Good morning, Heroes, today we have a spoiler free review for issue 111 of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. As the latest issue, it is the first chapter of this yearlong saga which is being called the Darkest Hour. Now, Mistress Vile has won, as she controls the Morphin Grid and Dark Specter’s infection spreads throughout the universe. Originally, I was not interested in this event, but I slowly began to look forward to what will happen. So, finally we have our first glimpse of what this universe will look like, and I am feeling reassured. However, before we get into the review, we want to thank Boom! Studios for providing Hero-Club with this review copy. Anyway, let us now jump into this event, and morph back into the action!
Comic Credits
- Artist: Simona Di Gianfelice
- Colorist: Raúl Angulo with Jose Enrique Fernández
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Melissa Flores
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Darkest Hour Logo Designer: Dylan Todd
- Editor: Allyson Gronowitz
- Assistant Editor: Kenzie Rzonca
- Cover Artist: Taurin Clarke (Cover A), Björn Barends (Cover B), Keyla Valerio (Cover C), Taurin Clarke (Cover E), Ariel Olivetti (Cover F), Tyler Kirkham with Arif Prianto (Cover G), Eleonora Carlini (Cover I), Goñi Montes (Unlockable & Helmet Variant)
- Hasbro Special Thanks to Irvin Ducournau, Tayla Reo, Michael Kelly & Ed Lane.
Review
So, the Darkest Hour begins with a flashback involving Matt’s training at Promethea from a few years ago. Here Matt is failing to be a Ranger and doubts himself, but Grace appears to give him the necessary advice. Personally, I enjoy seeing Matt get this development, as we learn why Grace chose him to be the Green Ranger. Especially, since Matt was not chosen by Zordon, or deemed worthy to be a Ranger by him. As a result, Matt has always been considered as an outsider to a certain degree by Zordon and the others. However, as to why Grace chose Matt, she chose him due to heart to do good, and not his abilities. Although, it makes the next scene during the present day all the more heartbreaking, as Melissa Flores pulls readers’ heartstrings. Also, it does not help that the accompanying artwork by Di Gianfelice, Angulo, and Fernandez sets the tone. Yet, if it is one thing I love about these comics, it is how visors are used to show expressions. Particularly, with how the art team makes them transparent, so readers can see the Rangers’ eye respond to certain actions. In addition, how their reactions can cause the Rangers to de-morph helmet away without physically removing them. Specifically, for this scene, Kim is shown being tearful about the situation, while Billy is utterly stunned by it.
However, while Billy is stunned by Matt’s actions, he is the first to be consumed with his anger. Ultimately, I could not have asked for a better response, as Billy rushes Matt head-on regarding his actions. Meanwhile, the Vessel is left bewildered, and tries to comprehend Mistress Vile’s actions, as she summons Dark Specter. Whereas, we then transition to Safehaven, where the Omega Rangers work to protect citizens and the Master Arch. Unfortunately, Lord Zedd’s appearance in an attempt to stop Rita leads to miscommunication and some confusion between the various sides. Although, I do love the conversation between Omega Yellow and Lord Zedd, as it is interesting seeing how they interact. Especially, since Omega Yellow seems to be entirely unaware of who Lord Zedd actually is, and just judges his actions. Coincidentally, Zedd seems to leaves rather quickly, while Trini and Zack are forced back into the Master Arch chamber. Yet, as things worsen for the Omega Rangers, they manage to continue to do their best to hold it down.
Now, interspliced between the Omega Rangers’ battle on Safehaven, the MMPR team continue their battle with Matt. Coincidentally, there is a moment between Tommy and Matt where it is clear that Matt is not okay at all. Like there is an issue with Rita’s control over Matt, as if he is too aware of his actions. Specifically, when there is an instance where Matt shows remorse and guilt, which makes me feel bad for him. So, it makes me wonder where Matt’s character will go as the Darkest Hour event runs its course. Ultimately, Matt will either be redeemed by his future actions and others, or be damned by this instance alone. Yet, with that being said, as things ramp up for Matt, the Omega Rangers get surprise visitors at Safehaven. Although, I did not expect these characters to appear in this instance, but in future issues. However, with their arrival I do not know how thing will play out from here. Additionally, I am really curious to see how everyone will play off each other moving forward due to their history. Especially, since what I enjoy about team-up books are when different characters get to interact and play off one another. As a result, with this roster of characters I could not be more excited to see what they do next.
Then to close out the book, the story returns to Earth to focus on the MMPR team one final time. Here Mistress Vile shows that she will not be pulling her punches anymore, as she delivers an ultimatum. Whereas, this ultimatum forces the Rangers to attempt a two-pronged attack to achieve victory without further loss. Yet, as the Rangers launch their attack Dark Specter makes his long overdue entrance, leading to a double-page spread. However, without spoiling anything I will mention that I liked how Dark Specter’s glowing red eyes spiraled into that spread. Although, I do not know what the spread means, but given by what is shown, the fallout will be expansive. Especially, by going off the last page, things seem to be a near perfect ending for our villains.
Overall, everything has been building up to the Darkest Hour for the past year, and now it is finally here. As a result, I want to see how the Power Rangers will unite to save the multiverse, and their timelines. Although, I am certain there will be several moments of hopelessness along the way before it all ends. Yet, seeing what our heroes will do during those moments will be priceless and remembered by fans, I am sure. Nevertheless, BOOM! Studios continues to knock these comics out of the park, and this issue is a testament to that. So, I cannot wait to see how the Power Rangers will begin to rally their comeback next month!
Final Score: 5 out of 5 Power Coins
