Good morning Hero-Club faithful, today we are back our monthly review for the latest issue of Power Rangers Prime comics. Currently, we are on the seventh issue in this ongoing series, where Eltarians seemingly rule over most of the universe. In addition, the Power Rangers have been hunted down, and latest team is a bunch of rebels fighting Eltar’s authority. So, in this issue we get to see what the team is doing while their Blue Ranger, Mark, is detained. Anyway, without further ado, let us morph into this review for Power Rangers Prime #7!

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

[Warning: The following review contains spoilers, so readers should proceed at their own discretion]

Review

Like most issues, Issue 7 begins with a flashback establishing a Ranger or another character’s past. Here we are presented with Mark and Orion working at the museum’s robotic lab. Interestingly, they are programming a small red T-Rex, that vaguely looks like a combination of prior Zords. Also, for those unaware this character made its debut in Power Rangers/VR Troopers Free Comic Book Day Issue. Anyway, this moment is when they bring it to life, and the T-Rex quickly searches out an Alien Ranger Aquitarian Saber. Coincidentally, this feels like retroactive foreshadowing to cement Mark’s destiny as a Power Ranger. Especially, when Mark seems unaware about the weapon or its cultural significance, further imposing how Eltar dictates history.

Whereas, in the present some of our rebels are hiding out underneath Angel Grove, but are in combat with mutants. Specifically, Rita, Bulk, Lauren, and Orion are dealing with mutants, monsters, and random alien refugees. Interestingly, Bulk explains how they are not essentially criminals per say, but poor outsiders that fell through the cracks. Currently, the mutants assume that they are with the VR Troopers, and they are trying to defend their home. However, when the little T-Rex, Teezee, appears to save Orion, the mutants realize they are allies fighting the Eltarians. Although, before this realization is made, I did enjoy how the art team depicted Lauren’s look of shock. Especially, since it was shown through Lauren’s visor, and I love how Melissa depicts Rita throughout the action. Like Rita observes that Orion is holding back throughout the fight, but she wants to show no mercy. Yet, cooler heads prevail since Orion notices kids are being caught up in the action. Ironically, the first mutant to figure this out though, is a purple T-Rex mutant who openly welcomes them as friends.

Meanwhile on the surface, Jun and Valentina are attending some type of high-end party. Interestingly, Jun does not like leaving their team behind, but Valentina exclaims if they ‘no show’ people will suspect things. Also, Val mocks Jun for having a crush on either Mark or Lauren due to recent events. So, if Jun is crushing on Mark, it would create an interesting dynamic between the privileged and lower class. Especially, since Eltarians would not approve of this due to their elite status, and possible opinions on eugenics. Additionally, during this scene we learn how Valentina’s father is an imposed official in Eltarian’s proxy Earth government. Specifically, Val’s father is the current Mayor of Angel Grove, and does not trust Eltarian’s either. Coincidentally, Jun’s mother appears to pull him aside to reverberate similar ideals as Val’s father towards non-Eltarians.

Personally it is fun to see that Val’s father knows they are selectively privileged, but they are not Eltarians. As a result, Val’s father suspects that they are easily disposable if anything ever goes wrong. Whereas, Jun’s mother does not like that he associates himself with lower beings, and to know his place. Ultimately, their world views are incredible parallels that Melissa is brave to dissect and discuss for this story. In addition, the framing of this scene helps to make this conversation standout and reflect their ideals. Especially, when Jun and Val look over each others’ shoulders to one another, as if they are enemies. Like that moment almost feels to me that Melissa is setting up a “Fox and the Hound” situation. However, with our writer being Melissa, I assume the story will be more about their overall unity.

Then as Jun steps away from Valentina, as she goes to the empty balcony overlooking Angel Grove, Ryan Steele appears. Now, as expected Val and Ryan immediately begin to argue about what transpired at the museum. Sadly, we presented with the fact that Ryan knows he is in a tough situation, regarding his position and relationship. Like Ryan does not want his girlfriend nor Jun to be harmed, but he wants to remain as a Trooper. Although, it does seem that Ryan is reconsidering if what he is doing is correct or not. Yet, as Ryan is contemplating everything, Jun is trying to text Mark to check on his whereabouts.

Now, back underground, the mutants have brought our heroes to their makeshift city called “the Belly.” Here Rita is talking to their new mutant ally, about how and why they made their homestead. Ultimately, this is an allegory for racial/ cultural relations, as the T-Rex mutant mentions they all become fodder to the Troopers. However, since Bulk has lived under Eltarian rule, he believes it is “not all mutants, just troublesome ones.” As a result, Bulk gets shut down and informed how law enforcement is corrupt and just a publicity stunt. Additionally, Bulk gets embarrassed when Rita interjects, “no longer comfortable in your ignorance.”  Personally, I found that to be an incredible line from Melissa for Rita, showcasing her wisdom and wit. Especially, since it makes Bulk continue to reflect on what other lies Eltarians have taught humans. So, I cannot wait to see how reformed Bulk becomes once uncovering more of the Eltarians’ lies.

Coincidentally, as the group discusses “The Belly” further, Lauren wanders off to explore the area. Interestingly, Lauren notices that a street vender seemingly possesses a Samuraizer that they are selling. In addition, Lauren realizes that the Samuraizer is none other than her father’s, and she wants it back. Furthermore, while trading for the item, Lauren is eager to learn how it arrived at the Belly. As a result, Lauren realizes that her family was most likely brought to Angel Grove as prisoners. Although, it is uncertain if they still exist as prisons, deceased, or currently hiding within the Belly. However, they do learn that most Power Ranger relics were brought to the mutants by Teezee. Unfortunately, the mutants think Teezee was scavenging parts only because it thinks its a game, or bartering for food. So, the group is left seemingly confused as to what Teezee is actually doing.

Anyway, transitioning back to the surface, Ryan and Val try to comfort one another with a kiss. Sadly, Jun ruins the moment as he confronts Ryan, as their enemy, leading to another argument. However, Ryan states that he wants to make a trade with them, revealing he has Mark’s phone. Unfortunately, the trade is left out to build suspense for the story, and the issue cuts to Jun calling Orion. Although, readers can assume it regards exchanging Mark for Lauren since Jun informs Orion to bring backup. Specifically, Jun implies that Lauren is necessary to rescue Mark, but Rita and their new friends are coming too. In addition, they are bringing some Ranger relics to assist them if the VR Troopers appear. Furthermore, it is implied that everyone might be heading towards a Power Chamber for the meet up. So, I am left wondering if this means we will learn about this reality’s Zordon soon?

Overall, this book is setting up a rematch between the Prime team and the VR Troopers for the next issue. Especially, since I am expecting things to get worse, or for the Prime team to maybe become an actual team. Like they are all Power Rangers, but they are not an actual team yet, and they are pursuing differing goals. For example, Lauren simply wants to find her family, Orion and Jun want Mark back, and Valentina seeks freedom. So, I am wondering when they will come together to help achieve their goals, and begin to overthrow the Eltarians. Furthermore, I want to know what will be the event that actually unites them as a team. Whereas, I cannot wait to see if Power Rangers Prime #8 is that event, or just the catalyst. Nevertheless, I have been Ben Odinson and I am powering down until the next review!

Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Power Coins