Good morning heroes, we are at the finale of an eight-year comic book run with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Today’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Darkest Hour #1 marks the end, and this issue is a farewell to its run. Yet, fear not fans, as more Power Rangers titles are coming from Boom! Studios like the Usagi Yojimbo crossover. Also, two other series have been announced, properly titled Power Rangers: Across the Morphing Grid, and Power Rangers Infinity #1. Furthermore, although we skipped over MMPR Issue 122 release, we will address it during this review. So, without further ado let us hop into The Darkest Hour, and shout “It’s Morphin Time” one last time!
Comic Credits
- Artist:Simona Di Gianfelice
- Colorist: Raúl Angulo with assistance from Jose Enrique Fernández
- 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
Our issue begins with Zordon giving his perspective on what life has been like for him since Dark Specter’s infection. Sadly, it has been a rough experience for Zordon, as we learn he is still connected to the Vessel. As a result, Zordon can see through the Vessel’s eyes, as Dark Specter is in position of his original body. So, readers get to see Dark Specter prepare to lead his army of Ranger Thralls into the final battle.
Meanwhile, Angel Grove is under attack from the Space Skull, but Lord Zedd and Goldar in Serpentera combat it. Although, Dark Specter’s ground forces lead by Angel Ashford are overwhelming the Rangers, and the Promethea support team. However, the HyperForce Rangers arrive with reinforcements, and HyperForce Pink (Chole Ashford) goes to fight her father. So, as a HyperForce fan, having them included in these events feel like closure for them since the TTRPG ended. Yet, with how big TTRPGs have become since HyperForce’s airing, I think the series could have been revived. Anyway, with the HyperForce’s arrival, Dark Specter’s forces seem to be temporarily outmatched, and begin considering on retreating.
Now, one thing that is truly incredible throughout this issue is the artwork for battles. Specifically, since the art team has to portray so many Rangers at once, and they are battling one another. Like I can only assume it is hard keeping tabs on who is corrupted, and who is not. So, the art team probably has to coordinate everything harder just to make sure readers can follow the action. Also, another thing that I need to mention is Melissa Flores’ ability to write small moments between characters in general. For example, the banter during the fight for Angel Grove is great with Beast Morphers Yellow introducing herself. Although, I favor later scenes where the Rangers express their emotions for one another, or discuss their personal lives. Especially, when Triniconfesses to Jason that she and Zack are in a relationship, and addresses their past fling. Additionally, I enjoy how Kimberly and Tommy find a moment of joy before the final battle. Interestingly, what makes their scene standout is how Tommy is sidelined to an extent for the remainder of the series. However, Tommy does remain on Earth with Jason, the Phantom Ranger, and Promethea forces to defend the Master Arch.
Anyway, we learn that the plan to defeat Dark Specter is for the remaining Rangers to gather in the Void. Then the Rangers will use the Void’s Zeo Crystal energy to overcharge the Morphing Grid to purge Dark Specter. However, with Billy causing another “Shattered Grid” to buy more time. the multiverse is unstable once again. So, even if the Rangers are victorious, the universe will require fixing, but that will be Billy’s cross to bear. Whereas, before the Rangers could enter the Void, Ranger Slayer had difficulty convincing Ari to reopen it. Especially, since the previous issues dealt with the Solar Rangers one-sided war with Dark Specter’s Thralls. Thankfully, Ranger Slayer restores Ari’s hope, but Dark Specter’s forces seem to arrive first before the other Rangers. Yet, they are not far behind, as they rush through the Master Arch with Lord Zedd, and Zordon in tow. Meanwhile, Phantom Ranger decrees he will not leave Earth’s Master Arch defenseless, as he looks atone for his past mistakes. Although, the biggest surprise is that Lord Zedd has released the Death Ranger to assist them in defeating Dark Specter. Ultimately, I was not expecting this, but it goes to show how dire the situation has become. Specifically, because heroes and villains are relying on their universe’s embodiment of death incarnate to combat their greatest evil.
So, as the final battle occurs, the Solar Rangers unleash their Zords, but unfortunately, they never form their Megazord. However, Serpentera appears once again to further assist the Rangers, being piloted by Lord Zedd’s Dark Rangers. Whereas, Lord Zedd and the Death Ranger work together to distract Dark Specter, as Billy gets Zordon into position. Meanwhile, at the Bermuda Triangle, the Master Arch defense team is being overrun by Thralls. Yet, when all hope seems lost, old friends and new allies appear, as Candice leads an army of Eltarians. Then as one can expect, Skull is overly happy to be reunited with his girlfriend after being separated for months. As a result, the Earth and its Master Arch appears to be heavily protected from Dark Specter’s Thralls. Yet, back in the Void, we begin to see the main battle from Billy’s point of view. Here, Billy appears to be writing a letter to Coinless Trini, where he voices his regrets over recent events. Especially, since Billy is left uncertain if Coinless Trini or Kiya are alive following the new “Shattered Grid.”
Eventually, we get the full perspective of the plan, with Zordon being attached to Zeo Crystals to become a conduit. In addition, Zordon begins to instruct the surviving Rangers to de-morph and form a ring around him before morphing again. Although, Dark Specter’s hubris gets the best of him, as he believes this tactic is a delusional last stand. However, this is entirely the opposite, and is what the Rangers needed, as gold and white light erupts from them. As a result, huge roll call erupts from the MMPR team, the HyperForce team, and the other survivors. Coincidentally, this scene blew me away upon my first read through too, since many Rangers are involved. Especially, since we get a full original MMPR color team with Matt slotted in as Green Ranger obviously. Also, I believe this marks the first time where Matt is present alongside the others during a morph sequence. Like with Grace being no longer here, I assume Zordon adopted Matt as one of his own Rangers moving forward. Furthermore, there is at least a Tommy among this Ranger line-up, and it is none other than Doctor O. So, a Tommy does partake in this monumental final battle and occasion, but mostly as a cameo. Yet, the Rangers combined power overcharges Zordon, which allows him to merge with the Vessel and defeat Dark Specter.
Surprisingly, the immediate fallout from the Rangers’ victory is rather blunt, and ambiguous on what happens next. Specifically, because the Rangers and their allies witness the corruption is gone, and the former corrupted are left unconscious. In addition, it is not confirmed what happened to everyone since Dark Specter may have even killed some Rangers. Like Dark Specter either incapacitated or managed to kill Death Ranger, Lord Zedd, and Trent Mercer (Dino Thunder White). Whereas, Billy tells Zordon and Kimberly that now he must leave to save the Morphing Grid and their missing allies. Also, as mentioned earlier this becomes Billy’s burden to bear, as this becomes a solo endeavor. Coincidentally, things fast forward to an older Billy writing a journal entry to Zordon reflecting on his actions and life. Interestingly, the best part is Billy’s realization that there will always be Power Rangers, and they will never stop fighting…
Ultimately, I enjoy that being the last lines in this run, as it perfectly summarizes the Darkest Hour’s theme. Essentially, that was the constant narrative, focusing on no matter how hopeless things seem, people need to have faith. As a result, the Rangers become that embodiment of a never die attitude to combat any threat or obstacle. So, this becomes a nice bookend finish for this run of Boom! Studios’ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comics. Interestingly, the journey has been a long one, but I could not be happier reading this month-to-month. Like do not know to express my gratitude to Boom! Studios taking a chance on the Power Rangers brand. In addition, how they risked to provide stories for older audiences to enjoy and rediscover the franchise. Furthermore, kudos to everyone that contributed to producing these books throughout the years and in making them a success. Hopefully, history will show how good this series was, and is for future generations to come. Nevertheless, until the next Power Rangers comic, we want to end things with Zordon’s quote, “May the Power Protect You!”
Final Score: 5 Power Coins out of 5
