One overlooked character of the Power Rangers franchise may stake a reasonable claim to the title of best Red Ranger. For many viewers, that title almost unanimously belongs to Jason Lee Scott, the franchise's first Red Ranger from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Many moments can be cited to solidify why Jason is the best, but another Red Ranger makes a strong case.

Rocky might be a better Red Ranger than even Jason, especially after reading "In the Red" by Mat Groom, Steve Cardenas, and Anand Ramcheron for Power Rangers: Across the Morphin Grid #1. Rocky DeSantos originally replaced Jason as Red Ranger during the show's second season when Jason left for the Peace Corps (although the comics would reveal Jason was secretly orbiting space with Zack and Trini as the Omega Rangers).

While there are reasons why some fans discredit Rocky's tenure as Red Ranger, there are just as many reasons why he should be viewed in the same regard as Jason.

Rocky Proves to Be as Good a Red Ranger as Jason, If Not Better

"In the Red" by Mat Groom and Steve Cardenas, Anand Ramcheron, sco Segala, Gloria Martinelli, and Ed Dukeshire for Power Rangers: Across the Morphin Grid #1

As a collection of stories written by the original Power Rangers actors, Power Rangers: Across the Morphin Grid features a story by the original Rocky himself, Steve Cardenas. In it, he picks an inopportune time to fall asleep after a hard day of balancing school studies, maintaining a social life, and saving the world. His little sister, Raina, stumbles into his room to find his Power Morpher in hand. She takes his Morpher out for a joyride to become the Red Ranger. Luckily, she doesn't get into too much trouble before Rocky awakes to intervene.

In of strength, Rocky fights off a monster without morphing, which is impressive enough, but on another level, he's able to coach his inexperienced sister to successfully defend herself in his Red Ranger outfit.

The most important aspect of Rocky saving his sister is the emotional and fighting skills he displays without needing to turn into a Red Ranger. In of strength, Rocky fights off a monster without morphing, which is impressive enough, but on another level, he's able to coach his inexperienced sister to successfully defend herself in his Red Ranger outfit. Even more inspiring is how he prioritizes tending to her sister's insecurities over battling. Seeing Rocky placed into such an uplifting position calls into question why he's so underrated in the bigger scope of Power Rangers.

Why is Rocky Always So Overlooked as Red Ranger?

The Power Rangers Franchise Set Rocky Up for Failure Early

From the moment he ed Mighty Morphin Power Rangers' cast, Rocky never had a fair shot at meeting his full potential as the Red Ranger. Replacing Jason immediately saddles him with high expectations that he could never meet since he wasn't appointed as the leader. That role went to Tommy's White Ranger. In theory, that should at least put Rocky as second-in-command, but that role more so belonged to Billy. This isn't just because Blue Rangers are natural problem solvers, but because, as a newer character, the show prioritized Rocky less compared to those with seniority, namely Tommy, Billy, and Kimberly.

The Red Ranger simply wasn't the leader in Mighty Morphin's latter seasons. When Power Rangers Zeo aired, Rocky would get further demoted. This time, Zeo's Red Ranger was the leader, but the Red Ranger role went to Tommy Oliver, while Rocky was the Blue Ranger. For Turbo, Rocky is worse than demoted: he's ousted entirely in the big-screen movie, where an injury has him replaced by a child, Justin, and never seen again. The series set Rocky off to a bad start and only continually made him look worse. It's no wonder that audiences overlook and forget about him.

Why Should Fans Start Respecting Rocky?

Reviewing Rocky's Role on Power Rangers

Rocky DeSantos can't be overlooked for the moments Power Rangers showcased. This is the same Rocky who proved himself worthy of the Power Transfer long before receiving a Power Morpher, meaning he exhibited the qualities of a Ranger before becoming one. Most impressively, he single-handedly fought King Mondo of the Machine Empire in Zeo by himself. It's also compelling to why he picked a fight with Zeo's lead antagonist: the return of Jason as the Gold Ranger made him feel replaceable.

Rocky was always a character who allowed himself to be vulnerable in ways that not only few Power Rangers allowed themselves to be, but few masculine characters in a '90s era where a man wearing emotions on his sleeve was considered weak. Rocky showed how a Ranger could still be strong and open about their feelings, being a positive role model for children. In of skill level, Rocky was a ing character, so his capabilities were limited, but he didn't let being constricted to the background limit him too heavily. He overachieved as a role player.

The Comics Breathe New Life Into Rocky as a Red Ranger

He's Truly the Red Ranger That Power Rangers Fans Always Deserved

However, as much as Rocky has his fair share of onscreen highs, the Power Rangers comics redeem Rocky in the eyes of fans who once saw him as a joke. The comics use its space and medium to dedicate more time to highlighting Rocky's life in and out of his suit, particularly in Mighty Morphin #17-20. Readers learn that when he's not with his friends, he's helping out his single mom with his four brothers and one younger sister. In this arc, he asserts himself as a leader by donning the new Green Ranger's Dragon Shield against the Machine Empire.

Initially, the comics didn't give names to Rocky's siblings, except for his mother name-dropping Riley. His younger sister remains unnamed, but Power Rangers: Across the Morphin Grid #1 is the first to canonize a younger sister for Rocky named Raina.

The comics also reveal Rocky to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community, coupling himself with Black Ranger Adam Park for an unexpected Power Rangers romance. The show always portrayed Rocky as brave, cunning, and wholly likable, even if opportunities to showcase him were limited. The comics have more time to amplify those moments, allowing Rocky to be every bit as dependable as his contemporaries. The comics give Rocky a spotlight to shine in ways the television series never did, showing that he actually can be a great Red Ranger and leader if given the chance.

Is Rocky Really Better than Jason as a Red Ranger?

The Gap Between Them is Closer than Fans Think

Everything said in praise of Rocky is not meant to invalidate Jason, as he was still always a great Red Ranger on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Much like how the comics go far in validating Rocky's presence as a competent Red Ranger, they also validate Jason's status as being among the best Red Rangers of all time. Whereas Jason's spot was always undeniable, Rocky's was a little more disputed in the wider opinions of the Rangers community. Some would say the gap between Jason and Rocky in the best Red Ranger conversation is a big one.

Want to rewatch the Power Rangers franchise before answering who the best Red Ranger is? Click here for the best viewing order!

Thankfully, the comics help close that gap by making a stronger case for vouching on Rocky's behalf. It now becomes easier to say that, as great as Jason was, Rocky might be better, arguably. Ultimately, the decision as to who is better is up to the eye of the beholder, but the comics allowing Rocky the time to shine for once make it a tighter debate than some may expect. "In the Red" especially highlights Rocky at his absolute best, showing that if he were in Jason's position, he has the prowess to lead the Power Rangers just the same.

Power Rangers: Across the Morphin Grid #1 is available now from BOOM! Studios.