| Title | : | Power Rangers: The Ultimate Visual History |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1683830229 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781683830221 |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 256 |
| Publication | : | Published November 6, 2018 |
After the hit series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers launched in 1993, Saban’s Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children’s television program in the United States. Today, more than two decades later, Power Rangers is one of the longest-running kids' action series in TV history and has become a global pop culture phenomenon.
Power Rangers: The Ultimate Visual History takes viewers on a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Power Rangers franchise, from the conception of the television show to the present-day seasons, feature films, toys, video games, comic books, and more. This comprehensive collection features interviews with top creators, as well as some of the key writers and producers responsible for the iconic look and panache of the legendary superhero franchise. Special inserts, charts, art replications, and badges add special interest and collectibility to this fantastic tribute to the lasting legacy of the Power Rangers. A special chapter will also focus on the making of the new Power Rangers movie, which was released by Lionsgate in March 2017.
Power Rangers: The Ultimate Visual History Reviews
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I've just finished my first skim read through the ultimate visual history and I'm amazed at the depth and detail that's gone into this book. Everything from Mighty Morphin up to (a little bit of) Beast Morphers is covered in this book, outlining behind the scenes stories, concepts for seasons and highlighting all the intricate details around the power rangers lore. This isn't just a photo album with some common knowledge any PR fan would know (although more on that in a second). For a franchise that's aimed at kids, the amount of detail that's gone into this is a testament to the fandom, this book is definitely aimed at the older reader who's interested in the show they grew up with. It's nice to see that this franchise has been given some more respect than it's been given in the past, and created collectibles with this level of effort put in.
The amount of source material and imagery in this book is wonderful and it looks like the authors have had the freedom of the entire Power Rangers archive, a lot of the photos and graphics from Mighty Morphin to Turbo I can remember featuring in annuals and comics I used to own from back in the 90s. As well as photos and promo materials, there's lots of behind the scenes photos and concept art in here as well, along with some high quality images from the Sentai Seasons (some of the sharpest photographs of Sentai footage I think I've ever seen).
The book is broken down into chapters, with a season each getting their own chapter, as well as some dedicated chapters on all three of the movies. As well as the TV show, there's other flyout sections within the pages dedicated to other parts of the fandom, such as the toys, merch licensing and the comic books (both original and the latest). So far the only areas I can't seem to find any info on is the history of the videogames or info on Hyperforce (which I'll admit is a shame if it's excluded as that's a noteworthy staple in the franchises history), if I'm wrong and it's in the book I'll update my review.
Overall, if you're more than a casual fan, feeling nostalgic/nerdy I highly recommend this book. The book itself is 255 pages thick full of beautifully presented pages and manufactured to a premium level, so for the price tag it's been given it's very good value for money! -
Ok, pros: I'm huge fan. Like been to a ton of Power Rangers conventions huge fan. I learned new things. There is some stunning art, great behind the scenes things.
Cons: Could've used another editing pass and fact checker. I spotted typos and mistakes. Also, this very much a Saban book. The Disney seasons, with the exception of RPM get short shrift, and even RPM has more screenshots than concept art. The Saban seasons, both original and Neo Saban, have a lot of great stuff. Some things are glazed over, most notably David Yost's departure from the show.
There's also a lot of emphasis on the MMPR-Zeo years, but that's only to be expected. -
A fun way to look back over a series that I enjoyed a little too much in high school and appreciate all the many seasons that have passed since I stopped watching. Well worth a look if you're a fan and interested in the history of the series, but probably not at all otherwise. Not as much Super Sentai content as I'd hoped for, but it never promises to be about that any more than the US series made from it.
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Go go power rangers!
That brought me back to my childhood favourite. Kimberly Hart will always be my childhood hero. Interesting to see all the other seasons that have been produced. I mean. I stopped watching after Kim left so this entire thing was fun in learning that the show was still going. -
SM
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This book gives an insight on the history of one of television's best selling children shows ever. It has descriptions of fan favorite seasons such as Time Force, Lost Galaxy, Wild Force, RPM, Jungle Fury and more. Though I wish they would give more details on the villains. Aside from that, this book gives us as Rangers fans a trip down memory lane like no other.
