Power Rangers Lightning Collection Ranger Slayer figure review
I’ve tried to resist getting caught up in all the various Power Rangers teams with Hasbro’s Lightning Collection, but I’ve had a much tougher time resisting characters even remotely connected to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers era even if it’s just from the comic books.
The Ranger Slayer is a cool looking character and I immediately needed to know more about her, which made her a no-brainer pick-up when Hasbro revealed she was getting a figure. Let’s see if her aim is true…
Packaging: It’s way too late to hope for a packaging change in terms of the character showcase and bio on the back. I do like the color specific setup and the big portrait on the front and side.
It’s really the rear that’s underwhelming with a dull photo of the figure that’s not nearly as cool as the Hasbro promotional pictures.
Likeness: Ranger Slayer is an alternate version of the original Pink Ranger, Kimberly Hart, who is brainwashed by Lord Drakkon into being his lackey. Eventually she overcomes this mind control and becomes a hero again trying to find her new path in life.
As she’s more than a basic MMPR, Ranger Slayer has a far more intricate costume highlighted by her cape, armor paneled left arm and armor plating on her thigh and knees. Hasbro did make the necessary adjustments to the helmet instead of just mailing it in with a new paintjob. The visor is wider and deeper and the mouth section is narrower.
The thigh pads have some scuffs and scratches to indicate Ranger Slayer has seen some tough times. I was surprised the left arm plating was actually sculpted instead of just left to the paint. Hasbro also did a nice job with the cape’s collar flare so it stands up without being too obstructive and noticeable.
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I also like that the cape is blown out with some tattered edges and holes to show she’s already seen some significant battles.
Scale: Ranger Slayer doesn’t need to be any taller than the Earth-1(?) version of Kimberly so she’s shorter than the average male figure.
I kinda like the idea of one of the more bada$$ characters in the MMPR mythos not being Jason or Tommy.
Paint: I haven’t had a lot of issues with paintwork on this line outside of very minor paint bleeds or runoffs. Ranger Slayer has more problems than most from the pink on the left arm plating not lining up properly with the sculpted areas.
Her belt buckle is also sloppy and there are a number of inconsistencies with bleed through and runoff on the thigh armor. I’m going to give Hasbro the benefit of the doubt here and just assume I got a rare lemon as I haven’t had any figure this problematic before.
Articulation: Ranger Slayer moves just as smoothly as every other Ranger figure in this line. I appreciate the articulation consistency as it’s not like others where some move better than others. If one can do it you know what to expect from the others.
My figure has weak ankles so she tends to tip forward way too much so I’ll need to tight that joint area up some.
Ranger Slayer has:
- neck
- shoulders
- elbow (double-jointed)
- wrist
- wrist hinge
- torso
- waist
- hip
- knee (double-jointed)
- ankle
Accessories: Ranger Slayer has a nice range of accessories and is the first one so far that I’ve purchased that doesn’t have an alternate unmasked head sculpt.
She has her bow, which is more distinct with bladed edges to double as another weapon. Ranger Slayer also has three arrows fused together at the base. That makes for a more dynamic action show and she can always use Kimberly’s solo arrow if you prefer.
In keeping with the darker nature of Ranger Slayer, she has a blaster, but it’s more streamlined than the typical MMPR weapon.
It’s just black and grey, but I like it and the difference from the others.
Finally, she has an alternate matching set of a gripping left hand and a palm strike right hand.
Worth it? Even without the extra head, Ranger Slayer is another terrific figure in this line. I never expected to be so deep into a Power Rangers collection ever, but this line has me hooked and ready for the next reveals.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Besides the shaky ankles, a little inconsistent paint work and lack of an alternate head sculpt, this is another winner in what’s quickly become one of my most unexpected favorite lines.
Where to get it? I ordered Ranger Slayer from Hasbro Pulse the moment she came up for pre-order, but she’s sold out now. As always Amazon is an option if you don’t mind paying the mark up. Entertainment Earth also has her up for pre-order now.