Lion Thunderzord 

The Lion Thunderzord was the personal Zord of the Black Mighty Morphin Power Ranger. Built from the remains of the Mastodon Dinozord, it could combine with the other Thunderzords to form the Thunder Megazord.
First seen	The Mutiny, Part II
Last seen	Ninja Quest, Part I
Series	Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Width	21 m
Weight	47 tons
Speed	Mach 0.87

The Power of Thunder

Lord Zedd’s Pirantishead monster was able to use its powers to freeze four of the Dinozords, including the Mastodon. However, Zordon had anticipated Lord Zedd’s return and along with Alpha 5, was able to prepare a second phase of Zord operation. Recalling the Rangers to the Command Center, Zordon explained that nothing they could do would ever give the Dinozords enough power and that they would now need stronger, new Zords equipped with the power of Thunder to combat Lord Zedd.

Standing on the rocks outside of the Command Center, the Rangers were introduced to the image of their new fleet of Thunderzords as they flew through the sky. Zordon described the Lion as having courage and strength. The Lion would be piloted by the Black Ranger. However, the Rangers would need to regain control of the Dinozords before taking control of the new Thunderzords. [MMPR2: “The Mutiny, Part II“]

The Lion Thunderzord

As the Rangers scrambled to regain control of their Zords, Lord Zedd stripped the Zords of their power and sank them into lava under the Earth. Alpha 5 recalibrated the Morphin Grid to encase the Zords with static power, giving them time to return the Zords to their hiding places. With the Dinozords saved, Zordon and Alpha 5 were able to use their remains to create the new Thunderzords. The Mastodon Dinozord was used to create the Lion Thunderzord.

Upon summoning, the Mastodon was struck by lightning, which caused the Dinozord to morph and reform into the Lion Thunderzord. The Lion was in the form of a large tank, with articulated mouth and tread sections. The Zord was mostly black in color, save for some green and gold highlights. The dorsal section of the Lion featured a large green dome, which would act as the cockpit for the Thunder Megazord.

When transformed into Thunderzord form, the Lion would initially possess a set of rear tread sections, but appeared to discard or hide them soon afterwards as they would not be seen again. The cockpit of the Zord was never shown but is assumed to exist. The Lion would form the chest armor, arms and helmet of the Thunder Megazord. [MMPR2: “The Mutiny, Part III“]

Powers and abilities

The Lion could join with the other Thunderzords to form new combinations. Joining with the Unicorn, Firebird and Griffin Thunderzords, the group were able to create a flying armored tank known as the Thunderzord Assault Team. In this combination, the Zord would form the forward bulkhead of the tank. [MMPR2: “Putty on the Brain“]

When those Zords were joined with the White Tigerzord, a new combination called Mega Tigerzord was formed. In this combination, the Lion acted as the shoulders and rear armor section of the Zord. [MMPR2: “White Light, Part II“]

The Lion could mount a small offensive individually. The Zord could cause a distraction to giant monsters by making a series of inexplicable maneuvers. [MMPR2: “Two for One“]

Fate of the Lion Thunderzord

The Lion Thunderzord was used successfully for the first year of Lord Zedd’s assault on Angel Grove but would not survive for longer. During the confrontation against Rito Revolto, the Lion, assembled in Thunder Megazord form, was outnumbered against Rito and his monster gang.

The damaged Thunderzord power accelerator was at peak level due to the power bank leaking energy, despite Alpha 5’s best efforts to contain it. With the unstable power accelerator beyond limits, the Lion, along with the other Thunderzords began to explode and fall apart piece by piece, with no way to revitalise them. [MMPR3: “Ninja Quest, Part I“]