Power Rangers: Once and Always

April 19th 2023 marked the 30th Anniversary of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers as well as the world premier of Once & Always, a netflix special starring some of the OG Power Rangers cast returning to their legendary roles to face a new threat. With such a monumental occasion taking place for Power Rangers fans, The Masters Class thought it only fitting to slip out of its physical form and into a large glass tube to put on its best Zordon act and assemble a team of action figure photographers with attitude! This week we have scoured the toy photography community for six artists fit to suit up and protect the world from Rita and her minions. Each photographer was given one of the original members of the team to take their best shot with and questions pertaining to not only their tips and tricks behind their action figure photography, but their thoughts and opinions on the franchise over all.

Making their Morphinominal debut to The Masters Class for this “Once & Always” spectacular are two artists that we have been very impatiently waiting for the right opportunity to introduce to the class. Representing the Mighty Morphin Green Ranger is none other than @EC_Toypix, and representing the Mighty Morphin Black Ranger is the one and only @Magnaspectre! Additionally, making their long awaited and triumphant returns we have @H.C_Yellowjacket representing the Yellow Ranger, @GreenGeek88 representing the Pink Ranger, @No.Chewing representing the Blue Ranger, and making his third appearance in the the Masters Class we have the legendary @Catalyst_Hobbies representing the Red Ranger.

So without any further ado, grab your pencils and paper, your Power Coin, and get ready to Morph back into action, because Class is now in session.

The Power Rangers franchise has had multiple toy lines over the years. What has been your favorite to collect and photograph? And has there been any line in particular that you have not enjoyed?

EC- Photographing, the Lightning Collection. I plan to explore Super7 soon. Oh, and i’d actually love to work with the McDonald’s movie toys! Fond memories of collecting those as a kid. 

@EC_Toypix submission is a stunning portrait shot of the MMPR Green Ranger

MS- Easily the Hasbro Pulse Lightning Collection! Having grown up in the late 90s and early 2000s, I absolutely loved the classic Bandai line despite the “bodybuilder” molds, and was actually in the process of collecting exclusively classic figures when I discovered the Lightning Collection. Needless to say, the accuracy and dimensions of the figures are everything I dreamed of as a kid, about 50+ figures later, we’re still going strong. I think the beauty of the Lightning Collection isn’t just in the figure designs themselves, but also the expansion to teams and villains that the classic lines never released, such as the Psycho Rangers, SPD A-Squad, and BOOM comics characters. The line that I’m least a fan of are the early classic Bandai figures prior to Power Rangers in Space, as they were very boxy and not the most aesthetic throughout the MMPR-Turbo years.

GG- My favorite PR line to shoot would definitely be the lightning collection. Just the amount of characters available and the poses you can do with them is amazing. I only have 2 or 3 of them, but my least favorite would be the legacy collection. For me, the proportions are way too wonky for my liking.

CH- I’m really partial to the LC line. Even with all the QC problems they are really solid figures For just collecting I really like BOJ toys. Ive never really been a fan of the overly muscular badai figures.

HC- Honestly i don’t think I had many Power Ranger toys growing up. Coming from a family of 5 kids and being the oldest I can understand why now looking back. So the Hasbro Lightning Collection has been my first dip into ranger figures and I’d say they have been my favorites so far. The only one I can say I was disappointed with was the Hasbro Ninja Rangers. I only picked up the Pink ranger and she had many QC issues and just over all felt cheap.

NC- I really enjoy the Lightning Collection, I appreciate the wide spread of figures they release. I think SH Figuarts is great too but releases slowly. I have some Bandai Legacy figures but I do not like the articulation as much as I like the Lightning collection.

If you could fantasy draft a team of Rangers from across all seasons or comic series, who would your team consist of? (Five core Rangers, one Sixth Ranger, One Mentor)

CH- Core: Jen- Timeforce Pink, Lauren- Red Samurai, Adam- Black MMPR, Jack- Yellow Hyperforce, Sky- SPD Blue, 6th: Zahne- In Space Silver, Mentor: Doggie.

@Catalyst_Hobbies submission to this Masters Class is masterful portrait of the MMPR Red Ranger

NC- Oh awesome! Let’s see, Green Ranger Tommy is my sixth ranger, for the core team I would pick Kimberly Ranger Slayer, Adam as Mighty Morphin Black Ranger, Jason as the Red Omega, Amelia as the Pink Dino Fury or new Cosmic Red, and lastly Minh as Mighty Morphin Yellow, with Ninjor as the mentor

HC- I honestly only remember watching the original team and the theatrical movie with Ivan Ooze. So I would probably say Billy, Zach, Kimberly, Trini, Rocky , and Tommy the Green Ranger with Dulcea as The Mentor.

GG- Hmm, my fantasy team? Definitely Zach and Adam as both MMPR Black and Zeo Green. Andros for the red ranger, Tanya as yellow Zeo, and Jen from Timeforce as Pink. Tommy assuming the white ranger power as my 6th. Their mentor would be none other than the GOAT himself, Billy Cranston (I always thought he should have had Dimitrias role in Turbo).

MS- Really great question! My five core rangers would likely be: Red: Jason Lee Scott (MMPR)- Arguably the most complete leader, brave, selfless, trains intensely, and is a natural, pure hero. Blue: TJ (In Space) - Can’t think of a better second in command to have on your team. Has red ranger experience, is a great leader and strategist and would pair well with Jason. Green/Black: Adam Park (MMPR/Zeo) - Great team mate as seen throughout MMPR all the way to In Space, and great leadership potential, also experience working with different teams (as seen in Once a Ranger). Yellow: Kira Ford (Dino Thunder) - Enhanced powers, arguably the heart of the Dino Thunder team, and was part of the Once a Ranger squad. Teamed with Adam, and directly mentored by Tommy Oliver. Pink: Kendrix Morgan (Lost Galaxy) - Arguably the brightest pink ranger ever, and possibly the bravest, willing to give up everything for her teammates. Kendrix would also be my equivalent to Billy as far being the brains on the team with TJ taking the blue ranger role. (Extremely hard to pick between her and Jen Scotts, but Jen deserves to lead her own team and there’s enough leadership with Jason,TJ, and Tommy on the team). Sixth Ranger: Mike Corbett (Lost Galaxy) - Powerful enough as the Magna Defender to operate independently, but can also be a huge part of the team. Has also shown the ability to lead as a red ranger if needed and is incredibly brave and selfless. Mentor: Anubis Kruger (SPD) - Great military mind, phenomenal leader, and frighteningly powerful!

EC- Well, first pick is Preston from Ninja Steel. He’s easily one of my favorite Rangers and i love his magician hobby. Also, Blue Dragon Zord. Id secondly pick Koda from Dino Charge, but im going to assume we dont want two blue rangers. So instead, my secod pick wold be Dustin from Ninja Storm. His confidence would help Preston while keeping with the ninja theme. Third is Dino Fury Pink Amelia. Her interest in cryptozoology would be welcome to a team of magic and ninjas. To wrap it up, I would say that I would want Nick from Mystic Force, Zach from Mighty Morphin, and for the sixth Ranger and Mentor I would pick RJ from Jungle Fury.

Lighting is often one of the most important steps in action figure photography. What is your typical lighting setup for your Ranger shots?

HC- Lighting for me is kinda difficult to nail down. I don’t use a tripod to shoot so every shot changes constantly. I use small box lights from Amazon and a lamp and often any little cheap lights from dollar stores. I move them around and place them in various spots. So I set the lights and shoot a shot and then I’ll move them around again and try something different. Lately I’ve been just using 2 lights and it helps with the low key vibe.

@H.C_Yellowjacket submission is a powerful portrait of the MMPR Yellow Ranger

GG- For lighting I think it’s cool to use lights that complement each Ranger’s colors. It makes their respective colors pop more and I just think it looks sweet.

EC- I don’t do much for special lighting other than just using ring lights.

MS- I typically use a mini photo studio light box as it provides a lot off great and clear lighting from the top angle of my shots and use it in conjunction with an LED light above my camera to provide bright and clear shots from the front.

NC- I always start with a lighting triangle and modify from there, often times using RGB light to embellish the power ranger color

CH- Normally I use 4-5 lights. Depending on which style of photography I’m doing I will use some colored lights.

Of all super hero franchises over the years, Power Rangers have had one of the most vast supplies of villains. What is your favorite baddie from across the seasons of the show or the comics?

MS- Easily Ecliptor from Power Rangers in Space. Despite being evil, he had a distinct code of honor and a tragically caring side, and wasn’t afraid to challenge other baddies as powerful as Darkonda and the Psycho Rangers.

@Magnaspectre submission is an epic hip hop kiedo fight scene starring the MMPR Black Ranger

EC- Divatox from Power Rangers Turbo.

CH- Favorite villains would be Zedd and Rita and the Alliance of Destruction, from the comics it would definitely be Drakkon.

NC- Lord Drakkon is clearly a new favorite! And Zedd and Rita may be the most iconic villains in the franchise. But my personal favorite monster of the week is Soccadillo, it was my favorite monster figure

GG- My favorite Power Rangers villain is none other than Pudgy Pig! He was just a one off, but his design just stuck with me and was one of my favorite figures as a kid. So when I got him in the LC I was super stoked!

HC- Yes they’ve had many memorable baddies but the coolest one had to be Lord Zedd. He was actually scary looking.

The Rangers are known for their fast paced action and epic fight scenes. What are some tips and tricks you can offer the readers for translating those scenes into action figure form?

NC- I would suggest to go over the top in action. Then if you use practical effects, use water/smoke/etc. to embellish the action

@No.Chewing submission is a brilliant collage portrait of the MMPR Blue Ranger

GG- The Rangers are known for their vast knowledge of martial arts, so I like to incorporate that into my fighting scenes. Don’t be afraid to go big and crazy with the moves and poses! Rangers are loosey-goosey! 

EC- I’m actually not the strongest at doing fight photography, but angles make all the difference. 

HC- I’m not an expert by any means on this but I would have to say, look for references, look up a scene an image from a comic or google and it will help get you going. And if your having trouble with wide shots try shooting some up close and you might like the results a little better.

MS- As I typically use a studio box for my shots, it is easy to position the figures against a white background in your ideal pose/fighting position and later crop them into a background that you like. The studio box provides me with a lot of flexibility for how to position the figures and being able to crop out the figure shots allows me to exercise more freedom and creativity in action shots where striking, jumping, or running are being portrayed.

CH- Take your time and have patience. Also get to know your figures and limitations.

Picking the GOAT of Power Rangers is a topic that comes up frequently within the fandom and debated fervently. In your opinion, who is the greatest Ranger of all time?

GG- For my pick for the GOAT Ranger, my pick is going to be cliche. I’m gonna go for Tommy Oliver. I had the pleasure of meeting him once before he passed and everything you hear about the guy is true. One of the nicest people you will meet

@GreenGeek88 submission to the Masters Class is an inspiring portrait of the MMPR Pink Ranger

CH- I would say its between Tommy and Adam. I find it difficult to choose between them.

MS- While I’d argue that Rangers like Jason Scott, Carter Grayson, and Andros are some of the most complete heroes and leaders in PR history, Tommy Oliver is my pick for the GOAT of Power Rangers. He has led and mentored several teams, transformed from a villain to a hero, and has the Master Morpher making him arguably the most powerful Ranger ever.

NC- I think you can’t argue with Tommy, longevity and impact is unmatched. I would then consider Jason as the second greatest. He was the first leader, where the show really shined a spotlight on him. He may have returned the second most of any ranger. Additionally, in the comics he goes on to be an Omega ranger, having many more adventures. Lastly, I would consider Billy as a strong candidate, I think people forget how long he was part of the show. And now you need to consider his role in Once and Always

HC- Like i said previously I don’t think I ever watched any of the shows after the original so I would have to give it to Tommy Oliver The Green/ White Ranger. 

EC- I need to give it to Tommy Oliver.

Throughout the seasons of the shows and the issues of the comics, Power Rangers have had iconic scenery and locales for their backdrop. What are some things you like to use in your Ranger photography that harkens back to those places?

EC- I like this question a lot because its something I want to work on. I don’t have a lot of things that are specifically inspired by Power Rangers yet for dioramas, but i would like to.

HC- I don’t shoot the rangers as often as I would like but for me taking them outside and doing some outdoor shots in nature would be ideal. Out on some rocks or in the dirt and sand would look great in my opinion.

CH- I like to shoot outside when I can. Getting a good rock quarry look is a plus.

MS- As I like to use a lot of dust/explosion effects in the shots, I mostly stay away from the iconic settings as they’re difficult to duplicate, but I do use rocky floor pieces made. Of plastic for a more natural feel.

NC- I typically use a black background,  it if I had a diorama, I would like to have a command center and Rita’s palace for photography

GG- For the setting of my Rager shots, I usually use my Batcave dio for a makeshift command center, or either try for an outdoor fight scene.

If you could have the chance to be recruited by Zordon for the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, what color/power set would you hope to get for the team?

CH- I would love to be the green or black ranger.

NC- I would ask for the mighty morphin black ranger coin

GG- If I were recruited by Zordon ad got to pick my own color, obviously I would opt to be a green ranger. Hey, it’s in the name ok?

EC- Honestly, it's a toss up between yellow and blue. I’m not all that techy, so probably I wouldnt end up being blue, but yellow is pretty cool.

HC- I would probably say Red Ranger and his sword. What Is Cooler than a giant Red Tyrannosaurus Rex Zord?!

MS- Easily red! Nothing beats the classic MMPR red suit and the Power Sword!

The new Netflix special “Once & Always has been taking the streaming world by storm. Ifyou had to convince a casual fan or non fan to watch this special in one sentence, what would it be?

NC- I would ask if they remembered Power Rangers, the feeling of watching it in the afternoon, for me at 5:00. Would you like to go back in time for an hour?

MS- Power Rangers has inspired thousands of fans over 30 years and the special is a really emotional and powerful story reigniting the love for the franchise throughout world!

CH- Nostalgia.

GG- Pure 90’s nostalgia.

HC- Take A Trip Back To Our Childhood Days For A Little Bit.

EC- They use lightning collection figures as props in the show.

Lastly, who is YOUR favorite Power Rangers action figure photographer in the community?

HC- I would say GreenGeek88 is up there. He does great work and you can see his love for the Rangers.

CH- ZombieClownPhotography. When I first started toy photography Zombie was the first one to talk to me and got me into doing collabs. I have always like his style and how crisp his shots are.

NC- My favorite Power Ranger photographer is ZombieClownPhotography, he was the first person that I started to follow that primarily did Power Ranger photos. His photographs are exceptional, a true fan, you can feel the love he has for the property.

EC- That’s a really hard question. I’d have to say @Magnaspectre has been my favorite since i really started doing regular Power Ranger photography.

MS- There are simply too many fantastic Power Rangers photographers each with their unique styles, many of which I have collaborated with and have served as inspirations for my shots well!

GG- I would have to go with @zombieclown_photography. He is one of the first Ranger dudes ive had the pleasure of meeting on here and is one of the best humans I know. 

Power Rangers holds a very special place in many's hearts, and the action figure photography artists in the community continue to be inspired and moved by the show. It is always a pleasure to get the opportunity to speak to the talented artists doing this collab and learn some tips and tricks from them. I would like to thank the six artists for participating and offering up their wisdom and insight. The action figure photography community is the greatest, Once and Always.