mark your calendars now!

Your request for a plug is reasonable, but I have a standing rule never to link to websites that are run by former Shocker kaijin.

***

That's all for this installment of "Ask Commander Tendo". If you have any questions which you would like answered, please feel free to leave a comment.