Review: Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #7 from BOOM! Studios
Editor’s Note: If you haven’t read the comic and like the element of surprise, STOP. Do not read any further! Spoilers are ahead!
The art of storytelling lives and dies through pacing. Whether it is movies, television, or comic books, the way in which information is presented to the viewer is just as important as the media itself. For example, as much enjoyment as the current television series – Power Ranger Dino Charge – has provided, many including this reviewer have criticized its second season for questionable pacing. Too many of the key plot points have been presented late into the season via bloated information dumps. This can lead to fun episodes early one and overwhelming lethargy late in the game.
Alternatively, BOOM! Studios comic series Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers has masterfully doled out its fairly complex first act in digestible chunks. Writer Kyle Higgins continues to weave a meticulously-planned web that provides variety while slowly ratcheting up the consequences for both our heroes and the world that they protect. Continuing this month with issue #7, Rita Repulsa and Black Dragon take their victory lap and expand their empire as the rangers try to regain their footing.
Episode 215: Diversity in Spandex
No Pink Spandex – Episode 215: Diversity in Spandex (1:32:43, 64 MB)
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Show Notes
Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Tristan, and Shamus
Topics: We discuss the recent Power Rangers Ninja Steel cast change and delve into diversity on Power Rangers over the years.
Patricia Ja Lee in New York Life Commercial
Patricia Ja Lee (Cassie from Power Rangers in Space) appears in a new ad for New York Life insurance.
She’s an expectant mother in the process of giving birth while her husband wonders about the finances he’s going to need to support his family in the future.
New Posters for “Power Rangers” Movie Featuring the Zords!
Here are the hi-res pictures of the new posters for Power Rangers (2017) film. Click on the thumbnails below!
Power Rangers Movie Exclusive Toy Coming to NYCC
Bandai America is coming to New York Comic Con (October 6th-9th) with two exclusive offerings including the first-ever toy for the upcoming Power Rangers movie. Details on the figure aren’t available at this time but we do know that it will be limited to 1,000 pieces at a price point of $40.
Also available will be a limited edition Tokyo Vinyl figure of the Dino Megazord from Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. This figure was designed by Japanese vinyl artist TOUMA and will only have 500 pieces in circulation. Priced at $60, both the Dino Megazord and movie figure will be available for purchase at the Bandai America booth #1628.
(Courtesy: Bandai America)
“Power Rangers” Movie Cast Appearing at New York Comic Con 2016
Lionsgate brings many announcements today, starting with the Power Rangers (2017) movie cast appearing at this year’s New York Comic Con.
Panel will be held on Saturday, October 8th at 2:00pm at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Lionsgate has said that we will be getting a “first look” at the movie. Since we’ve had many looks via pictures, one would assume that we’ll be getting a teaser trailer at the very least. Hope springs eternal!
Episode 214: Check For Blaccuracy
No Pink Spandex – Episode 214: Check For Blaccuracy (1:20:18, 55 MB)
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Show Notes
Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, and Shamus
Topics: We review Power Rangers Dino Super Charge Episode 11 “Love at First Fight” and Episode 12 “Catching Some Rays”. We also review Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #6 from BOOM! Comics. All that and more coming up!
Claire Blackwelder in “Stalked By My Doctor: The Return”
Claire Blackwelder (Kendall from Power Rangers Dino Charge) appears in the Lifetime original movie Stalked By My Doctor: The Return.
After Dr. Albert Beck miraculously saves a teenage girl from drowning during Spring break in Mexico, he shows up at her school back home to check on her – and pursue his obsession.
Also starring Eric Roberts and Hilary Greer, it premiered this past Labor Day and will repeat on Sunday, September 18 @ 9PM ET on Lifetime.
(Courtesy: GoldAnyRanger from Rangerboard)
Review: Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #6 from BOOM! Studios
Editor’s Note: If you haven’t read the comic and like the element of surprise, STOP. Do not read any further! Spoilers are ahead!
Hogday Afternoon. Chase Into Space. The Fate of Lightspeed. These episodes can still cause goosebumps to pop up on even the chillest Power Rangers fan’s arms. This is partially due to their nature as finales that have been built up to all season long. It’s also true in part because the villains were able to do something that felt seemingly impossible: they destroyed the rangers’ base. While such an activity has become almost second nature in more modern seasons, it still sent a special jolt of electricity into fans’ bodies in those early years.
Even Changing of the Zords is one of the most iconic sagas in Power Rangers lore because it featured a desecration to the sanctity of our benevolent heroes. Lord Zedd – emperor of all that is evil – not only appeared in the hallowed grounds of the Command Center but he set up shop and dictated his own terms. Sure, the rangers eventually won the day as they always do but for a child of the ‘90s that event alone was unfathomable on Tuesday and a harsh reality on Wednesday.
Episode 213: Just Don’t Get Too Derpy
No Pink Spandex – Episode 213: Just Don’t Get Too Derpy (1:17:31, 54 MB)
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Show Notes
Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Tristan, and Shamus
Topics: We review Power Rangers Dino Super Charge Episode 10 “Gone Fishin’” and the MMPR 2016 Annual from Boom! Comics. Also, does Amy Jo Johnson want to come back to Power Rangers? Listen to find out!
Jason David Frank in “Ninjak” Web Series
Bleeding Cool is reporting that Jason David Frank (Tommy from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) is slated to appear in a new web series developed by Valiant Comics following one of their most popular characters, Ninjak.
Directed by Bat in the Sun and starring Michael Rowe in the title role, the 6-8 episode miniseries will feature Ninjak doing battle with many of the Valiant stable’s other marquee players, including Bloodshot, X-O Manowar and Timewalker. The character being played by Jason Frank is unknown at this time.
Filming has apparently already begun in Los Angeles, with an official announcement of this project expected at New York Comic Con in October.
(Courtesy: lablue6uy on Rangerboard)
Review: Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers 2016 Annual from Boom! Studios
Hot off the heels of the incredibly successful monthly Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers comic comes a selection of short stories meant to add a bit of backstory and flavor to Kyle Higgins’ ever-expanding universe. Each tale has its own unique flavor in both tone and artistic style. Let’s take a look at the six shorts that make up the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers 2016 Annual:
A Week in the Life…
Lead writer from the mainline book Kyle Higgins teams with artist Rod Reis (C.O.W.L.) to bring to readers a story about Jason that is meant to truly define the qualities that he possesses to make him worthy of the red spandex. This story comes at the perfect time. The main book has focused heavily on Tommy and Zack. Billy and Trini have had great character moments. Even Kimberly is getting some much deserved spotlight in the Pink mini-series. Ironically enough, the leader of the team has spent the most time in the background.
This story shines a light on the human portion of the word superhuman. Jason’s engine runs just a little bit faster and a little bit longer than the rest of his teammates but even he can stall on occasion. The quick scenes and scant dialogue drive home just how hard Jason runs on a weekly basis. Everything is done with extreme purpose. This is punctuated by Reis’ artwork which is the most photo-realistic seen in Boom’s Power Rangers line. Jason is Austin St. John. Make no mistake. As a character piece, this story succeeds and further cements Zordon’s reasoning behind choosing Jason for such a key position.
Unlockly Heroes
Bulk and Skull take center stage in Ross Thibodeaux’s (Ego Tripp) story of happenstance. The duo have long been beloved by fans for their progressive character evolution over the course of the series from simple bullies to truly good people who still make mistakes. This entry nails both the flow and dialogue of a typical Power Rangers episode so very right. As silly as the events are that unfold, (there’s a sliding silly scale in the world of monsters and rainbow-colored superheroes) they feel very real to what could happen and deliver that sort of Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown level of near satisfaction that was quite typical to the second season of MMPR.
Bulk and Skull are buffoons. Bulk and Skull are self-serving. Bulk and Skull are easily rattled. But Bulk and Skull will answer the call of duty even if every move is punctuated with histrionics. The tongue-in-cheek nature of the tale is accented by Eisner Award-winning artist Rob Guillory’s (Chew) twitchy, elastic style that couldn’t possibly be a better fit for the lovable pair.
Episode 212: We Are Best Friend
No Pink Spandex – Episode 212: We Are Best Friend (2:15:26, 93 MB)
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Show Notes
Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Tristan, and Shamus
Topics: We talk about the mid-season premiere of Power Rangers Dino Super Charge Episode 9 “Besties 4Eva!”. We are also joined by Mike and Jarys of Ace of Geeks and discuss all the Power Morphicon news including the new Ninja Steel cast and much more!
Links
Ace of Geeks
Ace of Geeks Podcast
New Power Rangers Video Game Coming to PlayStation 4
Gaming news website Gematsu has learned of the content evaluation and rating for a new release by Bandai Namco Entertainment entitled Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Mega Battle for the Sony PlayStation 4 console.
This analysis was conducted solely for European consumers by PEGI (Pan European Game Information), a video game decency-rating board similar to that of the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) in the United States. The following is the final conclusion of PEGI’s evaluation:
The content of this game is suitable for persons aged 12 years and over only.
It contains: Non-realistic looking violence towards human characters – Violence in a sporting context
As the game has not yet been announced officially, no release date is available at this time.
(Courtesy: FalconRanger11 from Rangerboard)
Reviews: Power Morphicon Exclusive & Legacy Ninja Storm Collection
For the third straight installment, Power Morphicon – the biennial Power Rangers convention in Pasadena, California – has partnered with Bandai America to bring fans an exclusive figure. This time, it’s a black and gold version of the Dino Megazord that can be created by combining individual pieces packaged with each member of the Mighty Morphin’ team. Coming in at a price of $40, this limited to 500 figures item is a surefire rarity.
Speaking of the new legacy collection line of action figures, the first wave is currently hitting shelves across the country and it includes both the Red and Green Rangers from Mighty Morphin’ and all three Wind Rangers from Ninja Storm. Priced at $19.99, these figures have only been seen in Target as of the writing of this article but they should soon be available at all major retailers.
To hear my thoughts on both the PMC exclusive Dino Megazord and the three Ninja Storm figures, please follow this link to my YouTube channel: Captain Subpar’s Toy Reviews. While you’re there, you can also check out my many other reviews for recent Power Rangers and Super Sentai releases. In addition to that, I’m also counting down all of the Power Rangers seasons in a series of videos and so much more.
Yoshi Sudarso in Toyota Commercial
Yoshi Sudarso (Koda from Power Rangers Dino Charge) appears in a new ad for the 2017 Toyota Camry.
He plays a guy walking out of the gym to his car wishing he were an action star. Out of the blue, ninjas start attacking him and he drives aggressively to avoid them until the director yells “Cut!” and reveals it was all a film shoot.
Episode 211: Agents of Power Rangers
No Pink Spandex – Episode 211: Agents of Power Rangers (2:18:39, 95 MB)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Show Notes
Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Tristan, Shamus, and Jason
Topics: We take a little trip back in time and bring you up to speed with our news discussion since May up until now including Power Rangers movie news and speculation, and Power Rangers Ninja Steel. We also discuss all the news that came out of San Diego Comic-Con 2016 and much more.
Review: Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #5 from BOOM! Studios
Editor’s Note: If you haven’t read the comic and like the element of surprise, STOP. Do not read any further! Spoilers are ahead!
Throughout the first four issues of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, writer Kyle Higgins has performed a master stroke in sowing the seeds for this one off flashback tale. While the main focus of the story has been Tommy dealing with the growing pains that come with joining a team of superheroes after being their most challenging supervillain, we’ve been getting tastes of the rangers’ individual reservations towards their new teammate. No one has been more vocal about their distrust than Zack. It turns out that the Black Ranger faults the Green Ranger because he was almost the one donning the emerald spandex.
This issue’s story takes place one month prior to Green with Evil. One of the more intriguing aspects of this series is that it slowly reminds the reader that the world is far bigger than Angel Grove, California. A simple task at first blush but for all of the television show’s positives, it consistently gave the impression that while the wicked witch wanted to conquer Earth, she only really cared about one city in particular. That fact was even poked fun at in Power Rangers Turbo when Bulk and Skull became Angel Grove monster tour guides. That’s also why it was so shocking when Power Rangers In Space expanded the definition of what it was to be an active villain in the Power Rangers universe. So it’s nice to open this issue and see that far away countries aren’t safe from monster attacks when Rita lashes out against a blustering Italian president.
When Jason saves the president and Zack in turn saves Jason, it’s the Red Ranger who makes all of the headlines. The intriguing thing is that Zack echoes a sentiment that so many fans have thought about over the years. Do the other members of a ranger team ever get jealous of the Red Ranger? Do they ever wish that they could stand in the middle and make painfully unfunny threats in the form of puns best served in Laffy Taffy wrappers?
R.J. Cyler in “The Real Cost” Commercial
R.J. Cyler (Billy, Power Rangers [2017]) can be seen in an ad for The Real Cost, an anti-smoking campaign developed by the FDA.
In a piece titled “Dance”, Cyler plays a high school student attending his prom and misses out on memorable moments by being dragged outside for smoke breaks through a personification of his addiction.
(Courtesy: thunderhayes from Rangerboard)
Lionsgate Reveals Power Rangers Movie Character Posters
Lionsgate has released images of five posters promoting the upcoming Power Rangers movie, each one featuring an individual Ranger’s face highlighted by the iconic lightning bolt from the logo.
Written by Zack Stentz and Ashley Miller, directed by Dean Israelite, and produced by Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Haim Saban, Brian Casentini and Allison Shearmur, this film is a development of Lionsgate and Saban Brands. It will be released in theaters on March 24, 2017.