Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger #15 showcases the morality of Kurumajyu with emotions running high. The latest episode of the 48th Sentai series focuses on Jou as the team encounters an unexpectedly tame monster.
Boonboomger introduces a plot twist as the Fossil based Kaseki Grumer is revealed to be docile. As Jou recognises its difference, a dark turn is soon introduced when Cannonborg steps in. As the pleasant monster becomes violet, BunBlack finds himself in a torn situation as he confronts the modified Kurumajyu he sought to protect.
Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger features big developments this June as Boonboomger Robo Monster makes his debut. This is one of the first debuts to kick off Lap 2 as a new hero will soon start his engine. The latest addition means there are now five active Boonboom car pairs, but Bandai has already teased two more sets coming soon. With the new BunViolet debuting in an upcoming episode, it has also been revealed that BunDiesel will also be added to the Robo lineup as an Formula 1 themed addition.
Emotions to the Max with Episode 15’s Unexpected Dinosaur
Boonboomger features a twist in concept this week, as Jou notices the latest Kurumajyu is not as it seems. When the wonders of dinosaurs leave the Sanseaters in awe, a new monster is made from dinosaur fossils that end up being docile. As BunBlack works to prove Kaseki Grumer’s innocence, a sudden intervention from Cannonborg soon creates a dark U-turn. The latest instalment also features a dramatic instance of Boonboomger Robo Monster, with a great sequence of events.
Torn between Right and Wrong
Episode 15 focuses on Jou as he helps the museum, with the episode creating a perfect setup for this week’s monster. The Sanseaters have a natural buildup to creating the monster, linking with a kid’s fascination with dinosaurs. The surprise of the Kaseki Grumer taking on the natural traits of the fictional Simiasaurus was a great way to create a docile monster, creating a well established surprise for viewers.
The best part was the detail as Jou noticed the hesitation in its leg movement, giving him more than one factor to notice its nature. The story also gave a lot of set up to the events by establishing that the fossil could be returned once the monster was defeated. However, this element was also set up to be forgotten by the sheer drama of the unfolding events that causes fans to love the new type of Kurumaju.
Little Humor, Unintended Reference
There were also so light touches of humour in the episode as light touches on the Sentai episode. Mira being directed by a child was one of these instances as she quickly learns that ‘dinosaurs’ may not be what a child sees. This created a nice little bit of comedy Mira realises the child was pointing at peacocks. The scenes with Jou and the Kaseki Grumer also added some light humour, with the monster eating all the food and even heavily resting on Jou as he slept.
Although not necessarily a reference, the use of a fictional dinosaur could also be seen as a link to Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger. This is due to the series also including two fictional dinosaurs known as Tigersaurus and Needlesaurus. The art also bears a similar art style to the featured depictions from that series. It would be a great link if the fictional dinosaur is also part of the Ryusoulger lore, but this was never established in the continuity of Boonboomger.
Emotional Build Up
There was a seamless buildup in the episode as Jou sought out the runaway monster, even surprising the Sanseaters by its nature. The team were all searching for the creature, but it was Jou who encountered the creature as it attempted to hide. The cute charm of the Kurumajyu added to the buildup, with Genba also adding his acquisition charm to step in and help. It was great to see members of the team rally behind Jou’s determination to prove the monster’s nature.
The food and sleeping scenes also added to this emotional drive towards a darker occasion. After the conclusion of events, there is also a great slice of aftermath which usually isn’t featured in the series. This keeps the big tense turn in the final battle against the monster while allowing the buildup to explode with great stillness. This adds a great ride and flow to the episode, enhancing the plot in the unique instalment.
Expected Twist Hits Harder
The Sanseaters becoming dino hunters was a great unexpected development as they appeared in front of the shutters Jou opens. The battle to protect the monster showed unity in the team’s ethos, but Cannonborg demonstrated how potent he is to the overall series. Switching the Kaseki Grumer into a violet monster showed how the general could easily change the status quo. This led to Jou becoming emotionally eruptive, which was a great display of how well Ryu Saito can show his emotional range.
The damage to Jou’s emotional state was perfectly heightened by the ‘Rescue Citizens’ scene. With the monster suddenly growing, it also gave both sides unexpected developments to react to. The Boonboomger Robo Monster was also given a great faceoff as two animal like machines go head to head. It was also great that Jou took the lead for the fight, with him piloting the Robo and setting up for a big dramatic finish. This leads to a great cinematic final attack, with the music perfectly setting the mood for a lower tone to the finisher that completely switched the mood compared to previous episodes.
Action Slightly Under Used
Although there were some great scenes, there was an overall lack of development for this episode. The combat involving the Nejiretta was a little less intense but there was at least a moment when Yeiyei joined the battle. However, this was quickly over when catapulted back to the rest of the trio. This episode felt like the perfect time to include Cannonborg into the mix as the heroes have yet to truly encounter him. This felt like a wasted opportunity to trust him into the action since he played a fantastic role in changing the episode’s flow.
For a brilliant stirring episode with Jou at the heart, we give Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger Episode 15 a total score of 7 out of 10.
Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger will feature the long-awaited debut of BunViolet and BunDiesel in Episode 16. The next instalment of the 48th Sentai series will feature the new hero on Sunday June 16th, 2024.
For more Boonboomger, keep an eye out for the next Sentai Summary. For more Super Sentai, keep an eye on social media and keep following The Toku Source for more news and announcements.
