The enduring legacy of Toonami, Cartoon Network's action-packed programming block, is undeniable. From its early days showcasing anime like Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon to its later embrace of shows like Samurai Champloo and FLCL, Toonami curated a reputation for delivering high-octane, visually stunning, and often thought-provoking programming. But one series conspicuously absent from its lineup, a series that arguably would have fit perfectly into its aesthetic and target audience, is Kamen Rider Agito. This article will explore why Kamen Rider Agito would have been a fantastic addition to Toonami, examining its thematic resonance and potential impact on the block's audience.
What is Kamen Rider Agito?
Before diving into the "what ifs," let's establish the context. Kamen Rider Agito is part of the long-running and incredibly popular Kamen Rider franchise, a Japanese tokusatsu (special effects) series featuring masked heroes battling monstrous foes. Agito, specifically, offers a compelling narrative focused on the conflict between humanity and a race of powerful, seemingly unstoppable beings known as the "Unknowns." The series explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the inherent struggle between good and evil in a gritty, realistic setting. Unlike some of the more comedic or lighthearted entries in the Kamen Rider franchise, Agito maintains a consistently serious tone, further amplifying the emotional depth of its storytelling.
Why Agito Would Have Been a Perfect Fit for Toonami
Agito's visual style alone makes a compelling case for its inclusion on Toonami. The show's fight choreography is dynamic and visually stunning, featuring elaborate suit designs, practical effects, and a consistently high level of action. This aligns perfectly with Toonami's history of showcasing shows with impressive visual flair. Beyond the spectacle, however, Agito's narrative depth and mature themes would have resonated with Toonami's audience. The complex moral dilemmas faced by the characters, the exploration of loss and grief, and the morally gray areas of the conflict would have provided a level of complexity rarely seen in other action shows on the block.
Wouldn't it have been too violent for Toonami?
This is a common concern. While Agito certainly contains action sequences with violence, the violence is generally stylized and less graphic than many other action shows that aired on Toonami. Furthermore, Toonami had already aired shows with similarly intense action sequences, suggesting a level of flexibility in their programming choices. Moreover, the show's strong narrative and character development would have likely mitigated any potential concerns about the action.
Could it have competed with other action shows on Toonami?
Agito's unique blend of action, drama, and thoughtful storytelling would have allowed it to carve out its own niche within Toonami's lineup. Rather than direct competition, it could have offered a different flavor of action programming to the existing slate of anime and other shows. Its mature themes and complex characters could have attracted a slightly older and more discerning audience within the Toonami demographic.
What are some of the other Kamen Rider series?
The Kamen Rider franchise has a rich and diverse history spanning decades and numerous installments. Each series features its own unique cast of characters, storylines, and antagonists, making it a vast and captivating universe for fans of tokusatsu. Other notable series include Kamen Rider Kuuga, Kamen Rider Black, and Kamen Rider Decade, each with their distinct stylistic and narrative approaches.
Would Toonami's audience have been receptive to Agito?
The success of other tokusatsu shows, like Power Rangers, on American television suggests a clear audience interest in this genre. Agito's darker tone and more mature themes would have appealed to the older end of the Toonami demographic, which often enjoyed complex and nuanced narratives.
In conclusion, the absence of Kamen Rider Agito from Toonami's programming remains a missed opportunity. Its visual appeal, narrative depth, and mature thematic elements align perfectly with the block's established aesthetic and audience preferences. Had it been included, Agito could have enriched the Toonami lineup, providing a unique and compelling addition to its already impressive collection of action-packed programming.
