Good morning and happy Wednesday heroes! Today, we continue into the new age of Power Rangers, as we have issue five of the ongoing Prime series. Now, this issue picks up from last issue’s cliffhanger, where a new team of Rangers have been assembled. Although, they still must overcome the threat of the VR Troopers and manage to escape the museum. So, we need to find out who will finally come out on top of this battle?
Comic Credits
- Artist:Michael YG
- Colorist: Fabi Marques
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Melissa Flores
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Assistant Editor: Caroline Butler
- Editor: David Mariotte
- Editor-in-Chief: Matt Gagnon
- Cover Artist: Dan Mora
- Hasbro Special Thanks to Linda Lee, Lily Zahn, Tayla Reo & Ed Lane
Review
Now, before we get into the battle at the museum we are presented with a flashback to four years prior. Specifically, the night that Mark and Orion first became friends, as they work as waiters during the Eltarian Consulate Gala. Here we learn that Orion is most likely the sole survivor of his entire planet Andresia. Unfortunately, we obtain this information when other party goers decide to make fun of Orion regarding his situation. Although things get really heated when one party goer exclaims that Orion should be preserved in a museum. Yet, before a physical altercation can occur, Val steps in by “accidentally” splashing the rude attendees with her drink. Also, Val tells Orion and Mark to buzz off, as she deescalates the situation at the Gala. Thus, this ordeal at the Gala cemented their friendship, as the issue transitions to the present-day events.
So, the birth of Power Rangers Prime team, causes the VR Troopers to question how to proceed with their operation. Specifically, since some of the Troopers’ friends have willingly chosen to become Rangers. Additionally, Lauren exclaims that if one Ranger was hard to handle, then an entire team will be the Troopers’ demise. Especially, Lauren was giving her all just to keep all three at bay to protect everyone else. However, at this given time everyone is now a Ranger and can defend themselves, so the Troopers are outnumbered. Sadly, Lauren forgot one thing, that her team does not consist of teenagers with attitude, but adults with lives. As a result, not everyone is going to gung-ho to be the superheroes this world needs.
Anyway, Ryan tries to deescalate the situation, which impresses me, since I thought he would be about the mission. However, Ryan appears to be thinking straight, as in not wanting to hurt his girlfriend Val or their friend Jun. Unfortunately, Orion restarts the fight, when he strikes Ryan and overdoes it with his newly acquired Ranger Mace. So, Val attempts to check on Ryan, but she is met by a blaster shot from Kaitlin Star. So, Jun takes it upon himself to summon his weapon and engage the Troopers alongside Orion, as chaos ensues further. Surprisingly, it leads to a gorgeous splash page that encompasses the battle of the new Rangers battling the VR Troopers. Here, I must sing the praises of Michael YG and Fabi Marques again, as they really know how to frame. Like they make readers feel as though we are in the thick of it alongside these characters, but I digress.
Interestingly, as the battle continues Kaitlin pulls off her duplication technique that was occasionally used in the actual television show. For those unaware, it was used in VR Troopers to explain away a later secondary heroine added in Speilban. Specifically, due to the fact both characters’ suits were practically identical when onscreen. Whereas, for the comic adaptation the ablity appears more like an after-image and/ or shadow clone depending on the panel. Although, that should not be taken as criticism, as I love the visuals being presented for this move. Like the yellow Ultraman-like paint background gives me the impression the technique should also uneasy an opponent. Also, I am always a fan of when we get to see a character’s expressions through their visor. As seen when Val confronts Ryan regarding the VR Troopers’ orders on apprehending “the Ranger” seconds after Kaitlyn decks Lauren. Here, readers can tell Val feels betrayed or angered, and wants to press Ryan for more details over their mission.
Unfortunately, things get interrupted by Rita’s T-Rex skeleton monster, which has appeared to assist the Rangers in their battle. Meanwhile, Rita decides to have a conversation with Lauren regarding their current predicament. Specifically, Rita tells Lauren how she is perplexed that the new Rangers did not acquire proper battle skills upon morphing. Coincidentally, this made me realize Melissa Flores is onto something with this run, as this goes against Power Ranger norms. Like most fans know whenever anyone morphs the powers just give users the knowledge to be a Ranger. Although, it is rare that some users do not understand the power, it is uncommon that an entire team struggles. So, I assume Melissa intends to have the teams to be unknowledgeable to add to their uphill battle and growth. As a result, the team will be at a great disadvantage until they learn how to understand their powers. In addition, they will obviously need to learn what it means to be a team, so they can survive.
Coincidentally, what helped me form that assumption is how Rita goes about picking apart the new team members. First, Rita points out how Mark is too scared to fight, while Orion has no skills at all. However, Orion does show potential, but he is not as talented as Jun who is overwhelmed by his emotions though. Then there is Val who is being pulled in two directions, and has no idea where she stands. Additionally, Rita mentions that if they everyone could act as a team then this battle would already be over. So, Lauren decides to cause a huge distraction to force a tactical retreat to which the team implodes. Like once they are safely hidden in the sewers, Val begins blaming Jun for everything that happened to her. Surprisingly, I almost agreed with Val, but then she says she had no choice to become a Ranger. Although, anyone knows that is a lie since becoming a Ranger is part destiny and part free will. Thankfully, Rita is the voice of reason here, but that causes Val to lash out at Rita. Yet, that allows Rita to show Val that being a Power Ranger was something she actually wanted in life.
Sadly, Val places an ultimatum onto Jun, which is they either leave together or she squeals to his mother. However, we already know that Jun’s mother will not like finding out that he is a Power Ranger. So, they go to take their leave, and Lauren questions Rita to why she will not stop them. Surprisingly, Rita replies with this incredible line, “I am not in the business of making mindless pawns, not anymore.” As a result, this quickly shows how the Prime universe’s Rita is not entirely like her previous incarnations. Although, I do heavily enjoy how Melissa has written Rita in the comics in general to have more depth. Whereas, I somewhat believe that Melissa’s new Rita will most likely ascend to becoming Mystic Mother sooner than later. Unfortunately, for our heroes’ things worsen, as they realize Mark is missing. Furthermore, we the readers learn that Mark as been captured by the VR Troopers to end the issue.
Overall, this is another amazing installment not just for Power Rangers comics, but for this new Prime Era. Personally, I love the action and dialogue from this specific issue, with the incredible nods to the VR Troopers show. Also, with how the Prime Era changes many things we know, this feels like the real reimaging the brand deserves. Sadly, I do not think future live-action reboots will use the comics as a blueprint for success. Anyway, I highly recommend that more people should check this run out, if they have not already done so. Furthermore, I look forward to seeing how the Prime team will save Mark in the next month’s issue. Nevertheless, I have been BenOdinson, and I cannot wait to see everyone again for that review!
