15 Alternative Superhero And Comic Book Movies You Must See
5. Zebraman (2004)
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think Takashi Miike? The violent body horror of Ichi The Killer? The psychological trauma of Audition? It almost certainly won't be superhero comedy Zebraman.
In order to escape his depressing life, typified by his cheating wife, rebellious daughter and bullied son, school teacher Shinichi secretly dresses up as his favourite superhero, Zebraman. Shinichi's love of Zebraman leads to him befriending a young student and he begins to regain his passion for teaching. Just as an alien force threatens life as we know it, Shinichi develops real superpowers to fight off the invaders.
Action scenes play out like an episode of Power Rangers. Campy, cheesy and slightly ramshackle but still charming, entertaining and fun. There's plenty of superhero action to be had but it's also the eager interactions between Shinichi and wheelchair-bound student Shinpei, which juxtapose Shinichi's dreary family life, that really stand out.