If you were like me growing up, you were entertained by your imagination. Playtime was made all that much more fun by imaginary friends and your favorite TV characters. Two of those shows may have been “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “The Mighty Morphin“ Power Rangers.”

Both of these shows have a deep, rich history of toys, games and mega-fame among kids. But only one can be crowned champion, so let“s get to it, shall we?

1. History

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or TMNT, began as a comic book in 1984. It was a much darker, grittier version of the turtles. Here“s a little taste of the concentrated stuff: Leonardo loses a hand, Donatello is blown apart and is turned into a cyborg, and Raphael takes control of the Foot Clan for a while.

Michelangelo is the only one unscathed for the most part. Since the comic book, there have been three live-action movies, a handful of live-action and cartoon shows, video games and an immense amount of toys.

The Power Rangers originated in Japan under a different name that I could not pronounce, even if I tried. The show featured American actors for the non-action scenes edited with fights from the original Japanese show. Because everyone grew up with Power Rangers on TV instead of a comic book, Power Rangers was the more kid-accessible show.

Since the original in 1993, there have been 13 other Power Ranger variations-- all based off of their Japan counterparts (with equally unpronounceable names). A few movies and some crappy video games came about as well.

1. How it lived

   The Power Rangers started out simple enough with five kids, five Zords, a few bad guys and predictable story lines with an overall moral-of-the-story theme. Kids like me did not watch the show for most of those things.

I watched the show to see the Red Ranger kick some ass and use the MegaZord to cut the bad guy in half. I don“t recall ever buying a Power Ranger action figure, but rather I always opted for the newest Zord. The videogames were abysmal and only the first movie rings a bell as anything worth watching.

The Turtles were brought to life through their first afternoon cartoon and arcade video game. There was a great Nintendo game before the arcade one, but sadly not many people are fond of it.

The cartoon was toned down to say the least. Leo has both hands, Donnie is in one piece and the Shredder is still in charge of his robo-killing squad.

The Turtles movie was an amazing piece of work considering it was live action with four turtles practicing martial arts. It walked a tight line between kid-friendly and adult orientated, but for the most part was a pretty decent homage to its roots. There were always different versions of the famed turtles coming out, but all you really needed was the Turtle Van.

1. How it lives now

In 2003 the Turtles returned to the TV with a new cartoon. This one was filled with more action and based more on the comic book. And, with a new CGI movie coming out, it only means more toys, more games and another generation will be introduced the Turtles.

Power Rangers has a new generation of Rangers coming out each year. More Zords, more toys, same colors, same morals.

1. The verdict

It“s a tough call overall, but the Turtles are going to take this one. While Power Rangers keeps bringing in new generations of kids, it ultimately ends up alienating the last generation. Your new Dino Zords are no longer as strong as these Thunder Zords, and your Thunder Zords are no longer as strong as these Ninja Zords, etc., etc.

TMNT, however, has not changed in the past 23 years. It“s always had the same leader, same bad guys, same weapons and even the same attitudes and personas for each turtle. It makes it much easier for kids of all ages to relate.

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