Axem Rangers

"Axem Red: We fight for evil! Axem Black: We live for disorder! Axem Green: We like what we do! Axem Pink: We struggle for chaos! Axem Yellow: We are... All:...the AXEM RANGERS!!"

- Axem Rangers

The Axem Rangers are teenage members of the Smithy Gang and appear in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. There are five Axem Rangers, each with their own distinct traits and abilities. However, all five of them wield a small axe in combat. Additionally, the Axem Rangers have their own battleship, the aptly named Blade. Axem Red is the leader of the group.

History
During the events of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Mario and his allies enter Barrel Volcano to locate the sixth Star Piece. Unbeknownst to the heroes, Smithy has ordered the Axem Rangers to recover the Star Piece as well. After Mario and company defeated the Czar Dragon, they discover the sixth Star Piece. However, before the heroes can claim it, Axem Red appears and swipes the Star Piece away from Mario. Then, the Axem Rangers escape to their battleship, Blade. He follows closely behind and jumps onto the deck of the airship. Thus, Mario and his companions engage the five Axem Rangers into battle. Eventually, each ranger is defeated, one-by-one. However, the Axem Rangers combine their strength with the Blade's Breaker Beam and begin firing devastating blasts at Mario's party. However, even this isn't enough. Ultimately, the Axem Rangers and Blade are defeated by Mario and his comrades. Blade explodes, defeating both the Axem Rangers and Blade, Mario then recovers the sixth Star Piece. Grey, Machine Made versions are later seen in the Factory.

The Axem Rangers are first mentioned by another of Smithy's minions, Yaridovich. Apparently, the Axem Rangers are supposed to pick up Yaridovich after he recovers the fifth Star Piece, however, the rangers are running late, causing Yaridovich to be defeated by Mario and his new ally, Jonathan Jones.

Trivia

 * The Axem Rangers are a parody of the Super Sentai series in Japan, which is the basis for the Power Rangers series in the United States.
 * The Axem Rangers are the only main Smithy Gang members (aside from Exor) who didn't appear in the ending parade. However, their damaged battleship Blade was present despite their absence.
 * Each Axem Ranger is designed around being an evil counterpart to someone in Mario's team. Axem Red, being the leader and having balanced stats across the board is Mario's counterpart. Axem Black, a strong and quick fighter with poor defenses is Geno's counterpart. Axem Green, an offensive magic specialist, is Mallow's counterpart. Axem Yellow, and powerful and resilient but slow fighter is Bowser's counterpart. Axem Pink, the only woman and a healer is some offensive and status magic is Peach's counterpart.