Review of SSSS.Dynazenon

Dynazenon like Gridman before it is show of seemingly of contradictions, marrying all the bombast and over-the-top-ness of tokusatsu genre with a more realistic way of building narrative and character. Since it is built on the template established by Grudman, it shares many of the same triumphs while mirroring a few of the flaws as well. The dialogue and the script as ever is top notch, utilizing the realistic style that is not afraid to use stretches of silence together with establishing shots to its advantage. This is still refreshing in a genre that is obsessed with shouting at and overexplaining to its audience. Thecharacters interactions feel more genuine, interesting and relatable despite the outlandish situations in which they find themselves, particularly the core three characters. All this is then married to a visual narrative style is outstanding from the detailed scene composition and framing to the character expressions and mannerisms. The epitome of show don't tell as much of the lore is implied rather than expressed. This is a very thin tightrope which in this case may leave one a little unfulfilled. The story weaves in many elements and strands that in end the generous would conclude were left to one's imagination while others would consider were left a bit loose and dangling. Overall though the show feels less interested in building lore than living the lives of the protagonists as they face their pasts, overcome their now and look to the future. While this leaves some of the characters, especially the antagonists and "guests characters" feeling less fleshed out as I would have liked but this was probably not their story to begin with anyway.
The art direction and animation is great from the detailed background art to the suitably garish designs of the mecha and kaiju. Everything feels bold, cohesive and imaginative especially when coupled with the script and fun fight choreography. The CG this while very noticeable is improved from Gridman. A visual treat for sure. The sound design and music is also superb, in turns providing the necessary stage for the character dialogue to shine to the music that underlines the quieter emotional moments before cranking it up for the battle scenes. The voice acting is once again superb and well directed, with even the narratively inconsequential characters providing flavour and colour to proceedings.
Overall I enjoyed Dynazenon immensely. I came for the aesthetics, link to Gridman and promise of OTT kaiju battles in but I stayed because I wanted to spend time to learn more about the characters and see them live, grow and triumph.