'Power Rangers' Takes on Comic-Con



Walter Emanuel Jones

SAN DIEGO — Walter Emanuel Jones, the original Black Ranger in the “Power Rangers” universe, wasn’t surprised to see several fans dressed as Rangers at the 2012 Comic-Con convention.

However, he was surprised at how old they were.

“They’re buying drinks for me at the bar. Time just flies by,” he laughed. “The relevance of the show is amazing. They still want it.”

It’s been nearly 20 years since the show first debuted in the United States, and Jones and his fellow actors said they believe the show has another 20 years in it. The show is enjoying a resurgence already on Nickelodeon with “Power Rangers Super Samurai,” hundreds of episodes from the franchise are now on Netflix, and Shout! Factory is releasing the series on DVD for the first time.

“There are no bigger fans than these,” said Elie Dekel, president of Saban Brands, the company behind the franchise. “They love the material and really show their appreciation for the show.” He praised Shout! Factory for its work on the show, including the massive DVD set being sold at the convention. Seasons 1-7 will see DVD releases beginning later this year.

“Shout! Factory works doubly hard to deliver this content in a quality way,” Dekel said. “We couldn’t be happier.”

Actor Paul Schrier, who played “Bulk” in the original series and in the current production, called the longevity of the show “remarkable,” while actor Jason Narvy, who plays Eugene "Skull" Skullovitch, said “Power Rangers” will always remain the ultimate boys action show.

“Girls grew up on Barbie, boys on ‘Power Rangers,’” he said. “I dare you to find someone who doesn’t know ‘Power Rangers.’ When you see them walking [in costume] around the show, there’s a certain reverence to it.”