Target to sell Exclusive Guardians of Justice 3-pack

The PR ACG Facebook announced today that Target will release mid-August 3-packs of the Guardians of Justice cards and will contain one exclusive Forever Red card. I think there will only be two of these exclusive cards but I could be wrong. So for $9.99, you can get 31 cards: 3 packs and the exclusive card. So this will only be at Target.

https://www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/photo.php?fbid=489906141101347&set=a.478102845615010.1073741836.406059986152630&type=1&theater

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McDonalds: Power Rangers Megaforce 2013

 

http://www.morphinlegacy.com/2013/07/august-mcdonald-megaforce-toys-revealed.html

Thanks to my buddy and fellow Power Force member MorphinLegacy who posted this on his blog. The picture is actually from blinddrummer15 of Rangerboard. The date has yet to be revealed but since last year it came at the end of August and the year before in September, this might be in August. Right now they got Despicable Me 2 and next is Smurfs 2 but maybe PR is after Smurfs 2. They toys are six Mechazords: Dragon, Phoenix, Shark, Snake, Tiger and Lion to form a Megazord. The Robo Knight's Lion takes the middle. I thought they would release exclusive cards but I guess they are not. The girl toy I have no idea what it is. It looks like its called Justice something and it is also something that comes in parts to combine.

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The Blurry Line Between Super Sentai and Power Rangers

I have been planning this post for a while, since June actually. I know this is a controversial topic. There seems to be a divide between Power Ranger fans and Super Sentai fans. There are indeed fans that like both Power Rangers and Super Sentai but it is a small group. I do know that at least more than half of Power Force know Sentai and like both PR and Sentai, others just know Power Rangers but have no problems with Sentai. When some people mention that Power Rangers and Super Sentai are the same thing, most fans get angry. It can be both sides, the Sentai fan could get insulted or the Power Ranger fan would get insulted. Power Rangers fans mostly like when shows take a departure from the Sentai, hence the dislike of Samurai and consensus of love for RPM and In Space. 

But I bring this up because now with Super Megaforce using footage and material from Gokaiger, we are starting to see Super Sentai from before Zyuranger (other wise Pre-Zyu or Pre-MMPR) spill into the US. Jetman Figuarts are starting to be available in the United States. The new Universe of Hope cards (that have been delayed a SECOND time to July 26th) have Goranger and Sun Vulcan characters on it. Also, Dairanger seen in a marketing teaser for Super Megaforce, an episode of Megaforce and US Ranger Keys made for them. So it's all starting to come together, it is getting harder and harder to tell the difference between them... just kidding. But you know what I mean, they are getting closer and closer after years of being distinctly different. At least visually.

 
Differences
Obvious differences are that one series is in English set in the United States but the other is in Japanese set in Japan. Where as the majority of Super Sentai members being Japanese (Kyoryu Cyan being White and Houhouranger being half Chinese and other characters like that), Power Rangers usually have diverse groups of different ethnicities (especially with New Zealand and Australian actors). Power Rangers of course have less teams than Power Rangers and Dairanger suits were not used but MAYBE that will change come Super Megaforce. Also, there VRV Master of Carranger upgraded to a Ranger as Phantom Ranger in Power Rangers Turbo. Titanium Ranger, the Spirit Rangers and A-Squad Rangers are exclusive to PR. Also, the Battlizers (save for the SPD one), new cycles and other different items and armors. In Japan, it has been a tradition to have a movie annually of the current series (usually double-billed with a Kamen Rider movie) whereas in the US, the last movie was Turbo. And now Teamups which are annual tradition, are also in theaters. Teamups usually are part of the episode count in Power Rangers, save for "Clash of the Red Rangers" which was a TV Special.

Similarities
Obviously they use the same footage. Basically we are dealing with a team of 3 or 5 young people who transform with either a handheld item or wrist brace (etc.) and fight grunts, then a monster of the day. The monster of the day grows and they enter robots that combine to save the day. And they usually get new members added to the team. Also the rotating actors year by year.

 What Power Ranger fans don't like about Sentai

"Too Goofy." This is what I hear often when people who never seen Sentai talk about Sentai. It is the cultural differences. People find it weird. What can be weird? Is it the cross-dressing? Is it the Anime-like visual effects at time (Abaranger, Go-Onger, etc.)? Is it the talking dinos (Abaranger) or talking cars (Go-Onger)? Could it be that the whole cast starts dancing and singing at the ending titles? (Hurricanger, Magiranger, Go-Onger, Kyoryuger, Go-Busters, etc.) But it doesn't happen every year. Or could it be the balloon-monster (Go-Onger) or the cutie monster (Boukenger) or various ridiculous monsters? A lot of people don't understand it if they don't understand the Japanese culture.

 What Super Sentai fans don't like about PR

"Too water-down and specifically aimed for children by scared American parents." Super Sentai fans find that Power Rangers has been 'watered down' or a softer simpler version of Sentai. That it is made in fear that kids would imitate violence (hence explosions that appear behind people in the Disney era) and imitate behavior. Also, all the death and consequences are cut out. Many Rangers have died in Sentai, there are characters that are perverts or otherwise, there is guns and real bullets and oh also blood. The above picture from Mystic Force, Necrolai is looking at piles of feathers that used to be the Power Rangers thanks to a MotD, in Magiranger, the monster created a parasite in people's stomachs that killed them.


MORE after the 'jump.'

Power Rangers 20th Anniversary Merchandise

Super Sentai are starting to slip into Power Rangers through merchandise, mostly because Gokaiger covers the past 35 years of Super Sentai and some elements have been slowly seeping in for the 20th anniversary of Power Rangers. Andy of Action Card Game Facebook page says these were approved by Saban and that they are just shoutouts to Sentai fans, doesn't mean they will be in the show.

Red Megaforce Ranger (with VulEagle of Sun Vulcan -- Rangercrew.com exclusive)

Black Megaforce Ranger (With MidoRanger of Goranger --Rangercrew.com exclusive)

Blue Megaforce Ranger (with AoRanger of Goranger -- Rangercrew.com exclusive)

Yellow Megaforce Ranger (with Ki Ranger of Goranger-Henshin Justice exclusive) 

 Pink Megaforce Ranger (With MomoRanger of Goranger-- Henshin Justice exclusive)

At the SDCC preview, TokuNation reported that the ShishiRanger of Dairanger key was at the Bandai display.

 Last year at SDCC, they had the Ryuuranger helmet to the right.

Red Hawk Figuart is already available at Toysrus.com and Black Condor Figuart will be available soon. They are from Jetman.

 (http://www.figures.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=8522)

Super Sentai characters in the Power Rangers Monolopy 

Picture from FuryDiamond of Megaforcecast

http://www.megaforcecast.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=484&page=1

Power Rangers in Korea

 In South Korea, as I have mentioned before, show Super Sentai show with the Power Rangers name. In the opening sequence theme song, they use the Super Sentai song (for example Boukenger) but replace the name Boukenger with Power Rangers. Why would Bandai use the Power Rangers name but use Super Sentai show? Well my theory is that it is better to use Asian faces better than American ones to localize the show, also maybe they don't want to use the Japanese names but American names to have it be more accessible. The Koreans don't like Japanese, it is the main reason that Shinkenger wasn't adapted because it was 'too Japanese.' Believe it or not, Bandai (the entire company) counts considers profits of Super Sentai and Power Rangers internationally all clumped as 'Power Rangers.'

Lavender Ranger's Opinions

People might get insulted but I do see Power Rangers and Super Sentai not as the same exact thing but in the same grouping and genre. Power Rangers is a rare series in a class of their own, as it is imported but no dubbed. In the case of Digimon, Sailor Moon, Pokemon and other Japanese material, it is just dubbed. Sometimes its localized and they change some things around and basically the same series, just translated. With Power Rangers, they take Super Sentai footage, put on the mute button and edit it and not use all of it. They use their own actors and create their own stories and move it all around. So in a sense, Go-Onger isn't RPM and RPM is not Go-Onger but they do look alike. With Samurai and Shinkenger, they are very similar, same story, same twists, same plot lines, but different actors and different order and pace of said twists and plot. I am NOT saying that they PR and Sentai are the SAME EXACT thing. But I am saying since they use the same footage, same costumes and themes, so they are in the same family, closer than brother and sister, maybe like brother and brother like a year apart.

I am not saying that Power Rangers are becoming Super Sentai and Super Sentai is becoming Power Rangers. I am not saying they ever would. But I don't like all this fighting. I want the fandoms to unite. I think both can co-exist in peace, ha ha. I hate the thinking 'this one is better than another.' Maybe one could be handled more like the other or visa versa. I have been told by some fans that I unite the fandoms. The point of the name 'Henshin Grid' was 'Henshin' from Sentai and other Tokusatsu and 'Grid' from 'Morphin Grid' from Power Rangers. I guess healthy competition is not a bad thing. But completely hating one is like hating the one you love, if that makes many sense. They are made from the same cloth in my opinion.

Related: http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2013/06/power-rangers-in-south-korea-super.html | http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2013/07/dairanger-in-super-megaforce.html

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List of Stuff announced at SDCC

 UPDATED 7/20/13 10:30 AM EST
There is so many things announced at SDCC (San Diego Comic Con), I thought I'd clarify. Lots of this info comes from TokuNation and RangerCrew Blog.

New Pics from Figures.com

First, the Power Ranger related items for sale:

1. Red Ranger, Green Ranger and Armored Red Ranger Figuarts at Tamashi Nations. ACG card is also passed out at the booth.

 2. Metallic coating Samurai Rangers at Tamashi Nations

3. Gold Power Morpher

 4. Green Dragon Ranger

5. Limited Edition Deluxe Gosei Morpher

Items to be Released or on Display

1. Power Rangers 20 Legacy Box Set

Coming out December 3rd.

http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2013/07/shout-factorys-98-disc-20-season-power.html

2. MMPR Mega Bloks
Coming out some time in August, Toys R US Exclusive -- UPDATED

3. Super Megaforce Rangers (TokuNation pic above)

4. Jumbo Megazord (TokuNation Pic)

Resin version prototype on display

5. Mighty Morphin Figuarts (TokuNations pic above)

6. Deluxe Legendary Megazord (GokaiOh) (TokuNations pic above)

 7. Treasure Box and Ranger keys (TokuNation pic above)

8. Legendary Morpher (pic thanks to Rangercrew) and Ranger keys

9. Legacy Dragon Dagger (pic thanks to Rangercrew)

 10. Legacy Dragonzord (pic thanks to Rangercrew)

11. Red Hawk, Black Condor, Red Wind Ranger, Operation Overdrive Black and Blue, White Ranger and Green Ranger (http://www.figures.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=8522)

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Shout Factory's 98-disc 20 Season Power Rangers DVD set

Check out fellow Power Force member Black Nerd's video with sexy Brian Ward of Shout! Factory...

Info from Fury Diamond of Ranger Crew Blog

http://blog.samuraicast.com/power-rangers-legacy-the-first-20-years-dvd/

Only available on ShoutFactory.com December 3rd, 2013. 

From Mighty Morphin to Megaforce, 270 Hours of Entertainment on 98 DVDs and 6 Bonus discs. Housed in a collectible Red Ranger helmet, Power Rangers Legacy: The First 20 Years.

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Power Rangers Megaforce: Ultimate Team Power September 1st

 

POWER RANGERS MEGAFORCE: ULTIMATE TEAM POWER - VOLUME 1

The number one boys live-action series returns for its 20^thanniversary season with an all-new series, Power Rangers Megaforce currently airing on Nickelodeon. Power Rangers Megaforce: Ultimate Team Power – Volume 1 includes the first four episodes of Power Rangers Megaforce and is arriving on DVD and Digital Download September 3rd from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. New Rangers, Zords, enemies and battles make this anniversary season the most exciting yet! Featuring five new Power Rangers protecting our earth from the evil Warstar aliens to prevent a massive invasion, Power Rangers Megaforce: Ultimate Team Power – Volume 1 includes the “Power Rangers Morph Through 20 Years” featurette and will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.98 

For centuries, the earth has been protected by a supernatural guardian named Gosei and his robotic aide, Tensou. When the evil Warstar aliens plan a massive invasion of Earth, Gosei calls upon five teenagers with talent and attitude to form the ultimate team...the Power Rangers Megaforce! Using their newfound special abilities, mega-weapons, high-tech Zords and giant Megazords to battle this new alien threat, the Power Rangers Megaforce prove that “Earth’s defenders never surrender!” Go Go Megaforce!

 

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ACG "Mystery Box" reveals Forever Red Cards

UPDATED 7/29/13

Andy of the Power Rangers Action Card Game (ACG) Facebook page asked fans if they wanted a sneak peak of a 'mystery box.' This mystery box just seems to be preview cards of the near future. He showed the bottom of two cards today that are not part of series 3. He has been showing Hope of Universe and San Diego Comic Con cards but this is neither. When asked if it was series 4, he just said the future.

I am trying to figure out where the act work comes from. The first card says to have Red Rangers from In Space, MM, Time Force, Turbo and Wild Force but fans says cards like that don't exist in Dice-O or Rangerstrike. Eddie Gallardo (@Egallardo36) says he spotted the Red Turbo Ranger belt to be from the Red Racer card above so the artwork could be from these of the Red Selection of Dice-O cards. But there is no Time Force nor Lost Galaxy but I think they put different card artwork together as one.

On the 24th, this was posted.

 On the 29th, this was posted. Red Alien Ranger falls under "Mighty Morphin."

Related: http://henshingrid.blogspot.com/2013/06/universe-of-hope-power-rangers-action.html

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Power Rangers Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit boxes

The Monolopy board has been revealed. I like that Aquitar and the headquarters of variouis seasons are there. Before they said it would come out in the summer, now they say 'coming soon.' Release date is still unknown.

 

Top row: Jungle Fury Temple, Ninja Storm temple, Lord Zedd, Inside SPD headquarters, Lightspeed Cycle (Incorrectly put as 'Strata Cycle'), Astro Megaship, Space shuttle (Incorrectly put as 'Mariner Bay Aqua Base', Morphin Grid from Operation Overdrive, Time Force clock tower.

Left row: Rita's Moon Palace, Xandred's ship, Tensou, Warstar ship, Phantom Ranger Ship, Power Boost, Divatox's ship, Rita Repulsa and Dark Fortress

Right Row: Power Chamber, Aquitar, Rootcore, Hartford Mansion, Supertrain, Terraventure, Dino Thunder Headquarters, Magna Defender and Animaria.

Bottom Row: Command Center, Dragon Dagger and Saba, Gosei, Alpha 5, Battlefleet (PROO), Cornith, Vrak, Juice Bar and Samurai Shiba House.

  
The box now includes Lauren instead of White Ranger.

 The six items are Morpher, Lighting Bolt, Goldar, Megazord, Alpha and White Ranger face.

 Trivial Pursuit, Lauren takes White Ranger's face.

Trivial Pursuit has questions from Power Force! They asked us to cover some seasons. I think it was like 5 of us per 4 seasons or something like that, the two movies was included and Aquitar was included as a season, separated from Season 3.

 

Original Box is one signed by Haim Saban

 
Original Box with White Ranger

Related: https://www.usaopoly.com/games/trivial-pursuit-power-rangers-20th-anniversary-edition | https://www.usaopoly.com/games/monopoly-power-rangers-20th-anniversary-edition

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