BOOM! Studios has done a good job establishing this series as an all ages sort of read, but still adult enough for older folks to get in on it. Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers thus far has been focused on the Green Ranger being used by Rita Repulsa to destroy the Rangers and in this week’s issue we see he wasn’t the first candidate. Is it good?
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #5 (BOOM! Studios)
So what’s it about? The official BOOM! synopsis reads:
Before there was Tommy Oliver, Rita had her sights set on someone else to become her Green Ranger in this stand-alone issue! Guest artist Thony Silas (Venom) reunites with his Batman Beyond 2.0 partner Kyle Higgins.
Why does this book matter?
Writer Kyle Higgins has done a good job establishing the Green Ranger storyline while making the characters interesting and relatable. The action has been quite epic too with a gritty real life look and feel that’s made the series fun too. This issue is a done in one sort of read that allows new readers to jump on.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Hotty alert!
This issue opens with an attack on the prime minister of Italy by a giant Vitruvian Man who spouts DaVinci lines and looks nothing like the usual monsters; it’s a rather unique take on the monsters we usually see which makes the issue instantly feel a bit more modern and a glimpse at the potential of the series. It also leads to a fun bit of humor as Rita’s henchmen remark on the character. The Zord vs. Vitruvian Man battle is a lot of fun too and this naturally leads to Rita finding a weak chink in the usually solid Power Rangers cohesion.
The cover gives it away, but the Black Ranger ends up being a target for Rita. In another surprising twist I don’t think the show ever went we get a sequence between Rita and the Black Ranger in her lair. This allows Higgins to reflect on her surroundings and establish Rita’s twisted idea of having her own Power Ranger. Higgins establishes the Black Ranger’s true feelings too, which does well to remind us he’s a true hero. There’s also an interesting scene with Zordon that seems to suggest maybe the Power Rangers will do more than just fight monsters in the future. This all leads to an interesting development at the tail end of the issue which may suggest a new villain is on his way into the series.
Thony Silas draws a fantastic issue with some good color work by Bryan Valenza. The inking is particularly good with nice use of shadows over eyes to convey doubt and anger. Layouts are varied throughout and there’s a good balance of panels to help tell the story and keep us connected to what the Black Ranger is thinking and feeling.
It can’t be perfect can it?
There’s a bit of a cheesy line in the issue that would really only work on kids under 13 as it’s somewhat sweet and built to remind us compliments are nice. It made me roll my eyes, but heck, it’s a nice bit of writing for the younger audience.
The backup continues to be a throwaway element to this series. It’s supposed to be a comical Bulk and Skull story, but once again it’s so darn cheesy only little kids could enjoy it.
Seems a bit risky.
Is It Good?
This is a one-shot caliber story as we learn a bit of information about Rita’s first attempt at recruiting the Green Ranger. There’s some tight dialogue and a few details are dropped at where this story might go from here.
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