Line #1 Series/AvataroSentaiDonbrothers


1	%%! Due to the nature of being an indirect sequel to ''Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger'', spoilers pertaining to it may have been unmarked. Administrivia/YouHaveBeenWarned.
2	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/avataro_sentai_donbrothers.jpg]]
3	[[caption-width-right:350:''Don-Don-Don-Donburako!'']]
4
5	->''"Once upon this year, in a land somewhere out there... lived four companions and one [[DoubleMeaning Rampaging Taro/Avataro]]."''
6	-->-- '''Haruka Kito''', narration for the first trailer.
7
8	''Avataro Sentai Donbrothers'' (roughly translated as "Avatar-Man Squadron[[note]]using kanji that makes it a DoubleMeaningTitle of "Rampaging Taro('s) Squadron"[[/note]] Donbrothers[[note]]Based on the Japanese term "donburako", an {{onomatopoeia}} used to describe Momotaro's peach tumbling as it arrives in the original folklore, and "brothers"[[/note]]") is the 46th entry in the ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' franchise and the third series to start in the Reiwa Era, airing alongside ''Series/KamenRiderRevice'' -- and later, ''Series/KamenRiderGeats'' -- in the Series/SuperHeroTime block from March 6, 2022 to February 26, 2023. It is heavily based on the legend of ''{{Literature/Momotaro}}'', combining it with themes of digital worlds and TheMetaverse. The ThemeTune was performed by Win Morisaki.
9
10	Twenty-one years ago, an ordinary human named Jin Momoi stumbled across a strange peach-shaped capsule that fell from a CrackInTheSky, and adopted the baby he found inside: Taro Momoi, whose [[TheAce supreme universal talent]], forthrightness, and inability to understand deceit [[BrokenAce leaves him socially isolated from the rest of the world]].
11
12	In the present day, a strange phenomenon is causing humans to transform into "[[{{Oni}} Hitotsu-Ki]]" when they are consumed by their own greed. Using the power of the Avataro Gears, Taro has the ability to transform into the hero "Don Momotaro" to fight the Hitotsu-Ki and return them to normal.
13
14	Meanwhile, a prodigy high-schooler manga artist named Haruka Kito finds her life shattered when she is accused of an impossible case of plagiarism. Just as suddenly, she is chosen by the Avataro power and discovers a new world layered on top of the regular world: a place where {{oni}} hide among humans, and impossible feats are possible (like using hidden portals to teleport between locations). Haruka, along with three others, have been chosen to become "companions" to Don Momotaro as the "Avataro Sentai Donbrothers", and in return for their service earn "points" that [[MakeAWish can be exchanged for anything their heart desires]] (including escaping from their forced draft into the Donbrothers).
15
16	Superheroic action and interpersonal drama ensue as these five RagtagBunchOfMisfits fight together without actually knowing each other: their civilian identities and backgrounds, their hidden talents and secrets, their virtues and darknesses, and their reasons for fighting.
17
18	As the Donbrothers work to save the humans who have become Hitotsu-Ki, they come up against two main adversaries: the Nōto, a SuperiorSpecies of higher-dimension beings who are tasked with purging the Hitotsu-Ki permanently to protect their integrity of their homeworld; and the Jūto, a faction of aggressive and immortal beings that pose a threat to the Human and Nōto realms alike.
19
20	Unlike most ''Sentai'' series, ''Donbrothers'' is a semi-sequel to its predecessor ''Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger''; carrying over ''Zenkaiger''[='s=] collectible gear items, an alternate version of its lead character, and one of its mecha. It also inherits ''Zenkaiger''[='s=] celebration of previous ''Sentai'' series and PowerCopying their teams; though while the entire franchise is featured as the basis for ''Donbrothers''[='=] [[MonsterOfTheWeek Monsters of the Week]], the heroes' PowerCopying mostly limits its focus to a sub-group of the last eleven years (''Series/KaizokuSentaiGokaiger'' onward) referred to as the "[[UsefulNotes/JapaneseHonorifics Senpai]]ger" ("Senior Rangers").
21
22	''Avataro Sentai Donbrothers''[='=] tie-in media include:
23	* ''Avataro Sentai Donbrothers Meets Series/KamenRiderDenO: Aim for it! Don-O'', a series of promotional shorts where Don Momotaro interacts with Toei's other major Momotaro-themed hero, Series/KamenRiderDenO.
24	* ''Avataro Sentai Donbrothers Meets Senpaiger'', a web special featuring Don Momotaro introducing and using the powers of the Senpaiger, as a tie-in to the DVD movie ''Film/KikaiSentaiZenkaigerVsKiramagerVsSenpaiger''.
25	* ''Avataro Sentai Donbrothers Spinoff: This is the Donbrothers' Roll Call! -- The true form of the Avataro?'', another web exclusive SpinOff that features a WhatIf scenario where the Donbrothers had instant TeamSpirit and functioned like a standard ''Super Sentai''.
26	* ''[[Film/AvataroSentaiDonbrothersNewFirstLoveHero Avataro Sentai Donbrothers: New First Love Hero]]'': The summer movie, double-billed with ''Kamen Rider Revice''[='=]s summer film, ''[[Film/KamenRiderReviceBattleFamilia Battle Familia]]''.
27	* ''Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger with Donbrothers'', a TTFC-exclusive crossover special with ''Series/NinpuuSentaiHurricaneger''.
28	* ''Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger with Donbrothers'', a TTFC-exclusive crossover special with ''Series/BakuryuuSentaiAbaranger''.
29	* ''Film/AvataroSentaiDonbrothersVSZenkaiger'', a crossover V-Cinema with its predecessor that takes place one year after the series.
30	* ''[[Recap/AvataroSentaiDonbrothersSpAvataroSentaiDonbrothersVSDonburies Avataro Sentai Donbrothers VS Donburies]]'', a TTFC-exclusive spinoff based off a one-off AccidentalMisnaming gag from the series' initial press conference.
31
32	The series is followed by ''Series/OhsamaSentaiKingOhger''.
33	----
34	!!Recurring ''Super Sentai'' tropes:
35	* ByThePowerOfGrayskull: Avatar Change!
36	* CombiningMecha:
37	** Carrying over from ''Zenkaiger'', [=JuranTyranno=] + Enya Rideon = Don [=ZenkaiOh=]
38	** Don Robotaro + Saru Robotaro + Oni Robotaro + Inu Robotaro + Kiji Robotaro = Don Onitaijin
39	** Don Momotaro Alter and Don Doragoku Alter can combine with other "Alter" mecha based on the Senpaiger teams.
40	** Don Robogoku + Don Robobolt = Toradragonjin
41	** [[spoiler:Don Onitaijin + Toradragonjin = [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs Toradora Onitaijin]]]]
42	** [[spoiler:Don Onitaijin + Omikoshi Phoenix = [=GolDon=] Onitaijin]]
43	** [[spoiler:[=GolDon=] Onitaijin + Toradragonjin = Toradora Onitaijin Kiwami]]
44	* DancingTheme: Just like its [[Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger predecessor]], ''Donbrothers'' features an opening dance sequence for its theme song "Ore Koso Only One" (I am the Only One).
45	* DebutQueue: In the first three episodes, our heroes are introduced and assembled as a team, but it takes them a little while to figure out who they are outside of the suit, usually by sheer coincidence. In fact, it takes until ''Episode 44'' for the team to know who Inu Brother is.
46	* FiveManBand: Five people (a courier, a bookworm, a mangaka, a wanted criminal, and a salaryman) come together and transform into the Donbrothers.
47	* HumongousMecha: While the series has the standard giant robot with Don [=ZenkaiOh=] and the Robotaros, the Alters are an inversion by being ''miniaturized'' mecha, comparable in size to their actual toy versions. Even the Robotaros start out human-sized and then grow when they need to; so most episodes ''don't'' have a giant robot battle.
48	* IdiosyncraticEpisodeNaming: The episode titles this season are simple phrases, all rendered in hiragana or katakana.
49	* InTheNameOfTheMoon: More commonly done in spinoffs and stage shows that required one as compared to the series itself, as the prominent PoorCommunicationKills playing amongst the team members [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome results in them taking a much longer time to work together and co-ordinate with each other]].
50	-->'''Taro: Listen up!!''' Born from a peach! Don Momotaro!\
51	'''Shinichi:''' Farewell, transient world! Saru Brother!\
52	'''Haruka:''' The Manga Master! Oni Sister!\
53	'''Tsubasa:''' Number One on the run! Inu Brother!\
54	'''Tsuyoshi:''' This birdy is sturdy! Kiji Brother!\
55	'''Taro: HAHAHAHAHA!!''' Avataro Sentai!\
56	'''All:''' Donbrothers!
57	** This was parodied and {{lampshaded}} in episode 10, where after her TenMinuteRetirement Haruka returns to her role as Oni Sister and proudly accounces it, only for Taro to call her out and state that ''[[DefiedTrope rolecalls are unnecessary]]''.
58	--->'''Haruka:''' Oni Sister, Haruka, is here!\
59	'''Taro:''' ''(while fighting Sononi)'' Well, ''that'''s obvious! Why would you even need to declare that now!?
60	** And then we have Don Doragoku/Don Torabolt's:
61	--->'''Jiro:''' Able-bodied and dragon-muscled! Don Doragoku![[note]]After his merging with Dangerous Jiro, he follows up with "...and Don Torabolt!"[[/note]]\
62	'''Dangerous Jiro:''' I am the strongest! Don Torabolt...!
63	** The main three Nōto generals have their own as well:
64	--->'''Sonoi:''' Absolute integrity and perfection incarnate! Sonoi!\
65	'''Sononi:''' A beautiful rose has its thorns... Looking to know love, Sononi!\
66	'''Sonoza:''' When my interest is caught, nothing gets in my way! Sonoza!\
67	'''All:''' The Nōto Trio is here!
68	** As does Sonoshi's group:
69	--->'''Sonoshi:''' Cleanliness first and foremost! Sonoshi!\
70	'''Sonogo:''' The best in beauty! Sonogo!\
71	'''Sonoroku:''' A big fan of kindness! Sonoroku!\
72	'''Sonoshi:''' We are...\
73	'''All:''' ...the Nōto Overseers!
74	** The final episode gives Don Murasame one as well:
75	--->'''Don Murasame:''' The jaws that have snapped awake! Don Murasame!
76	* MakeMyMonsterGrow:
77	** Certain Hitotsu-Ki can evolve into giant, more advanced version of themselves known as a ''Hitotsu-King'' after being defeated, however this is extremely {{downplayed}} as not every Hitotsu-Ki has the ability to do so.
78	** Interestingly enough, all of the team's main mecha (minus Don [=ZenkaiOh=]) does this, unlike most Sentai mechs that start out giant before combining. The team is able to transform into their mecha mode and combine to fight all while still remaining at human size, ''then'' grow large to fight off Hitotsu-Kings and other giant threats after that.
79	* MechaExpansionPack: The Alter mecha based on the Senpaiger can be used to enhance Don Momotaro Alter.
80	* MonsterOfTheWeek: The Hitotsu-Ki, monstrous {{oni}} forms taken on by humans with extreme desires in their hearts. In an interesting twist, while the Nōto are able to forcefully create them to serve as a distraction for the Donbrothers, they are also the targets of the Nōto's own execution, due to still being considered by them as "[[FantasticRacism humans far too tainted with ugly desires]]" that disrupt the peace of their realm.
81	* OnTheNext: Usually framed as ''"Jikai, jikai..."''[[note]]"Next time, next time..."[[/note]], which can be translated as "Once upon Next Time", narrated by the focus character for that upcoming episode.
82	* PunnyName: Like Toei usually does with its series.
83	** "Avataro" is a pun between "avatar" and "Taro", a Japanese first name suffix meaning "eldest son" and usually translated as "boy". It is also [[SpellMyNameWithAnS written in kanji as]] "暴太郎/abataro", meaning "Rampaging Taro", referencing how often characters lampshade that Taro, as TheLeader, is also a huge BoisterousBruiser.
84	** "Donbrothers" is a portmanteau of "Donburako" which is the first words of the tale of "Momotaro", describing a peach falling in a river,[[note]][[{{Woolseyism}} Translated by Over-Time]] as "Floating/Drifting on down"[[/note]] and the word "brothers". "DON" is also used as an onomatopoeia for traditional Japanese drum instruments such as taiko (Oni, Momotaro's enemies, are known to be skilled as taiko in popular culture) which is heard often in the series music and sound effects.
85	* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Except unlike some past entries, ''[[Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger including the last one]]'', with pink as the sole female, this does not apply to this pink ranger. Instead, it's the yellow Oni Sister, Haruka Kito.
86	* TransformationTrinket:
87	** The core five use the Donblaster and Avataro Gears to transform. Similarly to their predecessor's Sentai Gears, they also have their own series of Gears based on previous Super Sentai to access their powers.
88	** Just like his previous incarnation, Zenkaizer Black uses the Geartlinger.
89	** The Nōto generals use their Nōto Braces to transform into their monster forms.
90	** Don Doragoku/Don Torabolt uses the ''[[SwissArmyWeapon Ryukonogeki]]'', which allows him to change forms depending on [[SwissArmyWeapon what mode it's in]] (a spear for Doragoku and an axe for Torabolt). He uses the ''[[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe TiGuarDra]]'' for Avatar Changes.
91	** Don Momotaro uses the Omikoshi Phoenix to assume [[GoldenSuperMode GolDon Form]].
92
93	!!For coming here, you have formed a bond with these Tropes:
94	* AbortedArc: The first few episodes established the Anoni were secretly living among the humans, and that the Donbrothers were the only people who could see through their illusion. The paranoia stemming from this is rarely acknowledged in future episodes, and none of the people the Donbrothers help seem to be Anoni in disguise.
95	* AllThereInTheManual: Episode 11 has Jin vaguely telling the Nōto they should be wary of what type of origami the Jūto fold, without any details to elaborate why. [[https://www.toei.co.jp/tv/donbrothers/story/1229015_3246.html The behind-the-scenes notes]] detail this in full as the rank of their strengths -- Cats are Rank B, Cranes are Rank A, and Penguins are Rank S.
96	* AsideComment:
97	** Starting in episode 1, Haruka makes a comment to the camera roughly around once every couple episodes.
98	** Shinichi and Haruka do this in #21 through InnerMonologue, commenting on their current situation.
99	* AnAsskickingChristmas: Episode 41 [[spoiler: Having to fight Santa Claus himself who turns into a Hitotsu-Ki.]]
100	* BiggerOnTheInside: Cafe Donbura is portrayed as being far larger than its storefront would suggest, with a music room complete with grand piano and a fully-functional operating room being shown among its amenities.
101	* BittersweetEnding: All's well that ends well... almost. [[spoiler:The good news? The Jūto have been annihilated, the Nōto Overseers have been executed for their failures, and the top strongest executioners Sonona and Sonoya were defeated by Taro before they could execute the Nōto Trio and the Donbrothers, and Haruka manages to resurrect her manga career. The bad news? Tsubasa is still on the run thanks to using his Kibi-points to resurrect Sononi and has to break up with Natsumi, though he does get together with Sononi as compensation, and Natsumi enters Tsuyoshi's life with her asking if they want to continue their dream together, and while Taro recovers his memories, he leaves for parts unknown, but he does eventually return under a new courier company.]]
102	* BreakingOldTrends: This is the first time...
103	** ''[[RealMenWearPink A male Pink Warrior]]'' is part of the main cast. Japanese media also tend to point out that Tsuyoshi is the first HappilyMarried {{salaryman}} "[[ObaSan Ossan]]" to become a main warrior (let alone in Pink), unusually the case for a franchise that generally employs a YoungerAndHipper cast.[[note]]Nobuharu Udo from ''Series/ZyudenSentaiKyoryuger'', while a year younger, came close to being this, but was heavily downplayed as he mainly acts as a surrogate husband/father to his sister's family, and his HandyMan job allows him a flexible schedule for his hero work compared to Tsuyoshi having to juggle it with his full-time office job.[[/note]]
104	** A number of main Warriors are mostly rendered in CGI and not PeopleInRubberSuits, both being considerably more BeastMan-like in size and design (Inu Brother is SuperDeformed and only ''one meter tall'', while Kiji Brother is 2.2 meters tall with [[NoodlePeople long and lanky limbs]]).
105	** A GuestStarPartyMember was introduced for the main cast, albeit a PaletteSwap IdenticalStranger variant of a main character from the preceding series.
106	** For a series to fully utilize a degree of cross-compatibility with the previous series' gimmick, as not only the initial CombiningMecha required ''a member of the previous team'' as one of its main components, their equipment are also compatible with the previous series' line of ''Sentai Gears'' as well.
107	** A HumongousMecha fight is ''not'' OnceAnEpisode, as several of the Hitotsu-Ki do not become Hitotsu-Kings. Though this is sometimes supplanted with a Don Momotaro Alter or human-sized Robotaro sequence.
108	** Don Onitaijin breaks the usual trend of Sentai having mecha that start off or grow large then combine, and instead combines in human scale before growing big.
109	** The series also notably breaks the VillainsActHeroesReact plot structure used in the franchise since the very beginning. The [[MonsterOfTheWeek Hitotsu-Ki]] aren't sent out as part of an EvilPlan to wreak havoc, but instead are created by happenstance when a person's desires grow too powerful for them to control. The main antagonist faction, the Nōto, doesn't aim to use them to conquer the world; instead they aim to eliminate these Hitotsu-Ki just like the Donbrothers, though they're willing to use more lethal means. It's only with the emergence of the Jūto, the other antagonist faction, that this kind of plot line returns, though they're a far more nuanced example than your typical Sentai villain group.
110	** DX Super Sentai robot toys are infamous for being entirely static statues with only basic shoulder movement, though a few have had some extra joints. The [=DonZenkaiOh=] toy falls under this pigeonhole, but starting with Don Onitaijin, the Bandai toy designers make sure to place extra emphasis on prioritizing articulation, following Hasbro's lead for their Power Rangers toys. Although the Donbrothers mecha still had limits, this new initiative would later take greater root in ''[[Series/OhsamaSentaiKingOhger King-Ohger]]'', with the main mecha for that series featuring a much better-executed increase in articulation.
111	** ''Donbrothers'', thanks to the team's dysfunctionality, is extremely light on the series' traditional roll calls. Throughout the entire series, any attempt at a roll call was more parodied than anything, with successful roll calls only happening in spinoffs and TheMovie. It'd take until the final episode before a proper roll call could go ahead.
112	* CharacterNarrator: Haruka narrates most of the series as she's the SupportingProtagonist, though the others get in on this when it's focused on them.
113	* ChekhovsGunman: Episode 24. VictimOfTheWeek Mrs Higashi is going through SanitySlippage after her son disappeared - turns out he was the MonsterOfTheWeek.
114	* ChristmasEpisode: Episode 41
115	* CityOfAdventure: Oniga City/''Oniga-shi'', which alludes to the ''Onigashima'' Island from the original ''Momotaro'' lore. However it is also a PunnyName using kanji that literally means "King's Suffering City".
116	* DarkerAndEdgier: Despite the lively theme the poster is showing, Donbrothers is a bit darker than the previous installment. Compared to ''[[Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger Zenkaiger]]'', ''Donbrothers'' has a more grounded perspective on both the heroes and villains. The Nōto are portrayed as incredibly dangerous threats: its generals are more than willing to dispose of anybody that doesn't adhere to their views ([[spoiler:and they are ''successful at killing four already'']]), the Hitotsu-Ki can be born from anybody with an extreme desire, and the Anōni can disguise themselves as ''anybody'' within the world. As for our heroes, they all lost something of great value in order to fight since they know the secret behind the masquerade. Along with that, their personalities and lifestyles outside of their super-heroic exploits tend to prevent them from working as a cohesive unit, not helped by the CallToAdventure forcing them to fight. That being said, the series has a good amount of absurd humor and heartwarming moments to balance out.
117	* {{Deconstruction}}:
118	** The first few episodes explores the ramifications of becoming a hero. Most of the team is forced to become heroes at Jin's behest, only for their lives to become ''worse'' after discovering the masquerade of the world. Not to mention, they didn't want to become heroes in the first place, perfectly content with living out their lives.
119	** The series also extensively explores the complications of the instant TeamSpirit most ''Sentai'' series exemplify. The team have no idea who they are in the beginning and it takes quite a few episodes for them to discover each other's identities. Unlike with ''Series/ZyudenSentaiKyoryuger'' (which dabbled with the concept before ultimately uniting the team within the first four episodes), the Donbrothers barely interact with each other outside of fights since they have vastly differing lifestyles as civilians, only meeting by sheer coincidence. The slow discovery of their identities barely bring them together as a result, leading to the team having [[TeethClenchedTeamwork uneven teamwork]], [[WithFriendsLikeThese a tenuous sense of trust with each other]], and [[LockedOutOfTheLoop an unbalanced amount of shared information]] resulting in [[PoorCommunicationKills disastrous decisions being made]] that affect the team as a whole.
120	** The Donbrothers being barely together as a team is reflected even in their official rolecall as unlike past Sentai teams, none of them have any single similarity that unifies all the calls[[note]]for example, ''Zenkaiger'' rolecalls all having "Power", ''Ninninger'' rolecalls all having a word that references their own civilian name either straightforward or via a pun, and ''Zyuohger'' rolecalls all calling themselves as a "Monarch/Ruler"[[/note]] - there's always at least one of them that breaks the pattern.
121	*** Don Momotaro, Oni Sister, and Inu Brother talks about their human selves, but Saru Brother makes one line of a haiku while Kiji Brother makes a joke about his ranger selves' bird-like appearance.
122	*** Saru Brother, Inu Brother, and Kiji Brother all have animal-related joke in their role call, but Don Momotaro and Oni Sister don't have any joke related to their theme (peach and oni respectively). And even among the former three, only two of them have the joke be about animal ''sound'' ("Uki" for Saru Brother and "Wan" for Inu Brother) - Kiji Brother's joke simply revolves around the word "Tori", which literally means "bird".
123	* DeconstructiveParody: A lot of the show's humor comes from Creator/ToshikiInoue being fully aware of how infamous his constant use of PoorCommunicationKills has become and intentionally doubling down on it. The very first arc of the show could have ended with the first episode, only for Haruka's poor grasp of reality to keep it going for a bit longer, and there are multiple points later where character quirks cause people to completely miss obvious plot points. Jin Momoi's entire character is knowing absolutely everything about the plot, but refusing to answer anything beyond what the plot immediately demands. There are multiple points where big {{Internal Reveal}}s are just barely missed because [[MissedHimByThatMuch one character just happens to leave an area just as another one arrives]]. This just scratches the surface, and all of it, unlike Inoue's previous works, is PlayedForLaughs.
124	* DelayedReaction: In episode 44, Tsubasa morphs alongside the others, revealing he's the black ranger. Haruka ends up back at home eating dinner with her mother and says she thinks she forgot something important. Then later while in bed she suddenly realizes she learned who Inu Brother is.
125	* DenserAndWackier: Compared to even [[Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger its prior show]], Donbrothers is one of the crazier of the Sentai shows, especially comparing to Inoue's prior works, as several episodes will have crazy subplots or gags mid-episode. Production even notes that if Zenkaiger has calculated humor, Donbrothers has '''calculated madness'''.
126	* DevastatingRemark: Momoi Taro's tendency towards BrutalHonesty makes him a dispensary of remarks like these; resulting in at least five people mutating into [[MonsterOfTheWeek Hitotsu-Ki]] from the stress over the course of the show. In #16, calling Jiro a "comrade" when the latter's demonstrated an ambition to lead shatters him emotionally and awakens his [[spoiler: SplitPersonality]], which spends the episode systematically disabling each of Taro's team-mates and is only barely stopped.
127	* DiligentHeroSlothfulVillain: Both [[TeamMercyvsTeamMurder The Donbrothers and The Noto Layer]] are working hard to secure the lives of those that mutate into Hitotsu-Ki, for peace and pride respectively. The Juto meanwhile spend 85% of the show sitting on their laurels, coasting on the sheer power gap between them and the heroes. The Cat Juto wear "immature, childish hedonism" as [[GangOfHats their hat]]. [[spoiler:Miho]] is the only Juto that's an active detriment to the heroes and that's moreso indirectly; what little scheming she does relies exclusively on [[spoiler:the instabilities and issues of Tsuyoshi and Tsubasa doing the work for her]]. Finally, [[spoiler:The Penguin Juto]] reveals itself near the show's end and it's not the FinalBoss that requires every faction to put differences aside; it's a relaxed AffablyEvil HeroAntagonist that spends more time trying to curry physical care from Taro and Tsubasa rather than really trying to stop them -- Taro quashes its sole agenda almost immediately and it barely takes action; content to watch things unfold with minimal input.
128	* DramaticIrony:
129	** For the first few episodes, Haruka is looking for Taro Momoi. The audience knows who he is, but Haruka does not. The series plays this for everything it's worth, with Haruka repeatedly mistaking other people for Taro and missing or dismissing the signs of who Taro actually is.
130	** The audience also learns fairly early on that Tsubasa and Tsuyoshi's loved ones, Natsumi and Miho respectively, look identical. It's reasonable to expect some sort of conflict to arise between them because of this, but whenever they're in the same room and the conversation turns to their loved ones, the circumstances are such that Tsubasa never learns what Miho looks like and Tsuyoshi never learns what Natsumi looks like.
131	** For a large portion of the series, the Donbrothers are unaware that Tsubasa is Inu Brother, and likewise he's LockedOutOfTheLoop over their identities. Yet Tsubasa more often than not gets rolled up in their shenanigans and goes along with them, with both sides continuing to be unaware of each other despite their frequent interactions. #44 finally has both sides learn their true identities.
132	* DysfunctionJunction: Between a perfectionist who has a hard time getting along with people, a self-proclaimed philosopher with a hint of an ego, an immature and stubborn high schooler, a standoffish fugitive, a salaryman who puts his wife's welfare above everything else, and a wannabe hero with a [[spoiler:SuperpoweredEvilSide]], it's no wonder the Donbrothers don't get along the same way most Sentai teams do.
133	* EarlyBirdCameo: Don Momotaro first appears in ''Zenkaiger'' episode 42, bringing Enya Rideon with him to combine with Juran and become Don [=ZenkaiOh=].
134	* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness:
135	** In the first several episodes Anōni soldiers would often aid the Hitotsuki in fighting the heroes. Once it was established that the Noto don't care for the Hitotsuki any more than the Donbrothers do and actively want the Hitotsuki destroyed, the Anōni stop doing so since that would make little sense. This is doubly so when [[spoiler:the Anoni outright ask the Donbrothers to help them take out the Juto]].
136	** In the first several episodes Don Momotaro often does a BigEntrance with his arrival, including heavy usage of SummonBackupDancers as he does his own InTheNameOfTheMoon. However, as the series progresses he completely drops this, neither does he lead his team to perform a bigger rolecall together as per ''Super Sentai'' tradition, with it being justified as an apparent disbelief in TalkingIsAFreeAction due to his SeriousBusiness attitude. There are some references to it later on in the series and he does make an appearance on it every now and then. Of course, it's simply possible he choose to stop doing this since he now enters battle alongside most of the team who all mostly know who he is, making his larger than life heroic entrances to save them no longer necessary. [[spoiler:Though Sonoi manages to picks up on this upon his revival]].
137	* GagSeries: Much like its [[Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger predecessor]], Donbrothers leans heavily into comedic episodes, though the difference is that it goes into the realm of the bizarre, playing almost every major plot point for laughs when other Sentai (even Zenkaiger) would at least treat one seriously.
138	* GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere: Quite a few [[MonsterOfTheWeek Hitotsu-Ki]] only appear in order to supply the requisite ''tokusatsu'' action scenes without any connection to the overall plot, with the rest of the episode being focused on the interpersonal conflicts the main characters have.
139	* TheGoodTheBadAndTheEvil: The faction dynamic shapes up to be this way, with the Donbrothers generally helping people even in spite of their frailties (the Good), the Nōto being a group of [[WellIntentionedExtremist Well-Intentioned Extremists]] (the Bad) who then protect the world from the utterly malevolent Jūto (the Evil). Later developments in the series reveal the Jūto to be {{Tragic Monster}}s, with the Evil being occupied by [[spoiler: the Nōto Council and their top enforcers Sonoshi, Sonogo, and Sonoroku.]]
140	* IndecisiveParody: The show seems to parody Toshiki Inoue's tendency to use PoorCommunicationKills in order to fuel the conflicts, but at the same time, several subplots in the second half (most of them being related to [[spoiler:the Juto]]) are only possible because of that trope being played straight.
141	* InnerMonologue: The series makes extensive usage of the characters' thoughts to reveal their musings on the current situation since they often don't try to communicate with each other. Later episodes dial it back as the Donbrothers get more acquainted as a team.
142	* ItsAWonderfulPlot: Episode 10 has Haruka using her Kibi Points to wish that she'd never become a Donbrother. She gets her old life back, but soon changes her mind when she realises someone else was forced to take on her misfortune in her place.
143	* LeftHanging: Enforced. Donbrothers is a DeconstructiveParody of Toshiki Inoue’s writing-style, which is already infamous for its use of PoorCommunicationKills. As an exaggeration of this style, the misunderstandings constantly shift and pile-on; inevitably leaving some set-ups in the dust.
144	** After [[spoiler: his first revival]], the show sets up the idea of Taro undergoing CharacterDevelopment and becoming a bit nicer. The show gives up on this thread quickly; treating his coldness as more quirk than conflict going forward. It does get two references at the tail-end of the show, albeit unheeded ones.
145	** Taro and Jiro potentially being related is only given a single throwaway line and Taro himself decides it’s not important.
146	** The idea of there having been [[spoiler: previous Donbrothers]] is the core premise of Don #21, but despite even the usually-tight-lipped Jin commenting on it, it never comes up again.
147	** After Tsubasa’s [[spoiler: investigation of the Forest Of Slumbers]], the show forgets [[spoiler: Yuriko's own investigation of the Juto]] entirely.
148	** Jiro and Don Murasame have a few sparse interactions, seemingly setting up a FriendlyRivalry ala Taro and Sonoi. They stop interacting after their third encounter.
149	* {{Masquerade}}: There appears to be an active cover hiding the Nōto Layer metaverse, [[ConfidenceSabotage ruining the lives]] of those who discovered it and manage to escape capture, much like what happened to Haruka. Given the fact that society as a whole (and seemingly ''the Earth itself'') actually supports this without batting an eye over any oddity heavily implies the Nōto have already taken over most of the Earth in secret.
150	* TheMetaverse: The Earth is host to one known as the Nōto Layer, a hidden {{cyberspace}} that overlays onto Earth's own landscape with hidden constructs, HardLight dimension doors, InASingleBound manhole platforms, and the fact that ''some of the human populace are actually [[{{Mook}} Anōni]]''. Only the Donbrothers' sunglasses are able to see all this.
151	* MundaneUtility:
152	** Contrasting most ''Sentai'', the Donbrothers are willing to use their powers in situations outside of the battlefield to assist them in daily life, usually either by helping civilians or getting out of tough situations fast.
153	** #21 explores the ramifications of this, specially when one uses their powers for personal gain. While the Donbrothers are free to use their abilities to help out civilians outside of battle, they are ''not'' supposed to use them for personal gain, as doing so goes against the idea that they are "heroes". As such, [[PersonalGainHurts their powers are promptly removed]].
154	*** Given that the Donbrothers do use them for occasional personal use, the rule seems to be more that while they can use their powers for minor personal gain such as getting around, or entertaining others they'd better focus on fighting the badguys too.
155	* MythologyGag:
156	** In #17, when Jiro Avatar changes into [[Series/KyoryuSentaiZyuranger Dragon Ranger]], he remarks that he feels like an older brother, an allusion to Burai.
157	** In #31, Ryuji Inui, a young man who briefly becomes Inu Brother, sings about [[Series/ChoujinSentaiJetman Black Condor]].
158	** In #38, after tasting Rumi's cooking, Taro dreamily floats into the sky past the Tokyo Tower while trailing sparkles, in a near-shot for shot remake of the opening scene of ''[[Series/BakuryuuSentaiAbaranger Abaranger]]''[='=]s intro.
159	** Don Killer's name is a blatant one to [[Series/BakuryuuSentaiAbaranger Abare Killer]].
160	* NonUniformUniform: Each of the [=DonBrothers=] has their own variation of the team's costume, moreso than most ''Sentai'' teams. Don Momotaro has a larger forehead emblem and a topknot; Oni Sister has spikes on her shoulders; Saru Brother has a smaller vest that shows off abs and hairy gorilla arms, and he has a red baboon patch on his butt; Kiji Brother is inhumanly tall and thin and has wings and talons; and Inu Brother is SuperDeformed, has FunnyAnimal ears on his helmet, and a tail.
161	* OneSteveLimit: Because both ''Series/JAKQDengekitai'' and ''Series/DengekiSentaiChangeman'' use the word ''Dengeki/"Blitzkrieg"'' as part of their team names, the Hitotsu-Ki based off ''JAKQ'' is given a PunnyName of ''Ja''-Ki instead, while Dengeki-Ki is solely the one based off ''Changeman''.
162	* PerfectionIsStatic: Momoi Taro is TheAce in almost every sense of the word: He's the best fighter, he's the quickest learner, he's TheLeader, he's TheHero and he ''knows it.'' However, so does everyone else. His insane talent is presented as more of a curse than a blessing early on - Being so perfect at everything means he (intentionally or otherwise) overshadows everyone he gets to know. While he isn't unaware of this social handicap, his motivation to do something about it is non-existent and the communication issues his antics cause prevent people from really getting through to him. Not even [[spoiler:a blunter Saruhara from an AlternateTimeline calling him out]] is enough to crack his shell and he eventually decides none of that matters at all.
163	* PoorCommunicationKills: Considering who [[Creator/ToshikiInoue the main writer]] of the series is, it's a given!
164	** Jin Momoi tells Haruka to find Taro, and that he never lies. He doesn't give her anything else to go on, leading to many cases of mistaken identity in the early episodes. When Haruka does get a chance to talk to Taro, she doesn't let him introduce himself, and even though he's aware she's looking for him, he doesn't say anything more because [[YouDidntAsk she refused to ask for his name]].
165	** #5 is pretty much this trope incarnate. The Donbrothers all end up at Shirokuma Express's office in a HostageSituation through various circumstances. However, they all refuse to fully communicate with each other due to their lack of trust. Taro calls them out for this, stating that they're all so stuck in their heads that they forgot about each other.
166	** #25 takes this to absolutely hysterical heights. Taro hears from Tsuyoshi about his financial problems, only for the former to mishear that he's having problems with his ''mother''. He eventually spreads this story onto the other Donbrothers without revealing who specifically, so the others (including Tsuyoshi) assume that it's Taro's friend's mother having issues, which causes them to want to try and support said mother. Near the end of the episode, Taro realizes his mistake when he hears Tsuyoshi's confession.
167	* PowerCopying: The [=DonBrothers=] can use their Avataro Gears to transform into - and utilize the abilities of - previous ''Sentai'' teams. Unlike how it was done in ''Series/KaizokuSentaiGokaiger'' however, the Donbrothers are only limited to using the powers of previous warriors of the same color as them, and as such certain members can't use the powers of teams that don't have their color.
168	* RedHerring:
169	** In #35, Naoki Shiina is shown to be able to perfectly replicate Haruka's art style and beef stroganoff; with "Miho" explaining that Crane Jūto are able to imitate their hosts later on, it was implied that Shiina was a Crane Jūto imitating Haruka. [[spoiler:#43 reveals that it's actually Haruka from an alternate future.]]
170	** #39 ends with a WhamShot of a Penguin origami sitting on Jiro's desk, implicating him as the future Penguin Juto. #45 reveals [[spoiler:[[BaitAndSwitch it was actually his adoptive father Terasaki, who planned to have Jiro's illusionary friends feed that origami to him and turn him into another Penguin]]]].
171	* RuleOfThree: Certain jokes or events are re-used three times:
172	** Haruka tries to find Taro and swear fealty to him only to end up getting kicked aside by Sonoi, Sonoza and finally the actual Taro.
173	** There are three {{Imagine Spot}}s of someone challenging Taro to a match with Tsuyoshi and Shinichi having the same image of challenging Taro only for them to realize they will get curb-stomped with Shinichi having a second one in which he delivers a curb-stomp to the de-powered Taro.
174	** Tsuyoshi becomes a [[spoiler:Hitotsu-ki]] three times with the others calling it a overused joke if it were to happen a fourth time.
175	** Tsubasa becomes a wanted criminal three times.
176	* RunningGag: A member of every major enemy faction has eaten at Cafe Donbura at some point or another.
177	* SecretIdentity: [[ExaggeratedTrope Taken to maddening heights]] compared to ''Sentais'' past. The Donbrothers' identities aren't just hidden from the public, but oftentimes even each other! The first primary arc of the show centers around the various Donbrothers discovering each other; beginning with Taro and going from there. It isn't until #11 that much of the core team is aware of each other outside of the battlefield. That isn't even getting into Inu Brother, who has successfully kept who he is a secret from everyone else [[spoiler: until episode 44]].
178	* {{Sequel}}: Heavily downplayed. The series does share the Sentai Gears from the [[Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger last series]] and has Kaito (though not the same one from ''Zenkaiger'') as a GuestStarPartyMember, but it's clear from the start that the series stands completely on its own regardless.
179	* SeriesFauxnale: Parodied in #26, where, after watching the final episode of ''Series/KamenRiderRevice'', Kaito also proclaims Donbrothers should end as well by deciding who's the real MVP of the team. [[spoiler:Of course, he's the MVP.]]
180	* ShoutOut:
181	** The sunglasses the [=DonBrothers=] use to perceive the Layer (and the [[{{Mooks}} Anoni]] within) bring the propaganda-exposing glasses of John Carpenter's ''Film/TheyLive'' to mind. %%Not sure if this is intentional or just a coincidence.
182	** There are several to the ''{{Literature/Momotaro}}'' mythos.
183	*** The PortalDoor used for the Donbrothers' TransformationSequence comes tumbling in a flowing body of water, much like how Momotaro's peach originally came tumbling in a river in the original story.
184	*** The Kibi-Points are a reference to ''kibi-dango''/millet dumplings, Momotaro's favourite food that he offers to his companions as compensation for their assistance. Here, the Kibi-Points are awarded to the companion Donbrothers based on their contributions to aid Don Momotaro and the team's victories, which can be used to grant various requests/wishes as compensation.
185	*** On the topic of ''kibi-dango'', Taro requires eating a serving of 300 pieces of it every few years in order to stay in his peak condition.
186	*** The [[TransformationSequence combination sequence]] of Don Onitaijin references Momotaro's team travelling to Onigashima Island via boat in order to face off against the {{oni}} tribe.
187	*** [[spoiler:Dangerous Jiro]] quotes the original ''Momotaro'' tale while hunting down the Donbrothers, though adding some changes to the story that reflect his then-current mood.
188	*** Don Murasame is an allusion to the 1932 animated short film ''Umi no Momotaro'', which features Momotaro doing battle with a shark.
189	*** The CityOfAdventure that the series takes place in is called Oniga City (Oniga-shi), which alludes to Onigashima Island.
190	** Our heroes' SecretWar against monsters also lets them build up points that they could use to attain something incredible, which is straight out of ''Manga/{{Gantz}}.''
191	** Episode 9 has a version of the famous red light, green light scene from ''Series/SquidGame'', not helped by how the Hitotsu-Ki was [[spoiler:an old man wanting to be a kid again]].
192	** ''Abatā Ranbu: Momotarozan'' [[note]]"Avatar Combat Art: Momotaro Slash"[[/note]], specifically where only the sword flashes are seen, is inspired by ''Manga/DemonSlayerKimetsuNoYaiba''.
193	** In episode 15, Jiro's stance after throwing the boulder at Gekisou-ki is that of the [[Manga/DragonBall Kamehameha Wave]].
194	** Kyoryu-ki's skin is titled "[[Anime/TheGirlWhoLeaptThroughTime Fossil that leapt through time]]".
195	** Episode 18's title translated into English is "A [[WesternAnimation/StreetSharks Jawsome]] Strike".
196	** The shark emblem on Don Murasame's belt is near-identical to [[Series/KamenRiderDecade Kamen Rider Abyss's]].
197	** The Ninjarksword manifesting his Don Murasame form is reminiscent of [[Series/KamenRiderSaber Kamen Rider Saikou and Shadow Saikou]].
198	** Don Murasame's Alter Change features an underwater palace behind him, a reference to ''Urashimako'', another Japanese fairy tale with a main character named Taro.
199	** The debut of [=ToradoraGonjin=] involves Jiro making his face appear in place of the mecha's face, which is straight out of ''Anime/MobileFighterGGundam''.
200	** #34 has a couple. To wit, the scene where Jiro reunites with Rumi homages Creator/MichelangeloBuonarroti's ''[[Art/SistineChapel The Creation of Adam]]'', while Natsumi recites a few lines from Creator/WilliamShakespeare's ''Theatre/AsYouLikeIt''.
201	** #39 has Inu Brother, Saru brother and Kiji Brother given the MetronomicManMashing treatment by Don Killer, ''a la'' what [[Film/TheAvengers2012 Hulk did to Loki]].
202	** #46's title is a reference to Shakespeare's ''Theatre/AMidsummerNightsDream'', with the ending showing [[spoiler:Miho's body floating down a river, ''a la'' [[Theatre/{{Hamlet}} Ophelia]].]]
203	** #50 features Taro and Shinichi lying on a grassy hill while Shinichi raises a hand towards the sun, referencing the last scene of ''Series/KamenRider555''[='=]s final episode.
204	* SpiritualAntithesis: To ''Series/MashinSentaiKiramager''. Whereas that series has the heroes prioritise their daily lives in order to improve themselves as heroes, Donbrothers has doing so rendered difficult, bordering on impossible, to the point that Haruka only unlocks her full power when she vows to give up her mangaka dreams. This is justified as the Kiramagers are not only famous professionals in their fields who are completely open about their lives, but their activities are also backed by the MegaCorp ''CARAT'', which has links to higher organisations to allow the Kiramagers to lead their double lives publicly. On the other hand, the Donbrothers, who are a group of NormalPeople (well, most of them) fighting a mostly SecretWar under TheMasquerade, have very little support other than Kaito and Jin.
205	* SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome:
206	** The team's discovery of each other's identities barely serve to actually unite them on the battlefield since they have vastly different personalities and lifestyles from each other. They only manage to meet up by sheer coincidence most of the time as a result. All of this create a tenuous sense of trust within the team, viewing each other as acquaintances that just so happen to be there than actual teammates.
207	** One that might hit closer to home for some - Haruka insists on following Taro around for his delivery job, and she ends up facing all of the risks and abuse he normally would, with the added threat of sexual assault at one point.
208	** When Haruka receives a massive amount of Kibi-points, she has the option to quit the Donbrothers. When having to pick between risking her life fighting and remaining a pariah due to plagiarism allegations or returning to her charmed life of adoration and praise as a mangaka, she doesn't hesitate to choose the latter.
209	** Taro's eccentricities resulting from his [[TheAce incredible talent]], such as his [[WillNotTellALie refusal to lie]], tend to alienate the people around him. More often than not, people think that he's arrogant and ignorant, even when he's trying to help them. This takes a dark turn in episode 13 when [[spoiler:Sonoi learns about this and immediately exploits it - the episode ends with Taro apparently ''dead.'']]
210	** On a similar note, simply breaking any kind of behavioral habit when trying to improve yourself is a challenge. While Taro is more open to his team [[spoiler:after coming back from his "death" in #15]], he's still a very aloof person who needs to make more progress, like learning it's entirely possible to compliment or apologize to someone more than once at a time.
211	* TeamMercyVsTeamMurder: The titular hero Sentai can use their powers to deal with the [[MonsterOfTheWeek Hitotsu-Ki]] without killing their hosts, while their rivals the WellIntentionedExtremist team Nōto, deems it necessary to defeat the hosts as well. The show goes on the premise that BothSidesHaveAPoint, with some people being too overwhelmed by their desires that they become repeat hosts for a Hitotsu-Ki, while others are simply ordinary people in the wrong place at the wrong time. [[spoiler:At the end, both sides end up befriending and allying each other, with the final conflict of the show becoming about the trio's increasing humanity putting them at odds with their higher-ups instead.]]
212	* TechnologyMarchesOn: [[invoked]]The plot of #19 happens due to phone booths being phased out all over Japan as mobile phones have come to replace their functionality. Unfortunately, one certain phone booth happens to be possessed by the ghost of a girl who hasn't moved on yet.
213	* {{Teleportation}}: Both the Donbrothers and Nōto use different forms of teleportation.
214	** The Donbrothers use various [[PortalDoor dimension doors]] made of HardLight located throughout the city when they use their glasses and [=DonBlaster=]. When there's a Nōto attack, the [=DonBlaster=] forcibly transforms them before it teleports them via streams of light.
215	** The Nōto generals use manhole-shaped platforms that send them back to their base of operations.
216	* TwoLinesNoWaiting: Standard ''Super Sentai'' episodes usually focuses on a single main [[MonsterOfTheWeek conflict of the week]], with an occasional focus on the villains when they have their own conflicts or decide to further their schemes. This series stands out in that because the Donbrothers are so non-cohesive several episodes are broken down into ''multiple plotlines'' focusing on mixed factions amongst the Donbrothers dealing with various unrelated personal conflicts at the same time, before the CallToAdventure brings the whole team together in the climax to deal with the [=MoTW=]... or one of them defeats it by themselves (one of the Dons usually).
217	** Later on in the series the "core" Donbrothers (Taro, Shinichi, Haruka and Tsuyoshi) typically share one plot thread involving either their interactions with the Nōto or the Hitotsu-Ki, while Tsubasa and/or Jiro get the other one, involving either the &Jūto or Don Murasame.
218	* UnspokenPlanGuarantee: Episode 15 - Sonoi promises to [[spoiler:bring back Taro - by using the same FinishingMove on a Hitotsuki, allowing someone to follow it to the "Phantom Zone" where all the past victims, including Taro, really are.]]
219	* WeirdMoon: The moon in both the Forest of Slumbers and [[spoiler: the bodies of water that serve as portals into it always shows up as a full moon, regardless of the phase of the actual moon.]]
220	* WhamEpisode:
221	** #8, where [[spoiler:Tsuyoshi intentionally set the Monster of the Week up to be killed as payback for hurting his wife, and didn't even regret it afterward. As the franchise usually stands by the principle of ThouShaltNotKill, this left viewers stunned at his actions and dreading what kind of karmic backlash he'd inevitably face later on.]]
222	** #13, in which not only do Taro and Sonoi find out each others' secret identities, but that [[spoiler:Sonoi makes good on his vow to the council and kills Taro]], kicking off a mini-arc where the climax is the debut of Don Doragoku.
223	** #27. What starts off as a parody of DuelToTheDeath clichés interspersed with [[GoKartingWithBowser Sonoi and Taro playing delivery boy]] ends with [[spoiler: ''The Juto finally revealing themselves'' to all conceivable parties and invading the quarry battle, forcing Sonoi to reveal to Taro the nature of the Juto as failed Don Clan creations; hinted to be one of the reasons they were eliminated by the Noto in the first place]]. Several episodes afterwards sprinkle revelations here and there about how [[spoiler:Murasame was made to ''destroy'' the Juto or how Juto copy the humans they capture]]. All of this culminates in #32, which is a retelling of #27 but with Sononi and Sonoza taking Sonoi's place, before [[spoiler:Sonoi's return, powered up and ultimately killing Taro for a second time]].
224	** #39 ends with [[spoiler:Jiro singing ''Kagome Kagome'' while surrounded by origami paper, and then once he leaves the table it shows he was folding a penguin, cementing him having ties to the dreaded Penguin Juto]].
225	** #45 is just one wham after another - Kijino [[spoiler:turns into a third Hitotsu-Ki]]; Sonoshi returns [[spoiler:with reinforcements, and the first thing he does is attack Kijino and send him to the "Phantom Zone"]]; Jiro's friends and loved ones [[spoiler:turn out to be illusions created by his foster-father -- who is revealed to be the Penguin Juuto -- so he could groom him to be his replacement]]; and Taro [[spoiler:pulls a HeroicSacrifice and gets incarcerated in the Juuto forest.]]
226	* WhiteAndGreyMorality: Most of the Donbrothers are [[PunchClockHero only fighting because they've been forced to]] and as a result can barely work together, but they are still good people at the end of the day. Over the course of the series, they eventually adjust to both their mission and each other, to varying degrees. The Noto, meanwhile, aren't actual evil-doers so much as pragmatic vigilantes that have [[WellIntentionedExtremist neither sinister intent]] or [[TheUnfettered morality dial]]. [[TeamMercyVsTeamMurder Their willingness to kill Hitotsu-Ki rather than save them]] is [[HeadbuttingHeroes the main reason the Donbrothers battle them]], and even then, some of them have formed interesting relationships despite being "enemies".
227	----

Context Series / AvataroSentaiDonbrothers