Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 226

Originally recorded on February 7th, 2024.

It’s time to Ranger Up with @trekkieb47 as he talks all things Power Rangers on the Four Eyed Radio Network with RANGER COMMAND POWER HOUR!

In this episode, Eric interviews Amy Jo Johnson, the original Pink Ranger herself, about the first Issue of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return Issue 1.

Amy Jo Johnson, the actress, screenwriter, & director behind Kimberly Hart, the original Pink Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, returns to Power Rangers as part of its 30th anniversary to write her first comic book! Along with co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon, Johnson pens a love letter to the franchise in MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN that imagines an alternate future for the original cast.

The interview you’re about to hear wouldn’t be possible without the support of BOOM! Studios. I want to give thanks to Anthony specifically for reaching out to us initially to set up the interview with Amy Jo Johnson and for helping with the audio recording.

This episode was originally recorded on February 7th, 2024 – the same day that MMPR The Return Issue 1 released. Issue 2 is already out as of March 13th, Issue 3 is scheduled to come out April 10th and Issue 4 on May 8th.

Thanks for listening and enjoy!

Listen now: Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 226 – “Ranger Command Interview: MMPR: The Return Issue 1 with Amy Jo Johnson”

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Links mentioned in show:

NEWS – Hidden Secrets & Unexpected Help in Your First Look at MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #3

Hidden Secrets & Unexpected Help in Your First Look at MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #3

“It feels like the Power Rangers movie some fans have been clamoring for.”—AIPT

“…longtime fans are in store for some surprises”—ComicBook.com

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 18, 2024) – BOOM! Studios, together with leading toy and game company Hasbro, revealed a first look at MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #3, the next issue of the new POWER RANGERS series written by the original Pink Ranger herself, Amy Jo Johnson along with co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon (Ms. Marvel), colorist Dono Sanchez-Almara, and letterer Ed Dukeshire. Available in comic shops in April 2024!

A new adversary reveals the secrets of the final battle and deadly explosion on the moon all those years ago, but what implications arise when the long-thought dead are more restless than the Rangers thought? A secret hidden on the moon only survived after the sacrifice of another, and it will be up to the Rangers–with some unexpected help–to protect a vulnerable Earth. And when the plan is enacted, what role will the Dragon Power Coin play…?

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #3 features a main cover by POWER RANGERS fan favorite artist Goñi Montes (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) and variant covers by Rahzzah (Miles Morales: Spider-Man) and Frany (Man’s Best).

  • Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #3 A Main: FEB240069
  • Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #3 B Variant: FEB240070
  • Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #3 C 1:10 INCV: FEB240071
  • Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #3 D 1:25 INCV: FEB240072

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph; Coda by Simon Spurrier and Matías Bergara; Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade; Underheist by David and Maria Lapham; and Animal Pound by Tom King and Peter Gross. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers by Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN#3 will be available at your local comic shop on April 10, 2024. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.

For continuing news on MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

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Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 224

Originally recorded live on January 27th, 2024.

It’s time to Ranger Up with your hosts as they talk all things Power Rangers on the Four Eyed Radio Network with RANGER COMMAND POWER HOUR!

We celebrate 10 YEARS of the podcast!

Eric is joined by Chris (@GeekWithChris), Chris Long (@clong83) and Mason (@MasonMerrell) to relive some great memories, talk about the future of the podcast and more.

In the news, we discuss GLAAD announcing nominees for the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards which includes Power Rangers Cosmic Fury and a bunch of upcoming 1/6th scale high quality Power Rangers figures.

Watch the unedited livestream here:

This is the edited podcast version.

Listen now: Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 224 – “Ranger Command Power Hour 10th Anniversary Special”

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Links mentioned in show:

NEWS – Amy Jo Johnson’s MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #1 SELLS OUT & Returns with SECOND PRINTING

Amy Jo Johnson’s MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #1 SELLS OUT & Returns with SECOND PRINTING
Experience the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers like you never have before

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 8, 2024) – BOOM! Studios, together with leading toy and game company Hasbro, announced that MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #1, written by the original Pink Ranger herself, Amy Jo Johnson along with co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon (Ms. Marvel), colorist Francesco Segala with Gloria Martinelli, and letterer Ed Dukeshire, has sold out at the distributor level!

In response to the truly morphinominal support from retailers and fans, BOOM! Studios has announced MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #1 SECOND PRINTING (DEC238622), featuring character design cover art by Dan Mora, available in stores March 6, 2024.

“We’re thrilled to see Ranger fans worldwide jumping into comic books for the first time with THE RETURN!” said Filip Sablik, President, Publishing & Sales, BOOM! Studios.MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS history is being made with the amazing team of Amy Jo, Matt, Nico, Francesco, and Ed and we are so excited for everyone to experience their fresh reimagining of the characters we all know and love!”

In an alternate universe, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers defeated Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd, but at a terrible cost…and in the wake of that tragedy, the team went their separate ways.

Twenty-two years later, the long-disbanded team reunites to mourn the losses of beloved friends, but Zack and Billy have some unexpected information to share: Jason–the Red Ranger, who has long been operating as a lone vigilante–has disappeared.

Will the remaining Rangers be able to track him down, especially with a mysterious figure in pursuit?

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph; Coda by Simon Spurrier and Matías Bergara; Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade; Underheist by David and Maria Lapham; and Animal Pound by Tom King and Peter Gross. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers by Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #1 FIRST PRINTING may be available now at your local comic shop (use comicshoplocator.com to find the one nearest you). Digital copies can be purchased from content providers like iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.

For continuing news on MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

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Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 222

Originally recorded on September 25th, 2023.

It’s time to Ranger Up with your hosts as they talk all things Power Rangers on the Four Eyed Radio Network with RANGER COMMAND POWER HOUR!

Eric is joined by Chris (@GeekWithChris), Chris Long (@clong83) and Josh (@LivingRangerKey) of Lightning Aftermath (@LightningFigPR) to review Power Rangers Cosmic Fury episodes 1-5.

Lightning Strikes in the new year because this podcast is not Beyond Repair. We were Off Grid for awhile, but thanks to Team Work we were able to Rock Out!

We also discuss some news including reactions to Hasbro Pulse Con 2023 products like the Omega Ranger Lightning Collection figures, Tommy’s Master Morpher and the comics.

Four months? Part two…

Listen now: Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 222 – “Rangers Review Cosmic Fury Episodes 1-5”

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Timestamps:

  • 0:00:00 – Intro
  • 0:02:45 – Hasbro Pulse Con 2023 Power Rangers Reactions
  • 0:26:55 – Comics Solicitations
  • 0:28:51 – Power Rangers Cosmic Fury Episode 1 – “Lightning Strikes”
  • 1:06:08 – Power Rangers Cosmic Fury Episode 2 – “Beyond Repair”
  • 1:25:47 – Power Rangers Cosmic Fury Episode 3 – “Off Grid”
  • 1:39:04 – Power Rangers Cosmic Fury Episode 4 – “Team Work”
  • 1:50:38 – Power Rangers Cosmic Fury Episode 5 – “Rock Out”
  • 2:05:18 – Social Media Plugs and Outro

Links mentioned in show:

NEWS – Get Your First Look at MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #1

Get Your First Look at MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #1

LOS ANGELES, CA (December 6, 2023) – BOOM! Studios, together with leading toy and game company Hasbro, are thrilled to present a first look at MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #1, written by the original Pink Ranger herself, Amy Jo Johnson, along with co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon (Ms. Marvel)!

In an alternate universe, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers defeated Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd, but at a terrible cost…and in the wake of that tragedy, the team went their separate ways.

Twenty-two years later, the long-disbanded team reunites to mourn the losses of beloved friends, but Zack and Billy have some unexpected information to share: Jason–the Red Ranger, who has long been operating as a lone vigilante–has disappeared.

Will the remaining Rangers be able to track him down, especially with a mysterious figure in pursuit?

Amy Jo Johnson, the actress, screenwriter, & director behind Kimberly Hart, the original Pink Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, returns to Power Rangers as part of its 30th anniversary to write her first comic book! Along with co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon, Johnson pens a love letter to the franchise in MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN that imagines an alternate future for the original cast.

UPDATE 12/13/2023 ON STRETCH GOALS from Boom Studios:

Our Pre-Order Store is also up and running on BackerKit now, so if you have friends who missed out on the campaign, let them know they can still pre-order through BackerKit. Anyone placing a pre-order through BackerKit will still receive the benefit of the upgraded books, but the free digital editions and bonus physical items will be exclusive to those who participated in the initial campaign.

And because we came SO close to unlocking our final Soaring Stretch Goal at $600,000 during the active campaign, we’ve decided to extend this Stretch Goal to our Pre-Order Store. When we exceed an additional $5,486 in reserved orders through the BackerKit store, we will consider the final Stretch Goal unlocked for everyone which will expand the collected editions of MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN from 128 to 144 pages!

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #1 will hit shelves February 7, 2024.

For continuing news on MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph; Coda by Simon Spurrier and Matías Bergara; Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade, and the upcoming Underheist by David and Maria Lapham. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.

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NEWS – Amy Jo Johnson’s ‘MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN’ Launches with a Deluxe BOOM! Direct Reserve Campaign

Amy Jo Johnson’s ‘MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN’ Launches with a Deluxe BOOM! Direct Reserve Campaign

Experience the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers like you never have before.

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 14, 2023) – BOOM! Studios, together with leading toy and game company Hasbro, is beyond thrilled to announce the previously teased MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN, written by the original Pink Ranger herself, Amy Jo Johnson along with co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon (Ms. Marvel)!

Amy Jo Johnson, the actress, screenwriter, & director behind Kimberly Hart, the original Pink Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, returns to Power Rangers as part of its 30th anniversary to write her first comic book! Along with co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon, Johnson pens a love letter to the franchise in MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN that imagines an alternate future for the original cast. BOOM! Studios, in collaboration with Hasbro, proudly presents Johnson’s comic writing debut directly to fans in the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN BOOM! DIRECT RESERVE CAMPAIGN alongside a new edition of the beloved Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink series and exclusive, limited-edition collectibles.

Co-writer and original Pink Ranger Amy Jo Johnson said: “My most cherished aspect of portraying Kimberly Hart, the Original Pink Power Ranger, is the countless stories from fans who found solace in our characters. We became friends to many who faced bullying, challenging home situations or were on a journey of self-discovery. What this show has meant to an entire generation was beyond my initial intentions when I took on this role, but it has become one of the most precious gifts of my life. This comic book is my heartfelt love letter to all of you. Thank you for the enormous amount of love and support that has enriched my life because of you!

“It’s incredibly exciting to partner with my boyfriend, Matt Hotson, as we set out to offer our own interpretation of the Power Rangers. What if the original team had never separated? Where would they be 30 years later? This comic book is our affectionate tribute to an entire generation, and we genuinely hope it does justice to the legacy that means so much to all of you!

“Seeing our story come to life through Nico Leon’s artistry has been the most thrilling part of creating this comic book. Nico’s childhood love for the show adds a special layer to the project, as he infuses his incredible artistic talent and incorporates intricate Easter eggs and details throughout. We couldn’t be more ecstatic with the results!

“As the actress behind the original Pink Power Ranger, I’m stepping into the world of comic books and unleashing my creative vision with a ‘what if’ story that reimagines the enduring bond of the original Power Rangers. With this project, we’re eager to offer fans a nostalgic yet fresh perspective on these beloved characters while creating a whole new adventure!

“What if the original Power Rangers had never parted ways? Where would they be 30 years later? This comic is our ‘what if’ scenario and my heartfelt love letter to the entire generation that has kept these characters alive for 30 years!”

In an alternate universe, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers defeated Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd, but at a terrible cost…and in the wake of that tragedy, the team went their separate ways.

Twenty-two years later, the long-disbanded team reunites to mourn the losses of beloved friends, but Zack and Billy have some unexpected information to share: Jason–the Red Ranger, who has long been operating as a lone vigilante–has disappeared.

Will the remaining Rangers be able to track him down, especially with a mysterious figure in pursuit?

“To round out our year-long celebration of the monumental 30th anniversary of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, we wanted to give you, the fans, a real first look at the incredible alternate vision of the beloved franchise that Amy Jo, Matt, and Nico have been building,” said President of Publishing and Marketing Filip Sablik. “This campaign is for Power Rangers fans new and old. Comics are for everyone, and the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are forever!”

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #1 will hit shelves February 7, 2024.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN BOOM! DIRECT RESERVE CAMPAIGN will continue for 28 days, with special surprises, product reveals, and hidden stretch goals to be announced all month long!


About Amy Jo Johnson

Amy Jo Johnson began her acting career as Kimberly Hart, the original Pink Power Ranger. For the next twenty years, she starred in a number of film and television productions, such as Susie Q, Perfect Body, Felicity, and Flashpoint. For the last ten years, she has turned her attention to behind the camera, writing and directing four short films, two feature films, and made her foray into TV directing on the CW’s Superman and Lois.  Amy Jo is incredibly excited to reflect back on her time as a Ranger, and this comic book series will be a love letter to her fans and the franchise that gave her her start.

About Matt Hotson

When Matt Hotson saw his first comic book (G.I. Joe Special Missions #22) at the impressionable young age of four, he was blown away that someone had made a Saturday morning kids show he could take with him wherever he went. Since then, he’s read way too many comics, and worked as an assistant director on TV shows like DC’s Titans (and a bunch of other ones that didn’t have any superheroes in them for some reason). Now he co-writes Power Rangers comic books with Amy Jo Johnson, so he can take a Saturday morning kids show with him wherever he goes.


For continuing news on MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS comic books and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph; Coda by Simon Spurrier and Matías Bergara; Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade, and the upcoming Underheist by David and Maria Lapham. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers by Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.

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Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 220

Originally recorded on September 11, 2023.

It’s time to Ranger Up with @trekkieb47 as he talks all things Power Rangers on the Four Eyed Radio Network with RANGER COMMAND POWER HOUR!

In this episode, Eric welcomes back Melissa Flores, best known in Ranger Nation for her work at Saban Brands and Hasbro as well as her current work as a writer, producer, consultant and creative executive with over a decade of experience.

Her most recent works include the MassiveVerse title “The Dead Lucky”, co-writer of “Radiant Pink”, “Supermassive 2023” and “Power Rangers Unlimited: Hyperforce as well as the upcoming Spider-Gwen: Smash coming in December. She is also the writer for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers which started with Issue 101.

Melissa talks about honoring Jason David Frank for the 30th anniversary, how the characters have grown and changed, bringing horror elements into Power Rangers and more.

Go go Meower Rangers?

Listen now: Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 220 – “Ranger Command Interview – MMPR 106-111 with Melissa Flores”

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Timestamps:

  • 0:00:00 – Intro – How Darkest Hour changed since first planning, Zordon and The Vessel
  • 0:07:18 – Summarizing Power Rangers Universe and dealing with exposition
  • 0:11:03 – Issue 106 / 30th Anniversary story – Melissa’s way of saying goodbye to JDF
  • 0:18:59 – Lord Zedd’s Z Ranger
  • 0:22:50 – Issues 107-108 – Matt’s Green Ranger, horror elements, Lord Drakkon leads into PRU: The Coinless
  • 0:32:36 – Issue 109 – Homages and defining moments
  • 0:36:33 – Issue 110 – Balancing action and characters, dark Wild Force Rangers, Grace’s death
  • 0:42:45 – Issue 111 – Celebrating the 30th anniversary
  • 0:49:28 – Closing – Upcoming conventions, issues and bloopers

Links mentioned in show:

REVIEW: Power Rangers Cosmic Fury – Spoiler Free Review

REVIEW: Power Rangers Cosmic Fury

“Cosmic Fury is a concentrated blast of everything you loved about Dino Fury, while stripping away some of the things that bogged the previous two seasons.”


It’s been over thirteen months since Hasbro first officially announced Power Rangers Cosmic Fury on National Power Rangers Day 2022. Who could forget the infamous accidental 1:00am tweet during the last Power Morphicon before the cast left to film in New Zealand again?

Since then, a fervent anticipation for this season has gripped the fanbase, ready to pounce on every scrap of behind the scenes information, tweets from executive producer Simon Bennett, trickles of official information from Hasbro press or unofficial leaks.

Now that Cosmic Fury is here, does it live up to the hype? For me, the answer is yes… mostly.

Overall, I enjoyed Power Rangers Dino Fury Seasons 1 and 2. The main characters were all very endearing, even secondary characters like Jane, J-Borg, Tarrick and Pop Pop, among others. All of that was possible thanks to the hard work of the creative team; writers and actors whose comrade and passion shined a little more than past seasons.

Both Dino Fury seasons also included past season cameos (like Kelson Henderson’s Mick Kanic, Campbell Cooley’s Scrozzle or Lord Zedd in Dino Fury season two), easter eggs and references (J-Borg is a Hartford Robotics android, a nod to Operation Overdrive) for long time fans. Cosmic Fury is a concentrated blast of everything you loved about Dino Fury, while stripping away some of the things that bogged the previous two seasons.

CAST (Left to Right): Jordon Fite (Aiyon); Tessa Rao (Izzy Garcia); Kai Moya (Ollie Akana); Hunter Deno (Amelia Jones); Russell Curry (Zayto); and Chance Perez (Javi Garcia). Not pictured: Jacqueline Joe (Fern) and David Yost (Mighty Morphin Blue Ranger/Billy Cranston).

This third season only works based on the solid foundation built on the shoulders of the previous two. Since all of the main cast has been established over the past forty-four episodes, this leaves room to introduce new villains of the season Bajillia Naire and her daughter Squillia Shar Livia Naire of Squid Ink, Inc. Bajillia and Squillia are very fun characters that are a not-so-subtle commentary on contemporary corporate and influencer culture and are the perfect villains to scheme alongside Lord Zedd.

From the various trailers, press releases and articles, Mick Kanic (Ninja Steel, Dino Fury) and Billy Cranston do indeed return for this season. Without spoiling anything, both have many great moments throughout the season. Especially Billy, who feels like a better representation of the character than in MMPR: Once & Always. Granted, Billy was in a stressful situation after the loss of Trini and obsession to pursue Robo Rita for a year. However, in Cosmic Fury, Billy feels like the natural 30-year extension from the genius we knew from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Zeo.

Stripped away from the previous two seasons, and the past ten years frankly, are the more heavy handed “lesson of the week” morals and are replaced with multi-episode conflicts that build and resolve naturally for many characters and pairings to varying degrees of success. Conversations and resolutions are fleshed out and the dialogue feels less stilted. Also gone are the wacky hi-jinks B-plots from characters like Jane and J-Borg… mostly. They are still in the show, and funny as ever, but only as much as the story allows in the season-long crisis. And the crisis is about as universe ending in Power Rangers as it gets, It might sound dire as a final(?) season of the current status quo… but there are still empowering, funny and heartwarming moments throughout Cosmic Fury.

From Power Rangers Cosmic Fury Episode 3 “Off Grid”. Hunter Deno as Amelia in Power Rangers Cosmic Fury. Cr. NETFLIX © 2023

The first three episodes of Cosmic Fury are the perfect beginning to the season, with the first episode (“Lightning Strikes”) starting literally moments after season two’s cliffhanger ending. The Netflix bingeing format works for Cosmic Fury, as the season has a clear beginning (Episodes 1-3), middle (Episodes 4-6) and end (Episodes 7-10). My advice would be to skip the intros in your first watchthrough if you want to go in as spoiler-free as possible to capture the excitement of the surprises and twists in store (if that’s even possible at this point…). Also, watch in those previously listed blocks if you need a break between arcs this weekend.

By the end, Cosmic Fury actually made me wish for just a couple more episodes to spend with this team. Or at the very least, some extended scenes, like a full team roll call in the style of the one seen in Episode 4 “Team Work”. This is just a small gripe after four complete watchthroughs of the season over the course of the month. When watching Cosmic Fury for my first time… I was hooked. It made me feel as excited as I was thirty years ago watching Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

From Power Rangers Cosmic Fury Episode 4 “Team Work”. (L-R) Tessa Rao as Izzy, Jordon Fite as Aiyon, Hunter Deno as Amelia, and Chance Perez as Javi in Power Rangers Cosmic Fury. Cr. NETFLIX © 2023

With Power Rangers officially ending production in New Zealand after twenty years, I want to thank all of the cast and crew who kept the power going throughout that time. Power Rangers Cosmic Fury is the culmination of writing, direction, cinematography, stunts, prop, costume and set design when the restrictions of network television feel like they are gone (or at least… previous corporate mandates).

Overall, Cosmic Fury is a tight ten-episode series that cuts the fat from a traditional Power Rangers season, but still keeps the charm, action and wild production history unique to the franchise as a whole and is a fitting end(?) to this thirty-year saga.

I give Power Rangers Cosmic Fury an 8/10.


A huge thank you to the team at Hasbro, eOne and Netflix for providing RCPH with a press screener earlier this month. Power Rangers: Cosmic Fury premieres globally on Netflix this Friday, September 29th. Stay tuned for our upcoming (spoiler full) podcast reviews for the first and second halves of the series.

Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 219

Originally recorded on August 24th, 2023.

It’s time to Ranger Up with your hosts as they talk all things Power Rangers on the Four Eyed Radio Network with RANGER COMMAND POWER HOUR!

On this episode, Eric is joined by Chris Long (@clong83), Dr. Ben (@doctorbenMD), Five (@SentaiFive) and towards the end of the show, Ro (@RoliverQueen_) from the Comics Code UH-thority Podcast (@ComicsUhthority) to discuss the news for Power Rangers: Cosmic Fury before its worldwide release on September 29th on Netflix.

We also catch up on the news including the writer’s strike, comics news, sentai DVDs, Pooki comments and more!

Happy Power Rangers Day? Whoops…

Listen now: Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 219 – “Ranger Roundtable: Power Rangers Cosmic Fury News”

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Timestamps:

  • 0:00:00 – Intro and Writer’s Strike disclaimer
  • 0:07:04 – Comics News
  • 0:11:01 – More Sentai DVDs?
  • 0:13:13 – Power Rangers Cosmic Fury News – press release
  • 0:29:23 – Netflix “What’s Next” clip
  • 0:36:38 – Netflix Media Center Promotional Images and the suits
  • 0:51:07 – Spoilers for a new Ranger
  • 0:55:35 – Hype-level check
  • 0:58:36 – Simon Bennett Behind the Scenes comments
  • 1:02:42 – Ro enters the podcast
  • 1:06:06 – The absence of Zayto
  • 1:10:50 – No Power Rangers Day stream and final thoughts
  • 1:19:13 – Plugs and Outro

Links mentioned in show: