Super Sentai Ending Thoughts

I know it’s been a while since I last posted on this blog—I actually started it back in 2007! I haven’t written anything since Cosmic Fury ended in 2023, but my love for these shows has never faded. I’ve been a Super Sentai fan since 1998, discovering it through the internet, and a Power Rangers fan since 1993. Over the years, I’ve also shared my passion in other ways, including making videos on TikTok where I explore trivia, facts, and behind-the-scenes details about both franchises. This blog has always been a space for me to reflect on the series, but the past few years I’ve focused more on short-form content, though the connection to the Sentai and Ranger worlds remains the same.

For years, fans have worried that Super Sentai might eventually come to an end, and now, as the series celebrates its 50th anniversary, it seems Gozyuger could be the final installment. Some reports and rumors—though it’s always difficult to be certain when relying on translated Japanese news—suggest that Toei is struggling to earn enough revenue to offset production costs. That explanation makes sense, and it also leads me to think that Hasbro and Saban may have anticipated this eventuality. This could be why they started moving away from using Sentai footage in 2023, after years of adapting it for Power Rangers. In fact, there were already rumors around 2021 about Power Rangers planning to separate from Super Sentai footage, hinting that both sides were preparing for a future. 

At first, I didn’t believe it was true. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan, especially now with the road shows and museums related to Super Sentai. I even had tickets for 2020, but due to COVID-19, I couldn’t go. Since then, other things like finances, family matters, and work have kept me from traveling, so now I find myself feeling both jealous and regretful for not going earlier. Honestly, it’s one of those “missed opportunities” moments.

On another note, reports suggest that Toei might launch a similar series in the future, but with different branding, which makes sense given how Super Sentai has been evolving. The series has been breaking away from some of its usual clichés and tropes, introducing a male Pink Ranger in DonBrothers, a “regular” Evil Ranger like in Zenkaiger, Kingohger, and DonBrothers, and more intricate armor in costumes as seen in DonBrothers, Kingohger, and Gozyuger. There’s also been a move away from generic costume designs like those in BoonBoomger and Zenkaiger. I’m excited to see what comes next. Rumors hint at a magical-themed Sentai, potentially airing on a different TV network than TV Asahi, which surprises me since it hasn’t appeared on a streaming platform yet.

News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c397rej7dyxo | https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/super-sentai-ending-473266

Ricardo Medina (Wild Force's Cole and Samurai's Deker) arrested

Ricardo Medina a.k.a. Rick Medina, age 37, who played Cole/Red Ranger in Power Rangers Wild Force (2002) and Deker in Power Rangers Samurai/Super Samurai (2011-2012). Yesterday 1/31/15, he was arrested on suspicion on murder of his roommate Joshua Sutter, 36 years of age, with a sword in Palmdale, California. A fight broke out. According to law enforcement, Medina went to his bedroom with his girlfriend but Sutter forced his way into the bedroom and that's when he allegedly stabbed him once in the abdomen with the sword.  Medina called 911 and waited for for cops to arrive. He was arrested and booked for murder. Sutter was transported to a hospital where Sutter was pronounced dead. This is indeed unsettling news as I met Rick Medina at Power Morphicon 2012 and met his son and mother of the son. Skylar Delon infamously was in one episode of Power Rangers, murdered two people and got the death sentence and has been mistaken for a Power Ranger.

 

Sources:

http://www.tmz.com/2015/02/01/power-rangers-ricardo-medina-arrested-murder-sword/

https://tv.yahoo.com/news/ex-power-rangers-actor-ricardo-medina-jr-arrested-223930258.html

 

Related: http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2010/06/skylar-deleon-was-not-power-ranger.html



Power Rangers Legendary Battle Extended Episode Monday November 24 on NickToons

Fellow Power Force Member Burgundy Ranger has found that an extended episode of Power Rangers Super Megaforce will air Monday November 24th at 11pm on Nicktoons. "The Wrath" and "Legendary Battle" will air at 11 pm. It is a 75 minutes (one hour and 15 minutes) slot. Legendary Battle will be 45 minutes long including an extended 15 minutes. I am glad the extended episode will air. I had no idea it would be on NickToons. I do not have NickToons on my cable provider. I am hoping someone posts it online or it appears on Hulu as other episodes have. An extended episode has been rumored since castmembers said on social media that they did ADR (voice over) for an extra long episode.

Oh and it will be avialbale on Nick.com on Tuesday, thanks to Saban Brands for the info.

Here is a bit of their e-mail:
 "Hope you’re all excited for tomorrow’s LEGENDARY finale! Although the season is coming to a close, you’ll have one more chance to watch never-before-seen footage. This Monday, Nov. 24, an extended version of the Power Rangers Super Megaforce finale will air from 11 p.m.-12:15 a.m. only on Nicktoons! Following the Monday airing, the extended finale will also be available on Nick.com and the Nickelodeon app on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Don’t forget to tune in on Monday for the EPIC extended finale."

http://www.angelfire.com/scifi/prstuff/

Toy Week: GMA Burns Silver Ranger Gold Mode Costume

David Medel @DTAKEOVR found that Good Morning America/ABC News burned the Silver Ranger Gold Mode deluxe kids costume this morning, showing that the material burns easily. That it is a fire danger. 

Super Megaforce Ranger Key Set C spotted at Time To Play Magazine Event

Tonight at Time To Play Mag's Holiday Showcase in New York, a Sixth Ranger Key Pack (I am dubbing Super Megaforce Set C) was seen. Images were posted by PrimeTimeParent, Peekababy and momconfessionals on Instagram. Thanks to Ranger Report and Razzle1337 for the info.

It looks like it comes with Super Megaforce Silver and Super Megaforce Pink and a blue key. It is not known what the blue key is yet. Silver and Pink look translucent. 

Also present was the Turbo Falcon Megazord, Q-Rex Megazord, Super Mega Cannon, Legendary Morpher, MMPR Set B Set and Jungle Fury Set in packaging. Ninja Storm Blue, Red Dino Thunder, and Black Dino Thunder Keys loose. Also unidentified Red, Yellow and Pink keys were loose.

Power Rangers Student Alliance

 

http://empower.powerrangers.com/blog/announcing-power-rangers-student-alliance

 

The Power Rangers Student Alliance is a new network of Power Rangers student clubs at high schools and colleges launching at Power Morphicon in August 2014. Inspired by the Spring Hill Power Rangers Student Club, The Power Rangers Student Alliance provides a framework for local student groups to get together to make kids happy, give back to the community, raise funds for charity, and demonstrate the Power Rangers values of caring, friendship, and teamwork.

 

I met the three students who started the Spring Hill club, they are from Florida. They were at the Power Force Breakfast. They were super nice.


http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/spring-hill-power-rangers-unmasked/2176744

PMC 4: Dino Charge cast revealed and Saban Brands Panel Pictures

UPDATED 9/4/14 8PM PST
https://www.facebook.com/lavender.ranger/media_set?set=a.721821934549727.1073741834.100001657824501&type=3

 

 

 

Info thanks to HeroOtaku:

Dino Charge Red Ranger: Brennan Mejia (@BrennanMejia on Twitter)

He is a friend of Stephen Lunsford and was his guest at PMC 2. And did you guys know that I voted for him as the Red Ranger in then-hypothetical Power Rangers reboot back in 2010??!!

http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-dream-cast-mighty-morphin-power.html

 

 Dino Charge Black Ranger: James Davies (https://twitter.com/James_JDavies), from New Zealand.

 

 Dino Charge Blue Ranger: Yoshi Sudarso, suit actor for Power Rangers live events and cosplayed for three years (@Yoshistunts on Twitter)

 

 Dino Charge Green Ranger: Michael Taber (@PutItOnMyTabe on Twitter)

 

 Dino Charge Pink Ranger: Camille Hyde (@MimiHyde on Twitter)

SPD was a cast of four Canadians, one American and one Kiwi (New Zealand). This cast is four Americans and one Kiwi (New Zealand). Camille Hyde is the first African-American female Ranger since 2001, 13 years ago. She is the first African-American Pink Ranger period. James Davies is the first New Zealand Black Ranger (Dan Ewing of RPM is from Australia). Brennan Mejia is the fourth Red Ranger actor of Hispanic origin. Michael Taber is the first Caucasian (White) American Green Ranger since Jason David Frank (Matt Austin of SPD is from Canada).
 

Related: http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-dream-cast-mighty-morphin-power.html



Power Rangers Action Card Game dead but not forgotten

 

Some people, including me, really loved the Power Rangers Action Card Game that started in 2013. We were told there was going to be Series 5 and Series 6 but unfortunately Series 5 ended up in Europe only. Some people at Bandai say that the reason the Card line was canceled because 'one gimmick' a year. Since Megaforce's first season was based on Goseiger and it was about cards, they did cards in 2013 and since Megaforce's second season was based on Gokaiger and it has keys, this year is just the keys. I was hoping the cards would continue as it was not only about the Gosei Morpher but also about the game. Some cons even had competitions like Rangerstop in Orlando in November. Above image is from the now canceled 'Keepers of Hope' Series 6.

 

But there is some good news. Bandai will have an 'Action Card Game' Championship at Power Morphicon in Pasadena, California on Sunday August 24. They will also be giving out promotional cards. More info on their Facebook page. So as much as I love the Ranger Keys, I do miss the cards. My nephew was hoping for Super Megaforce cards.

 

https://www.facebook.com/PowerRangersCards

 

Zyuranger coming to DVD thanks to Shout! Factory

This news is out everywhere. That Shout! Factory, whom has produced DVDs from Mighty Morphin to RPM, VR Troopers, Beetleborgs and all 20 seasons on a Red Ranger head, will be producing a Zyuranger DVD set. Presumably it will be subtitled. It will be produced by Brian Ward who has produced the aforementioned DVDs. I don't even have to say that this is the first Super Sentai ever to be available on DVD in the United States. I hope sales are good so it will bring more Super Sentai to North America.

 

More:

http://henshinjustice.com/2014/07/25/shoutfactory-confirms-kyoryu-sentai-zyuranger-dvd-release/

http://news.tokunation.com/2014/07/25/shout-factory-officially-announces-zyuranger-dvds-19651

http://blog.samuraicast.com/shout-factory-announces-zyuranger-dvds/

 

 



NEWS! Power Rangers Dino Charge and possible reasons Go-Busters could have been skipped

UPDATED 2/13/14 6 PM EST

 Picture of Marketing Poster thanks to Fury Diamond of Ranger Crew Blog and Megaforce Cast.

http://blog.samuraicast.com/power-rangers-dino-charge-marketing-poster/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2014/02/08/power-rangers-dino-charge-tv-series/5305153/

 Picture of Marketing Poster thanks to Fury Diamond of Ranger Crew Blog and Megaforce Cast.
http://blog.samuraicast.com/power-rangers-dino-charge-marketing-poster/

Check out the full resolution one at Megaforce Cast.
http://www.megaforcecast.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=31011

The fandom shook this morning with the news that the next Power Rangers after Super Megaforce will be called Power Rangers Dino Charge. The big deal is that it is based on Kyoryuger (2013), which ends today--or rather tomorrow in Japan at 8:30 AM which is 5:30 PM on the Eastern side of the United States. Anyways, Super Megaforce takes footage from Gokaiger, the next in line to be adapted is Go-Busters (2012) and not Kyoryuger. Not officially but it was rumored that Saban was contractually obligated not to skip a Super Sentai series. Fans have wanted Saban to skip a Sentai for years but I think very little people wanted Go-Busters to be skipped. We don't know the real reason and we may never know it (going how fans are not satisfied with the truth). I want to make clear that even though it looks like Kyoryuger is being used, it is not guaranteed Go-Busters is being skipped. It could be possible they will be incorporated some how. I personally think it would be a mistake to use Go-Busters too heavily if the show is called 'Dino Charge.'

Storyline:

In Dino Charge, the Paragon Prisms were given to a dozen dinosaurs for safe keeping by an alien, but they were lost when asteroids hit the Earth and wiped out the dinos. Now in the present day, an intergalactic bounty hunter starts sniffing around Earth looking for the Prisms in order to harness their power and annihilate the world, so a team of Power Rangers forms to find the Prisms first and fight the bounty hunter and other threats with dino-powered swords, blasters, Zords (in Power Rangers lingo, large fighting machines) and Megazords.

For fans who don't know Kyoryuger:

Red - Tyrannosaurus

Blue - Stegosaurus

Black - Parasaurolophus 

Green - Velociraptor 

Pink - Triceratops

Press Read More for Spoilers and Speculations

Power Rangers News Bits for the first week of January 2014

Power Rangers Samurai

5 discs of the first season available on DVD, not Blu-Ray like Super Samurai complete season. This is from Lionsgate. Shout! Factory did their own for the 20th Anniversary set. 

Fury Diamond's Review:

http://blog.samuraicast.com/power-rangers-samurai-complete-season-amazon/

Power Rangers Super Megaforce MegaBloks

Amazon has released listings for MegaBloks toys and has descriptions. The Silver Super Megaforce's zord is called Q-Rex Megazord and said to be brought by the Quantum Ranger. MegaBloks will release the Legendary Megazord, Q-Rex Megazord and Ultimate Megazord. Ultimate Megazord is the name of the combo of the Legendary and Q-Rex Megazords. No Pictures yet

http://www.amazon.com/Mega-Bloks-Power-Rangers-Megazord/dp/B00HQC8Z16/

http://www.amazon.com/Mega-Bloks-Ultimate-Legendary-Megazord/dp/B00HQC8YZS

Power Force Renewal

As part of Power Force, our contacts are being renewed for 2014. Some might not renew but it is unknown who at this time. They might go for replacements but nothing has been announced yet. They are still waiting for the deadline of submitting the renewal contracts. Stay tuned here for any new news on this if they want replacements and if they will be getting some.

UK Toy Fair

The UK Toy Fair is . They have promos for Super Megaforce and Megaforce. Super Megaforce doesn't premiere in the United Kingdom until the summer so most likely we won't be seeing anything new. Pic thanks to Tokunation.

http://news.tokunation.com/

Toys Released

Fans have reported through the United States of several Super Megaforce toys being released other than palet items.

Wal-Mart:

Double Action Rangers (Red, Blue, Green)

10 inch Talking Red Ranger

Cycles (Red, Blue, Green)

Zords -- in some cities

Armored Ranger Figures (MM Green and SM Red) -- some cities

Target:

Double Action Rangers (Red, Blue, Green)

5 inch Rangers (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow and Pink)

Key Packs (Samurai, Megaforce, Super Megaforce, Lightspeed, Lost Galaxy, Wild Force and Mystic Force) -- only some cities

Armored Ranger Figures (MM Green and SM Red) -- some cities

Toys R Us:

Golden Legacy Morpher (Tommy's coins)

Lion Wild Force Zord

Reported for February, Toys R Us is to have the Ranger Key packs and 6-figure (Rangers and Vekar) pack.

Also on Toysrus.com, the Double Battle Action Rangers, 5 inch basic figures, cycles, Lion Zord, Super Mega Blaster and other items have been added. Toys not added yet are the other auxiliary zords and ranger key packs:
http://www.toysrus.com/family/index.jsp?s=A-ProductAge&searchSort=TRUE&origkw=power+rangers&categoryId=11194092&sr=1&f=Taxonomy%2FTRUS%2F2254197&pg=1&searchSort=TRUE

Huffington Post article about Power Rangers and Power Force

The following article is not only about Power Force but about Saban acquiring the series from Disney and how Megaforce is like MMPR but they mention the Fan Club back in 1994 and how it was a one-way relationship and Power Force and the online community is a 2-way communication. I like this explanation better for Power Force (which Elie Dekel still refers to as Super Fans). It also shows Dekel is liking Power Force.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ashley-kalinske/from-morphin-to-mega-powe_b_2832090.html

 

With such a strong following of fans, Saban developed the concept of a super fan council, which received thousands of applications. The "Power Force" program honors a group of super fans with an influential online presence, passion and knowledge for the franchise and demonstrate active fan involvement. These super fans utilize their influence and relationships within the Power Ranger community to help build and expand Power Ranger initiatives.

 

"They tell us what they think all the time, we now have a closed communication with this group whose critiquing every episode, making suggestions, storylines, and every time we have something new to say, we tell our Power Force first and before we can check our inboxes, they've re-tweeted and post it." [Elie Dekel]

Thoughts and Theories on Power Rangers Action Card Game (Also News!)

UPDATED 3/8/13

 The Power Rangers Action Card Game Facebook has been revealing quite a number of tidbits on Series 2 Guardians of Justice.

http://www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/PowerRangersCards?fref=ts

There are new battlizer modes this set but you'll have to wait and see which ones. he bar codes will be on the actual card, at this time the videos are being finalized and we don't want to confuse those with the app if they tried to scan them and found the links did not work. every Sunday will be Villain day with 2 new Villains cards for the next 5 weeks."

We always stay at least 1 set ahead so any suggestion we hear now will be taken into consideration for Series 4+. So far the demand is for: More Mighty Morphin (including zords), Alien Rangers, Psycho Rangers, 6th Rangers (Titanium Ranger, Silver Space Ranger). Am I missing anything. xD

I'll have to check with Saban to see what to call the Aquitian Rangers, and your right now Battlizer Modes was another request. It may take a while but we will try to hit all the major Villains, their foot soldiers, and then henchmen.

[Facebook member names have been omitted]

[He is not in] Series 2 so the earliest you would see him (Zhane, Silver Space Ranger) would be Series 3.

You are all such great fans, since the Power Rangers ACG Series 2 "Guardian of Justice" previews have begun we have gotten over 200+ likes. As a treat, we'll show a NEW Ultra Rare for every increment of 100 likes we get from here on out, and make sure to check back each Friday for Ultra Rare Fridays! =D 

Also he (or she, not sure) suggested Ryan the Titanium Ranger would be in series 3 while Fury Diamond was told by his source Ryan would have a card in a future series. 

LAVENDER RANGER'S THEORIES
The following is my own theory and has no backing of turth whatsoever:
It seems six rangers are being shunned to Series 3 or future series. Also, Ranger Gold and Silver of RPM have no cards in Series 1. RPM Gold and Silver will be included in Series 2 CONFIRMED by Fury Diamond. We might find out in the future coming weeks with the previews. My theory is that they might be saving the Sixth Rangers for Series 3 because Robo Knight is set to premiere in Episode 8 which will premiere either now in March or in a few months. Series 3 is set to be released in the summer.

 For Sixth Rangers, I made a count..

 1. Green Ranger (Appeared in Series 1 and they could release more cards)

2. White Ranger (Appeared in Series 1 and they could release more cards)

3. Gold Ranger (even though Zeo is not scheduled to release yet)

4. Phantom Ranger (even though Turbo isn't scheduled yet)

5. Silver Ranger (Set to appear in Series 3)

6. Titanium Ranger (Set to appear in Series 3)

7. Quantum Ranger (Time Force not scheduled yet)

8. Lunar Wolf Ranger (Wild Force not scheduled yet)

  9. Green Samurai Ranger (Ninja Storm scheduled for Series 2, no word on him yet)

10. White Dino Ranger (Dino Thunder not scheduled yet)

11. Omega Ranger (SPD scheduled for Series 2, no word on him yet)

12. Soaris Knight (Mystic Force scheduled for Series 2, no word yet)

13. Mercury Ranger (Operation Overdrive not scheduled yet)

14. Ranger Gold and Ranger Silver (did not appear in Series 1, will be in Series 2)

15. Gold Samurai Ranger (2 cards in Series 1, could have more cards)

16. Robo Knight (some 'promo toy cards.')
2 or 3 cards per Ranger: 32+ 10 or so Robo Knight cards: 42
[RPM Ranger Gold and Silver, Gold Samurai Ranger and Robo Knight cards provided by Megaforcecast.com]

Megazords and Zords:
1. Dragonzord (no card yet, Battle mode did get card in Series 1)
2. Tigerzord and Mega Tigerzord (no cards yet)
3. Pyramidas
4. Artillatron
5. Mega Winger
6. Max Solarzord
7. Q-Rex
8. Wolf Zord and Predazord
9. Samurai Star Zord
10. Dragozord and Stegazord
11. Omega Max Zord
12. Solar Streak Megazord
13. Flashpoint Megazord
14. Rev Megazord
15. Clawzord (no cards yet)
16. Gosei Ground Megazord (toy promo cards)
Around 32 cards

You Missed Mega Mission? Watch it on Hulu!

Episodes of Power Rangers Megaforce will be available for next-day commercial-free viewing on the Hulu Kids section of Hulu Plus. The show will also be available to watch via the free, ad-supported Hulu.com. Each episode will be added to Hulu the day after it airs on Nickelodeon.

 

In addition to the current season, you can relive the adventures of Power Rangers Samurai and Power Rangers Super Samurai now available ad-free via Hulu Kids on Hulu Plus, and on our ad-supported free service Hulu.com.

http://www.hulu.com/power-rangers-megaforce

[Saban Brands informed Power Force members about this]

Yay! Series 3 of Power Rangers Samurai MegaBloks spotted!

I thought it was canceled but it seems we get a Christmas present in that the Series 3 of Power Rangers Super Samurai from Mega Bloks have been released! These have been spotted by Infinitevirtue of Rangerboard. I am surprised they used Gold Ranger for background and not Green, Green Ranger gets shafted again! Apparently these were found in Canada, hopefully they turn up on eBay or the USA in like Ross or something.

1. Training Blue

2. Metallic Blue Ranger Samurai Mode 

3. Super Mega Green

 

4. Mega Yellow

5. Translucent Gold Ranger Samurai Mode  

6. Regular Pink 

7. Translucent Mooger

 
8. Translucent Red Ranger Super Mega Mode (comes with helmet)

 

9. Battle Damage Regular Red (comes with Spin Sword and not the Fire Smasher, this is the only pic of Battled Damaged Red I could find).

10. Solid Super Mega Gold figure (Could this be the Secret Rare figure?)