Good morning, Heroes, and happy Wednesday, as today is another great day and week for new comics. Now, as some can expect, today we have a comic book review for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issue 121. Currently, we are winding down to the end of the Darkest Hour, which concludes with two books next month. Specifically, the penultimate issue in this arc MMPR 122, and the finale, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Darkest Hour #1. Then with those releases it marks the end of the current run for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comics. However, for those wondering, Boom! Studios plans to make more Power Rangers comics, but those details will be announced later. Whereas, with this present issue, Billy will be forced to make a major decision with drastic ramifications. So, let us get into jump into this issue and review to see what the ‘Smartest Ranger’s’ decision is!
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 Linda Lee, Tayla Reo, Michael Kelly & Ed Lane
Review
We begin this issue with Billy looking as though he has seen better days, which Prasetya and Herms capture perfectly. Especially, since they have not been working on this title for ages, as I believe their last time was 2016. So, seeing them return and work on this issue’s artwork feels like trip back in time. However, it also shows that they have not missed a step in their craft when being away for so long. Anyway, we learn that Billy is seeing Grace’s ghost, but rather than being old she is in her youth. Specifically, Grace’s appearance is based around when she became the Red Ranger in 1969, as she tries reasoning with Billy. Although, Billy is quick to explain everything away as Grace is a manifestation of his own subconscious to combat grief.
Now, one thing I appreciate about this issue is how readers can easily understand why Billy is like this. Like since Darkest Hour kicked off has put a toll on Billy physically and mentally. Currently, we know that Billy has not been resting, and he is really letting the stress get to him. Unfortunately, after talking with the Phantom Ranger and Dr. Kendall Morgan we learn things have escalated further since Kiya reappeared. Specifically, due to Kiya trying to use the Power Eggs to cause another Shattering, they are running out of power. As a result, the team cannot measure how much time they have left to defeat Dark Specter. Yet, as the pressure intensifies for Billy, Phantom Ranger and Kendall try to look out him. For example, Phantom Ranger tells Billy how it is important to not give into despair. Whereas, Kendall suggests that Billy should go see Rocky and Adam if he cannot manage to get sleep at least.
From there the issues shows Billy checking in on Rocky and Adam who are recovering from Dark Specter’s corruption. Currently, both look terrible with Adam having circles under his eyes, as if he is in withdrawal. Although, Adam seems to be more comfortable than Rocky, as he appears more aggressive than usual. Like neither want to be at Promethea, but Rocky is frantic and is not ready to see his family. Thankfully, Tommy is letting them stay with him since he is well aware of the effects from mind control. Unfortunately, Rocky and Adam probably have felt and done worst things than Tommy ever did as Rita’s Green Ranger. So, it is compelling to see how Rocky and Adam will bounce back once this situation is resolved. Also, at this point I believe that all of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers have been brainwashed across media. However, maybe Aiesha is the only one to not be fully turned evil when it comes to mind altering spells.
Afterwards, Billy visits Kiya, who is the last person I expected to see, but it was hinted given the circumstances. Here, Billy looks to inquire why Kiya wanted to use the Power Eggs, and what is the Shattering. So, Kiya states that Dark Specter has already won, given his infection on the Morphing Grid continues to grow. As a result, Kiya is seeking to cause another Shattered Grid, which Billy is entirely unaware of the previous reset. Additionally, Billy learns the other original Rangers are aware that it occurred with him being the last to find out. Although, I honestly do not remember how or when Tommy and Kimberly learned about that specific event. Yet, it is interesting that becoming the last one to find out causes Billy to make his radical decision. However, I love seeing that while everyone puts up an optimistic front, Billy does not have that mentality anymore. Thus, Billy becomes more cold, calculated, and realistic, so he matures into essentially being another Grace. Furthermore, Billy states to Grace’s ghost, “You were doing what had to be done… Protecting us from making those decisions.” Ultimately, Billy says all that before thanking Grace and saying goodbye, as he gets his composure to enact his plan.
So, for the rest of the issue, Billy proceeds to incapacitate anyone who opposes him destroying the Morphing Grid. Thankfully, Billy has Kiya and surprisingly Coinless Trini back him up, who I was shocked agreed to everything. Although, given Billy and Trini’s dynamic no matter the timeline or universe, she has always had faith in him. Especially, Coinless Trini who works hard to support the Prime Billy since having lost Coinless Billy ages ago. Then as mentioned earlier, Billy is cold and calculated now, so he takes out Phantom Ranger and Kendall swiftly. Finally, Billy causes another Shattered Grid, but he, Kiya, and Trini get sucked into a void as the multiverse unravels…
Interestingly, this issue really shows fans why we should be grateful that Billy uses his intellect for good. Especially, if Billy was ever turned evil then he would be a problem for almost every other Power Rangers teams. Specifically, for teams that most likely do not have someone with Billy’s level of intellect. Also, Billy’s resolve reminds me of how Fitz in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. did everything to bring back Jemma. Although, Billy is willing to do whatever it takes to save the universe, like sacrificing the Morphing Grid. So, with this cliffhanger it seems another Shattered Grid is occurring, and I wonder how this ties into Ari’s plan. Like is Ari executing her plan to sever the Void at this moment, or will she witness this event beforehand? Ultimately, this is making me come up with different theories, as to how things will advance in the final issues. Nevertheless, I am really looking forward to the end of the Darkest Hour, which all happens next month in July. Anyway, I have been Ben Odinson and I hope to see everyone next time!
Final Score: 5 out of 5 Power Coins
