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Zyu2

The Concept

When Margaret Loesch, the president of the now-defunct Fox Children's Network, picked up a little show called Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers for the Fall 93 season, many people didn't expect the show to be more than a one season space-filler. The show, which had been pitched time and time again, had a simple premise: take fight scenes from a Japanese tokusatsu program, splice in footage featuring American footage, do the necessary voice dubbing, and you have a cheaply made children's television show.

But, the unthinkable happened: the show became that year's phenomenon. Ratings were through the roof, and toy sales matched and exceeded expectations. Then, an important question reared it's ugly head: what happens when we run out of footage?

With 40 episodes in the bag, utilizing nearly all the adaptable footage from the 50-episode sentai series Zyuranger, Saban Entertainment was at a crossroads. What happens next? How do they continue to produce episodes of the #1 Children's show if the Japanese footage that comprised at least half of each episode was bled dry.

Solving The Problem

Saban went to TOEI, ltd. hoping they could help rectify this problem. Whether the suits existed previously or not is still unclear, but Saban returned to the U.S. with 25 monster costumes and an unclear amount of footage featuring them, including numerous zord battles. These monsters and the respective Japan-shot footage became what Power Rangers fans refer to as Zyu2, a name given by Power Rangers fan Chris "Cmdr Crayfish" Funaro, who took his nickname from one of these very monsters.

With these new resources, Saban proceeded to crank out 20 additional episodes to bring the first season total to 60, utilizing 15 of these monsters, their accompanying pre-shot footage, as well as additional U.S.-filmed ground fights, directed and choreographed by Jeff Pruitt.

Realizing that they had achieved something that could last a long time, Saban secured the rights to adapt Dairanger for the second season of Power Rangers. Many things would remain constant, such as the Ranger's costumes and arsenal, however, the chance to upgrade the zords was something they couldn't pass up (in terms of ratings as well as toy sales).

This, was no small feat, as at this point, filming was beginning for Kakuranger, the series that would follow the sequel to Zyuranger, Dairanger. Rainbow Productions created 25-26 additional monster suits, in Zyuranger-style, and TOEI proceeded to film footage of both Ranger-sized battles, as well as Zord-sized battles for each monster.

Whereas TOEI was kind enough to include some things to benefit Power Rangers (such as a brainy Blue Ranger, a releationship between the Pink and Green Rangers, etc.), they made sure to not do anything that would drastically separate this new footage from the original Zyuranger.

The footage arrived, and Saban proceeded to crank out 20 additional episodes to bring the first season total to 60, utilizing 15 of the new footage/monsters.

Realizing that they had achieved something that could last a long time, Saban entered into negotiations with TOEI, ltd. to get the rights to adapt Dairanger for the second season of Power Rangers. Many things would remain constant, such as the Ranger's costumes and arsenal, however, the chance to upgrade the zords was something they couldn't pass up (in terms of ratings as well as toy sales).

Bridging The Gap

But, Saban Entertainment was not a dumb company - they still had 10 additional monsters with footage that they could utilize. Granted, it would still be easy to utilize any pre-shot ground battles, and continue to combine it with American-made fights, but the zord battles were another story.

This ended up being one of both the most ingenious and the most horrible editting jobs in all of Power Rangers.

Making sure not to show any shots of monster-zord contact, the producers spliced together Zyu2 footage of the monsters doing their thing with footage of the Thunder Megazord doing it's thing in Dairanger footage, with lots of sparks thrown in to cover up the splicing.

Unfortunately, there are many times where the editting was subpar, and an attentive viewer can see a monster's attack land on the Megazord and Dragonzord for a few frames, before cutting to the Thunder Megazord feeling the attack.

Season 2, as well as many later seasons, loved to bring back old monsters. While some monsters came back because they were favorites and their suits held up remarkably well (i.e. Eye Guy), in MANY cases, these monsters were monsters from Zyu2. Sure, the footage may have been exhausted, but these costumes were on hand and ready. So, when Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa got married, most of the guests at the wedding were Zyu2 monsters.

The Fanon Story

At some point, it was reasoned that some parts of the pre-shot "Zyu2" footage could've formed a continuation for the original sentai series. After realizing this, Funaro and close friend Jesse "SirSTACK" Herndon came up with titles for each segment in the Zyu2 footage, naming them in a traditional sentai manner. Those episode names (and accompanying story parts) are what is discussed for the remainder of this guide.

THE FOLLOWING IS ALL OF A SPECULATIVE NATURE. NONE OF THIS IS TO BE INTERPRETTED AS FACT OR CANON.

The Story/Details

Some basic background story on Zyuranger may be required to fully understand and appreciate the following summaries. A basic story can be found at Joe Rovang's Sentai Sanctorum. For the pupose of this guide, the Japanese names will be used.

All footage photos are from adapted Zyu2 footage and were provided by SirSTACK. Monster info borrowed (graciously) from Joe Rovang's Writers' Guide. And, Micro-GIF monster images provided by Christian "MegaZeo" Salabert.

	Episode #1: "Resurgence! Wicked Sushi?!" (adapted for Something Fishy) Goo Fish, armed with a fish lance, was able to spray a stream of blue venom from his mouth, which would solidify into a yellowish glue. He was also able to throw exploding sand dollars, starfish, and fish, as well as fire a pulsating red energy beam from his eye. He was able to deflect PteraRanger's arrow with his weapon, but sprayed himself in the face after TriceraRanger flipped over him. He was destroyed by Daizyujin. Green Ranger? No. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #2: "The Red Rash Of Courage" (adapted for To Flea Or Not To Flee) Fighting Flea had the ability to infect his enemies with an itch spell, that could penetrate the Zyuranger's suits. He could shoot needles from his nose, and yellow energy beams from his antennae. He was defeated by Daizyujin. Green Ranger? No. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #3: "The Invincible Big Jelly Strikes!!" (adapted for Reign Of The Jellyfish) Jellyfish could shoot red pulses from his right hand, and was able to penetrate the Zyuranger's suits with both blasts and a white gas-like toxic spray. He utilized an umbrella as a shield, and could both dodge attacks through teleportation and enter another dimension, where he could not be touched by the Zyuranger's attacks, but could attack them. MammothRanger's ZyuBlocker was able to hit the Jellyfish, freeing the Zyurangers from this dimension. He was destroyed by Daizyujin. Green Ranger? No. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #4: "The Insect And The Prey" (adapted for Plague Of The Mantis) Mantis was armed with razor-sharp claws, that could cut clean through tree trunks and could block PteraRanger's arrows. He was destroyed by Daizyujin. Green Ranger? No. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #5: "Arise! The Fallen Brother's Spirit!" (adapted for Return Of An Old Friend) Dramole could travel underground, darken the sky, shoot red and yellow energy bolts from his eyes (respectively), and was able to produce a hypnotic gas, turning the 4 Zyurangers against PteraRanger. Upon seeing this, DragonRanger returned from the Heavens, dousing the area with red energy rays, brightening the sky, and freeing the Zyurangers from the spell. Despite what PR would lead you to believe, Daizyujin defeated Dramole. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Yes. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #6: "Buzz! Stinging Nuisance" (adapted for Grumble Bee) Grumble Bee possessed vibrating wings which could send yellow pulses of energy through the air. He shot stingers from his fingertips and greenish-yellow venom from his mouth. He was destroyed by Daizyujin. Green Ranger? No. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #7: "Double Squawk! Flapping Destruction" (adapted for Two Heads Are Better Than One) The Two-Headed Parrot was armed with feather darts, red multi-eye beams, and mouth projectiles. However, it had a weakness for a particular kind of fruit. Kyuukyoku Daizyujin defeated the Two-Headed Parrot. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Ultrazord.
	Episode #8: "Prank Of The Tricky Crow" (adapted for Fowl Play) Peckster was armed with a super-strong beak, which could peck through anything. He had the ability to fly, as well as cause windstorms with his wings. After attempting to blow his enemies away, Peckster was defeated by Daizyujin. Green Ranger? No. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #9: "Macho! The Vandilzed Cars" (adapted for Enter... The Lizzinator) The Lizzinator had super strength, able to pick up and throw cars easily. He could shoot red eyebeams and white gas from his mouth. Kyuukyoku Daizyujin was required to stop the Lizzinator. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Ultrazord.
	Episode #10: "Dangerous Pumpkin Harvest" (adapted for Trick Or Treat and Zedd's Monster Mash) Pumpkin Rapper was able to enclose both the Golems' as well as the Zyuranger's heads in pumpkins. He was able to tie up the Zyuranger using his vines. When giant, he was armed with Pumpkin Bombs. Daizyujin defeated the Pumpkin Rapper. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Yes. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #11: "Argue! Sibling Indifference" (adapted for On Fins And Needles) Slippery Shark was armed with a boomerang, and had the ability to fly through the air and speed underground, as well as teleport. Daizyujin defeated Slippery Shark. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #12: "Decisive Football Match!" (adapted for Second Chance) Soccadillo could roll up into a ball, which was able to absorb most attacks. He could fire bluish-white energy from his forearms and his eyes. Despite what PR would like you to believe, Soccadillo was defeated by Kyuukyoku Daizyujin. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Ultrazord.
	Episode #13: "Evil American-Football Game!" (adapted for Football Season) Rhinoblaster was teamed with football jersey-wearing Golems. When giant, his white nose mist whisked the Rangers to another dimension. He possessed a curve sword, from which he could shoot energy bolts. Unlike in PR, he was defeated by Kyuukyoku Daizyujin. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Ultrazord.
	Episode #14: "The Horrible Taskforce Strikes Back?!" (adapted for Mighty Morphin' Mutants) Commander Crayfish was accompanied by evil versions of the Zyurangers (sans TyrannoRanger), each armed with their Legendary Weapons. He and his Rangers were armed with their own Legendary Cannon. After defeating the evil female Rangers, and the remaining male Rangers and Commander Crayfish fell prey to Kyuukyoku Daizyujin. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Yes. Method of Defeat? Ultrazord.
	Episode #15: "Terror Below The Waves" (adapted for An Oyster Stew) Oysterizer could shoot pink acid gel from his stomach-region and flaming energy from his face. He was armed with a pearl & blade chained weapon. He battled the Shugozyus underwater, but was eventually lead back to the shoreline, where he was defeated by Daizyujin. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #16: "Great Revolt! The Fish Puppeteer" (adapted for The Mutiny) Pirantishead appeared on a rooftop, and took control of the Zyurangers' Shugozyu, freezing 4 and using Tyrannosaurus and Dragon Caesar against the Zyurangers. Eventually, Triceraranger blocks his signal, regains control of the Shugozyu, and the Zyurangers destroy the monster with Kyuukyoku Daizyujin. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Yes. Method of Defeat? Ultrazord.
	Episode #17: "The White Baboon Of Mimic" (adapted for The Wanna-Be Ranger) Primator was able to take the appearance of each of the Zyurangers, causing much confusion. Eventually, he saw his own reflection, causing a colorful result - multi-colored Zyuanger fakes. Kyuukyoku Daizyujin eventually defeated the mimicing baboon. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Ultrazord.
	Episode #18: "Burn! The Scaley Reptile" (adapted for Putty On The Brain) Saliguana, armed with fire breath and a long red tongue, posed the usual challenge to the Zyuranger. He was defeated by Daizyujin. Green Ranger? No. Power Blaster? Yes. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #19: "Blossoming Jealousy" (adapted for Bloom Of Doom) The Bloom of Doom was armed with harmful pollen, and her eye was able to teleport Pteraranger to her alternate, cactus-filled dimension. The Howling Cannon briefly defeated Bloom of Doom, blowing off her petals, but that was only the beginning... Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Yes. Method of Defeat? Unknown.
	Episode #20: "The Squid's Thieving Jar" (adapted for The Power Stealer) Octophantom captured all but Tyrannoranger and Triceraranger in his evil jar. Fortunately, Triceraranger was able to come up with a plan, distracting him with a mirror and then attacking with his Tricera-lance. Despite his new energy attacks upon growing, Daizyujin was able to defeat him. Green Ranger? No. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #21: "Scramble For The Scarab!" (adapted for The Beetle Invasion) Stag Beetle was armed with many-colored energy beams, and posed quite the problem to the Zyurangers, trapping them on a cliffside. The Howling Cannon briefly defeated Stag Beetle, but he later grew, and was then defeated by Daizyujin. Green Ranger? No. Power Blaster? Yes. Method of Defeat? Megazord.
	Episode #22: "Deadly Trap Of The Flytrap!" (adapted for Welcome To Venus Island) Invenusable Fly Trap was able to trap all but Tigerranger and Dragonranger in her chest. Using their chi powers, the Zyurangers were able to escape from the monster, blasting her with the Howling Cannon. However, that did not finish her off... Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Yes. Method of Defeat? Unknown.
	Episode #23: "The Brother's Sword Of Hope" (adapted for The Green Dream) The Robogoat was originally armed with a powerful sword, and was able to trap four of the Zyuranger's in his armor. A battle with Tyrannoranger cost him his prisoners and the sword. Upon growing to colossal size, he was now armed with a red staff, but was still no great foe for Kyuukyoku Daizyujin. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Ultrazord.
	Episode #24: "Hark! Musical Cicada Attacks!!" (adapted for The Song Of Guitardo) Guitardo used his evil guitar to place a spell on the Rangers, and suspend them in mid-air. Pteraranger, using her bow as a harp, and Dragonranger, using his Zyusouken as a flute, were able to weaken the monster, and then combining their weapons to destroy him. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Unknown.
	Episode #25: "Tempered Shell! Brai Dies Again..." (adapted for Green No More) Gigantic Turban Shell began attacking the city, so the Zyurangers summoned their Shugozyu. Fighting individually, it took Zyumammoth to freeze Turban Shell and a recently digested Dragonranger to heat him up, before the Rangers could get the upperhand with Kyuukyoku Daizyujin. Green Ranger? Yes. Power Blaster? Unclear. Method of Defeat? Ultrazord.

What Remains To Be Seen

There are still many questions pertaining to Zyu2. Why didn't we get to see zord fights for Bloom of Doom, Guitardo, and Invenusable Fly Trap? Could these battles have been too zord/monster contact heavy? Is there any truth to a fan theory that Pirantishead and Turban Shell are from the same Zyu2 battle? Or, is that just wishful thinking? And, is Pythor, a monster that appeared in Bandai's second line of 5.5" Evil Space Aliens a 26th Zyu2 monster? We may never know.

Got another question? Email me at .

Last editted 10/24/2006.

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