Power Ranger Toys

Power Ranger History

Developed as a superhero television show to appeal to young boys, the series gained momentum over the years by adapting the characters and storylines to prevent the franchise from getting stale. Of course, a new theme and title every year made it necessary to develop new Power Ranger toys as well.

The show was based on a Japanese superhero series and was adapted to American audiences by casting English-speaking actors and using the original Japanese footage for the costumed characters. Beginning with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, which aired on Fox for three seasons (beginning in 1993), and continuing through to the current Mystic Force series, the Ranger franchise has experienced great success. In 2007, to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the series, Operation Overdrive will begin airing. The shows can been seen on Disney-owned networks, (Jetix, Toon Disney and ABC Kids).

Power Ranger Characters

Since Power Rangers are superheroes, they need to have special powers. The original series introduced their power to morph (hence Mighty Morphin) from a person to a superhero. Not unlike Superman who dons his cape, Power Rangers would transform into superheroes that wore a battle suit and helmet, no doubt to hide their secret identity. And, what would a superhero be without superhuman powers, including strength, telepathic powers, and invisibility? The “team” consists of five Rangers, each with a different colored costume. A sixth Ranger has also been known to join the team. Colors throughout the series have included red, yellow, blue, pink, green, black and white.

Concerns About Violence

The series always includes battle against an enemy, with Rangers defeating them and ultimately learning a lesson along the way. The show has wide appeal with boys and raises some concern over the violence involved. The Power Ranger toys are recommended for ages four through eight, but many parents feel the toys are more appropriate for older boys who can better discern that the show is fantasy and ultimately take something away from the lesson shared. Be aware that the action figure toys typically include weapons, such as guns and swords.

Power Ranger Toys

The most common Power Ranger toys are five inch action figures, ranging in cost from $9 to $13. Each is a different character, with a variety of weapons included. There is a large assortment of action figures – some light up, have sound or other action features.

• Mystic Morph Solaris Knight
• Action Dragon with Red Ranger - Mystic Force
• Green Crystal Action Ranger
• Yellow Mystic Light Ranger
• Green Morphmax Rattlized Power Ranger
• Zord Battlized Figure
• Power Rangers Mystic Force: Mega Talking Red Dragon Fire ($17)

Accessories

Your child can role play with the right Ranger equipment, including:

• Mystic Morpher - Mystic Force -- lights and sounds lets your child morph into their favorite ranger; includes cell phone and wand modes.
• Power Ranger Mystic Force Triple Weapon -- includes three modes, lights and sounds. $20
• Magi Staff -- transforms into four modes that each make special sounds and includes 3 light-up attachments in red, green and yellow modes with special sounds for each mode. $23
• Academy Training Set: Red Ranger's Training Set -- includes Ranger mask and other extras. $16

Vehicles

Power Ranger toys include vehicles such as cycles and all-terrain trackers:

• Solar Tracker with Solaris Knight - Mystic Force -- includes light-up feature to make the vehicle glow. $14
• Lion Speeder with Red Ranger - Mystic Force -- this cycle comes with Power Ranger as well as accessories. $13
• Mystic Falcon Luxtor Vehicle with Ranger $20

Playsets

• Dragon Rootcore Command Center - Mystic Force Playset -- kids can use this in Tower Mode or Train Mode; includes sound and light effects, zip line, missiles and vehicle launcher.
• Mystic Force 3.5" Adventure Set Set #3 -- smaller scale playset that includes Rangers, aliens and other fun extras! $20
• Mystic Force 3.5" Adventure Set with Red & Green Ranger $20