The early 90s were a time when kids’ television was dominated by brightly colored heroes and over-the-top villains, but few shows captured the imagination quite like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. When it debuted in 1993, it wasn’t just a TV show—it was a cultural event. The show, with its blend of Japanese action footage and American teen drama, created an instant craze. But the real magic for fans wasn’t just on the screen—it was in the toy aisles. The Power Rangers action figures became must-have items, with kids rushing to collect their favorite characters, zords, and weapons. From their first appearance, the Rangers proved they had staying power, and the franchise is still thriving today.
The Origins of Power Rangers
The origins of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers trace back to Japan, where a long-running franchise called Super Sentai was airing. The premise of Super Sentai was simple: a team of heroes in color-coded suits fought monsters using martial arts, futuristic weapons, and giant robots. In the early 90s, producer Haim Saban saw potential in the concept and set out to bring it to the United States. The result was Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, which took the action scenes from Super Sentai and spliced them with new American footage of teenage characters living their everyday lives.
The show’s mix of martial arts, sci-fi, and teen drama made it an instant hit. Kids loved the characters—Jason, Kimberly, Zack, Billy, and Trini—who could transform into superheroes and battle Rita Repulsa’s evil monsters. And when they summoned their zords—massive robotic vehicles that could combine into the colossal Megazord—it was nothing short of epic.
The Action Figures: A Phenomenon
The Power Rangers toy line, produced by Bandai, was perfectly timed to capitalize on the show’s success. The original figures featured the core five rangers—Red, Pink, Black, Blue, and Yellow—with each figure coming equipped with their signature weapon. But the real selling point was the morphing feature: each figure had a head that could flip between the ranger’s helmeted form and their unmasked civilian identity. This “flip head” action made the figures a hit with kids who wanted to recreate the morphing process from the show.
Of course, no Power Rangers line would be complete without the zords. Bandai released a series of zord toys that could combine just like they did on the show. The Megazord was the crown jewel of the toy line—kids could assemble the individual zords, which represented different prehistoric creatures, into one towering robot. Later in the series, new zords and vehicles were introduced, keeping the line fresh and exciting.
One of the most popular figures in the line was the Green Ranger, Tommy, who quickly became a fan favorite. His Dragonzord toy was a must-have, and his character’s transformation from villain to hero made his figure a prized possession for many fans. As the series progressed, Tommy’s transition to the White Ranger also led to new toy releases, including the iconic Tigerzord.
Zords, Villains, and Accessories
While the Rangers themselves were a big draw, the toy line’s appeal went far beyond just the heroes. Bandai released a wide range of accessories, from role-playing toys like the Power Morpher and Blade Blaster to the Dragon Dagger that Tommy used to summon his zord. These toys let kids feel like they were part of the action, giving them the tools to morph and fight evil just like their favorite characters.
And then there were the villains. Rita Repulsa, Goldar, and the Putty Patrol were regular antagonists in the series, and Bandai released figures of many of the show’s iconic monsters. Though the villains were often larger-than-life on screen, the action figures gave them a more manageable size, perfect for battling the Rangers in living rooms across the country.
Expanding the Universe
As Mighty Morphin Power Rangers continued to dominate the airwaves, Bandai continued to release new waves of toys to match the ever-evolving show. The introduction of new characters like Lord Zedd, the more menacing villain who replaced Rita as the primary antagonist, led to new figure designs. And when the Rangers gained new powers, like the Thunderzords, it meant new toy releases that added a layer of collectability to the franchise.
The toy line also expanded beyond action figures, with playsets like the Command Center, where Zordon and Alpha 5 helped guide the Rangers in their battles, becoming a favorite for kids who wanted to recreate scenes from the show.
The Movie Impact
In 1995, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie hit theaters, and with it came a new range of toys. The movie featured updated versions of the Rangers’ suits, zords, and weapons, all of which were reflected in the toy line. The new movie zords, particularly the Ninja Megazord, became highly sought-after toys, offering a fresh take on the classic concept of combining giant robots.
The film helped keep the Power Rangers fever alive as the franchise transitioned from its original incarnation to newer versions like Power Rangers Zeo. With each new iteration of the show, Bandai was quick to release corresponding toys, ensuring that the line remained popular for years to come.
A Legacy That Endures
What started as a simple TV show and toy line quickly became a multi-generational franchise. The Power Rangers have continued to evolve, with new series, movies, and toys being released every few years. The original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers figures, however, hold a special place in the hearts of 90s kids. Today, these figures are sought-after collectibles, with vintage pieces, particularly the zords, commanding high prices on the secondary market.
Bandai’s decision to regularly update and refresh the line, while maintaining the core appeal of the Power Rangers—a team of teens fighting evil in giant robots—has kept the brand alive. And for the original fans, the nostalgia runs deep. Recent reissues of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers figures have allowed collectors to relive their childhood, while new fans can experience the magic of the Power Rangers for the first time.
The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers toy line was more than just a passing trend—it became an institution. And even today, decades later, the Power Rangers are still morphin’ into the hearts of new generations.