Power Rangers - Action Figures
The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise has been a feature of children’s television and toy stores since the early 1990s. Despite the popularity of Super Sentai in Japan, bringing the concept to the US was difficult. However, since the original broadcast on Fox Kids, an entry in the Power Rangers series has always been on the air. The series rarely receives critical acclaim, yet it continues to be a cornerstone of the childhood experience. Over time, Power Rangers has inspired numerous toy lines as well as collectible figures for older fans. Here are three distinct Power Rangers figures: “Soul of Chogokin Power Ranger GX-78 Dragonzord,” “Tamashii Buddies Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Pink Ranger,” and “S.H. Figuarts Mighty Morphin Power Rangers White Ranger.”
Soul of Chogokin Power Ranger GX-78 Dragonzord Figure
Bandai recreates the long-awaited fan favorite GX-78 Dragozord in their Soul of Chogokin series. The zord stands in a neutral stance with its arms bent at its sides. The green accents perfectly match the color of its Green Ranger pilot. The functional and decorative mechanical elements blend seamlessly together for a statue-feel despite being a multi-part figure. Its long, curved tail features every groove, divet, and bevel of the original design. There’s a series of thin green and gold inlays running along the side. There’s also a feature where fans can open its dragon antlers from its chest. For GX-72 Dairyuujin owners, the GX-78 figure includes a part that can be attached to form Mega Dragonzord.
Product Name: Soul of Chogokin Power Ranger: GX-78 Dragonzord
Manufacturer: Bandai
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale figure
Materials: ABS, PVC, diecast
Height (Approx.): 230mm | 9.1"
Also Includes:
Tail base
Tail tip
2 pairs of optional hands
Tamashii Buddies Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Pink Ranger Figure
The cutest Power Ranger gets the cutest figure in this Tamashii Buddies entry from Bandai. The figure is a miniaturized form of the Pink Ranger with slightly exaggerated proportions. Her stance is wide and her arms are down, her hands flaring outward. She wears the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Pink Ranger outfit complete with a skirt, tall boots, and belt. Even as a tiny figure, the sculpting features fabric details. The inclusion of how her spandex gathers at her knees and the creases in her boots are some of these thoughtful touches. The figure comes with a base and painted background. The background image features the symbol of her Pterodactyl Power Coin on a deep pink backdrop. The classic Mighty Morphin era lightning effects accent the scene.
Product Name: Tamashii Buddies Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Pink Ranger
Manufacturer: Bandai
Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, ABS & PVC figure
Height (Approx.): 9cm | 3.5"
Also Includes:
Background panel and frame
Tamashii Buddies stand
S.H. Figuarts Mighty Morphin Power Rangers White Ranger Figure
This figure of the White Ranger from the S.H. Figuarts line combines elements of realism with stylistically reimagined scope. The face is a replica of Tommy Oliver from the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers created using 3D printing technology. The white, black, and gold color scheme is crisp and helps define the subtle carving details in the shoulder pads and belt. Saba, Tommy’s sentient short sword, features the engraved roaring white tiger head. It’s awakened red eyes appear extra threatening with the stark contrast against the white. The blade can be detached to represent Saba’s non-active state. The realistic head is interchangeable with the White Ranger helmet, complete with gold tiger stripes. Full articulation and additional hand sets allow for custom action poses.
Product Name: S.H.Figuarts Mighty Morphin Power Rangers White Ranger
Manufacturer: Bandai
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure set
Height (Approx.): 5.9"
Also Includes:
Saba Sword
Detachable sword blade
Interchangeable head parts
Interchangeable hand parts
Power Rangers Series Story
Every Power Rangers series features a group of young adults who transform into warriors called Power Rangers. Originally, each Ranger wore an opaque spandex bodysuit in one bold color with white diamond accents. Costumes changed throughout generations, but they all feature the iconic Power Ranger helmet which covers the whole face like a motorcycle helmet. When transformed, the heroes gain superhero strength and the ability to pilot Zords. Zords are biomechanical fighting machines bearing resemblance to certain animals. Zords can combine to form a Megazord, a giant multi-piloted humanoid robot. Since its debut in 1993, Power Rangers has produced 20 distinct series, each with a motif like Dino Charge and Ninja Storm.
Power Rangers Series Development
Power Rangers is an adaptation of the Japanese series Super Sentai. Plans for adapting the series began in the 1970s in a proposed agreement between Toei Entertainment and Marvel Comics. After Stan Lee failed to find buyers for Toei properties in the US, the agreement ended. Saban Entertainment eventually bought the rights to 50 action scenes from the original Sentai series with plans to create a new show. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers premiered in 1993 on Fox Kids, the series turned out to be a commercial success. Over time, Power Rangers continued as a malleable concept that could be dressed up with thematic motifs. As of 2020, a Power Rangers series is still in production. Outside of the kid’s demographic, the series appeals to niche audiences through its campy appeal, which produced a cult following.
Links
Soul of Chogokin Power Ranger GX-78 Dragonzord
Tamashii Buddies Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Pink Ranger
S.H. Figuarts Mighty Morphin Power Rangers White Ranger
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Label