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Best and Worst of 2016

I usually do every year but it looks like I forgot to do this last year.

BEST

Best Team Design

Goes to Kyuranger, the team of nine.

Best Teamup

When Gokaiger teamed up with the Zyuohger was pretty sweet.

Best use of females in merchandise

While females are ignored usually with Bandai and now that we see them more with Legacy figures and movie figures, I am starting to see them just warm shelves. They are not getting sold. But I like that Bandai is at least trying. With SFX masks, chest suits, swords, Ninja Steel armored figure and SFX movie figures, at least they are getting a chance. I can't stress how important it is to buy these things!!!

Best combo of White and Green Ranger

That goes to new character Lord Drakkon of Power Rangers Boom Comics.

WORST

Worst Christmas Special and Finale

Dino Charge was pretty good, not great but better than Megaforce. Dino Super Charge was confusing as it relied more on episode-by-episode shennigans instead of an arc. Also the finale was confusing with time travel shennigans and the Christmas special continued that with more confusion.

Worst Reveals of Movie Items

Not worst Megazord but worst way to reveal them was just the toys from Bandai. Lionsgate has tried to control what gets revealed but Bandai beats them because they have to turn in pictures to the stores and online stores. The official Power Rangers twitter revealed this megazord but I think it would've been better to reveal it via CGI. Toy reveals are often hard as they look less detailed. 

Worst use of Weapons

I'm not one to be like "The movie will suck because it doesn't have ____" but it was announced that only the Red Ranger will have a sword and the Rangers won't have blade blasters, their individual weapons (Lance, Axe, Daggers and Bow), and hence the Power Blaster. I'll wait to see the movie but it is kind of lame to see re-colored Swords in toy stores. It would've been nice to see the different individual weapons in stores. But I guess they have their reasons.

What are your best and worst??

http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2014/12/best-and-worst-of-2014-power.html

Lavender Ranger's Maintaining a Fansite Powerpoint

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz5Ohn6cTUUKeHoxWTY3V1lfYW8/view?usp=sharing

Check out my quick powerpoint I used for my panel at Rangerstop

WINNER!!!! Power Rangers Movie Poster from Power Force and Lionsgate

My grandnephew Jaiden and grandniece Alysen selected the winners, I mixed them up earlier on. 

The winners are:

@morphin_ranger

@tmckinnin (sorry for calling you Tim!)

If you already won in another Power Force contest for these posters let me know because it wouldn't be fair to the other participants if you won TWICE!!!

THANK YOU for participating: Infernowolf87, terre11826, chocothundaa, kennethpereira, liamx61, thomasdavias, stevencapu21, soleilfaerie, jonnypotato91, ranger dude, sageranger, givilid, Ashley Ingles, Mark Kelly, superMMPR, Toqzawarudo, daveroy92, Laura8759, Juliotoyreviews and Chrisevans17. 

GIVEAWAY!! Power Rangers Comic-Con Poster Set

UPDATED 7/17/16 9:30 PM EST

The deadline has been moved up to July 20th because of personal reasons.

Lionsgate has offered each member of Power Force to give a full Power Rangers Comic-Con character poster set to give away to our followers. Mike of Rangercentral.com and Lavender Ranger of Henshingrid.blogspot.com have teamed up. This sweepstakes is opened to fans worldwide and Lionsgate will handle shipping. If you win, I will provide them with the winner's physical mailing address. On Twitter, place the official hashtag #PowerRangersMovie and either #rangercentral or #henshingrid on your tweet. Then your username will be written and placed in a Power Rangers mask and my grandnephew Jaiden and grandniece Alysen will pick two winners on July 21st. Winners will be announced on July 21st. Then you send us your mailing addresses.  Good luck!

How to participate: On Twitter, place the official hashtag #PowerRangersMovie and either #rangercentral or/and #henshingrid on your tweet. Also if you want, @rangercentral or @lavenderranger to make it easier for us. 
Prize: A set of five movie posters of each Ranger (Movie Theater one-sheets)
Contest begins: July 15th
Contest ends: July 20th
If you don't have Twitter: You can also post a comment with those hashtags on this post! But must be a Blogger or Goggle user, no anonymous. 

TWO CHANCES TO WIN!

Lavender Ranger's Editorial: My Ideas for 7 Power Ranger movies

At first I didn't like the idea of 7 movies, it looked like too many but then I thought it through the first three seasons of Power Rangers and it could work. Included here are fan drawings I drew. Some of it wrote itself.

Sequel

"Power Rangers: Green With Evil"

Like I said it writes itself, Everyone expects Tommy and the Green Ranger to appear in the sequel. The basic plot can be Rita recruiting Tommy to be the Green Ranger and giving him the Dragonzord or maybe it can be a mission to get it. The new kid outcast Tommy could be believed to be delinquent but in reality it is not so simple. Instead of being on a spell, maybe Rita convinces him to rebel.

Third Movie

"Power Rangers: Burning At Both Ends"

Title refers to the Green Candle. So Tommy has joined the team and Rita takes away Tommy's powers with the use of the Green Candle. The Rangers receive Titanus and form Ultrazord. It can deal with the struggle between Tommy and loosing his powers. Also, it can be like in the new Boom Comics (above) where Rita is haunting Tommy.

Fourth Movie

"Power Rangers: The Mutiny"

It writes itself. Lord Zedd takes over for Rita, banishes her. Zordon transforms the Ranger's Zords into Thunderzords. Tommy still struggles with his powers, Zordon gives him a power boost but ultimately, he looses his powers due to Lord Zedd. He chooses to leave town and the Rangers miss him.

Fifth Movie

"Power Rangers: White Light"

Rita returns and puts a love spell on Zedd and they marry. Zordon disappears and the Rangers are worried, they get suspicious. Billy searches the command center to find Zordon is working on a White Ranger. The Rangers wonder if it is a new guy and are upset it is not Tommy. But in the end, of course it is Tommy. 

Sixth Movie

"Power Rangers: Ninja Quest"

Rita's menacing brother Rito arrives and the Rangers go on a quest to find Ninjor after the Thunderzords are destroyed. It can be different from the original movie with other twists. 

Seventh Movie

"Power Rangers: The Decisive Moment"

I couldn't come up with a good title. This one Rita's father Master Vile arrives and takes one of the Rangers hostage, Lord Zedd convinces the Rangers to pilot his evil Shogun Zords in return for the Ranger. 

Henshin Grid Slow Down

Hi the electricity (not internet either) went out last week and it should be back in a few days. Also I am starting school (some college classes) and I work so I know I will be too busy. I already stop posting the pictures of Sentai and Kamen Rider every weekend. I might still do the PRDSC episode reviews but not sure. This will continue until June or so (hopefully I will be back at full force in the summer). So I am not retiring but things will slow down here even more than before. This has happened before in my 16 years of doing websites and blogs.

Lavender Ranger's Editorial: Power Rangers and no other American Tokusatsu series won't meet the same height of popularity as MMPR in 1993

Lavender Ranger's Editorial:

Power Rangers and no other American Tokusatsu series won't meet the same height of popularity as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in 1993

 



When Saban took over Power Rangers again in 2010, it was believed that Saban Brands wanted Power Rangers to reach the height of popularity as in 1993-1994. Some fans believed it wouldn't reach the same height. And it has not. Now, what exactly is popularity? It is a mixture of things. It is a combination of television ratings, toy sales, merchandise sales and other similar factors. In a panel at PMC 4 (2014), old producers like Doug Sloan and Robert Hughes specifically said that times aren't the same, kids aren't watching television the same way and neither do they still buy as many toys what with iPads and video game consoles like DS, etc. It is true that kids use tablets and phones much more for video games and also television shows. I think a lot of those factors affect this.

 

Now why do I think that no new Power Rangers nor any other American Tokusatsu series would reach the same height is because of the aforementioned factors and also the new series aren't meeting the same factors as MMPR. Now what do I think about the new movie? I don't know. It is too soon. It depends on how it is handled. If it manages to appeal to both older fans like us and kids, even outside audiences that aren't fans, have heart, smarts and humor and also has great promotion, then the movie may have a chance to reach true popularity. Also notice I say 'as before' a lot. Here are some factors:

 

1. Power Rangers doesn't have as many episodes as before

Back in the day, Saban Entertainment made sure Fox ordered more episodes of Power Rangers and there was countless episodes. And now Nickelodeon restricted PR to just be 20 to 22 episodes. Kids have told me that they hate reruns. And now with binge watching, the ideal would be the 32 to 48 episodes as before.

 

2. Kids not buying toys as much as before

I didn't believe this when I first heard this but it is kind of true. Kids still buy toys. But kids have way more video games in many different media than before. There are phones, tablets, video game mobile consoles and the consoles themselves are more interactive. Also the toy market isn't the same anymore. Also Wal-Mart, Target and K-Mart have changed toy stores. We used to have Lionel's Playworld and K*B Toy Stores, now they are gone. The only major toy store is Toys R Us and the stores that used to be K*B are now Toys R Us Express and just as expensive.

Sources:

https://therealityprose.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/what_happened_with_lego/

http://io9.com/are-hasbros-dropping-toy-sales-a-leading-indicator-877652987

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-16/mattel-third-quarter-net-misses-estimates-as-barbie-sales-fall.html

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2012/10/20/toy-sales-slowing/1644957/

 

3. Television isn't appointment television anymore

Like with adults, television isn't appointments anymore for kids. Back in the day (50's), there was no VHS and people had to sit down to watch a show at a specific time. Then VHS came and then DVR. So people can watch their shows at any time. As for kids, cartoons and children programming was only on blocks on networks like Fox Kids, ABC Kids, etc. There was Nickelodeon and Disney Channel since the 80's but cable is more accessible now. But there is more cable channels for kids, they repeat shows and there is on Demand and Hulu, so ratings are different now. Ratings are hard to measure now with videos online and on Hulu, etc.

 

4. Other Merchandise isn't visibly seen as before

Back in MMPR days and even Disney days, Power Rangers merchandise was more visible like Bed items, birthday cards, Bath items, Bicycles and Skateboards, coloring books, posters, etc. Now that Saban Brands has it, we do see those items but not as much as during the Disney days. For example, in big mylar balloons, I only see 1 Power Ranger balloon when there is 50 Frozen and Iron Man balloons. It is not only Disney, Nickeldeon stuff like Ninja Turtles and Spongeboard has more merch than Power Rangers. In the above picture, you can see one Dino Charge pianata up at the top shelf to the left.

5. Other American Tokusatsu Series
VR Troopers was released in 1994 and Beetleborgs in 1996 by Saban Entertainment and they were hits. But Doug Sloan and Robert Hughes said Saban wanted them to be as big hits as Power Rangers was. They were hits but it wasn't enough. Doug Sloan and Robert Hughes both agree that it just wasn't going to be as big as it but they were just as good. Maybe when the footage ended, they didn't want put more money into it to make new footage for another season. When Kamen Rider Dragon Knight came in 2009, it is often compared to Power Rangers. That is the danger with American Tokusatsu, it will always be compared to Power Rangers. But that is not the only reason KRDK failed, there is a lot of other factors that I covered in an older post. If Saban Brands did adapt a Kamen Rider series, it would probably be on Nick and would probably suffer from reduced episodes like Power Rangers.

 

Conclusion

Are Ninja Turtles as popular as before? Is even Batman? I mean, Ninja Turtles has more name recognition and is more universally liked than Power Rangers. Ninja Turtles, that I know, doesn't have a convention like Power Rangers. Power Rangers is still considered a joke to people born before 1990 other than fans. While Ninja Turtles is more 'respected.' My point is that 'popularity' is a selective notion. So when I mean that PR won't be as popular as it was in 1993 has to do with all of above and pop recognition.

DTAKEOVR's Ranger Key Customs

UPDATED 1/31/15

https://twitter.com/DTAKEOVR has done me the favor of making custom Ranger Keys for me. He does custom Ranger Keys for himself and they were great.

 

I ask for my own custom Lavender Super Megaforce Ranger, a couple years ago I made a comic for it. I give him some extra keys and he painted them.

 

I gave him a Red Samurai Ranger Key and wanted a Lauren key as it looks like we won't be getting a real one. He made it female.

 

Gokai Christmas exists in Gokaiger but did not exist in Power Rangers. I gave him a Red Ranger key and he made it half green and red, as the Christmas Ranger. Other people who saw this key thought it would be cool if it said Merry Christmas in the morpher, no it doesn't. The Morpher does say that but he doesn't change the key grooves, nor I do know how to do it.

 

 I only had a few keys to make custom. I ask for at least two Dairanger / Legendary Squadron.

 

 Flashman / Prism

 

 Five Yellow / Supersonic

 

Change Dragon / Blitz/Dragon

 

If you would like your own custom Ranger Keys from DTAKEOVR, contact him on Twitter. Ask him about the price. I won't be pricing the price here on my blog. It would help if the key you give him is the same color or same season.

 

 In late January, I asked him to do another batch: keys to complete the team like RPM, Samurai, SPD, Mystic Force, Lightspeed, Operation Overdrive, Lost Galaxy and Time Force. So far I only have the new Mystic Force and Zeo new packs. I am missing RPM, SPD, Alien, Turbo, Lost Galaxy and Ninja Storm new key packs, so I can only complete my Mystic Force and Lightspeed teams. I need to get Wild Force and Megaforce keys done.

 

 

 



Best and Worst of 2014: Power Rangers and Super Sentai

It is almost the end of the year, magazines, TV shows and websites do their Best and Worst of the year so here is mine. I usually split it up by series, Power Rangers and Super Sentai, now I am just clumping them in Best and Worst.

 

BEST of 2014

Best App
The Dino Charge app just came along on Thanksgiving but it has to be the best app for Power Rangers ever. It has the new theme song, stickers for pictures, 3-D morph images, 'prizes' and 'levels.'
 

Best Butt

I did best Abs last year and I am sure some fans will complain that 'this is too gay' but I bet you if I did 'Best Butt' of a girl, there would be no problem. This goes to Azim Rizk (Jake).

 

Best Theme Song in the last six years

We finally got a song that doesn't recycle Mighty Morphin Power Rangers theme song. It has the 'Go Go Power Rangers' hook but at least it sounds different.

 

Best Use of Orange

Toq 6 Gou is the second Orange Ranger, other than Battle Cossack of Battle Fever J (1979).

 

Best use of a Dog Mecha

People might not agree with the choice of mecha for Ninninger or even the use of another train since the pervious Sentai was all trains. I sure liked the dog.

 

 

 

WORST of 2014

Worst Finale

  I won't mince words. I wish I could put this in the middle but this is best and worst, not kinda okay list. This was a major disappointment for fans. Fans were hoping to see Tommy actually fight and see more or hear more of the other veteran Rangers. Even in Gokaiger (which Super Megaforce got footage from) there were cameos without lines (voice) but they had A LOT of cameos. Americans can't even top that? Gokaiger had more consistent footage. The use of Legacy War and new footage, Rangers disappeared and reappeared. Even with Extended Version, it still didn't fulfill fan's wants or even made the episode any better. Now I am not saying it is the worst finale of Power Rangers history, just worst finale of the year.

 Worst Misuse of Powers
The Super Megaforce Rangers did not transform into full teams of Lightspeed Rescue, In Space, Time Force, and Operation Overdrive yet they transformed plenty of times in SPD. This was because of the footage, Gokaiger concentrated more on later seasons. Also while the Gokaiger became Extra Heroes, the Super Megaforce Rangers did not become Shadow Ranger, Sentinel Knight, Blue Senturion, Dai Shi, etc. But the Rangers did get "New Powers" and didn't concentrate on old seasons. Noah did become Blue Lightspeed in the extended "Legendary Battle," Emma became Pink Time Force in "Samurai Surprise," Red Operation Overdrive was used in "Super Megaforce" and extended Legendary Battle, Gia became Yellow Space and Troy and Orion became Red and Silver Space.

 

 

Worst Editing
Megaforce had the worst editing with splices of Non-Power Ranger scenes from Gokaiger footage (Turboranger in "A Lion Alliance," Midoranger key popping up, etc.) and the Japanese "Power Cards" from Goseiger. Also the Legendary Battle was just a mess. I could go on and on about Super Megaforce but I don't want to bore you guys, you guys know already. It is not the worst season (cough cough Operation Overdrive) but I think the biggest letdown is that it had so much potential and promise.

 

 

Related: http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2013/12/best-and-worst-of-2013-power.html

Winners and Losers of 2014: Tokusatsu and Anime



TV Shows, Magazines and websites do "Winners and Losers," I've done it for the last two years, so here my mine for this year. You may not agree, I may me completely wrong, but there we go.

WINNERS

Sailor Moon Fans

Sailor Moon has been revived with new merchandise in order of the 20th anniversary and then a brand new anime Sailor Moon Crystal. On top of that, Figuarts, dolls and recreations of the wands and brooches.

Kamen Rider Gaim Fans

A good series is a good series. Kudos. It is a well written series, it had multiple Riders, it has creative fruit-based weapons, arsenal and belts.

White Rangers Fans

We haven't had a White Ranger since Gekiranger (2007). And there was not a female White Ranger since Magiranger (2005) and not a female White Ranger in a core five-member team since Gaoranger (2001).

Dino Charge Megazord Fans

We dodged a bullet, the Triceratops was going to be in Purple and it showed up at SDCC 2014. Now it is correctly pink. Why purple? Bandai America feared boys wouldn't buy the Megazord because it had pink in it. But there will be a purple zord and also with the Dino Charge Power Packs, there are more purple ones. I have no problem with purple, it is just the show accuracy.

LOSERS

Power Rangers Fans older than 12

Fans who have grown up with Power Rangers and know the past seasons were hoping for a lot out of Super Megaforce. Especially those who saw that Saban Brands was hyping up the Legendary War (with the PMC 2012 promo, in early eps of Megaforce, etc.) and the 20th Anniversary. Sure, people can say that I am expecting too much from Saban Brands and that it is not going to be good because Samurai wasn't any good. Also actors have stressed the worked really hard on the show. But think about it this way. The majority of the populace agree that the Super Mario Bros Movie and Batman & Robin were not good films. While personally I think they are both hoots and a half, really small cult films or campy kitsch. If it is not good, it ain't good. Now yes, the Megaforce seasons had redeemable qualities and the cast wasn't bad. I am just saying this was a lowpoint.

Ranger Key Collectors

Now Bandai America didn't promise we would get all teams. Fans were just hoping they would. At San Diego Comic Con of 2013, they showed a variety of female and sixth rangers but when the actual keys came around, it was just 3 per pack and all males. Then there was the bombshell at the Toy Fair that they would only do 60 keys. Because of fan complaints, they then announced at SDCC 2014 that there would be more keys. They said they wouldn't say how because they hadn't finalize agreements with their partner. Razzle1337 then spotted new key listings at Toys R Us. Then a fan found pictures of these listings on a foreign website that usually just have prototypes that never make it to stores. I am included in these "Losers." I don't mean Losers like you are a loser, just that this was a sore spot.

Super Sentai Fans

Super Sentai fans that were hoping Dairanger and pre-Zyuranger Sentai would be free of not being part of Power Rangers now can't rest easy with this. Changeman, Flashman, Fiveman, Maskman, Dairanger and inadvertently Dynaman have been included in Super Megaforce as "New Powers." To add insult to injury, they didn't even keep the names straight. In one episode Maskman is called Blitz, then later called Lightning. Changeman is called Dragon in one ep and then Blitz in another. Ugh.



Related: http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2013/12/winners-and-losers-of-2013-power.html | http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2012/12/winners-and-losers-of-2012-power.html