Written by Matt, Middle Tennessee Geek (Uploaded by Daniel Villanueva)
It’s Father’s Day weekend 2025, over 65 guests, dozens of vendors, and hundreds of Power Ranger fans set the stage for what is to be the final year in Atlanta, GA at the Omni Atlanta Hotel, for the fan favorite convention of RangerStop and Pop.
In August of 2024, current show owners run by 2 former yellow rangers, Nakia Burrise and Karan Ashley, alongside RangerStop Orlando owner Michael Buoni. Announced that due to their growing busy schedules and wanting to pursue other career opportunities. They were forced to make the hard decision to no longer continue the show after the scheduled 2025 show, but they were going to make this final show go out with a bang.
And just like they promised, they delivered. With over 50 former Power Rangers guests alone, in addition to pop culture, artists and cosplayers, this is to be the show to attend if you never had the opportunity before. Rare full team reunion from the Time Force cast, including the main villain Vernon Wells (Ransik). Alongside the ultra-rare full cast reunion from the Mystic Force, which I might add included the first appearance ever by Antonia Prebble, (Claire aka Gatekeeper), which all had to be flown in from overseas. And let’s not forget the rare appearance by the 3 of the former Lightspeed Rescue cast members, which is celebrating their 25th anniversary, just to boot how ranger filled this event was. And I personally have called this a mini Power Morphicon, due to the caliber and number of guests in attendance.
With their events that kicked off at 1pm for VIPs on that Friday, guests lined up for a joyous yet underlined somber weekend, as this would be the last time the event took place in the Peach State. Lines quickly formed for fans looking to get signatures and photos with their favorite ranger cast members, circling the vendor tables looking for great merchandise to buy, and cosplayers were in abundance to see.
Events continued as scheduled for the weekend, from professional photo ops, panels of dierent subjects and ranger teams to come in and talk as groups and sometimes play games, and the well-known but secretive after dark panel. All leading up to the VIP dinner that takes place Saturday night after the normal con hours. As VIP ticket holders took to their tables and the guests were introduced before going to their respective table, which sits in front of the area. Before allowing guests to proceed to the buet style dinner, the 3 owners took center stage to give their respective thanks to the VIP ticket holders and teased a special announcement.
But just like awaiting the climax of your favorite Power Rangers episode, they prolonged the announcement and allowed the hungry attendees to gather their meals and enjoy the dinner.
As the allotted time frame for the dinner events dwindled down and the anticipation grew to towering heights just like when Rita Repulsa uses her magic wand to make her monsters grow. Attendees couldn’t help but wonder what the special announcement was. As the owners took to center stage again to give thanks to all the sta, volunteers and countless others behind the scenes that made the show possible. Final remarks of thanking everyone for the years of doing the show, and restatement of their chosen path not to return, finally led to the special announcement.
Behind the scenes in secret, they had hoped to find someone else that would buy the convention to allow it to continue for at least 1 more year. And with help from former ranger Steve Cardenas, the hope was made possible. As the overjoyed crowd took in cheer for the new owner was announced, Brett Barton will be the new owner of Rangerstop and Pop and a show will happen in 2026. Brett is not new to the convention ownership scene as he owns and runs one of best toy conventions held in Duluth, GA named Toylanta. While dates are still being sorted out and to be announced later, Nakia Burrise, Karan Ashley, and Michael Buoni will stay on to help Brett with the transition in 2026. After which point fans hope the legacy will continue, but only time will tell.
Make sure to Follow The Legacy of Nerd for RangerStop Coverage.
