Choujuu Sentai Liveman

Choujyu Sentai Liveman is the twelfth series in Toei Company’s Super Sentai franchise. The final Super Sentai series of the Shōwa period, it aired on TV Asahi from February 27, 1988, to February 18, 1989. Toei lists its international English title simply as Liveman. In France, it was broadcast as Bioman 3 and marketed as a direct sequel to Choudenshi Bioman and Bioman 2 (Hikari Sentai Maskman).

The series was the first Super Sentai production to feature a female Blue Ranger and animal-based mecha. It also introduced the franchise’s first super-combined robot, made by joining two or more robots. It was the first series to begin with three members and add two more later. It was also the last to regularly transport its mecha to battle aboard a flying fortress, a practice that did not return until Bakuryū Sentai Abaranger. In addition, it was the first to include both a Green Ranger and a Black Ranger among its main five, rather than switching one for the other. That would not happen again until Engine Sentai Go-Onger.

Academia Island is an elite school attended by gifted students from around the world. Three of them—Yusuke Amamiya, Joh Ohara, and Megumi Misaki—work with Takuji Yano and Mari Aikawa to develop a suit powerful enough for space exploration. Their classmates and friends Kenji Tsukigata, Rui Senda, and Goh Omura believe their abilities are being wasted, however, and leave to join Volt, an evil organization that promises to develop their scientific potential fully. When Yusuke and the others see them leaving, Kenji points a gun at the group. Takuji and Mari are fatally struck. Soon afterward, Professor Hoshi, one of the school’s teachers, helps Yusuke and his friends finish the suits so they can prepare to fight Volt.

In 1988, the present day, Volt begins its assault by devastating Academia Island. Kenji, Rui, and Goh are now known as Doctors Kemp, Mazenda, and Obular. Yusuke, Joh, and Megumi put on the suits they created and become the Livemen, ready to battle their former classmates and Volt. Although they persuade Goh to leave the organization, Volt gains new members: Doctor Ashura and the aliens Guildos and Butchy. Takuji and Mari’s younger brothers, Tetsuya and Jun-ichi, later join the Livemen. The team also discovers that Volt has a darker agenda, known only to its leader, Bias.