What is this "Zebraman" of which you speak? :p
That was a fantastic little film. Definitely fun, well-made, humorous.
"Flagship" - Tough to say. I think that he has enough breadth and range in his movies that it's difficult to find just one that would be considered the most important opus of his career... Though I have to say, when I think Miike, I immediately think Audition. First full-length film of his that I had seen so that, to me, was my introduction not only to Miike but to Asian horror in general.
I have a difficult time choosing a favorite Miike, to tell you the truth. Almost everything that I have seen by him I have absolutely loved (and I say "almost" because I found
Dead or Alive incredibly boring, base, and self-indulgent and
The Happiness of the Katakuris disappointing; had some brilliant highs to it, but ultimately it felt forced)...
I feel strongly about every film of his that I've seen (be it positive or negative), but for the time being I will be brief (and spare you
for now)...
If I answer the question without thinking, my first knee-jerk response is
Gozu. This film is the right blend of absurd comedy as well as brilliant storytelling of what is a darkly fantastical journey. It's obviously influenced by Lynch, but in a good way (of course it helps that I am a die-hard Lynch fan to boot). I feel odd touting this film as people seem split on it - They either love it or HATE it... And those who hate it SERIOUSLY hate it... Complaints are that it's boring, pretentious,
too Lynch-like... But I think that it's a daring journey into the absurd performed, directed, and acted to absolute perfection.
More Miike praise to come... I'd like to hear more thoughts on Gozu, though. Who loved it? Who hated it? And what else did you love/hate?