Power Rangers Reflect on Representation and Cultural Identity in New Novel
In April, Power Rangers made headlines again, but not for the best reasons. During a documentary about the beloved sentai series, former head writer Tony Oliver acknowledged a significant oversight: they cast the only Black actor as the Black Ranger and the sole Asian character as the Yellow Ranger. Upon reflection, he noted that the stereotyping was "such a mistake."
Despite the missteps of ’90s television, these past errors can inspire current storytelling, especially as those influenced by pop culture confront such aspects as they grow. In the upcoming Power Rangers novel, Force of Chaos, author Diana Ma (Heiress Apparently) tells a story centered on Trini Kwan, the Yellow Ranger, exploring her Chinese heritage and the issue of racial stereotypes in her character’s role.
“Trini Kwan, the Yellow Ranger, was significant to me because she was one of the first Asian American superheroes I saw on television,” Ma shared with Polygon via email. “As a Chinese American girl enamored with superheroes, seeing this representation on a children’s TV show was impactful. It made me feel seen knowing that Power Rangers fans connected with Trini as she fought alongside her superhero team.”
Ma’s objective was to delve into Trini’s journey of self-discovery as she embraces her cultural identity. “I integrated Chinese mythology into this narrative in ways I hope will intrigue and surprise readers!”
Here’s an official synopsis of Force of Chaos:
Trini Kwan strives to remain unnoticed in high school, keeping her extensive martial arts training a secret from her classmates, who see her as just the shy Asian girl. But her life changes drastically when an otherworldly winged creature attacks the homecoming game, accompanied by an army of clay warriors. Unable to stand idly by while others are attacked, Trini teams up with her childhood friends: genius Billy, jock Jason, and new girl Kimberly, to confront the chaos.
After the attack, the five teenagers are recruited by an alien warrior named Zordon to become the new Power Rangers, tasked with safeguarding the planet from an evil sorceress who has escaped imprisonment. Navigating a centuries-old intergalactic conflict is challenging enough, but getting her team to collaborate proves even more difficult.
Can Trini help her teammates look beyond their initial impressions—and come to terms with her complex past with Zack—to protect their home? And will she finally be able to accept her true self alongside this new responsibility?
Force of Chaos will be available in bookstores on May 13. Polygon also has a sneak preview of the book, featuring all the classic Power Rangers in an unexpectedly profound scene that transcends their typical costume-free hangouts.
As laughter fills the stadium, Billy notes, “Angel Grove is ahead by fourteen thanks to those two touchdowns Jason threw,” surprising himself with his newfound enthusiasm for football.
“Yeah, that sums it up well,” Zack replies, wittily stabbing his plastic fork into his nachos.
“I think those nachos are already past their prime,” I joke.
“You can’t be too sure,” Zack counters, lifting a gooey nacho triumphantly. “This one, for instance… I’m pretty sure it’s still alive!”
Zack’s lightheartedness is a relief compared to his earlier glum mood. “You should just spare it the agony,” I suggest.
“As you wish,” he quips, popping it into his mouth.
“See? No cries of suffering,” I tease.
“Shows what you know. Just before I swallowed, I heard it whisper, ‘My name is Bob.’”
“Bob,” I repeat dramatically, “You shall be remembered.”
Billy rolls his eyes. “You two are so weird.”
My retort is interrupted by a sudden shriek from the crowd. I look up in alarm.
Is that a gigantic, grotesque winged creature with a golden body on the football field? My heart races as I realize it just appeared out of nowhere. “Uh, guys—am I the only one seeing a giant gold monster on the field?”
“Nope, I see it,” Zack replies, sounding just as bewildered. “And there’s something beyond the stands too.”
“Oh my god.” The winged beast is terrifying enough, but the additional creatures seem like they’re lifted from a horror film—humanoid but molded from clay, devoid of any features.
“What are those things?” Billy breathes in disbelief.
Aliens? Demons? Mutated experiments? Panic sets in as screams resonate around us, and we watch as students flee the bleachers. They’re running from these unnerving clay creatures that seem to be searching for something—or someone.
“We need to move!” Zack urges. Although kids are tumbling down the steps, blocking his way, he manages to grab a smaller boy from the chaos.
“Keep calm! You’re going to hurt someone!” I shout at the frantic crowd.
Zack returns to Billy and me, “Let’s stay put until
