Like any kid growing up in the ‘90s or 2000s, Power Rangers was a staple. But as growing up happened (LAME!), along with the growth in sheer number of content options in today’s streaming landscape, my interest drifted to other forms of fictional adventures… Power Rangers S.P.D. was my last proper watch of the franchise!
But then, came a passion project that yanked me right back to my childhood… Genforcer: Condition Zero.
Illustrated by Collin Yap (Singaheroes’ Medallions, Zodiac) and Pavith C (Týr – Rage of the Northmen, Destiny), Condition Zero offers a tried but true adventure reminiscent of classic (superhero) action stories with a tokusatsu edge. Co-written by Genforcer co-creator Basil Yeo and local comic writer Ryan Mennen, the story carries the hallmarks of the average toku episode with a dose of conversational humour akin to modern day superhero flicks.
But what truly stands out, in both this comic and Genforcer as a whole, is its source of inspiration. According to the creators, the Genforcers are a homage to Singapore’s first responders–a.k.a. the heroes of the real world who’ve kept the nation safe and running for 61 years and beyond.
This gratitude for these heroes and the tokusatsu genre can be felt in every page of the comic. From the character set-ups and quirky narration in storytelling to the gadgets and costumes, the team has clearly poured all their love into their passion project.
The creators have treated various elements of its world with extreme care. From obvious aspects like suit designs for the three Genforcers to minute details on callsign patches, badges, and generators (their version of morphers), the attention to detail is impossible to miss.
Heck, they even have a real-life version of the suit:
Especially of note is that NO AI has been or will be used in any form in this project. So definitely a green (Ranger) flag.
Collin and Pavith’s art goes the extra mile beyond just capturing these suits, but also iconic locations of Singapore. From landmarks familiar to anyone who has lived on this island for sometime to everyday sights like the inside of MRT station, Genforcer: Condition Zero builds on what some might consider mundane to deliver a world where disbelief is easily suspended.
Seeing such a legendary genre in a Singaporean setting really brought to life 9-year-old me’s imaginary world of wearing a Power Rangers suit and fighting crime in an MRT station/school assembly/neighbourhood park.
Fortunately, my prefrontal cortex has developed (debatable, according to some loved ones), and the creators have very kindly—and painstakingly—done the job of bringing such stories to life for us all.
And, speaking of bringing stories to life (like actual life), they’ve also pushed it further by developing a live-action TV pilot episode that’s available for funding on Kickstarter.
In today’s world of uncertainty, we could all use stories about hope, compassion, and courage. Genforcer: Condition Zero brings back that unabashed optimism that made such stories so special to begin with. You can get it in print or digital on the Genforcer site.