SSSS. Gridman is a sequel to the 1993 Denkou Choujin Gridman Tokusatsu series. Studio Trigger reimagines the series with their own style of mecha and character animation battles. It also has a blend of drama and mystery with its world-building. This review goes through the reasons you should catch SSSS. Gridman in Crunchyroll or a streaming service.
Overview of SSSS.Gridman
Rather than simply retelling the original, SSSS.Gridman builds its own identity. Its sharp animation, imaginative kaiju designs, and gradually unfolding plot give it a strong appeal for both newcomers and longtime fans. Produced by Tsuburaya Productions alongside Studio Trigger, the series is directed by Akira Amemiya, whose flair for dynamic action is easy to spot.
Character designs by Masaru Sakamoto and a soundtrack by Shiro Sagisu give it extra punch, with music that heightens the action and adds weight to emotional scenes. While it pays homage to the 1993 series with visual and thematic nods, its fresh setting, new cast, and updated storytelling make it stand firmly on its own.
First airing in late 2018, the anime earned praise for its visuals, pacing, and ability to bridge nostalgia with a more modern, thoughtful approach to the genre.
What Makes SSSS. Gridman great
SSSS.Gridman combines tokusatsu-inspired action with Studio Trigger’s quirky animation style. It also achieves an interesting plot that fits its source material.
Plot Execution
We start the episode with three mysteries. Who is Hibiki Yūta, the alternate personality of Gridman? Where did the kaijus come from? How can Akane control the kaijus?
The core mystery unfolds in deliberate layers, with revelations that reframe earlier events. While the final act delivers satisfying answers, some twists arrive abruptly compared to the measured buildup. Character motivations, particularly Akane’s, add depth to the conflict, though not every lead experiences significant growth. The blend of personal stakes with city-shaking battles gives the plot emotional weight beyond the kaiju spectacle.
What makes the writing great here is in making the audience emphasis Akane’s plight. She is the central character of the world. Even more than Yuta and Gridman themselves. The show hinges on you understanding what Akane is going through to justify her actions, including an integral point near the last episode that makes many audience turn on her.
When the episode where the SSSS of SSSS. Gridman was explained, and I was incredibly excited for the final battle, truly empathizing with Akane. This made the writing for the anime brilliant for me.
Animation
Studio Trigger’s style is on full display in SSSS. Gridman. It gives the series a distinct personality. The colors are bold, the designs are sharp, and the kaiju are as creative as they are imposing.
Battles have weight in them. Every blow feels impactful, backed by dynamic camera work and transformation sequences that pay tribute to classic tokusatsu while still feeling fresh. The over-emphasis and scaling of the mecha make you feel the power of Grid Calibur End and Max Grid Beam.
Even the quieter scenes have intention behind them, with lighting and framing used to build atmosphere and draw you deeper into the moment. If you’ve enjoyed the energy of shows like Gurren Lagann or Kill la Kill, there’s a good chance SSSS.Gridman will click with you.
The storytelling goes beyond a simple monster-of-the-week formula. The kaiju fights carry emotional stakes, shaped by personal conflicts, hidden motives, and moments of real vulnerability.
Akane’s journey stands out the most, giving the series a thoughtful layer about isolation, control, and the need for connection. The real magic happens when the spectacle and character arcs merge. The big, explosive battles also push the story forward. It’s this blend of style and substance that makes SSSS.Gridman lingers in your memory long after the final episode.
OxT Union and Yume no Hero: Spoiler Alert
You know the writing is excellent when you are tearing up in the last fight with Union playing OxT did an incredible job with the show’s intro. It packs that fiery bridge and chorus, fitting the show’s action sequence. At the same time, the lyrics resonate with Akane’s arc and Gridman’s real mission.
The reason I added the spoiler is the Union music video, which is the epilogue to the anime. It shows the real Akane waking up to her own world and joining up with her classmates. This scene is an incredible closure to see Akane conquer her social anxiety.
Another part I want to bring up is OxT’s take on Yume no Hero, the original intro to the Tokusatsu show. This was played when Gridman turned into the original 1993 Gridman, which is his ultimate form. Anyone who watched the original series would have gun nuts at this scene, including me, who watched the Super Human Samurai Syber Squad.
Studio Triggers Tokusatsu Masterpiece
SSSS. Gridman is a solid part of Studio Trigger’s accomplishment. The animation alone is worth the price of entry, while the mystery plot and its music keep you wanting to watch the next episode. This remains one of Tito Gamer’s must watch anime series. For more anime reviews and news, visit my anime page.
