"Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity" Finale Sparks Heated Debate and Fan Excitement

On July 19, 2026, the highly anticipated first entry of "PROJECT R.E.D.," Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity, aired its final episode (Episode 22). Immediately after the broadcast, social media was flooded with intense reactions, ranging from passionate praise to confusion, as fans analyzed the ending and theorized about what lies ahead.

"Broken Masks" and Dark Developments Divide the Fanbase

One of the most notable aspects of this series was its grim, serious tone, which pushed the protagonist, Reiji Dojo, to his absolute limits. The brutal battle scenes went far beyond the traditional "broken mask" trope—where a hero's helmet is partially shattered—and the debut of an exclusive, high-stakes form born from these trials became a major talking point. Enthusiastic fans shared their excitement, with comments like "Reiji is incredibly cool" and "I couldn't take my eyes off the screen until the very end."

However, the series also drew criticism for its bloated cast and breakneck pacing. Some viewers complained that "the story was far too rushed and overstuffed" and that "leaving so many plot points unresolved was confusing." Older fans who grew up with the original Showa-era series expressed mixed feelings, with some lamenting that "it felt as though the strengths of the original work were completely dismissed." This bold new direction has ultimately divided the community.

High Expectations for the Next Chapter: Kakusei Hunter Omega Horn

The controversial ending is widely believed to link directly to the next installment, Kakusei Hunter Omega Horn. A teaser trailer for the upcoming series featured a mysterious figure resembling "Gavan Infinity Black," igniting intense speculation. Fans are asking: "Has Reiji Dojo turned to the dark side?" or "Is this a variant from a multiverse?" Many are eager to see how these unresolved mysteries will unfold across the expanding "PROJECT R.E.D." universe.

Real-Life Events Keep the Hype Alive

Alongside the TV finale, real-life events have seen incredible turnout. On the same day as the finale, the "Super Gavan-tastic Talk Show" was held at TV Asahi and Roppongi Hills' "SUMMER FES 2026," prompting a mad scramble on social media for ticket exchanges. Additionally, a joint pre-release stage greeting with the film Kamen Rider Zets is scheduled for July 23, proving that even though the TV run has ended, the fandom's passion remains red-hot.

The context

Space Sheriff Gavan (Uchuu Keiji Gavan) is a seminal Japanese special-effects (tokusatsu) television series originally broadcast in 1982. It pioneered Toei's "Metal Hero" genre, famous for its metallic, high-tech suits and sci-fi themes. "PROJECT R.E.D." is a modern initiative aimed at rebooting and expanding these classic franchises for a contemporary audience, often incorporating darker, more mature storytelling.

The "broken mask" (mask-ware) effect is a beloved convention in tokusatsu history. Seeing a hero's helmet crack open to reveal the actor's sweat- and blood-stained face emphasizes their humanity, vulnerability, and sheer willpower, making it a highly emotional moment for fans. The "SUMMER FES" refers to the massive annual summer event hosted by TV Asahi in Roppongi, Tokyo, which features interactive booths, live stages, and exclusive merchandise for popular television shows, particularly anime and tokusatsu franchises.