No Pink Spandex – Episode 392: First Impressions of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always” – NO SPOILERS! (51:20, 71 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

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Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, and Brandon

Topics: We give our first, non-spoilerly impressions of the Power Rangers 30th anniversary special “Once & Always”. We also discuss the trailer, preview clips, and confirmed news that are out on the interwebs, so if you feel like these things will be a spoiler for you, DO NOT LISTEN!

“Power Rangers: Once & Always” premieres on April 19, 2023 only on Netflix.

Links

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always | Official Trailer

Support No Pink Spandex!

Subscribe to the podcast at linktr.ee/nopinkspandex

No Pink Spandex – Episode 381: Reviews of Mighty Morphin Issue 5 and Power Rangers Issue 5 (1:15:46, 52 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: We talk comics and review Mighty Morphin Issue 5 and Power Rangers Issue 5. Spoilers ahead, so please read the comics before listening!

Timestamps

00:00:00 – Intros and Review of Mighty Morphin #5
00:35:00 – Review of Power Rangers #5

Links

You can purchase Mighty Morphin #5 and Power Rangers #5 in stores and online. (Paid links)

Support No Pink Spandex!

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 373: Lightning Collection Wave 9, Theme Songs and Green Rangers, Oh My! (2:23:31, 99 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: Recorded Sunday, February 14, 2021. This is a jam-packed episode! We cover all the news including Zenkaiger’s 6th ranger, updates from Renegade Game Studios about the upcoming Power Rangers RPG, and all the announcements from Hasbro’s Fan First Friday on February 12th. Then we review the comics Mighty Morphin Issue 4 and Power Rangers Issue 4. (Warning: Spoiler reviews ahead!)

What do we think about the new Lightning Collection Wave 9, future TMNT x Power Rangers toys, and Power Rangers Dino Fury’s first opening sequence?! A lot to discuss coming up!

Timestamps

00:00:00 – Intro and News!
01:43:21 – Review of Mighty Morphin #4
02:01:52 – Review of Power Rangers #4

Links

Order your complete set of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comics from BOOM! Studios

Preorder Lightning Collection Wave 9 from Amazon, shipping in February! (Paid Link)

Support No Pink Spandex!

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 367: Boom! Studios Celebrating 5 Years with Power Rangers featuring Filip Sablik and Dafna Pleban (59:43, 42 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J

Topics: For the past 5 years, Boom! Studios has invigorated the Power Rangers franchise with their innovative storytelling in the comics industry. Filip Sablik (President of Publishing & Marketing, Boom! Studios) and Dafna Pleban (Senior Editor, Boom! Studios) join Lisa J to discuss the recent comics including the upcoming Power Rangers Unlimited: Heir to the Darkness, give updates on their recent Kickstarter campaign, and much more!

Links

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS Complete Comic Book Collections Kickstarter from Boom! Studios

Support No Pink Spandex!

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 361: Breaking News featuring Melissa Flores and Ryan Parrott (1:40:28, 69 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

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Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: We cover the latest news about Lightning Collection Wave 8 and the announcement of Jonathan Entwistle helming new Power Rangers projects. Then Melissa Flores (Writer, Producer) stops by to discuss news about Power Rangers Hyperforce and her new project The Unleashed. Finally, we review Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issue 55 and then talk with writer Ryan Parrott about comics Easter eggs, decisions as a writer, and a hint of what’s to come in Mighty Morphin #1 and Power Rangers #1.

Timestamps

00:00:00 | Breaking News!
00:21:06 | Interview with Melissa Flores
00:57:48 | Review of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #55
01:16:42 | Interview with Ryan Parrott

Links

‘Power Rangers’ Getting Film and TV Treatment From ‘I’m Not Okay With This’ Co-Creator (Exclusive) from The Hollywood Reporter

Watch The Unleashed every Wednesday at 6:30pm PT/9:30pm ET on twitch.tv/strawburry17plays.

Follow Melissa Flores on Twitter!

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issue 55 is out now in stores and online.

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 345: Review of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Issue 5 (1:48:33, 75 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

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Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, and Spy

Topics: Recorded Tuesday, June 30, 2020. We cover the news featuring Power Rangers Lightning Collection toy leaks including the Psycho Rangers 5-pack. Then we review Mighty Morphin Power Rangers / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Issue 5.

In between our toy news and comic review, we discuss officially announced and leaked comics news. Warning, there are MAJOR. SPOILERS. If you would like to avoid them altogether, here are the following timecodes:

32:47-44:16: Slight spoilers if you haven’t read Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issue 50
44:17-1:06:50: Major comics spoilers for everyone!

Links

You can help support anti-racism and learn more here: blacklivesmatters.carrd.co

No Pink Spandex – Episode 340: They’re Coming featuring Ryan Parrott (1:12:37, 50 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

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Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, and Spy

Topics: We review the comic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issue 50 and interview the writer himself, Ryan Parrott!

Links

You can help support anti-racism and learn more here: linktr.ee/nopinkspandex

You can purchase Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issue 50 at your nearest comic book shop or online.

Episode 311: 26 Years of Power Rangers (1:56:31, 80 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

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Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, and Spy

Topics: We discuss the news including Power Rangers Beast Morphers coming back to the US on September 14th, and review comics Go Go Power Rangers Issue 22 and Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Issue 42. Lastly, we celebrate 26 years of Power Rangers with “What If…?” scenarios from the audience!

Happy Power Rangers Day!

Links

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our affiliate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

Episode 308: Interview with Kyle Higgins (2:14.58, 93 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

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Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, and Spy

Topics: Originally recorded on Sunday, August 4, 2019. We discuss the latest news including even more Lightning Collection toys and “Power Rangers: Heroes of the Grid” updates. Then we chat with Kyle Higgins about how his start in filmmaking as a sound editor lead to comic writing, and his time as a writer for the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comic. What other ranger lent their voice to the Shattered Grid promo directed by Higgins? Listen to find that out and many more gems!

Links

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our affiliate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 249: Three-Fifths Compromise (2:31:57, 105 MB) [Direct Download]

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Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Tristan, and Shamus

Topics: Originally recorded on Sunday, April 1, 2018. We discuss the news including the Power Rangers Beast Morphers casting sides. Then it’s all things comics with Go Go Power Rangers #7 and #8, and MMPR #24 and #25. Grids are getting shattered and so much more!

This is 2 of 4 new episodes being released in 5 days, so look for a new episode tomorrow!

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the multi-generational pop culture phenomenon, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Saban Brands, is proud to announce a stunning Power Rangers collection, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Complete Series (25th Anniversary Edition Steelbook). Spanning the first 3 seasons of the Power Rangers television series and spotlighting Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie for the first time on Blu-ray, this home entertainment collection features over 60 hours of action-packed entertainment across 19 DVDs and 1 Blu-ray, including hours of bonus content with brand-new interviews specific to the movie.

A must-have for the most dedicated Power Ranger fans, return to where the series began and re-live these thrill-packed adventures on August 7, 2018, when Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Saban Brands, unleashes the 20-disc stunning steelbook edition of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Complete Series.

Fans who buy from shoutfactory.com will also receive an exclusive, limited-edition 18”x24” lithograph, featuring art by Paul Shipper.

In 1993 two unsuspecting astronauts unleashed the greatest evil Earth had ever known — the heinous witch Rita Repulsa. In the 25 years since, with each new villain more sinister than the last, the citizens of Earth have relied on the Power Rangers to protect them. As a superhero team comprising “teenagers with attitude,” the Power Rangers must use their individual strengths combined with the virtue of teamwork to vanquish their foes, keeping Earth safe for another day.

Following its debut in 1993, Saban’s iconic live-action pop culture franchise, Power Rangers quickly became the most watched children’s television program in North America. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and helping others by following the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who “morphed” into superheroes, this long-running series has been seen in more than 60 countries, translated into numerous languages, and remains a mainstay in children’s programming blocks. For 25 years, the highly entertaining saga and fan favorite characters from Power Rangers have captivated children and adults alike and are beloved by legions of fans worldwide.

MMPR: The Movie Synopsis

Power up with six incredible teens who out-maneuver and defeat evil everywhere as the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers! But this time, the Power Rangers may have met their match when they face off with the most sinister monster the galaxy has even seen –Ivan Ooze. Unleashed upon the good citizens of Angel Grove after six thousand years of imprisonment, Ivan Ooze strips the Power Rangers and their leader, Zordon, of their powers. Now the Power Rangers must journey to a distant planet to learn the secrets of the ancient Ninjetti. Only then will they become empowered with a force strong enough to restore their Morphin ability and defeat the evil Ivan Ooze. Join the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and their new Ninja Megazord as they fight to save Angel Grove, and the world, from the forces of evil!

MMPR: The Movie Bonus Features (Blu-ray)

MMPR TV Series Bonus Features (DVDs)

Bonus Disc 1

Bonus Disc 2

About Shout! Factory
Shout! Factory, LLC is a diversified multi-platform media company devoted to producing, uncovering, preserving and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their entire careers sharing their music, television and film favorites with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s entertainment offerings serve up feature films, classic and contemporary TV series, animation, live music and comedy specials. In addition, Shout! Factory maintains a vast entertainment distribution network which delivers culturally relevant programming, movie and audio content to all the leading digital service providers in North America and across multiple platforms. Shout! Factory owns and operates Shout! Studios, Scream Factory, Shout! Factory Kids, Shout! Factory Films, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Timeless Media Group and Shout! Factory TV. These riches are the result of a creative acquisition mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Los Angeles, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com

The latest TV series to receive the treatment is Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, and Ford has enlisted the voices of Jason David Frank, Steve Cardenas, Karan Ashley, David Fielding (the first face and voice of Zordon), and Kerrigan Mahan (Voice of Goldar).

(Courtesy: Roadrunner3000 from Rangerboard)

The first interview was with Elizabeth Banks (Rita), the second with RJ Cyler (Billy) and Becky G (Trini), and the last with Ludi Lin (Zack), Naomi Scott (Kimberly) and Dacre Montgomery (Jason).

Check out the videos below!

(Courtesy: RiffRanger from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy: GoldAnyRanger from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy in part: Dukemon from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy: Storm Eagle from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy: Storm Eagle from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy: Morgan Lamia from Rangerboard)

He even mentions having worked in the original television series.

(Courtesy: Storm Eagle from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy: Storm Eagle from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy: Psycho_Pink from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy: GoldAnyRanger from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy: ranger_scout from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy: Dukemon from Rangerboard)

The the full interview will be on the Daily Hive official website soon.

(Courtesy: Morgan Lamia from Rangerboard)

Landmark Cinemas in Canada is offering residents in our neighbor to the north a chance to win a trip to attend the Los Angeles premiere event for the Saban’s Power Rangers feature film.  Full details available on their website. The contest ends on March 5, 2017, so hurry and submit your entry!

With a screenplay by John Gatins and story by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless and Michele Mulroney & Kieran Mulroney, 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.

(Courtesy: NightMere10 from Rangerboard)

Power Rangers Legacy Wars will be available on iOS and Android March 23, 2017.

(Courtesy: GoldAnyRanger from Rangerboard)

The soundtrack will be on sale in digital format beginning March 24, 2017, and on disc beginning April 7, 2017.

(Courtesy: Morphinicius from Rangerboard)

With a screenplay by John Gatins and story by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless and Michele Mulroney & Kieran Mulroney, 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.

(Courtesy: wildwing64 from Rangerboard)

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 Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers ongoing comic book series from BOOM! Studios is entering what could be deemed its second phase. Having dealt with Rita Repulsa’s dangerous new ally, Black Dragon, the series could have moved on to a new threat for our team. Instead, writer Kyle Higgins has pivoted slightly to the right and added a new layer of intrigue. It turns out the previous nine issues have only been the groundwork for a far more dystopian tale.

Before we get to the new direction, issue #10 provides its own character-building detour that is both sad and empowering. Much like with issue #5 that delved deeper into the makeup of Zack and his contentious nature with newcomer Tommy, this issue focuses on Billy his severe lack of self-worth. After Kimberly has to pick up Billy’s slack during a routine monster battle, the door to the boy genius’ psyche is unlocked for the reader and we dive into just how inadequate he feels compared to his teammates.

The rawest moment of the story is oh so relatable. Billy morphs before school and wears his clothes in such a way that his ranger suit isn’t visible. It doesn’t protect him in a physical sense because he’s probably not going to have to face down a Snizzard attack during third period social studies but it makes him feel strong. That’s what’s important to him. What child on the ‘90s didn’t dream of being a ranger? What nerdy kid who felt awkward and out of place didn’t want the ability to scream out the name of a dinosaur and suddenly feel like they were capable of taking on all forms of bullying and social anxiety?

Slices of Power Rangers life stories like this one work so well because they fill in the gaps that the television show didn’t address with the type of information that long time fans would glean through discussions on Rangerboard and the seediest corners of the fanfiction universe. We find out that Billy has been constantly running training simulations just to feel like he belongs with the others and it isn’t until a pep talk from Zack that he realizes there is no perfect, scientific formula to being a ranger. Not only does Billy decide to focus on contributing to the team in his own unique way but we also discover that this story takes place quite early in the rangers’ tenure as he adapts the communicators into allowing teleportation to places other than the Command Center.

Zack’s focus issue did a lot towards explaining his motivation and potentially hinting at future events for the series. Now that the main story has shifted its focus onto the duo of Tommy and Billy, does that mean that this issue was a glimpse into the Blue Ranger’s future motivations?

Also like Zack’s issue, this one featured a guest artist in Jonathan Lam whose sketchy style brings out the youth and innocence of a fledgling ranger team. The vibrant yet free form lines give off the early days feels of the team when they were still learning the ropes. This makes it quite easy for the readers to put themselves into Billy’s shoes. Having a guest artist also conveys the idea that the issue is a small break from the main story without being too out of the box that it would feel disjointed or out of place.

Issue #11 picks back up on the aftermath of the rangers’ battle with Black Dragon. One of the most fascinating, humanizing moments of the series takes place as the rangers reunite with their parents. It only last for two pages but it hits home just how raw and realistic this series can be without going the heavy handed route. Not only are we allowed to feel the gravity of the situation but we’re also reminded that when two rangers are left in the lurch, it affects those around them. This team doesn’t exist within a vacuum.

Meanwhile, Tommy and Billy are coming to terms with their new surroundings. They’re in Angel Grove but it’s nothing more than a broken down monolith to Rita complete with curfews and shock troopers that look like the Black Ranger if he had been conceptualized by mid-’90s Rob Liefeld. It’s a haunting image that again makes the mind wonder if this is a world where Zack gave into Rita’s machinations.

The duo flee when one of the troopers notices Tommy has the Dragon Dagger and they’re greeted by more disturbing imagery of this twisted world including the Finster Memorial Correctional Facility standing in place of what was once Angel Grove High School. But the most disturbing moment of the issue and where Hendry Prasetya’s art shines is in the rubble of the Command Center and the Thunderzords. It’s an interesting bit of devastation for these two to take in as in their timeline – or perhaps merely the past of this inevitable future – they have yet to encounter these zords. This fact is punctuated as inside the carnage they find Tommy’s future companion: the talking sword Saba. Soon after the newly formed trio finally comes face-to-face with their long term tormentor, Lord Drakkon, who is revealed to be none other than an aged and scarred version of Tommy.

It’s hard to gauge this revelation. Obviously, Tommy was the most likely face behind the twisted visor. Is that good, bad, or is that left to be judged by how the story plays out? Zack seemed like another fun contender given his recent leanings towards the dark side. Perhaps it should have been a character yet to make their comic book debut like a Rocky or Adam? Next issue promises to be a big one as we find out what led this version of Tommy to become Drakkon. Maybe then we can better assess the creative decision.

This issue also features a brief but interesting interlude. Goldar and Rita have a Cold War-esque standoff in the wake of the destruction of Black Dragon with the former asserting his innocence in Billy’s jailbreak while the latter hesitantly accepts that stance. Rita plans to press the attack on the rangers but perhaps the bigger battle ahead will involve Goldar becoming less and less steadfast in his devotion towards his empress. This bit of knowledge becomes even more intriguing when you read between the lines as there is an implication that Rita might not actually be around anymore in the wartorn future.

Finally, the rest of the ranger team is still on the case of the disappearing rangers as Trini makes the startling discovery that Black Dragon wasn’t just sharing a power source similar to that of the Dragonzord. In fact, it possessed the exact same processor as the Dragonzord; a seemingly impossible fact that further muddies the question of if Billy and Tommy are trapped in the future or merely a future.

Overall, these issues continue the mark of excellence that has been propelling this line for nearly a year: character development and both answering old and asking new questions with each installment. Hopefully, every fifth issue will continue to be a character focus for one of the rangers who is being pushed to the forefront of the main story. The storytelling in this series really feeds into itself to create a complete tale that is doing anything but slowing down. As the future looks bleak for our ranger team, the creative force behind this series shines even brighter.

Score: 5 out of 5

(Images Courtesy of: Power Punch and Comic Book Resources)

There’s a new international version of the second Power Rangers movie trailer. YouTuber thatmattcaronguy spliced footage from Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger with audio from the movie trailer to craft a mash-up that will have viewers thinking twice about their afternoon spot of tea.

The new Power Rangers movie is only two months away and that means it’s time for a new round of merchandise. Bandai America is here with their offerings for the film. First up is the largest megazord in Power Rangers toy history. Retailing at $19.99 for each individual zord ($39.99 for Jason’s tyrannosaurus) you can build the Movie Megazord. However, Toys “R” Us has an exclusive offer that packs in all five zords at a twenty dollar savings.

Also available is the basic line of five inch action figures. I review the Target exclusive, metallic five pack of the rangers along with Goldar and Alpha 5. Each figure clocks in $9.99 a pop and Goldar is free in the collector’s pack.

Finally, check out the movie exclusive Power Morpher for $29.99 complete with the five ranger coins. You first saw the Red Ranger coin in my review of the New York Comic Con exclusive Legacy version of the movie figure. Check out all of these Power Rangers movie-related reviews and much more at my YouTube channel Captain Subpar’s Toy Reviews. There you will find reviews for the Legacy line, Super Sentai reviews, and an assortment of other unboxing videos.

The synopsis is as follows:

Four master bakers need to power up for the baking showdown of their lives, as they create jaw-dropping cakes inspired by the film Saban’s Power Rangers. Only one will win their way to a party celebrating the movie and take home $10,000. The Yellow Ranger herself, singer and actress Becky G, serves as guest judge.

The episode, “Saban’s Power Rangers”, will air March 20, 2017 on the Food Network.

(Courtesy: NightMere10 from Rangerboard)

GameSpot describes the game as follows:

Called Power Rangers: Legacy Wars, it’s a multiplayer fighting game that will feature villains from the long-running TV series. The characters seen in-game will be based on the versions seen in the upcoming Power Rangers film.

But Jason Bischoff (Director of Global Consumer Products for Power Rangers & Saban Brands) corrects Gamespot:

Power Rangers: Legacy Wars launches on both Android and iOS operating systems in March 2017.

From the publisher of the critically acclaimed Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comic series comes an original story set in the universe of the upcoming Power Rangers feature film.  This explosive, all-new tale picks up immediately after the events of Lionsgate’s highly anticipated movie, in theaters March 24, 2017.  See the film, then deep dive into the continued adventures of Jason, Kimberly, Trini, Zack, and Billy!

Written by Ryan Parrott (Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Batman: Gates of Gotham) and illustrated by artist Lucas Werneck.  Features an exclusive Previews cover edition by Greg Smallwood (Moon Knight) available only through your local comic book shop!

For $14.99, with a length of 96 pages, Power Rangers: Aftershock will be on sale March 29, 2017.

(Courtesy: PrometheusUFO and Morgan Lamia from Rangerboard)

They’ve also announced a bundle entitled the “Morphenomal Pack“, allowing you to play as six bonus characters: Rocky, Aisha, Adam, Katherine, Tommy (alternate version) and Billy (alternate version).  That will be available on March 16, 2017.

(Courtesy: NightMere10 from Rangerboard)

You can purchase the Megazord online at Toys ‘R’ Us in the United States.

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 executing a twist that is both believable and unexpected is quite difficult. That statement is even truer when said twist is occurring within the confines of a well-established franchise. In the Power Rangers universe, for every Mack is a robot there are a dozen Astronema is Andros’ sister. The twist in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #9 lies firmly within the former category as it turns a nearly year long storyline on its ear and proves that the action is only just getting started.

Let’s start at the beginning as Hendry Prasetya’s art is allowed to shine in another issue chock full of well-paced action that never feels too cluttered. One of the most amazing aspects of Kyle Higgins’ writing is that he never lets an action scene have the by the numbers feel that plagued the television series. He opts for showing the zords’ individual power as opposed to making the Megazord transformation sequence a foregone conclusion.

Freshly off of siphoning Tommy’s Green Ranger powers in order for Jason, Kimberly, Trini, and Zack to tap back into the Morphin’ Grid, the rangers systematically regain control of their zords and confront Black Dragon in Paris. The mecha battle that follows is a stalling tactic by the rangers. Even with a demorphed Tommy controlling the Dragonzord, the lack of the Triceratops puts the team at a severe disadvantage.

This is where long term characterization pays off. While I was somewhat critical of the lack of time dedicated to Billy being stuck in the Dark Dimension with Goldar, the payoff in this issue was fairly satisfying. On the surface, Goldar is a loyal minion who sees situations in black and white. Billy has systematically chipped away at that mindset by asking logical questions one would expect from a man of science. After witnessing the battle between Black Dragon and the rangers, Billy manages to exploit Goldar’s jealousy towards anyone gaining favor with Rita over himself. The golden monkey’s exile is self-imposed and soon he purposefully frees the Blue Ranger in hopes that he will in turn remove the obstacle in front of Goldar’s right hand man status.

Moments like these are so critical to a story because that aren’t just given at will. They also serve to propel the story forward. Characters are allowed to actively demonstrate both strengths and weaknesses that affect the course of the narrative in meaningful fashion. Throughout the course of the series, almost all character moments aren’t asides tossed in for flair. They have substance that makes them that much more impactful.

Billy returns to the field of battle and along with Tommy, they enter Black Dragon having realized that he is much more similar to a zord than a monster. Black Dragon is taken apart from the inside and Trini makes the startling revelation that their enemy was at least in part cobbled together from the same technology as the Dragonzord. The notion that Black Dragon is at least in part connected to Tommy is not shocking. His name alone suggests a connection but this note serves as confirmation.

Billy and Tommy disappear in the aftermath of the battle only to awaken in a gray world with a pair of unsavory images. One is of towering statues of both Rita and the Green Ranger; clearly erected in the wake of a global victory over Earth. The other is of the man behind the Black Dragon machine. It’s a Power Ranger. He’s sitting on a crumbled throne and at first blush, he appears to be an amalgamation. His shield and the symbol across his chest are reminiscent of the Green Ranger but his suit and helmet are more in line with the White Ranger. The blood red visor and dramatic edges even bring about memories of the White Drago Ranger from Power Rangers Dino Thunder.

These visuals pose many questions to the reader. Is this a parallel dimension? Is this new ranger an alternate version of Tommy? Possibly Zack? Or is it someone from the Power Rangers universe that hasn’t yet made their comic book debut? Fans may quibble over the design of the costume but it certainly breathes new life into a story that – while superb – definitely felt like it was reaching its climax.

Overall, this issue is just as much about transition as it is resolution. The Black Dragon story is capped off only to be a precursor to a much darker tale. The world is saved revealed another world that wasn’t quite so lucky. The wonderful thing about this storyline is that BOOM! Studios hasn’t been handcuffed by Saban and in turn they haven’t handcuffed the creative team behind this series. Month after month, this team behind Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers is allowed to create their own world and characters while still paying homage to the franchise as a whole. It feels both foreign and familiar which may be a perfect analogy for what is about to happen in the next phase of this story.

Score: 5 out of 5

(Image Courtesy: Flickering Myth)

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 eighth issue of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers from BOOM! Studios is the refractory period of the current storyline. It’s the time when a masterful chess expert positions his pieces for the endgame. While not as glamorous as all that came before, it is still a necessary stage as the saga inches ever so closer to the finish line. Writer Kyle Higgins shows that even in moments of quiet contemplation, he can still execute an engaging tale.

The internal battle between Tommy and Zack reaches a somewhat satisfying conclusion but not before the very real battle that pitted Tommy and a depowered Jason in the Dragonzord against Black Dragon reaches its own end. Ultimately, this fight proved to be a tool in order for the rangers to obtain a chunk of their enemy. While it wasn’t the rangers’ original plan, in doing so this issue continued to display quality ingenuity on the parts of both the writer and artist Hendry Prasetya.

From Tommy disengaging his shield, to turning the enemy’s weapons against them, the battle had a desperate tone to it that is usually lost in the more polished presentation of the television series. The constantly shifting close ups and wide shots bring the reader into the very real threat of a ranger taking on an enlarged monster without the often taken for granted help of a fleet of zords.

As big as the rangers’ world can be, this issue was dominated by smaller one-on-one moments. Bulk and Skull return to the pages of the main storyline by once again being the voice of the common man and illustrating what it’s like for an average citizen to observe the fantastical battles that the Power Rangers partake in. It’s a human perspective that can sometimes be lost. Thankfully, by exploring it via that lens, the reader is able to get a better grasp on the gravity of the situation.

Meanwhile, Billy inadvertently forces Goldar to question Rita’s dedication to him as her loyal commander in the same breath that Rita questions the benevolent nature of Black Dragon’s questionable intentions. It’s moments like these that illustrate the shades of gray nature of this series. Due to the need to manipulate Japanese footage while also delivering a simple narrative; the television show would often have villains appear suddenly with little backstory and elementary motivation. In the flat universe of comic books, more well-rounded characters are currency and these asides act as well-earned cash ins.

The only negative to speak of in this issue is the resolution of the Tommy and Zack story. It’s a difficult balancing act. On one hand, Zack’s dislike of Tommy has felt very palpable from issue to issue. He has a sense of mitigation with his position on the team and while Tommy’s recent heroics have proved him worthy of a spot, is that enough to wash away all of Zack’s doubt? The conflict felt like it was mostly about Zack questioning Tommy’s integrity. Is one heroic display enough for them to truly bury the hatchet? Here’s hoping that their conflict will yield further resolution down the road.

Trini continues to shine in her role of being somewhat of a surrogate Billy. While that will always be a part of her character, she further demonstrates that with help from a damaged Alpha 5 giving advice through back channels, she’s more than capable of picking up the slack as she discovers a way for the rangers to once again morph. In a nice role reversal from the show, it is Tommy’s powers that are used in order to jump start the rest of the team and leave them ready for a counter assault.

Overall, this issue is light on action and more focused on all of the players moving forward in critical, controlled ways. Whether it be the rangers regaining their powers (albeit with the side effect of them all sporting an emerald hue), the conflict between the villains growing, or Goldar’s internal struggles on the rise; everyone is a dynamic player. While not the strongest issue of the run, stories like this one are solid examples of how the world that Higgins’ is crafting is being built for long term sustainability.

Score: 4 out of 5

(Images Courtesy: Comic Book Resources)

The folks at Power Rangers Now have pictures of the Power Rangers movie morpher with power coins! You can check out the rest of the images here.

With a listed running time of 120 minutes, it is currently unknown which Mighty Morphin Power Rangers episodes it will contain.  It is scheduled for release on February 28.

(Courtesy: Storm Eagle from Rangerboard)

BURBANK, CA (October 14, 2016) – On January 11, two of comics’ greatest teams will combine their powers and abilities for the first time! The Justice League—Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern John Stewart, the Flash and Cyborg—meet Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in a six-issue monthly miniseries from New York Times best-selling writer Tom Taylor (INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, GREEN LANTERN CORPS: EDGE OF OBLIVION) and artist Stephen Byrne (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA REBIRTH: THE RAY).

“DC and BOOM! Studios teaming up on this crossover is a dream come true for fans of Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and the Justice League,” said Hank Kanalz, Senior Vice President, Editorial Strategy and Administration, DC Entertainment. “Stories like this are a great way to have that ‘what if’ itch scratched, combining favorite characters from different publishers in epic adventures.”

Something terrible has happened in Angel Grove when the Power Rangers’ Command Center is breached and the teleporters are damaged! Zack the Black Ranger is flung into an alternate universe full of citizens possessing outrageous powers and wearing strange costumes. Will Jason the Red Ranger, Trini the Yellow Ranger, Kimberly the Pink Ranger, Billy the Blue Ranger and Tommy the Green Ranger be able to get to Zack in time to save him from Batman?

“Everyone at BOOM! is thrilled to be part of an event of this magnitude,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “We have iconic characters meeting for the first time that are beloved the world over! Our imaginations have been racing since the moment this kicked off with our friends at DC and Saban Brands. Get ready…this is one event that’s not to be missed.”

In addition to the standard covers drawn by Karl Kerschl (GOTHAM ACADEMY: SECOND SEMESTER), each issue will feature a variant cover drawn by one of comics’ most popular artists, pairing each member of the League with a different Power Ranger:

“With their talented roster of writers and artists, DC and BOOM! Studios bring to life the world’s greatest superheroes, including the iconic Power Rangers,“ said Janet Hsu, CEO at Saban Brands. “With DC, BOOM! Studios and Saban Brands partnering, we will bring fans a legendary crossover that will stand the test of time, just as these historical superheroes have done individually for decades.”

Yoshi will be seen playing the role of Keith from Voltron, not seen while filling the suit of the Red Ranger from MMPR, and he served as the project’s on-set action director.  The episode premieres October 12, 2016.

(Courtesy: NinjaJack on Rangerboard)

Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Mega Battle provides a creative and modern re-imaging of the classic multiplayer beat-em-up genre. Level up your rangers, team up with friends, summon the Megazord, and fight your way through levels stylized after classic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers episodes!

Classic Power Ranger DNA Intact: Morph, use weapons & martial arts, and summon the larger-than-life Megazord!

Intuitive and Deep Battle System: Includes light, heavy, weapon and projectile attacks. Players will be able to integrate weapon strikes into different combo strings!

Leveling and Customization: Players can level-up and unlock new moves, attacks and weapons.

Unlockable Characters: Unlock Tommy Oliver in his Green & White Ranger costumes as well as the human characters Rocky, Aisha, Adam & Kat from MMPR season 2!

Nostalgic: Each level is based on a classic episode from the TV series. The levels are filled with familiar dialogue, background details, cut scenes, and enemies pulled straight from the first two seasons of the show!

Developed by Bamtang, Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Mega Battle will be available for Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One in January of 2017.

You can watch the gameplay below!

Thanks to IGN, we have high-resolution posters of all five Power Rangers from the upcoming film adaptation. Click on the links below to download.

Red Ranger
Pink Ranger
Blue Ranger
Yellow Ranger
Black Ranger

With a screenplay by John Gatins and story by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless and Michele Mulroney & Kieran Mulroney, 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.

(Courtesy: Morgan Lamia from Rangerboard)

The first movie toy, exclusively at New York Comic Con, will be a limited-edition Legacy Collection Movie Red Ranger with his sword and power coin! Only 1,000 have been made and each day, there will be limited quantities available at Bandai’s booth, #1628.

Here’s a first look at the Red Ranger’s sword for the Power Rangers movie coming out on March 24, 2017:

Actor and comedian Bill Hader has been named as the voice of Zordon’s faithful robot assistant Alpha 5 in the Power Rangers film slated for 2017.

Most famous for his years on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Hader has also racked up many movie roles, from Officer Slater in Superbad all the way to Aaron in the popular Amy Schumer comedy Trainwreck.  His voice acting credits include Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Inside Out and the upcoming Smurfs: The Lost Village.

(Courtesy: @PowerRangersMovie via Instagram)

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.

The rangers’ zords are used as strongholds in some of the world’s most populated and well-known cities. An epic Dragonzord battle takes place on Rita’s doorsteps as vibrant art allows for continually changing, dynamic locations to propel the equally lively narrative. It feels like this initial storyline is reaching an apex but still shows no signs of slowing down.

The most pleasing part of this series is that the little moments continue to come for the majority of the cast be they Zack reassuring Trini as she’s thrust into the role of “Billy Lite” or Rita waxing philosophical on the downfall of her enemies. Even the Putty Patrol is continuously utilized as more than their traditional lot in life as cannon fodder.

Artist Hendry Prasetya’s work is fantastic at establishing little moments. This series has been full of page one eyecatches. After being captured by Black Dragon, Billy is left powerless in the Dark Dimension. We’re led to believe that he too must go one on one with Goldar only to slowly be clued in that the golden warrior is just as much a prisoner as the Blue Ranger. Along with some whip smart dialogue, it’s pages like these that set this series apart from standard, adapted screen to print fair.

One of the most applause worthy aspects of this issue was so seamlessly integrated that it was easy not to notice at first glance. There’s almost zero ranger action to speak of in these twenty pages. Five of the rangers’ powers are out of commission thanks to Black Dragon and Tommy spends his few pages of ranger action on the defense. Still, the plot moves forward at a well-timed clip. Higgins knows when to expound and when to go silent and let Prasetya’s artwork do the heavy lifting.

Overall, it’s a credit to the creators of this series that they were able to hit the ground running with a product that had not previously shown much shelf life in this medium. After seven issues of the same plot, many books would begin to feel a tad long in the tooth. The exact opposite is true of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. Through the rangers’ internal conflicts, the glimpses of their humanity, new characters, and a willingness to deviate from twenty plus years of a tried and true formula, BOOM! Studios has established its own rock solid version of the Power Rangers universe.

Score: 5 out of 5

(Images Courtesy: Comic Book Resources)

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!

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.

The sixth issue of writer Kyle Higgins’ and artist Hendry Prasetya’s Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers features another such moment. The Command Center is in pieces following the end of the previous issue and the rangers must confront their newest villain: Black Dragon. Most of this issue features the struggle between Black Dragon and the rangers. In a successful attempt to establish the original character as a true heavy hitter, things don’t go so well for our chroma clad champions.

Some of the visuals in this issue are truly striking. From Black Dragon attempting to tear Tommy’s shield clean off of his body to Zack desperately saving the day despite his lingering issues with the Green Ranger, the fight’s futile nature is painted in no uncertain terms. The rangers retreat as Black Dragon, Rita, and a battalion of putties surround the ruins. Unfortunately, Billy is taken captive during the retreat. Hopefully, this turn of events will lead to additional focus for a character who has already displayed the belief that he’s one step behind the rest of his team.

Black Dragon is a fascinating mystery. His name alone is a powerful suggestion. Is it a tangible allegory for the conflict between Zack and Tommy? His knowledge of both the rangers’ civilian identities and the history that surrounds their powers seems extensive. Not only is he able to disrupt their powers in battle but through a combination of the green crystal and Billy’s morpher he completely shuts off the rangers’ powers. Curious enough, that doesn’t hold true for Tommy which leads more credence to the theory that Black Dragon’s very existence is tied to the Green Ranger.

This is the second time in this series’ short existence that the lion’s share of an issue has been dedicated to a battle. That’s not always an easy task to pull off while still making the story itself compelling. That was accomplished in spades here. The fight was as dynamic as it was desperate. Peppered in with shocking moments like Alpha 5’s decapitated, broken body, this issue managed to remain grounded while delivering moments that were truly unique to a 23-year-old franchise.

Last month, the series left the ranger team teetering on a precarious edge. This month, they were tossed off of that cliff. Rita is winning and unlike the television series where she consistently let victory slip through her hands thanks to overconfidence, this version of Rita is willing to go in for the kill. The balancing act between traditional Power Rangers tales and ratcheting up the threat factor for older fans is precarious but it is still being carried out masterfully by Higgins and Prasetya.

It feels almost like a broken record at this point but the minds at work for BOOM! Studios continue to get right what other publishers got wrong in the past. Characters are expounded upon instead of being treated with the general fluff of their television counterparts. The stories embrace the spirit of their origins while building on what was laid before. One half year in and the motivation of both the creators and the characters they create are propelling Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers to the top of any fan’s must read list.

Score: 5 out of 5

(Images Courtesy: Comic List)

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.

A Spot of Trouble

Marguerite Bennett (A-Force) focuses her piece of the Annual pie on Trini with a manga style story illustrated by Huang Danlan (Venus) that tackles a recurring yet always intriguing concept in the world of Power Rangers. Are all monsters inherently evil? Can they be reasoned with? While the other stories in this book feel complete and able to tell the entirety of their story in the brief format, this is the one that stands out as only scratching the surface of a much larger issue. It’s a quaint tale that could benefit from larger canvas.

Only the Strong

The tentpole story for this collection was illustrated by acclaimed writer/author Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) and is the first published work written by his son, Trey Moore. They dive into the origins of Goldar, Lord Zedd, and the intricacies of the factions that would go on to eventually comprise the United Alliance of Evil. The sketchy style of Moore’s pencils works nicely for the tale of a born warrior who feels the most at ease in the middle of battle. The new designs presented in this story work well with what is already known of the Power Rangers universe and they fit quite naturally.

Villains can be blank slates if handled poorly. The Moores counteract that adding depth to Goldar’s motivations and all of the steps that we take for granted which happened prior to Day of the Dumpster. So many times in the early days of the series we heard about the struggle between Zordon and Rita. Hopefully, this story is a small taste for further flashbacks that will help flesh out what took place long before teenagers with attitude was a thing.

It’s Putty Time

For all of the groundedness that exists in the other stories in this book, It’s Putty Time works as a fantastic counterbalance. James Kochalka (Johnny Boo) both pens and illustrates the answer to the question that has been plaguing mankind as far back as one can remember: do putties have feelings? This story can absolutely catch the reader off guard. For all of it’s childlike demeanor, it can still elicit sympathy in between each chuckle and myerp. Don’t be surprised if this is the one story you find yourself going back to read again.

What Makes a Ranger

The bookend of the comic dovetails nicely back into the themes tackled by A Week in the Life… but with a larger focus on the entire Power Rangers team as Jorge Corona (We Are Robin) looks at the rangers through Zordon’s eyes and, by extension, the eyes of the everyday citizens who are most affected by their heroics.

Morphing isn’t necessarily the hardest part of the ranger job. It is by no means easy but the Power Rangers are this nebulous entity that acts almost as a force of nature. Sometimes what truly resonates with people is seeing others (who conveniently wear color-coordinated clothing) helping their fellow man after the giant monster explodes. Corona’s story gives the ranger teens a sort of agency that is often ignored between their lives as rangers and high schoolers.

Overall, the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers 2016 Annual has a very complete feeling to it. BOOM! Studios seems to have facilitated a high level of collaboration between all of the artists and writers in order to ensure that a collection of stories was presented with purpose rather than as a random hodgepodge. Six very unique stories are told with six very unique voices and much like a Megazord, they come together as something greater than the sum of its parts.

Score: 5 out of 5

(Images Courtesy: Crave Online)

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)

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.

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?

What makes Zack’s story so impactful is that it all comes back to the selflessness necessary to be the unsung hero. Who takes control of the Megazord when Jason isn’t around? Zack. Who calls the shots when Jason is busy fighting Goldar? Zack. It’s a more complex issue than one might think. Jason is the leader. Billy is the brains. Trini and Kimberly embody girl power. But to an outside observer, who is Zack? He can’t even tell the world that he’s a fantastic role model for minorities due to a costume that covers every inch of his skin. When it comes to standing out from the crowd, the Black Ranger is at a distinct disadvantage.

When Rita tempts Zack with the Green Ranger powers and he refuses, his heroism must once again fade into the background at the suggestion of Zordon until the potential threat can be properly assessed. Zack was offered a bite of the serpent’s apple and not only did he pass it up but then he’s asked to embrace someone who gave into the temptation. It’s why he not only questions the morality of Tommy but the very core of his being. If he was able to fight it, then why couldn’t this new guy?

The issue ends with one of the more puzzling moments of the series. A voice foretells the future to Rita in the same way that her own voice haunts Tommy. It correctly predicts that the evil Green Ranger will turn on her. Could it be Lord Zedd? Master Vile? Tommy himself? Perhaps someone new?

Thony Silas steps in on art duties for this issue. Higgins and Silas previously worked together on DC Comics’ Batman Beyond series. Silas brings a looser, fluid style to the table that works quite well with the more action heavy scenes in the early part of the issue. He accentuates characters’ natural traits. His Goldar is large and imposing. His Rita is sufficiently spindly.

This comic was an incredibly satisfying culmination of a seed that had been planted and watered for the previous four issues. While his character had already been growing, this issue provided a landmark moment that made Zack the most likable, complex member of the team. One can only hope that similar moments are awaiting the rest of the rangers in future installments. By and large, this is the best issue of the series thus far. Not only did it deliver where it needed to but it also managed to start new threads for the future. Plus, this issue gave a whole new level of depth to the most classic, pulse-pounding season finale: “An Oyster Stew”.

Score: 5 out of 5

(Images Courtesy: Comic Book Resources)

He mistakenly left out pink but mentioned green. Is the Green Ranger going to appear in the film or was this just a flub on Cranston’s part? The jury is still out.

The fourth issue of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers from writer Kyle Higgins and illustrator Hendry Prasetya is all about bringing the current storyline to a head. Since the beginning, the rangers have been questioning Tommy’s status on their team as a reformed minion of Rita. For his part, Tommy hasn’t exactly displayed himself to be the most trustworthy team member by hiding fevered visions of his former employer and getting into situations where they have to rescue him.

One of the most consistently strong aspects of this comic has been the proactive nature of the villains. Rita has no designs to let Tommy go quietly as she continues to sink her claws into his psyche and drive the rangers further and further away from their new compatriot. This leads to the battle that takes up the bulk of this issue and it’s a fairly satisfying one. Scorpina has control of the Dragonzord and the confrontation that follows allows Prasetya’s artwork to break free from the mundane stylings of a typical zord fight. The individual zords get time to shine and there’s a controlled freneticism to the pacing that lets the rangers feel like the ragtag, early days team that Zordon somewhat recently recruited.

There are times where questionable liberties are taken by the writer. It’s very much appreciated that this comic series is willing to dive into the rangers’ personalities to a depth that the television show never approached. However, there are still certain universal truths that should be adhered to in lieu of crafting something that loses the nebulous feel of what makes the Power Rangers the Power Rangers. A monster should explode rather than leave a blood trail and the way the rangers handled Scorpina showed a severe lapse in judgment. While the feeling is that the confrontation between the team is being fueled by Rita’s plan, it still paints Jason in a rather poor light. Here’s hoping Jason’s thought process is expounded upon in the future. There’s nothing wrong with him being a flawed leader. In fact, it’s encouraged.

Some of the rangers faded a bit into the background this issue as the confrontation between Tommy and Zack that has been in the works since the beginning of this series took center stage. As connected as she is to Tommy, Kimberly is by and large a bystander. Billy and Trini took very passive roles which does fit with the characters but even Zordon virtually disappeared by the end.

As usual, the book ended on an appropriately intriguing cliffhanger. Solicitations for issue five suggest that we will get the full story on what makes Zack tick next month. It will be interesting to see just how much they tackle the newly discovered threat by interweaving it into Zack’s tale or if they’ll take a more pure, flashback-filled approach. Either way, it’s safe to say that the next issue is the most anticipated of the line up to this point.

Overall, this issue lacked some of the punch that was in previous installments. That doesn’t mean the issue was bad. Far from it. The art continues to dazzle and the battle that took up the lion’s share of the book was a real winner. Some of the characterization towards the end and the severe lack of Trini, Billy, and Kimberly did raise a red flag. Still, this comic has done a fantastic job of building on itself and has now reached the point where the pieces should come together.

Score: 4 out of 5

(Images Courtesy: Comic Book Resources)

Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actor Bryan Cranston has been named for the role of the mighty mentor Zordon in the Power Rangers film slated for 2017.  His numerous acting credits include the lead role of Walter White on Breaking Bad, the hilarious dad Hal on Malcolm in the Middle, as well as the big screen turn portraying a real-life scandalized screenwriter in Trumbo and the stage performance as President Lyndon B. Johnson in the play All The Way, later turned into an HBO movie of the same name in which he also starred.

But Power Rangers fans will always know him best as the voices of Snizard and Twin Man from the first season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.  His work on the show inspired the writing staff to give Billy his last name.

Here’s what Bryan had to say about the news through his first tweet on the subject:

Excited to play #Zordon in the #PowerRangersMovie!

(Courtesy: @PowerRangersMovie via Instagram)

The long-awaited prop that fans have been clamoring for years to get their hot little hands on has finally started to hit store shelves. The latest Toys”R”Us-exclusive legacy item is a replica of the classic communicator for all of your teleporting and Zordon-chatting needs. It comes in two versions: a regular version for the main five rangers and a special Tommy Oliver edition if you prefer the green and white motif. At the moment, only the latter version has been seen in stores. Retailing at $79.99 the item is wearable on adult wrists and contains many vintage Power Rangers phrases.

To hear my full and frank review of the toy along with other reviews of previously released legacy items, click here to visit my channel Captain Subpar’s Toy Reviews on YouTube. Check out reviews for both the Falconzord and Thunder Megazord along with my Super Sentai reviews and other musings.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. and SAN FRANCISCO, June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — The pop culture phenomenon Saban’s Power Rangers will soon be reimagined as a real time multiplayer mobile action game as announced today in partnership by Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a premier next generation global content leader, Saban Brands, the creator of the 23 year Power Rangers legacy, and cutting edge game developer, nWay. The game is slated to launch next year. Also next year, Lionsgate and Saban Brands will release the eagerly-anticipated Saban’s Power Rangers feature film in theaters worldwide on March 24, 2017.

“This alliance underscores our strategy of combining a world-class brand with a Triple-A game developer to create an exciting, high quality game with enormous upside,” said Lionsgate President of Interactive Ventures & Games Peter Levin. “With nWay’s ability to achieve console level play on mobile devices, the Power Rangers game will appeal to a broad spectrum of core gamers and Power Rangers fans alike.”

“For decades, the Power Rangers brand has provided new and engaging opportunities for fans to experience the iconic franchise and we are thrilled to continue that legacy by joining forces with Lionsgate, our feature film partner, and nWay to create a state-of-the-art mobile game,” said Janet Hsu, Chief Executive Officer of Saban Brands. “With these phenomenal partners, we will connect millions of Power Rangers and gaming fans globally with a mobile gaming experience unlike anything else.”

“Lionsgate and Saban Brands are the ideal partners and Power Rangers is the perfect property on which to base a game with player-to-player competition, epic battles and intense action that raises the bar for the genre,” said nWay Chief Executive Officer Taehoon Kim. “The Power Rangers global fan base provides a powerful foundation for the game’s launch, and the high quality of gameplay makes this a natural for the e-sports trend. Power Rangers is an incredibly beloved and recognizable property, and its deep and detailed mythology will enable us to create a rich, multi-layered world for gamers everywhere.”

nWay is an innovative San Francisco-based game company comprised of developers who have worked on some of the biggest intellectual properties in the world, including Star Wars, James Bond, Indiana Jones, The Godfather and Star Fox. nWay’s first game, ChronoBlade, launched in Asia and is coming to the U.S. this summer.

Haim Saban launched Power Rangers with “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” as a live action television series more than 20 years ago, and it quickly became the most-watched children’s television program in the United States. It remains one of the top-rated and longest running kids live-action series in television history and has grown into one of the world’s most popular and recognizable brands, with toys, apparel, costumes, video games, DVD’s, comic books and more.

The announcement is the latest milestone in Lionsgate’s creation of a diverse games business that includes: strategic investments in Telltale Games, Next Games, Mobcrush and Fifth Journey; the recent or planned launches of Orange is the New Black (IGT/DoubleDown Casino), Point Break (Payday), Mad Men (Zynga) and Kevin Hart mobile games; acquisition of rights to top gaming properties Borderlands and Candy Crush Saga to be adapted into films and television series; and virtual reality gaming initiatives built around the Company’s John Wick and Now You See Me film properties as well as a VR game partnership with Google’s recently-announced Daydream platform.

 

(Courtesy: NightMere10 from Rangerboard)

Coming off the smash success of BOOM! Studios’ Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers series (my reviews for the first three issues can be found here, here, and here) the company is looking to branch out with their first supplemental material. Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Pink is a six issue mini-series from writers Brenden Fletcher (Black Canary, Batgirl, Gotham Academy) and Kelly Thompson (A-Force, Jem) along with artist Daniele Di Nicuolo (Mirror’s Edge: Exordium, Starbrand and Nightmask).

While the main title tells the story of the entire ranger team dealing with the fallout from the Green with Evil saga, this series fast forwards us to the events of season three. Kimberly has recently left Angel Grove and the Power Rangers in favor of pursuing her gymnastics career at the European Pan Global Games. She lives with her mother and father-in-law and from there we pick up on her solo adventure. What makes this series unique is that is has no template. No skeleton from which to work. Outside of a Dear John letter that Tommy receives in Power Rangers ZEO and her brief appearance in Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, Kimberly Ann Hart is ostensibly written out of the Power Rangers universe once she gives the pterodactyl coin to Katherine.

The depiction of Kimberly will come off somewhat familiar to fans. Her chosen attire (both civilian and morphed) bears a striking resemblance to modern female warriors like Katniss Everdeen and Lara Croft. Kimberly herself calls out to the Mad Max franchise. She leaps into battle with little more than a bow and some arrows. Her dogged determination is the biggest strength of this debut issue. Make no bones about it: this is Kimberly’s story.

Fletcher and Thompson are in a somewhat precarious situation trying to deal with just how much needs to be explained to the reader and what exactly they can get away with in the scope of Power Rangers lore. Fans of the series are nothing if not sticklers for detail after twenty-three years of history. Explanations are offered and it is up to the fan to decide if they are satisfactory. The beginning of the issue is a bit heavy on exposition but it does firmly plant the story in unique yet familiar territory that will catch fans up on how our hero’s life has progressed since her departure from the team.

For Di Nicuolo’s part, his style is dynamic. Even in the more verbose scenes he makes the action deliberate and vibrant. His unmorphed, Hawkeye-esque Kimberly is not to be trifled with under any circumstance. While fans will surely debate the merits of the new Pink Ranger costume, it unequivocally makes an immediate impact. Much like the story, it is both conventional and quite unconventional.

For its part, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Pink is in uncharted territory and finding its legs. It introduces a lot of new elements and melds them with the old. It’s hard to say where the series plans to go from here and just how different it will dare to be. If it embraces its unique opportunity and expounds on Kimberly as an individual it could be the first in a long line of character deepening mini-series.

Score: 3 out of 5

Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Pink #1 goes on sale June 1, 2016. To find it at your local store, visit findacomicshop.com or comicshoplocator.com.

(Image Courtesy: Comic Book Resources)

Trini Kwan. For many Power Rangers fans she was more of a background player. In issue three of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, she comes to the forefront and proves once again what makes this book by Kyle Higgins (writer) and Hendry Prasetya (illustrator) such a draw to long time fans of the television series. One aspect that I’ve touched on before is the Yellow Ranger being the heart and soul of the team. This is no more evident than in this issue. While the characters who get the most attention are struggling with their problems – most of which center around Tommy and Rita’s lingering control over him – she is the one that keeps them all on track. Whether it be boosting Billy’s confidence, calming down Zack’s trust issues, or getting Tommy to open up, Trini always provides a sympathetic ear. In many ways, she’s the most important member of the team.

What makes this team and their unity so enthralling is that there are no superfluous rangers. Some are getting more attention now but everyone shows at least a hint of more to come. In this issue, we learn more about both Tommy and Trini’s family histories. Tommy has always been a loner. Trini has always been compelled to help others. Both of these established facts from the television show are expounded upon during the scenes they share.

Another developing character is Zack. He has been a slow burn since the beginning that is growing into more of a powderkeg with each passing issue. The fascinating point that he makes is one of nature versus nurture. Do Rita’s spells count as get out of jail free cards for any act committed while under their control? Was Tommy’s personality forced to pull a U-turn when he received the power coin or was it more of a slight merge into a darker dimension? A Zack versus Tommy confrontation seems inevitable at this stage and by stoking those flames in each issue it makes the anticipation of such an event that much more palpable.

Even Goldar, a character who hasn’t so much as made a peep in this series, kicks off the issue serving his penance in the wake of the “Green with Evil” saga. He doesn’t simply have a rivalry with the Green Ranger. He has a personal vendetta that will not so easily be satiated.

Visually, the book continues to impress. Rita utilizes the crumbled remains of one putty patroller as raw materials for a more sinister plan. Zord battles take place directly next to the Command Center. These are elements that were limited within the scope of the television series but were not necessarily impossible. Seeing them now resonates with readers and leaves them wondering what else could be realized in this medium. That seems to be the overriding theme of this series: taking the conventional, surface-level aspects that are oh so familiar to the fans and finding ways to build natural, more jarring layers upon them.

Overall, the third issue of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers was foreboding in the best way possible. The fractures that we have seen among the team are starting to feel like full blown schisms. This is both the series we know and something altogether different. The most well-known rangers like Jason and Kimberly take just enough of a backseat to add proper depth to the rest of the team. The villains are significantly devious and much more active in their schemes. While I would like to see more of the civilian characters eventually integrated into the story, what we have seen from Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers is fantastic. The book continues to prove that the world it’s exploring goes far deeper than even a Dragonzord shuffling along the ocean floor.

Score: 5 out of 5

(Images Courtesy: Comic Book Resources)

Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers has proven to be one of the biggest hits for BOOM! Studios in its eleven year history. From the creative force of Kyle Higgins and Hendry Prasetya, issue #1 was the second most purchased comic book in March according to Diamond Comics Distributors. This figure was enough to propel BOOM! Studios to being the fifth highest selling publisher for the month.

Hot off the heels of this success, BOOM! Studios plans to continue expanding upon the Power Rangers universe. In addition to the previously announced Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Pink, President of Publishing and Marketing Filip Sablik is intrigued to explore the vast history of the franchise:

“It’s been around 20-plus years, and every couple years it gets completely reinvented,” Sablik said of the “Power Rangers” franchise. “What’s amazing about the possibilities is, you could go do a Power Rangers project that’s completely in a different part of their mythology, that’s aimed at different readers. The Power Rangers series we’re doing is very much for people that were kids when the series came out. That’s a very different tone than if we were to do a series that was currently on the air and that’s aimed at kids.”

Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #3 hits retailers on May 11, 2016 and Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Pink #1 debuts on May 25, 2016.

(Courtesy: Comic Book Resources)

We have already seen an official cast picture and an official picture of Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa, but we haven’t heard anything else about other staple characters we’ve grown to love (or hate) from 1993’s Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. Sure, we’ve been introduced to Jason’s father who is “at odds with his son over Jason’s football career”, but that has pretty much been it. Until now.

There has been much talk about the tone for this movie and whether it will borrow the humorous side from the TV show. For many people, Bulk (Paul Schrier) and Skull (Jason Narvy) were the levity that the show needed from the typical “civilian activity, putty fight, battle” pattern each episode fell into.

So the question is: Will the characters of Bulk and Skull appear in the movie? The answer: No.

Sources tell us that in place of Bulk and Skull will be two mean girls that the rangers encounter. No word yet whether Schrier nor Narvy will make an appearance in the film.

Bandai of America has transitioned from the power of thunder to the stealthy ninjetti of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers‘ third season with their Toys”R”Us-exclusive Legacy line. While the movie version of the Power Morpher and the Legacy Communicator are still in the pipeline, the Legacy Falconzord has recently hit the shelves. Retailing for $59.99, this collectible sports the same die cast metal and increased details that separate it from the original 1995 release.

Join me over on YouTube at Captain Subpar’s Toy Reviews to hear my thoughts on the White Ranger’s bird of prey along with other reviews of recent Legacy items like the Thunder Megazord, the Black Edition Megazord, and so much more.

The opening scene of the second issue of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers illustrates the tent pole reason as to why Kyle Higgins’ take on this universe is so enticing to older fans of the series. He expounds upon the moments in between the spandex. As beloved as these characters have been for so many years, there is still no denying that throughout the first three seasons of the show they were quite static. At their cores they were little more than their archetypes: Long-haired Jock! Cool Guy! Popular Girl! Nerd! Alternachick! Short-haired Jock!

Beyond the weekly conflicts of whichever ranger was having an existential crisis that Rita could capitalize upon, it’s only natural to believe that the people behind the suits had the potential to become deeper characters. The conversation between Billy and Trini is indicative of just such a truth. Billy’s struggle to feel a part of the team is only deepened with Tommy’s arrival. In the show, we would have gotten a monster that they’d be forced to team up to take down. Here we get Trini showing just why she is the emotional ballast of the group along with some mythos about the inner workings of the zords for the tech geeks among us.

Jason and Kimberly also have a great scene together that focuses on where Tommy is being pieced into the puzzle that is their lives. Along with words of concern that Zack voiced in previous issues, we are really getting the full picture of how adding a new ingredient to the stew – especially one with as dubious beginnings as the Green Ranger – is not as simple as it may first appear.

The heroes aren’t the only characters who are receiving overhauls in this comic. Higgins has rightly mentioned that Scorpina was a criminally underutilized villain in the original series and as a direct result she has quickly become a much more prominent figure in the comics. While physically capable in her own right, she also attacks the rangers on a psychological level. Such deviousness ensures that readers will never forget the “teenager” aspect of the “teenagers with attitude” mantra.

The artwork of Hendry Prasetya continues to bring a much more visceral tone the rangers’ fights. Putties don’t go away with a simple punch or kick. Hordes of footsoldiers need to be chipped away at in brutal fashion. Every attack has weight behind it that is a constant reminder that the battle between the Power Rangers and Rita Repulsa is just that: a battle and not a multi-colored glee club that takes place in between Ms. Appleby’s lectures on question marks and Show & Tell.

Overall, issue #2 of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers continues a rock solid mantra of bringing the fans in with the ranger action and making them stay thanks to character growth. As kids who were fans of the television show, we took many things for granted. Higgins is making it a point to expound upon every detail so that the Power Rangers won’t feel any more out of place in the real world than the more established superheroes of the comic book universe.

Score: 5 out of 5

Images courtesy of Comic Book Resources

To long time fans of both the Power Rangers franchise and comic books in general it comes as no surprise that their married history has been somewhat tumultuous. Like any other kid tested, soccer mom disapproved pop culture phenomenon, Power Rangers attempted to crossover from the small screen to the magazine rack. There was the good (an all too brief Power Rangers ZEO adaptation), the bad (a serviceable but ultimately forgettable Mighty Morphin’ take), and the downright ugly (the already uninspired Megaforce series having life breathed into it like a fish receiving CPR).

That’s why I was cautiously optimistic when I heard that acclaimed writer Kyle Higgins (Nightwing, Deathstroke, my personal favorite: Batman Beyond 2.0, and his creator-owned C.O.W.L.) was tackling the franchise for a new series from BOOM! Studios set in a contemporary version of the Mighty Morphin’ universe. Could early nineties concepts play in 2016? Would the series simply add short stories to the mythos or would it forge its own path?

I’m glad to say that two issues in it looks like Higgins is doing a fantastic job of tiptoeing between honoring history and making some of his own. One of the biggest criticisms of MMPR has been that very little interpersonal conflict exists between the individual rangers that isn’t the direct result of one of Rita Repulsa’s spells. (Who can ever forget the classic “Don’t Vote for Dummy” poster?) The main storyline looks to rectify that by tackling what would theoretically be one of the most divisive times for the rangers: the period right after Tommy joins the team following his indentured servitude to his Empress.

Tommy displays an appropriate level of self-doubt without spiraling into an Emo Ranger. Jason questions how much trust should exist between the team and their enemy-turned-ally in the way that any true leader worth his salt should do. All is not copacetic as the team feels more human on paper than they often did on screen. Ironically, when the team runs imaginary, Danger Room-esque scenarios the consequences feel incredibly real. The struggle between good and evil didn’t end the moment the Sword of Darkness was destroyed.

Trappings of the present day show up in natural, unobtrusive fashion. Billy utilizes social media in order to help his team balance their school load with their ranger duties. In the most interesting usage of the information age, school bullies Bulk and Skull are now budding Youtube personalities (“Ranger Station” boasts over 400K subscribers) who take advantage of their love for the rangers and the fact that they live in a city known for experiencing monster attacks more frequently than most people go to the bathroom. However, the duo doesn’t just go all “Cloverfield” by filming the underside of Pythor’s descending foot. Instead they give a voice to the everyday people of Angel Grove. Do they trust the Green Ranger? Should the rangers trust the Green Ranger? Does the fact that the rangers seemingly do trust the Green Ranger shake the people’s faith in the rangers as a whole?

Higgins puts himself in the shoes of a fan who readily accepted the show for what it was in their state of childhood wonder but upon reflection might rub their chin and wonder what exactly was going on in between Monday’s credits blur and Tuesday’s “Today on Power Rangers…” Coupled with Hendry Prasetya’s anime-inspired but still bold and gritty art style, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers promises to answer questions that some only recently may have realized they should’ve been asking for years.

Steve Orlando also provides a backup story that furthers the adventures of Bulk and Skull. While the main story sets a more modern tone to the series, Orlando does an exquisite job of capturing the iconic tone of the beloved bumblers. I found myself reading each panel with Paul Schrier’s brutish tambour and Jason Narvy’s echoing squeals in my head.

Illustrated by Corin Howell in an appropriately more cartoonish, slapstick style, the duo continue their never-ending quest to jockey for Kimberly and Trini’s affection only to have a happenstantial run in with a Putty Patroller. As a viewer who found Bulk and Skull to be at their absolute best when they fumbled their way into close encounters with the series’ villains, this is the sort of story that scratches the perfect comedic itch. While only taking up a few pages of each issues, it will be interesting to see how well Howell can continue to provide a nice juxtaposition to the more dramatic main story.

Overall, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers feels like a major step in the right direction that the entire franchise has been craving for years. If Saban’s trust in Higgins is an indication towards the tone they’re catering to more mainstream publications including the 2017 movie reboot then Power Rangers could be poised to reassert its multi-colored domination among both the nostalgic children of yesteryear and the kids they’ve had since that time. Between issue #0 already going through three print runs and the announcement of the new mini-series Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Pink by Brenden Fletcher and Kelly Thompson, it appears that the original teenagers behind the helmets will only become richer and deeper characters in the coming years.

Score: 5 out of 5

(Photo courtesy: Mary Clavering/Young Hollywood/Getty Images)

The Hollywood Reporter reports that David Denman (13 Hours, The Gift) will be playing Sam Scott, the father of Jason (Dacre Montgomery) in the upcoming Power Rangers movie. Sam is “often at odds with his son over Jason’s football career.”

SANTA MONICA, Calif. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ – Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF), a premier next generation global content leader, announced that production on Saban’s Power Rangerswill commence today in Vancouver. The film stars Elizabeth Banks as arch-villain Rita Repulsa, along with new Power Rangers Dacre Montgomery, RJ Cyler, Naomi Scott, Becky G, and Ludi Lin. The film is a production of Lionsgate and Saban Brands.

Saban’s Power Rangers follows five ordinary high school kids who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove – and the world – is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat.  Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover that they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so they will have to overcome their real-life issues and band together as the Power Rangers before it is too late.

The film stars Dacre Montgomery (A Few Less Men) as Jason the Red Ranger, RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) as Billy the Blue Ranger, Naomi Scott (The 33) as Kimberly the Pink Ranger, Becky G (Empire) as Trini the Yellow Ranger, Ludi Lin (Monster Hunt) as Zack the Black Ranger, and Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect, The Hunger Games franchise) as Rita Repulsa.

Directed by Dean Israelite (Project Almanac),Saban’s Power Rangers is written by John Gatins (Kong: Skull Island, Real Steel), Burk Sharpless and Matt Sazama (Dracula Untold), Zack Stentz and Ashley Miller (X-Men: First Class, Thor), and Max Landis (Chronicle). Producers are Power Rangers creator Haim Saban, Brian Casentini (Power Rangers TVseries), Wyck Godfrey, and Marty Bowen (The Twilight Saga, The Fault in Our Stars, The Maze Runner franchise).

Allison Shearmur (The Hunger Games franchise; Rogue One: A Star Wars Story)and Brent O’Connor (Warcraft) serve as executive producers. Brian Tyler (Avengers: Age of Ultron; Now You See Me)is the composer andKelli Jones (Straight Outta Compton, Sons of Anarchy)is the costume designer. Set decorator is Oscar-nominated Hamish Purdy (The Revenant) and stunt coordinator is Paul Jennings (Game of Thrones, San Andreas, The Dark Knight). Weta Workshop (The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, District 9) is in charge of suit design and visual effects. Andrew Menzies (Fury, X-Men)is the production designer and Director of Photography is Matt Lloyd (Daredevil, Cop Car).

ABOUT LIONSGATE
Lionsgate is a premier next generation global content leader with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, digital distribution, new channel platforms, video games and international distribution and sales. The Company has nearly 80 television shows on 40 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses.  These include the critically-acclaimed hit series Orange is the New Black, the multiple Emmy Award-winning drama Mad Men, the hit broadcast network series Nashville, the syndication successesThe Wendy Williams Show and Celebrity Name Game (with FremantleMedia), the breakout series The Royalsand the Golden Globe-nominated dramedy Casual.

Its feature film business has been fueled by such successes as the blockbuster Hunger Games franchise, the first two installments of the Divergent franchise, Sicario, The Age of Adaline, CBS/Lionsgate’s The DUFF, John Wick, Now You See Me, Roadside Attractions’ Love & Mercy and Mr. Holmes, Lionsgate/Codeblack Films’Addicted and Pantelion Films’ Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.

Lionsgate’s home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rates. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com

ABOUT SABAN BRANDS
Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) acquires and develops a world-class portfolio of properties in the entertainment and lifestyle sectors. SB applies a global 360-degree management approach to growing and monetizing its brands through content, media, marketing, distribution, licensing and retail to markets worldwide and consumers of all ages. Saban Brands Entertainment Group (SBEG) develops innovative branded content that resonates with consumers across all media platforms. SBEG’s growing entertainment portfolio of brands includes Power Rangers, Popples, Glitter Force, Cirque du Soleil – Luna Petunia, La Banda and others in development. Saban Brands Lifestyle Group (SBLG) drives major expansion within the company’s diverse portfolio of fashion and lifestyle properties. SBLG’s portfolio currently includes Paul Frank, Macbeth, Mambo and Piping Hot. SB operates a global network of offices inLos Angeles, New York, London and Sydney. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.

In an exclusive with the Los Angeles Times, BOOM! Comics explains their plans to expand the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comic book that launched in January with a six-part series centering on Kimberly’s character simply called Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink.

“Kimberly has retired from the Power Rangers to pursue life as a professional gymnast, but Zordon calls her back for one last mission to defend a mountainside where a long-resting, ancient, evil Zord lies dormant. To get back into the action—and, for the first time, lead her own team—Kimberly has to dust off the rust, plus create a practical, handmade outfit in the process!”

Written by Brenden Fletcher (of DC Comics’ Batgirl) and Kelly Thompson (of IDW’s Jem and the Holograms) and illustrated by Daniele DiNicuolo (of Dark Horse’s Mirror’s Edge: Exordium), the first issue is due out in May.

(Courtesy: NightMere10 from Rangerboard)

Actress Elizabeth Banks has been named for the role of the villain Rita Repulsa in the Power Rangers film slated for 2017.  Her most recent acting credits include The Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect film series, as well as TV shows 30 Rock and Scrubs.

(Courtesy: @PowerRangersMovie via Instagram)

In terms of long term goals, the success of the first Power Rangers movie is significantly more important to Lionsgate than the success of the final Divergent movie. All due respect, the sci-fi teen lit franchise is basically playing itself out at this point, and it’s not like Lionsgate has to keep interest above room temperature in the hopes of spin-offs or prequels or whatever every studio wants to do whenever a franchise ends.

He also gives credit to the studio for snapping up Ludi Lin right before his film Monster Hunt makes big money in China.

(Courtesy: Goseired11 from Rangerboard)

Entertainment publication Deadline reports that Lionsgate is doing a little reworking of their 2017 schedule.  The final film in the Divergent series has been moved into the summer release slate, meaning that newly open slot in the spring season will go to the upcoming Power Rangers film instead.  Get January 13 out of your heads, the premiere will now be two months later, on March 24, 2017.

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’s 2015. It’s 2015 Angel Grove, It’s a 2015 version of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and it focuses on the Green Ranger. As far as modernizing it goes, [it's] the aesthetic, and really being able to dive into the characters in a way that the show wasn’t able to, because we’re telling a big serialized story. I don’t want to say it’s going to make them cool, but it’s going to make them feel like more well-rounded people. It won’t feel like 1994.

According to a corresponding report from Entertainment Weekly, the Issue #0 one-shot will be released on January 13, 2016.  Issue #1, beginning their Green Ranger serial, comes out in March with eight variant covers on sale.  Every issue afterward will have a “Villain Variant” cover, availability determined by the amount your retailer orders, a high enough number earning the variant cover and the store’s pick of how many issues they receive sporting it.  Each cover will be illustrated by different artists.  And news from IGN states there will also be a “Zord Variant” cover for every issue as well, all presumed to be drawn by Goñi Montes, who famously illustrated the Issue #0 covers.

(Courtesy: NightMere10 from Rangerboard)

[TIME:] Were you a Power Rangers kid growing up?

[Becky:] For sure. I think for some people, they’re like, “Isn’t Power Rangers cheesy?” No! What’s so cool about being a part of this is we’re going to give it a whole new identity. It’s going to be so much more creative and so much more relevant to now. I feel like a lot of kids, and even people older, too, are really going to be able to relate to it.

[TIME:] That’s what I’m interested in—why now? What does a Power Rangers reboot have to offer the world in 2017?

[Becky:] I can’t say much about it, but like I said, I feel like it’s going to be so relatable. It’s not just, “Morphin’ time!” [Gomez puts her hands together and acts out the old morphing sequence.] Literally you’re going to see these kids grow up in front of your eyes. That to me is going to be so cool to play because this is my first movie ever. I was just in Vancouver, where we’re going to be shooting, and apartment-hunting—I’ve never lived on my own! This is a whole new experience for me, and this character is also experiencing something new for her as well.

[TIME:] I like the taco necklace you’re wearing, by the way—that would be the best gift I’ve ever received if someone gave it to me.

[Becky:] Thank you. Well, I’ve been trying to eat healthy because I have to be a Power Ranger, and if I can’t eat the food, I want to wear it.

(Courtesy: Goseired11 from Rangerboard)

Then [my agent] sends me this role, didn’t tell what it was for, and I’m like, ‘Girl I ain’t got time for this! I’m tired, I’m on a tour bus. I don’t feel like self-recording, reading these lines.’ And she’s like, ‘Becky, they won’t leave me alone.’ Like just record it and I’ll leave you alone. So a few days went by and I was like I’ll just record it. I sent it in and she’s like you know what this is for? I was like what? And it was Power Rangers. Then I was excited! And when I was reading the lines, it felt cool, like the character. Later, she tells me that the director saw it and that he loved it and he would like to meet me. It’s a casting process so they have to see other people for the same role. It was between me and a couple other people, but I got the call that I was going to be the yellow Power Ranger. It just felt so right. Yellow is my favorite color, so I was like this is meant to be. [Laughs] I’ll be filming at the top of next year in Vancouver, Canada.

(Courtesy: NightMere10 from Rangerboard)

The venerable CBR has conducted their own interview with Kyle Higgins, head writer of the new Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comic book from Boom! Studios.  He gives out juicy details, including a fresh approach to Tommy’s story and a few things to satisfy the bad guy fan in all of us.

I’m writing the series with a more modern sensibility. I’ve been kind of equating it to what Mark Waid and Fiona Staples have been doing — brilliantly — with “Archie.”  They’re the characters we know and love, but in a more contemporary setting and with the benefit of higher production value (See: the amazing Hendry Prasetya) and a format that really favors a big, serialized story.

You can read more about Higgins’ approach on Comic Book Resources. Issue #0 comes to shelves on January 6, 2016.

(Courtesy: SonicBlueRanger from Rangerboard)

“I was a big Power Rangers fan as a kid, and I really love the types of books BOOM! has built their name on in recent years. The whole situation felt like it could be a really nice fit. Luckily, [editors] Dafna [Pleban] and Alex [Galer] and the powers-that-be at Saban agreed, and greenlit my pitch.”

Issue #1 is set to be released in January 2016.

(Courtesy: Morgan Lamia from Rangerboard)

IT’S MORPHIN TIME, Jason, Kimberly, Zack, Billy & Trini! #PowerRangersMovie, coming 2017!

(Courtesy: @PowerRangers via Twitter)

Acclaimed tokusatsu mecha artist Tsuyoshi Nonaka has given fans a first look at the Legacy Thunder Megazord. Best known for his work on the Soul of Chogokin line of collector’s toys based on mecha from 70’s and 80’s anime, Nonaka has been an integral part of designing the Power Rangers Legacy series.

While no exact date has been announced, Bandai representatives told fans earlier this year at San Diego Comic Con to expect the Legacy Thunder Megazord to hit Toys”R”Us shelves in the spring of 2016 at a suggested retail price of $199.99.

Singer Becky G has been named for the role of the Yellow Ranger in the Power Rangers film slated for 2017. Her acting credits include a recent role on Fox’s Empire.

(Courtesy: @PowerRangersMovie via Instagram)

RJ Cyler has been named for the role of the Blue Ranger for the Power Rangers film slated for 2017. His work includes Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and the upcoming War Machine starring Brad Pitt.

(Courtesy: @PowerRangersMovie via Instagram)

Ludi Lin has been named for the role of the Black Ranger in the Power Rangers film slated for 2017. His work includes a small role in the Marco Polo series on Netflix and the Chinese film Monster Hunt.

(Courtesy: @PowerRangersMovie via Instagram)

Dacre Montgomery has been named for the role the Red Ranger in the Power Rangers film slated for 2017.  His work includes Betrand the Terrible and Family Tree.

(Courtesy: @PowerRangersMovie via Instagram)

Naomi Scott has been named for the role of Kimberly cast as the Pink Ranger in the Power Rangers film slated for 2017. Her recent work includes The Martian and Terra Nova.

Updated 10/8/15: Saban Brands nor Lionsgate have not yet mentioned the character’s name of the Pink Ranger.

(Courtesy: @PowerRangersMovie via Instagram)

Under the production code “SHIRT”, filming is currently scheduled to take place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from January 18 through April 12 of next year.

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 January 13, 2017.

When I was very young I lived in Japan for three years. It was at a time when there were probably four stations. All you could watch were Japanese-language shows, so I started to fall in love with Japanese superheroes. When I moved out to Los Angeles in the early ’90s, I’d nostalgically watch the Power Rangers, and it would put a smile on my face. Now I watch it with my 3-year-olds. Some of these stories were wonderful, and it’s exciting trying to update it for a modern audience.

Written by Zack Stentz and Ashley Miller, directed by Dean Israelite, and produced by Haim Saban, Brian Casentini and Allison Shearmur, this film is a development of Lionsgate and Saban Brands.  It will be released in theaters on January 13, 2017.

• Jason – 17 years old, the makings of someone or something great if he would just get out of his own way. Jason was a legend of this town—a freshman quarterback with the skills to take him all the way. People knew his name. Children wore his jersey. Until, one night Jason wrapped his car around a pole and busted out his knee. Everything Jason was going to become ended in an instant. And with it, he lost himself. When we meet him at the start of the film, he’s a kid in need of redemption. By the end, he’ll be leading this disparate group of teens to shed their individual baggage and find who they truly are.

• Kimberly – 17 years old, unconventionally cool all in a way the popular girls wish they were. In fact, she was one of those girls, but isn’t anymore. Not since she’s returned to school after an absence of 6 months. Rumors are flying as to why; rumors she seems not to care about, because she’s come back with this new rebel-without-a-cause, edgy attitude. But the truth is, it’s all masking a deep secret that makes her feel profoundly vulnerable.

• Trini – 17 years old, mysterious and extremely bright. Her parents constantly move for work, making Trini the perpetual new girl to any school. A loner who owns it, Trini is self-sufficient, contemplative, but always observant. All she wants is to find her gang of friends, but she’ll never admit it – least of all to herself.

• Billy – 17 years old, slight and awkward. Billy is challenged in his abilities to communicate and interact socially. Whip-smart and sweet, but always odd. Sometimes in a fun way, sometimes not, Billy is a kid with no filter. Showing his emotions, understanding sarcasm, and dealing with his OCD is a constant challenge. Has never really had any friends and instantly gravitates towards Jason.

• Zack – 17 years old, always the life of the party. Filled with bravado and swagger, Zack’s tough and cool on the exterior. A charming guy who’s never had trouble with the one-liner, nor lacked confidence around women. A great athlete that’s never wanted to play on any team but his own. Zack advertises everything about himself, except the truth, which is that he lives in a trailer park with his single mom, and because of it, feels deeply inferior to all his peers.

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 January 13, 2017.

“We have big, big plans that will build on the core universe of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” said BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon. “We can’t give too much away just yet, but the story we’re kicking off with is vast in scope.  Fans of BOOM! know we treat the existing properties we collaborate on with a focus on authenticity and quality.  That’s the same sensibility we’re applying here.  The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers have an awesome fan base and we can’t wait to show them how much fun we’re having.”

The comic series officially begins in January.  Boom! Comics is now the third American publisher of Power Rangers comic books, after Marvel and Papercutz.

(Courtesy: Mugenhunt from Rangerboard)

Israelite: We’re in a soft prep phase right now doing a bunch of design work. We’re creating, or I should say re-imagining, the world in a cool, updated, contemporary, really fun way. I think it’s really exciting and we’re on a really interesting, surprising track. I can’t wait to start shooting, which will be in a few months.

Movies.com: Did Joseph Khan’s Power Rangers short create a big headache for you?

Israelite: No, but I wasn’t on the project yet. I’ve only been on the project for, I think, four or five weeks. To me, I think it’s just a demonstration of how vibrant and vital the brand is. I think it’s really exciting that it got so much play. It’s encouraging that there are adults, like me, who are still fans and grew up on it and still want and have an interest to see the Power Rangers matured and brought to screen.

Written by Zack Stentz and Ashley Miller, and produced by Haim Saban, Brian Casentini and Allison Shearmur, this film is a development of Lionsgate and Saban Brands.  It will be released in theaters on January 13, 2017.

“I think it’s going to be a fun, joyful [movie] but one that feels completely grounded in a real world, with real characters going through real things.”

Written by Zack Stentz and Ashley Miller, and produced by Haim Saban, Brian Casentini and Allison Shearmur, this film is a development of Lionsgate and Saban Brands.  It will be released in theaters on January 13, 2017.