Good morning heroes, happy Wednesday, as we kick of the day with a review for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #112. Previously, we witnessed Mistress Vile win, and now the Power Rangers are in a situation they are not familiar with. As a result, things are only going to worsen for the Power Rangers before they can ultimately save the universe. However, before we jump into this review, we need to thank BOOM! Studios for providing Hero-Club with this copy. So, with the introduction out of the way, let us get this review finally going!
Comic Credits
- Artist: Hendry Prasetya
- Colorist: Matt Herms
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Melissa Flores
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Darkest Hour Logo Designer: Dylan Todd
- Assistant Editor: Kenzie Rzonca
- Editor: Allyson Gronowitz
- Cover Artist: Taurin Clarke
- Hasbro Special Thanks to Irvin Ducournau, Tayla Reo, Michael Kelly & Ed Lane
Review
This issue begins with Billy somehow finding himself within the Morphing Grid, which is hard to explain without further spoilers. Interestingly, from here onwards the issue is very much an exposition heavy story, which is better with a second read. Additionally, I enjoyed everything located within Morphing Grid, as Hendry Prasetya’s art was cool, and Matt Herms’ colors were vibrant. Yet, they manage to show how Dark Specter’s evil is slowly creeping into the Morphing Grid, and corrupting it. However, while the events within the Morphing Grid are spoiler related, I can discuss further how the others are regrouping.
So, Trini and Zack are on some unconfirmed planet, where they are just trying to somewhat lighten the mood. Specifically, the banter they have between them as they combat these demon Putties is great, and it features some callbacks. Also, this is why I love the comics interpretation of these particular characters, as they show more personality here. Especially, with how the comics try to depict Zack and Trini as being in a possible relationship. Whereas, for the battle, I love how Prasetya draws the Omega Rangers suits, they look so damn sleek. Additionally, I dare say that Prasetya puts the spandex back into them, as other artists focus on their armored aspect. Then when things seem bleak for Trini and Zack, they get saved at the last minute by some unexpected guests. Coincidentally, Prasetya even has the action here down to a science in regards to the overall combat, and athletic movements. Furthermore, Herms’ colors really complement these scenes, so it makes me hope that they stick around for the entire event. Although, since I know how difficult working on monthly releases can be, I can understand they might be guest members.
Anyway, with Trini and Zack being saved, they notice that their saviors seem to be having yet another disagreement. Thankfully, amid the rising tension one of them does admit that this conversation needs to be had later. So, now as a group of four, we begin to discover what is going on, and how everyone was reunited. Although, the reasoning as to where they are is a mystery, but I do not think it will be explained. Especially, not yet, as given how this issue ends with our heroes needing to be rescued once again. However, I am getting to ahead of myself, so let me continue progressing to that point, which this book’s conclusion. Whereas, our party of four soon becomes a party of six when they find Aisha who has captured Matt. In addition, their conversation before being discovered is very interesting when following recent events, and their budding romance. As a result, I hope that Darkest Hour expands on if Aisha and Matt are supposed to be an item.
Then as for another thing I enjoy about the comics, and this issue in particular is Aisha’s and Trini’s friendship. For example, they are shown to have a friendship that appears healthy, which is something the television series never had. Furthermore, they seem to have the best relationship when compared to the other original Rangers and “Power Transfer” members. Like in the comics, Rocky does not interact with Jason, as Jason solely hangs out with Tommy. Whereas, Zack actually tends to be around Billy or Matt, so Adam normally gets paired together with Rocky. So, it is great seeing the comics give fans scenes where the characters genuinely care for each other. However, the comics could do better by showing all the Omega Rangers having better relationships with their Mighty Morphin’ replacements. Especially, since the television series never tried to establish friendships like Boom’s Trini and Aisha, when those opportunities appeared.
Now, as mentioned before, this issue wraps up with our heroes in a rough position needing to be rescued. Thankfully, a miracle seemingly happens and a ship comes to their rescue, but one of the six stays behind. Surprisingly, the person who stays to be a distraction is not Matt to atone for his sins though. Also, the Rangers acquire MacGuffin, which is a callback to a dropped subplot from the television series. Specifically, a subplot that is more developed within its source material, Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger, which is our only hint. Heck, I did not even remember this was featured in Mighty Morphin’ until other staff members reminded me. So, Melissa Flores is really cutting deep with this callback, and I want to see how it is used.
Overall, issue 112 feels like another calm before the storm story, so next time things might be hitting the fan. However, the next issue may also present readers with the perspective of our missing Rangers during this period in time. Currently, we know Rocky and Adam are among the lost as well as the other Omega Rangers. Also, Drakkon’s team and Lord Zedd’s forces are unaccounted for, so I guess some of them will be mixed up. Yet, this shake up does have me invested, as I want to see how everyone involved will handle this situation. Hopefully, the use of shifting group focus will be how this event is space from month to month. Especially, since with how our party of six is assembled it makes a reader feel like an issue is missing. Anyway, the stakes continue to rise during the Darkest Hour, and I cannot wait to see how things play out.
Final Score: 4.5 out of 5 Power Coins
