Hiroshi Nishikiori, one of only 17 directors to helm multiple non-sequel 10k hits, offers some commentary on what was then his latest work, Gad Guard. One sidebar reveals that Gad Guard is actually inspired by Easy Rider. Which makes perfect sense.* (spoilery comment on said point after the article pics)

*That puts the scene where Lightning wreaks Kazuki’s house in perspective. It was a scene about what he really wanted, and his being a restless youth bound by society in spite of his power was part of that. That show did a lot of amazing things, and that scene and the flipped-perspective alien hunters episode were the two most memorable highlights.