The 90s were all about the Power Rangers, the different Super Sentai series like Maskman, Bioman, and their hulking pieces of metal that destroyed weekly enemies and taught kids the value of friendship, love, and justice.
Where the mobile suits of the Gundam universe exuded realism, the super robots of the 70s, 80s, and late 90s were just absurd. They created tornadoes, pulled giant axes from the backs of their shoulders, and did karate while the pilots sat comfortably in the cockpits.
But the best part about these shows was when the main characters called out EACH AND EVERY ATTACK as if their lives depended on it.
From
Ryoma Nagare to Koji Kabuto, I list down the best finishers that I have ever
seen. To make things more interesting, let's title each show with the attacks
their pilots cry.
10. "REPPU SEIKEN ZUKI!"
Show: Tosho Daimos
Growing
up, I found Daimos to be preposterous.
How can that giant hunk of metal do high kicks while Kazuya is seated inside
the cockpit?! Nonetheless, it is always priceless whenever the opening theme kicks in after he cries "DOUBLE HURRICANE!".
9. "TENKOUKEN!"
Show: Voltes V
People
in the Philippines have a love affair with Voltes
V. The way Kenichi calls out the Heaven's Sword (or Tenkouken) while the opening theme hums in the background remains spine-tingling to
this day, even for a grown 27-year-old like me.
8. "GIGA DRILL BREAKER"
Show: Gurren Lagann
Tengen Toppa
Gurren Lagann was
a great homage to the granddaddies of mech culture.
Kamina
and Simon were at their best whenever they were busting other people's butts
with a huge drill that materializes out of nowhere. While their finishers
certainly made one's blood boil, "Sorairo Days" (the anime's opening theme) more than made up
for it.
7. THOR HAMMER BREAKER!
Show: Mazinkaiser SKL
When
Ken Kaidou's and Ryo Magami's Kaiser SKL gained new abilities, one of them was
called the Thor Hammer Breaker. What really makes the scene where he calls down
the breaker so epic is the soundtrack playing in the background. It just sends
chills down your spine.
6. TURBO SMASHER PUNCH!
Show: Mazinkaiser VS The Great General of Darkness
You
can never go wrong with the Mazinkaiser. When Koji got his chance to battle
Ankoku Daishogun and end the Mycenean Empire's invasion, it was so epic that JAM Project's "Majin Kenzan" had to play in the
background. This helped sell the feeling that Koji was unleashing all his
pent-up rage to fuel this stupendous barrage.
5. BAKUNETSU GOD FINGER!
Show: Mobile Fighter G Gundam
"HERE I GO! THIS HAND OF MINE IS BURNING RED!
ITS LOUD ROAR TELLS ME TO GRASP VICTORY!"
It's hilarious that Domon Kasshu has to monologue every time he uses the God
Finger. We know that the Gundam is not a super robot, but when the trumpets
start to play, you know shit just got real and the God Gundam is not taking "no"
for an answer.
4. "DOUBLE
TOMAHAWK BOOMERANG!"
Show: Shin Getter Robo: Armageddon
There
are actually a few notable attacks to mention during the final battle, but the
Double Tomahawk Boomerang takes the cake. This is mostly due to Go's emotions
while executing the move and Hironobu Kageyama's "Heats" playing in the background.
3. "GETTER TOMAHAWK!"
Show: Shin Getter Robo: Armageddon
Getter
has some of the manliest attacks out there with Ryoma Nagare. The beloved
attack takes an even more epic turn when the Shin Getter connects with Shin
Dragon and the Getter Tomahawk is CLEAVING PLANETS.
2. "BREAST FIRE!"
Show: Shin Mazinger
You
don't see Mazinger during the opening act of Shin Mazinger, that 2007 remake of the original anime. It starts of
dark and muddled by explosions as Japan is overrun by the Mycenae. Then you
hear that familiar voice by Go Nagai crying "BURST FIRE!" while a red beam cuts
through the entire screen.
1. "STONER
SUNSHINE!"
Show: Shin Getter
Robo: Armageddon
To
date, Stoner Sunshine remains to be the Getter's signature attack next to the
Getter Beam. And as if your ears haven't got tired of it, "Heats"
going full throttle as Ryoma delivers that killing blow is just way over-the-top.
