Episode 210: Besties 4Eva!
No Pink Spandex – Episode 210: Besties 4Eva! (1:50:52, 76 MB)
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Show Notes
Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Tristan, Shamus, and Jason
Topics: We talk about all the news including the MMPR #3 Comic, new Legacy toys, Dino Charge episode summaries, Power Rangers Ninja Steel casting sides, and much more!
Review: “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Pink” #1 from BOOM! Studios
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)
Episode 209: Interview with Karan Ashley and David J. Fielding
No Pink Spandex – Episode 209: Interview with Karan Ashley and David J. Fielding (49:59, 40 MB)
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Show Notes
Hosted by: Lisa J and Jer
Topics: We talk with Karan Ashley and David J. Fielding about their project The Order. You’ll learn what the movie is about, their writing and producing processes, and get some clarity on key decisions made. Also, someone’s hair falls out. All that and more coming up!
Links
The Order Movie Website – See the teaser trailer and contribute to a portion of their film budget today!
Top 20 Power Rangers Seasons Countdown: #20 and #19
Power Rangers Dino Charge will be returning this fall with its final batch of new episodes. In honor of that, I decided that now would be a good time to count down every season of Power Rangers from worst to best. Where does your favorite season land on my list? What does your list look like by comparison? I’m going to tell you the good, the bad, and the truly ugly that has befallen this storied franchise. I hope you’ll tell me what I got right and what I got oh so wrong.
Head on over to my YouTube channel to check out the first two entrants on the list right now with many more videos on the way in upcoming weeks. While you’re there don’t forget to subscribe for more Power Rangers goodness including Legacy and Super Sentai toy reviews.
Review: Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #3 from BOOM! Studios
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.
Episode 208: To Be Fair
No Pink Spandex – Episode 208: To Be Fair (2:36:23, 107 MB)
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Show Notes
Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Tristan, Shamus, and Jason
Topics: We’ve edited together all of our reactions and commentary on all the movie news from April 11, 2016 until now. From Elizabeth Banks’ many looks to the movie rangers’ suits, let’s take you on a journey all things Power Rangers (2017).
“Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers” #1 Breaks BOOM! Studios Sales Records
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)
Exclusive: Are Bulk and Skull in the “Power Rangers” Movie?
We’re getting into the thick of the season with Power Rangers movie news and rumors. If you are a person who doesn’t want to be spoiled, stop reading. Have you averted your eyes just yet? No. Alright, I’ll wait. How about now? Good. You’ve been warned!
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.
Legacy Falconzord Toy Review
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.
Official Photo of Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa in “Power Rangers”
Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa for the upcoming Power Rangers movie in high quality goodness. Enough said!
Review: Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #2 from BOOM! Studios
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
Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger Mecha Review
Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger is the 40th anniversary installment in the Super Sentai franchise. Over on my Youtube channel – Captain Subpar’s Toy Reviews – I’ve been giving the mecha for the series a once over including my first impressions, thoughts on the overall designs for the series, and musings on what’s to come.
Every season needs a theme and this one is no different. All of the rangers’ mechas are animal-themed cubes that stack on one another in groups of three. The main robo is built from the Red (eagle), Blue (shark), and Yellow (lion) Ranger’s mecha with the Green (elephant) and White (tiger) Ranger’s mechas being interchangeable additions. A giraffe-themed bazooka is also available.
If you’re looking to learn more about the latest Super Sentai series then please head on over to my channel for all that and more. There you’ll also find reviews for Shuriken Sentai Ninninger toys, Power Rangers Legacy exclusives, and monthly Loot Crate/Loot Anime unboxing videos.
Review: Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #0 and #1 from BOOM! Studios
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.
David Denman Joins “Power Rangers” Movie
(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.”
Help Support Nakia Burrise’s New Web Series “Class Dismissed”
Nakia Burrise has produced Season 1 of her new web series Class Dismissed and now she has an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for Season 2. The first season featured former Power Rangers cast members Catherine Sutherland and Karan Ashley, and who knows what Nakia has in store for the next season.
The campaign has many Power Ranger perks, including my following favorites:
Shout Out and Follow – $20 USD
Would you like Nakia Burrise to follow you on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? With your contribution Nakia Burrise will give you a shot out on one of the social media sites Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and you get a follow…only for $20!
Power Ranger Fish and Chips Party – $200 USD
You are invited to a COZY Pizza Party with Nakia Burrise and Catherine Sutherland in London! We will watch a few old episodes of POWER RANGERS while eating fish and chips! You will also receive an Autographed Power Ranger and Class Dismissed Limited Edition photo book! Lots of pictures and autographs will be part of the FUN! The Time and Place are To Be Determined!
Cocktail Party & Screening – $300 USD
You and a guest are invited to a small private cocktail party hosted by Nakia Burrise followed by a Private Screening of Class Dismissed season 1, PLUS- A Sneak Peek of Season 2, and an Exclusive Perk Bag of Goodies! There will be Several Special Power Ranger and Celebrity Guests in attendance! PLUS- Get a special thank you credit of your name in the end credits! (Does not include travel or accommodations. The screening and cocktail party take place in the Los Angeles, CA area.)
And there are perks added throughout the campaign as well, so it’s a good idea to check back to see what other goodies are added.
So everyone go to the Class Dismissed Indiegogo Campaign and donate today. You can check out Season 1 over on their YouTube channel.
Episode 207: Welcome to the AG
No Pink Spandex – Episode 207: Welcome to the AG (2:22:29, 98 MB)
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Show Notes
Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Tristan, and Shamus
Topics: We discuss Boom! Studios’ MMPR Comic #1, Power Rangers Ninja Steel casting side(s), a ton of Power Rangers movie news, and episodes 5 and 6 of Power Ranger Dino Super Charge “Roar of the Red Ranger” and “Forged Under Fire.”
Nakia Burrise and Karan Ashley in “Class Dismissed”
Nakia Burrise has created a new online series called Class Dismissed and has previously featured Power Ranger alum and fellow castmate Catherine Sutherland.
Now it’s Karan Ashley’s turn to be featured in Episode 7 “Class Action.” Check it out below!
Official Photo of “Power Rangers” Cast
Entertainment Weekly has provided the first official photo of the Power Rangers movie cast. Dacre Montgomery, RJ Cyler, Ludi Lin, Becky G, and Naomi Scott look like the are straight out of a GAP ad…or Tommy Hilfiger….or Ralph Lauren….
Press Release: Saban’s Power Rangers To Begin Production Today
Starring Dacre Montgomery as the Red Ranger, RJ Cyler as the Blue Ranger, Naomi Scott as the Pink Ranger, Becky G as the Yellow Ranger and Ludi Lin as the Black Ranger
Elizabeth Banks Stars as Rita Repulsa
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.
Dairanger DVD Set Featured in Los Angeles Times
Shout! Factory’s Gosei Sentai Dairanger DVD collection was the February 19, 2016 “Critic’s Pick” by contributor Robert Lloyd in the entertainment section of the Los Angeles Times.
The elements of Japan’s “Super Sentai” TV franchise are familiar, because we have long since seen them domestically repurposed as “The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” There are color-coded masked and helmeted heroes skilled in balletic-gymnastic martial arts; giant sentient transforming mechanical animals; monsters who grow big and stomp around miniature landscapes like Godzilla before them. But the unaltered original item has a flavor of its own — at once more spiritual, if that’s quite the word, and more slapstick, more romantic and more comical.
(Courtesy: Digifiend from Rangerboard)