Good morning, heroes, we are back with our monthly review for the latest issue of Power Rangers Prime. Today, we are on the sixth issue of this ongoing series, and it gives us a pause from the action. Although, this breather is required since so much action has happened between the last two issues. Anyway, with this issue our focus is on Mark, so we get to learn more about our new Blue Ranger. So, without further ado, let us morph into this review for Power Rangers Prime #6!
Comic Credits
- Artist:Jo Mi-Gyeong
- Colorist: Ellie Wright
- 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
[Warning: The following review contains spoilers, so readers should proceed at their own discretion]
Review
Surprisingly, issue six begins on Aquitar 16 years ago, where a young Mark is being cared for by his mother. Interestingly, the opening pages show Mark growing from an infant to a toddler, while his mother shows him the planet. Personally, I enjoy this moment since fans never really got to see Aquitar outside of set pieces on television. So, the comics tend to spoiler fans by giving us a new perspective on this planet, its ecosystem and society. Additionally, I love how the narrator for this introduction is Mark’s mother being concerned if she is raising him correctly. Like if having her own self-doubts and fears somehow affected Mark’s own confidence resulting in his cowardice. Coincidentally, I am sympathetic towards that mindset as friends who are already parents have told me they have similar concerns. Also, it is just fascinating to get a narration from someone that is seemingly not a Ranger, villain, or mentor. Especially, since prior narrations were usually from main characters featured in the current arcs, and were still alive. Although, this could be one crazy assumption, but given later events in this story it seems she is dead.
Then the story transitions to the present day, where Mark awakens in an interrogation room after being doused with water. Surprisingly, Ryan apologizes for the accident as the water appears to have come from broken pipe. Although, Ryan soon realizes the pipe might be part of an Eltarian intimidation process to break inmates. Whereas, the book decides to flashback to when Mark arrived on Earth as a refugee in New York. Here the Eltarian forces discover Mark is an Aquitarian-Halfling, and that he is seemingly one of the planet’s sole survivors. In addition, this issue reiterates for readers that Aquitar was destroyed by a Beast Brigade attack. However, even at this point it seems the Beast Brigade is still mysterious enemy, unknown to readers. So, I wonder if they will ever be a problem for our present heroes, or they are Eltar’s former enemies.
Anyway, following that short flashback, Ryan continues to interrogate Mark, and tries to get through to him with small talk. However, Mark quickly tells Ryan to cut to the chase, and ask him the real questions. So, Ryan proceeds to question Mark on how he became a Power Ranger, and why was he chosen. Interestingly, the body language shown here is great, as well as the accompanying close-up and facial expressions. Like even if the dialogue was removed for this interaction, most readers would still understand what is going on. Furthermore, I want point out that this issue features Mi-Gyeong as our new artist alongside colorist Ellie Wright. Specifically, since their style and colors almost match the previous pairing of YG and Marques, albeit they still have differences.
Interestingly, we get another flashback to Aquitar 14 years ago, where Mark is getting teased for requiring an inhaler. Coincidentally, Mark requires the inhaler for his anxiety, but it could even be due to his human side too. However, before learning more about Mark’s condition, he and his mother decide to leave for home. Here, we see that Aquitarian parks feature pools and their architect incorporates slides alongside stairs, it is very Atlantis-like. Like Aquitar overall appears ancient and majestic even though, it is an advanced alien race. Yet, as the walk throughout the landscape, Mark’s mother tells him how Eltarians offer protection, but not freedom. Additionally, Mark’s mother goes onto mention that Aquitar is determined to remain free no matter the cost. Sadly, she states this as they pass an “Invasion Watch: Level 9” sign while the Beast Brigade invasion begins.
Now, the invasion takes everyone on Aquitar by surprise, including myself, I was expecting it for a later issue’s flashback. However, Mi-Gyeong and Wright are relentless depicting the sense of unease and panic from Mark as well as his mother. Especially, when Mark is separated from his mother and forced to see her be obliterated, like it is devastating. Then it switches to the dwindling days of the invasion, where Mark is rescued by an Eltarian soldier. Although, Mark gets snapped back by Ryan who proceeds with the interrogation, but he cannot relate to Mark’s trauma. Yet, Ryan does say he understands that he wants to try to protect and save those he loves. Obviously, Ryan is referring to Val, as Ryan most likely wants to stop her from befalling to previous Rangers’ fates. Unfortunately, it seems that Ryan cannot fully empathize or comprehend why Mark, Val, or Jun would become Power Rangers.
Finally, Mark snaps at Ryan, as he finds the courage to admit that he has been afraid his entire life. Although, Mark realizes that now has the strength to be fearless, and reveals his Power Coin to morph instantly. Personally, I find this moment to be great character growth, as we get to see Mark seemingly overcome his flaws. Here, Mark embraces that he was a coward, but he will be one no longer as a Power Ranger. Specifically, Mark is Power Ranger, Prime Blue, and he nearly overwhelms Ryan in combat. Surprisingly, myself and others on staff really love how Mark immediately hit a Kenny Omega-like V-Trigger on Ryan too. However, Mark’s momentum towards an escape attempt is halted when JB blasts him from behind and knocks him out. Whereas, Mark’s captors realize he is truly a fighter, and will need that energy for what is to come next…
So, this month’s book ends on another downer moment leaving readers wondering what will happen to Mark. However, this story is a great breather from the previous issues which were very action oriented. Personally, I like how Melissa really took the time to make Mark’s personal journey something readers should invest in. Specifically, I enjoyed see this cowardly kid who really had a horrible life finally want to overcome his fears. As a result, I am not just rooting for Mark because he is a Ranger, but because he is relatable.
Like this particular story could have just been a simple interrogation, while the others search for Mark. Thankfully, it was not and it became so much more than I had anticipated, and I appreciate it more. Although, I am curious on if the next issue will continue with Mark, or shift to another Ranger’s story. For example, maybe issue seven will be all about this universe’s Orion, or the new characters like Val and Jun. Heck, the story could even pivot toward learning about the governing Eltarians, and I would not mind that either. Especially, since I assume that those characters must be panicking at the return of the Power Rangers. Ultimately, there are many routes in which this story can go, but I am invested in venturing all possible avenues. Anyway, I have been Ben Odinson and I am powering down until the next review!
