Power Rangers History
POWER RANGERS HISTORY The original “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” was introduced in Japan in 1975 as “Dinosaur Task Force Zyuranger”, a children’s television show produced by Toei Co., Ltd., one of the largest movie studios in Japan. In fact, the Toei Co. still has the rights to the Power Rangers in Asia and still produces the Japanese version of the Power Rangers. In Japan, the Zyuranger series is also referred to as the “Sentai Series”. Sentai are a team of superheroes who use their various martial arts skills, along with machines and weapons to battle the forces of evil. Haim Saban, founder and former executive producer of Saban Entertainment, was introduced to the Zyurangers while he was traveling in Japan. He decided to repackage the show for the US audience and named the US version “The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”. Margaret Loesch, President of the Fox Children’s Network, felt the Power Rangers had all the ingredients for a great kid’s show. In August of 1993 the Power Rangers blasted onto kid’s television and became an instant success. Soon to follow were feature films, book publishing, toys and other merchandise. The first feature film, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie”, was released in 1995. By 1996, the popularity of the Power Rangers had faded and Saban executives had to determine the future of the Power Rangers. They met with the top five licensees and found that although most licensed categories were no longer in demand, toy sales were still strong, and the show was still at the top of the ratings list of most popular shows. Although the original fans had outgrown the Power Rangers, a younger generation was just discovering them. Saban Entertainment decided to heavily invest in the Power Rangers to get people to believe in it again. New staff were hired to expand Saban’s licensing and merchandising division, new licensees with strong track records with big retail buyers were brought on board, and the Power Ranger look was updated. The new style was high tech and featured space and astronomy themes. By the end of the decade, it became clear that the Power Rangers were a lasting property. The Nielson Galaxy Explorer proclaimed the Power Rangers the “Most Popular Kids Show of the 1990’s”. According to Nielson, the Power Rangers television program had the highest in audience share in the kids’ age categories of Kids 2-11, Kids 6-11, Boys 2-11, and Boys 6-11. By June 2000, the Power Rangers were declared “#1 Again!” The NPD Group, Inc., the toy industry sales tracking organization, rated the Power Rangers as the “#1 Male Action Toy Brand” for the year 2000. The proclamation coincided with Fox Kids Network decision to air a new “Power Rangers Time Force” episode every Saturday morning for year 2001, the 9th season of the series. A few months earlier, the NPD group had also ranked the Power Rangers as the “Best Selling Action Figure of the 1990’s”. By December 2000, the Power Rangers had also earned the honor of “Best Selling Action Toy of the Year”, ahead of “Pokemon”, “Star Wars”, “Transformers” and “GI Joe”. Power Ranger toys are produced by Bandai America Inc., a subsidiary of Bandai Co., Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, the third largest toy company in the world. Bandai has a longstanding reputation for producing great products with durability and long lasting play value. For those who have never seen a Power Ranger show, the Power Rangers are a special group of teenagers selected by Zordon, Commander of the forces of good, to defend the earth against evil forces. The teenagers have the ability to “morph” or transform into Power Rangers. As Power Rangers, they have superhero powers. Each Power Ranger is also given command of his own “Zord”, or colossal fighting machine. Throughout the various seasons, the Power Rangers face a variety of villains and take control of various powerful Zords to help them fight evil. The Power Rangers have become popular across the globe and is now aired in over 53 countries. Haim Saban, who often modestly refers to himself as a “cartoon schlepper” , made his name and fortune in kid’s television in large part by his success with the Power Rangers. Saban eventually purchased Fox Family and became Chairman and CEO of Fox Family Worldwide, Inc. Click here for Power Ranger products. This information is brought to you by Character Products Inc. DISCLAIMER: The Power Rangers and all related characters and elements are the rightful property of Saban Entertainment Inc. This web site is not operated or endorsed by Saban Entertainment Inc. This page was created for informational purposes only. Although our intent was to provide accurate information, we are unable to guarantee accuracy and are willing to make corrections. Please see Character Product's Terms and Conditions for further details. Upon entering this site, you released Character Products Inc., and it's owners and operators from any liability for any material herein. We apologize for the inconvience of this diversion.