Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, © Saban Brands

What was your first Power Rangers episode? Answer in the comments. Mine – “Day of the Dumpster” – 8/28/93

On August 28, 1993, the world was saved for the first time by the Power Rangers. The first episode of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers – titled “Day of the Dumpster” – aired on the Fox Kids block and mixed together popular trends of martial arts and super heroes with dynamic action, bright colors, entertaining practical effects, and  just enough camp  about high schoolers trying to do the right thing while coping with bullies and everyday life.

Adapted from the Super Sentai 1992 series Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger, MMPR isn’t technically the first Sentai series to make it state side. That goes to Dynaman, which aired on USA Network’s late-’80s late-night block Night Flight, which parody dubbed over the original dialog. The Power Rangers franchise though proved more successful, as the original MMPR series lasted for three seasons, and the franchise then followed in its Sentai roots by changing the series out about once a year (with a couple of exceptions and breaks). The franchise continues to this day with the current 18th/19th series: Power Rangers Samurai/Power Rangers Super Samurai.

Here’s to next year, the big 20, and the next series Megaforce.

The second intro to Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, including the Green Ranger

Trailer for Power Rangers Megaforce, from this year’s Power Morphicon convention, courtesy of Samurai Cast