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Series overview
Distribution Although the series originated in Japan, they were imported and dubbed in several other countries. Choudenshi Bioman & Hikari Sentai Maskman were very popular in France and in the Philippines in the 1980's *, and multiple Super Sentai shows aired in Hawaii, due in large part to the previous success of Kamen Rider V3 and Kikaida there. Additionally, Choudenshi Bioman & Kousoku Sentai Turboranger were aired in Spain. Himitsu Sentai Goranger was also aired briefly in Sacramento and San Francisco, California. Kagaku Sentai Dynaman was dubbed and aired as a parody on the USA Network television show Night Flight in 1987. In 1993, Haim Saban produced the first installment of the Power Rangers series by dubbing the action sequences from 1992's Kyouryuu Sentai ZyuRanger and filming new footage with American actors for the story sequences. This trend has continued, with each successive Sentai show contributing the action sequences to the Power Rangers series the following year. * In recent years the Super Sentai franchise has begun to gain a strong following from older Power Rangers fans due to online fansub groups releasing English-subtitled versions of various series, making episodes avaiable on many websites. The series of Super Sentai Each of the series of Super Sentai has their own unique values and themes. Himitsu Sentai Goranger (translated as Secret Squadron Five-Ranger), aired from 1975-1977, was the first Sentai. It was a super-technology spy team that fought against a secret terrorist monster force. The theme was "variable technology". It was also the first to have a member getting killed in action and to have an ex-member regaining his duties. J.A.K.Q. Dengeki Tai (translated as J.A.K.Q. Electric Shock Squad) aired in 1977. It was the first with four initial members, with the fifth member (the first hero in white) joining later. It was also the first series to have a female member wearing a skirt as a part of her costume. It featured a team of cyborgs based on a playing card motif - Jack, Ace, King and Queen. It had the first non-Red leader, and it was the first team-up with the previous Sentai team (J.A.K.Q. vs. Goranger), a special feature that wouldn't repeat until Ohranger vs. Kakuranger, when it became an annual tradition. It is also the first series without a member in yellow. Battle Fever J aired in 1979. It was the first Super Sentai (being the first to have a giant robot) and the first to wear scarves instead of capes (although an earlier tokusatsu series humorously demonstrated their impracticality). Its theme was that of national countries (Japan, Soviet Union, Kenya, France and the United States) and a dance style motif. It had the first hero in black, it was the first series to have mouthplates, the first series to feature a regular hero in orange (and therefore, the second with no yellow member), the second series with a member who is killed in action, and the first to have a member get wounded in action so badly that a replacement is necessitated. The female character, Miss America, was designed by reference in Marvel's Miss America; in addition, her male counterparts vaguely resemble Marvel's Captain America. This fact is influenced by the cooperative relation built when Marvel and Toei made the tokusatsu Spider-Man. All other characters were designed as original by Toei. Denshi Sentai Denjiman (translated as Electronic Squadron Denjiman) aired in 1980. It was the first Super Sentai to have a transforming giant robot, and the first to have "ski-goggle" masks, as opposed to the "bug-eye" visors with small holes drilled in them, as was the case in the previous three series. Taiyou Sentai Sun Vulcan (translated as Solar Squadron Sun Vulcan) aired in 1981. It was the only series to be a sequel to the previous one, had the first team to have only three members (representing land, sea, and air), the first all-male team, and the first to have a combining robot (two units forming into one). It is also the first (and so far, only) Sentai series to change to a second leader (the first Vul-Eagle was recruited by NASA for space shuttle research). It was the first series with a non-Sentai hero of either sex (female in this case). San, the Japanese pronunciation for "sun", may also mean "three," since there are three Sun Vulcans (it is also in the series' second ending theme: One Ichi + Two Ni + Three San Vulcans). Dai Sentai Goggle V (translated as Great Squadron Goggle Five) aired in 1982. Its sentai team is based on the jewels of ancient civilizations and on rhythmic gymnastics. It was the only Sentai team where only three of five members pilot the robot, while the other two stayed in Goggle Caesar (a carrier ship for the Goggle Robo components). The show had a tremendous impact in Indonesia. Until this year, musics of sentai series were composed by Chumei Watanabe. Then he moved to Metal Heroes series. Kagaku Sentai Dynaman (translated as Science Squadron Dynaman) aired in 1983. It was the first series to feature heroes wearing spandex and to forgo wearing scarves. Several episodes of this series were later dubbed into English as the comedic parody series Dynaman, which was briefly seen on the USA Network's Night Flight programming block. Choudenshi Bioman (translated as Super Electronic Bioman) aired in 1984. It was the first series to have two female Sentai members (and the first female in yellow), one of them perishing several episodes into the series and replaced by another female member, and the first to have a robot mentor. It was well known in France and in the Philippines. Because of the level of special effects and storyline development, it is considered by many as one of the best Sentai series ever produced for its time. Dengeki Sentai Changeman (translated as Electric Shock Squadron Changeman) aired in 1985. Its theme was European mythological animals: dragon (red), griffin (black), pegasus (blue), mermaid (white) and phoenix (pink). It was the first to have a female in white and the third not to have a member in yellow. The show had a tremendous impact in Brazil. Choushinsei Flashman (translated as Supernova Flashman) aired in 1986. Its theme was colored crystals on different planets. It was the first to have a second robot. Like Changeman, had a tremendous impact in Brazil. Hikari Sentai Maskman (translated as Light Squadron Maskman) aired in 1987. Its theme based on different martial arts techniques and mystical "aura power" energy. It was the first to have a sixth team member (for one episode only), and the first to have a five-piece component robot. The show became popular in the Philippines after Choudenshi Bioman in 1984. Choujuu Sentai Liveman (translated as Super-Beast Squadron Liveman) aired in 1988. Its theme was animals (falcon, lion, dolphin, bison, and rhino). It was the first to have a female in blue, and the first to initially have three members, with two members joining later. It was also the first team to have animal-based mecha (widely used since), and the first to have two giant robots combine to form one powerful robot. Kousoku Sentai Turboranger (translated as High-Speed Squadron TurboRanger) aired in 1989. Its theme based on automobiles. This was the 10th anniversary series (by Toei's official count until Goranger & J.A.K.Q. were re-included) and it featured a Super Sentai reunion. This Super Sentai started not to have the robot components brought into action through a "mothership" carrier vehicle, as was the case in all of its predecessors. It was also the first to have a command base to be combined with the other giant robots to create a very powerful robot. Chikyuu Sentai Fiveman (translated as Earth Squadron Fiveman) aired in 1990. Its theme was academic subjects: (science, athletics, language, music and mathematics) and martial arts styles. It was the first all-sibling team. Choujin Sentai Jetman (translated as Birdman Squadron Jetman) aired in 1991. Its theme was various birds. It was the second series to have a female blue Ranger. This series brought intense drama to the Sentai franchise, making it one of the more popular Super Sentai series. It was based on the '70s anime Gatchaman, and Jetman was supposed to become the first American Power Rangers series, but the concept did not fully take off with test audiences. It was the first series to have a third giant robot, and a female mentor. A Jetman game was available for the Nintendo Famicom game console. It was the first series with a member getting killed after the war, and a new character introduced in a manga. It is widely considered to be the best Sentai of all time. Kyouryuu Sentai ZyuRanger (translated as Dinosaur Squadron ZyuRanger) aired in 1992. Its theme was prehistoric beasts. It was the first Super Sentai to introduce sentient mecha. This series was the first to be adapted into the American Power Rangers series (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), based on it. It was also the first series to have a regular sixth team member and the first series with a member dying while active, but not on the battle field. Oddly enough, only two out of the six Rangers actually have dinosaurs as avatars. (three if you consider a dragon or Godzilla to be a dinosaur; a pteranodon is not a dinosaur) A ZyuRanger game was also available for the Nintendo Famicom game console. Gosei Sentai Dairanger (translated as Five-Star Squadron Dairanger) aired in 1993. Its theme was Chinese mythological animals and martial arts styles spanning generations of combatants fighting over the centuries. It is regarded by many as one of the best series of the '90s. Also, it is the first series to feature a growing child member. Ninja Sentai Kakuranger (translated as Ninja Squadron Kakuranger) aired in 1994. Its theme was the art of ninjutsu. It is the first to have a female leader, the second to have a non-Red leader, and the first to have the sixth member not to resemble the regular five (and the first non-Ranger to be male). This series also saw the first multi-Sentai team-up—Super Sentai World, where the previous four teams joined in the action. The first series to have a second 5-piece giant robot, as well as the first set of non-combining separate mecha. First series to have the team members become mecha rather than piloting them (this only occurred for the Beast Generals, however). Chouriki Sentai Ohranger (translated as Super-Power Squadron Overtech Hardware Ranger) aired in 1995. Its theme was five geometric symbols and ancient mystical technology. Ohranger began the annual tradition of a team-up movie with the heroes of the show seen the previous year with Chouriki Sentai Ohranger vs. Kakuranger ("Vs." in the Sentai context does not, for whatever reason, indicate animosity between the two teams but rather the two joining forces). OHRE could also be "Olé". Gekisou Sentai CarRanger (translated as Racing Squadron CarRanger) aired in 1996. Its theme based on cars. It was the 20th anniversary Sentai incarnation and its helmets are closely related to Turboranger's. This season was a parody of the Super Sentai series while being an actual series itself. It lacked the seriousness present in previous series. A CarRanger game was available for the Bandai Sufami Turbo cartridge compatible for the Nintendo Super Famicom game console. Denji Sentai Megaranger (translated as Electromagnetic Squadron Megaranger) aired in 1997. Its theme was various electronic equipment, with Toei capitalizing on the growing popularity of the internet, cell phones, and computers, and also on space exploration. It was the third series to have a non-Red leader and the first to have a member in silver. Seijuu Sentai Gingaman (translated as Star-Beast Squadron Gingaman) aired in 1998. Its theme was both benevolent "Galaxy Beasts" that aided mankind through the centuries and nature/elements (Fire, Water, Wind, Electricity and Flowers). It featured the first regular and first male non-Ranger henshin hero in the Super Sentai history (Hyūga aka Black Knight). Kyuukyuu Sentai GoGo-V (translated as Rescue Squadron Go-Go V) aired in 1999. Its theme was various rescue services (hazardous rescue, firefighter, helicopter pilot, police officer, and paramedic). It featured the second sibling team in the Super Sentai series. For the first time since Jetman, the series featured only five heroes, although in the GoGo-V movie other two non-Ranger henshin heroes appeared (only 1 at a time, the first was killed in action, resulting in the first Sentai movie with such an event). Mirai Sentai Timeranger (translated as Future Squadron Timeranger) aired in 2000. Its theme was time-travelling police officers from the year 3000. It was the first to have the sixth team member's costume color the same as a regular team member (red), the fourth series to have a non-Red leader, and the second Sentai series to have a female leader. It was the fourth series with a member getting killed in the line of duty. Hyakujuu Sentai GaoRanger (translated as 100 Beast Squadron GaoRanger) aired in 2001. Its theme was wild animals. It was the 25th anniversary Sentai team, which had the honor of teaming up with past Super Sentai members in a special production entitled Hyakujuu Sentai GaoRanger vs. Super Sentai. It was the second series to have a silver member. A Gaoranger game was available for the Sony PlayStation game console. Ninpuu Sentai Hurricanger (translated as Stealth-Wind Squadron Hurricanger) aired in 2002. Its theme was variations of the art of ninjutsu. It originally had a team of three, and it later added a rival ninja duo, as well as an independent green ninja warrior with no real identity, to make six full members. It was the third series to have a blue female Ranger. Its costume designs are closely related to Liveman in 1988 (Red falcon, Yellow lion, Blue dolphin). A Hurricanger game was also available for the Sony PlayStation game console. It was the fifth series with a member getting killed on the job. Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger (translated as Blastasaur Squadron Abaranger) aired in 2003. Its theme was dinosaurs, closely resembling 1992's ZyuRanger. It was the second series to start with four members (Black's changer key was damaged until episode 8). Midway through the series, an evil Abaranger appeared, who only joined the Abaranger at the end of the series. It was the second series with a member dying in action through means other than an enemy attack. Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger (translated as Special Investigation Squadron Dekaranger) aired in 2004. Its theme was an intergalactic police force division stationed on Earth to handle extraterrestrial criminals who enter Earth illegally and wreak havoc. It was the first to have a regular seventh team member, with three more Rangers who appear once throughout the series: DekaSwan (36), DekaBright (40), and DekaGold (Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger the Movie: Full Blast Action), although Deka Gold was not a member of Earth's Dekarangers. It was the second series to feature a hero in orange (and first female orange Ranger - DekaSwan). Deka is Japanese slang for Detective and is similar to "deca", which is the SI prefix for 10, since there are ten Dekarangers in all, five male and five female. Therefore, Dekaranger is the first to see a balance in male and female members. Mahou Sentai Magiranger (translated as Magical Squadron Magiranger) aired in 2005. Its theme was magic and elemental powers, with Toei capitalizing on the popularity of the Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings series as well as Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, their own adaptation of the Sailor Moon franchise. It was the first Sentai series since Kakuranger to have the heroes themselves transform into the mecha rather than piloting them, and the first team to wear capes since J.A.K.Q.. It had the third sibling team of Sentai, and it was the fourth series to have a blue heroine. It is also the first series to feature a married couple serving as team members (MagiMother & Wolzard Fire), and later two (MagiBlue & MagiShine), making Magiranger the first Sentai family (CarRanger's Signalman and VRV Master, however, also had families). It was also the sixth series with a member killed in action, but the first with two, although both were revived for the final battle. GoGo Sentai Boukenger (translated as Rumbling Squadron Boukenger) currently airs in 2006. Its theme is adventure and treasure hunting. It is the thirtieth anniversary of Super Sentai. It is the first series to have an 8-, 9- and 10-piece combination robot and the first series with multiple enemy groups. It is the third series to have a silver member. At the end of each episode (Task), starting with the fourth, Boukenger has a short featurette at the end to commemorate the previous 30 years of Super Sentai. It is the first Super Sentai series to be filmed and broadcast in widescreen HDTV. The series in 2007 is rumored to be Jyuuken Sentai Gekiranger. Tributes/Parodies Super Sentai Colors The color palette for Super Sentai has grown over the years, beginning with Red, Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Green in Goranger. Mecha The mecha and giant robots of Super Sentai are as varied as the series themselves. Himitsu Sentai Goranger had the first aircraft carriers, Variblune and Varidreen; the first tank, Varitank; and the first (and so far, only) hot air balloon mecha, Variccune. It also had the first mecha to end up being destroyed in action (Variblune). J.A.K.Q. Dengeki Tai had the first jet mecha, Sky Ace. Battle Fever J featured the first submarine, Battle Shark, and started the giant robot tradition with Battle Fever Robo. Denshi Sentai Denjiman added the transforming feature; DenjiFighter became DaiDenJin, the first giant robot to engage in swordplay without a shield in its arsenal. Denjiman also saw the first space-faring mecha , DenjiTiger. Taiyou Sentai Sun Vulcan had the first combining mecha; Cosmo Vulcan (piloted by Vul-Eagle) and BullVulcan (Shark and Panther) combined into Sun Vulcan Robo. Sun Vulcan was also the first series to use a part of one of its pieces as a weapon, namely, either one of BullVulcan's claws as the Vul-Hand. In Dai Sentai Goggle V, only three of the team members piloted mecha which combined; Goggle Jet (GoggleRed), Goggle Tank (Blue), and Goggle Dump (Yellow) became Goggle Robo, the first three-piece mecha combination. GoggleBlack and GogglePink stayed behind in GoggleCaesar to supervise the battle. Kagaku Sentai Dynaman had the first giant robot with a combined auxiliary form, and 1st 3-combined robot piloted by all heroes. DynaMach (DynaRed), DynaMobile (Black and Blue), and DynaGarry (Yellow and Pink) combined into either DynaRobo or DynaTrailer. Choudenshi Bioman had the first combination robot composed entirely of jets; BioJet No. 1 (Red One and Pink Five) and BioJet No. 2 (Green Two, Blue Three, and Yellow Four) combined into BioRobo. Dengeki Sentai Changeman saw the first Earth-made carrier to go into space (Shuttle Base) and had the first helicopter mecha (Change Gryphon and Change Mermaid's Helichanger II). Choushinsei Flashman featured the first secondary robo; Flash Titan. Hikari Sentai Maskman featured the first personal mecha for each team member; Masky Fighter (Red Mask), Masky Drill (Black), Masky Tank (Blue), Masky Jet (Yellow), and Masky Gyro (Pink) combined into the Great Five. Choujuu Sentai Liveman saw the first combining robots; Live Robo (Red Falcon, Yellow Lion, and Blue Dolphin) and Live Boxer (Black Bison and Green Rhino) combined into Super Live Robo. Liveman also started the tradition of animal mecha with Land Lion. Kousoku Sentai Turboranger had the first mecha not to be transported to the battlefield via an aircraft carrier (Turbo Machines and Rugger Fighter). It also had the first transforming base, Turbo Builder, and the first six- (Super Turbo Robo) and seven-piece mecha combinations (Super Turbo Builder). Chikyuu Sentai Fiveman was the first series in which a giant robot, Five Robo, rode another mecha, the Star Carrier. Fiveman also had the first four-piece mecha combination, Super Five Robo. Choujin Sentai Jetman featured the first mecha/weapon for other mecha, TetraBoy, which became the TetraBuster cannon and was also the first artificially intelligent mecha. Kyouryuu Sentai ZyuRanger introduced the living (and talking) mecha (Guardian Beasts). It featured also the first seven-piece mecha combination, Ultimate Daizyujin; the first instance in which the additional warrior gets his own mecha, the Dragon Ranger got Dragon Caesar. ZyuRanger also had the first auxiliary mecha to serve as a core piece in a combination; Dragon Caesar becomes Gouryujin's head, torso, and weapon. Gosei Sentai Dairanger had the first abnormally large mecha: Daijinryu, a neutral mecha on neither side of the Dairanger-Gorma war. It also featured a mecha for the leader, RyuuRanger's Ryuuseiou, and for the additional warrior, KibaRanger's Won Tiger, both of which had warrior forms and served as the basis for combinations, Dairenoh and KibaDaioh, respectively. There was also a mecha which transformed from a human ally of the heroes, Kameo became Super Legendary Chi Beast Daimugen, the first mecha to be able to draw power for either base mecha. Ninja Sentai Kakuranger was the first to show heroes growing to a giant-size (NinjaMan) or becoming their own mecha, the Beast Generals and the Beast General Fighters. Kakuranger was also the first to feature humanoid personal mecha, the Beast Generals, Beast General Fighters, and NinjaRed's God Saruder, for the main team; the first to have a second five-piece robot, Kakure DaiShogun; and the first to have an auxiliary mecha which can power up either robot, Tsubasamaru the Holy Stealth Beast combined with Invincible Shogun or Kakure DaiShogun to form Super Invincible Shogun or Super Kakure DaiShogun. Chouriki Sentai Ohranger was the first (and currently only) series to feature a robot with interchangeable helmets, Ohranger Robo, with each helmet having a different use and powers. Ohranger was also the first series to feature an auxiliary mecha for one of the core members, OHRed's Red Puncher; a sentient god which arose from a statue, Ganmajin; the first giant robot with a pyramid formation, King Pyramidder; and the first mecha with a wheel formation, Tackle Boy. Gekisou Sentai CarRanger saw the first instance where a primary robot, RV Robo, took another primary robot's, VRV Robo, limbs in a combination, creating Worldly Billowing Fast Robo Special. Denji Sentai Megaranger featured a series of space-venturing mecha: MegaShuttle, MegaShip, Delta Mega, the Voyager Machines, and Mega Winger. Seijuu Sentai Gingaman featured mecha that transformed from living creatures, Starbeasts, and (for the first time) a warrior-mecha combination, as was the case with Black Knight, who transformed into Heavy Knight and could combine with GouTaurus to form Bull Taurus. Gingaman was also the first series to feature combined robots acting independently, GigaRhinos and GigaPhoenix, of which GigaPhoenix was a third five-pieced robot. GigaRhinos, GigaPhoenix, and their carrier GigaBitus were once GingaRhinos, GingaPhoenix, and GingaBitus, respectively. Kyuukyuu Sentai GoGo-V saw the first abnormally large humanoid robot, GrandLiner. GoGo-V also featured the first mecha that separated and transformed into an electric train, and the first non-transforming robot which resembled another, Max Victory Robo Sigma Project. Mirai Sentai Timeranger had the concept of the same mecha, the TimeJets, that combined in three different ways (a la Getter Robo): TimeRobos Alpha, a swordsman mecha, and Beta, a marksman robot, and TimeJet Gamma. Timeranger also had the first mecha with a stealth fighter transformation, TimeShadow, and the first giant robot designed for purposes other than combat, Providus. Hyakujuu Sentai GaoRanger was the first to feature a wide line of mecha able to form different combinations rather than formations by default as in previous seasons, the one hundred Power Animals. Although this feature was a bit unpopular, due to all of the numerous possible combinations, a more simplified version that was used for later Sentai such as Abaranger (the Blastasaurs) and Boukenger (GoGo Vehicles and GoGo Gattai Machines) would just have the additional mecha replacing the primary robot's arms rather than completely changing the robot formation around. GaoRanger was also the first to have a centaur formation, GaoKentaurus. However, since the combination had GaoFalcon resting on the back of a giant GaoLion (which was itself the first power upgrade of a single individual mecha involving increase in size), it could only be brought to life through CGI. Finally, GaoRanger was the first to have a mecha (GaoKong) and robot formation (GaoKnight) to be theatrically exclusive. Ninpuu Sentai Hurricanger had the concept of the primary robots, Senpuujin, Gouraijin, and Tenkuujin, wielding (and at times, sharing) multiple collapsible weapons, the Karakuri Balls. Hurricanger also saw the first robot with a much faster form, Senpuujin Hurrier, as well as mecha elements from the movie, namely TriCondor and TenraiSenpuujin, to be included in the series (although the Karakuri Balls that are associated with TriCondor have a slightly different design in the series). Ninpuu Sentai Hurricanger vs. Gaoranger saw an eight-piece combination of sorts: Hurricane Hawk, Hurricane Dolphin, Hurricane Leon, Gourai Beetle, Fūrai Head, GaoShark, GaoTiger, and GaoElephant combined into GouraiSenpuujin Sword & Shield. Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger had the first mecha mainly used for a powered-up version of a team member, AbareMax piloted MaxRyuuOh, although AbareBlack piloted it when AbaRed was in Abaren'oh. Abaranger also had the first evil copy of a primary robot, Blastasaurus CarnoRyutus & ChasmoSealdon became Bakuren'oh. Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger had the first giant robot with a motorcycle transformation, DekaBike Robo, and the first set of mecha designed specifically for the primary Ranger's power-up form, the S.W.A.T. Mode Dekarangers' Patrol Wings 1~5 became DekaWing Robo, which also became DekaWing Cannon. Mahou Sentai Magiranger was unique, in that the core team could only form one of their two main robos, MagiKing and MagiLegend, at any one time, but not both, as the Magirangers themselves transformed into their mecha rather than piloting them. When the Magirangers are in Legend Mode, they have can only form MagiLegend, which combined from MagiFirebird and MagiLion, both Majuu. While in their default state, they can only form MagiKing, the combination of MagiPhoenix, MagiGaruda, MagiMermaid, MagiFairy, and MagiTaurus, all Majin. Magiranger also saw the first giant robot to transform from a steam locomotive, Travelion. Travelion was also unique in that it is the only real mecha in the series and it is the first Super Sentai mecha controlled through simple levers and rods rather than joysticks and keyboards. Magiranger also featured, the first dragon formation, MagiDragon; the first practical use of action suits for a centaur formation, WolKentaurus; and the first upgraded version of an individual mecha not involving form-changing or size-shifting, MagiPhoenix became Saint MagiPhoenix to form SaintKaiser. The Magiranger toys revolved around the concept of interchangeable cores, which explains why either Wolzard or MagiPhoenix can combine with Dark Magic Horse Barikion (normal Wolzard makes WolKaiser; normal MagiPhoenix makes FireKaiser) or Horned Sacred Horse Unigolon (Wolzard (Fire) makes the unused BlaKaizer; (Saint) MagiPhoenix makes SaintKaiser. GoGo Sentai Boukenger saw the first nine- (Super DaiBouken) and ten-piece robots (Ultimate DaiBouken). Boukenger also features the most separate mecha in a single series, eighteen in total, of which there are multiple combinations for each, as well as a movie-only combination (as of this writing), DaiTanken. Other notes | ||||||||||||
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