Good morning heroes, we are back with a new comic review, as tomorrow starts the new age of Power Rangers. Now, this new age is titled the PRIME Era where we have a new cast of characters, history, and attitude. For those that have enjoyed Marvel’s Ultimates or DC Comics’ Absolute then Power Rangers Prime might be a similar concept. Additionally, Melissa Flores returns as head writer, along with Allyson Gronowitz as the series’ editor for this run. Whereas, we have a fresh art team in Michael YG and Fabi Marques to bring the Power Rangers to life. Anyway, everyone let us grab our morphers and get back to action with this review for Power Rangers Prime #1.
Comic Credits
- Artist:Michael YG
- Colorist: Fabi Marques
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Melissa Flores
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Assistant Editor: Kenzie Rzonca & Caroline Butler
- Editor: Allyson Gronowitz
- Editor-in-Chief: Matt Gagnon
- Cover Artist: Dan Mora
- Hasbro Special Thanks to Linda Lee, Tayla Reo & Ed Lane
[Warning: The following review contains spoilers, so readers should proceed at their own discretion]
Review
Now, Power Rangers Prime starts with questioning readers with “If evil can be redefined as order, then what signifies good?” In addition, it follows up by asking “In what kind of world would a hero be created?” As a result, this quickly informs readers that this new world is an authoritarian one where Rangers are outlaws. Although, this does mean the Rangers are villains, but most likely are vigilantes who oppose the governing order. Especially, when this title will be focusing on Lauren Shiba the Samurai Red Ranger, as one of its primary characters. Interestingly, this surprised me somewhat, but due to her recent comic appearances I should have expected her leading a series eventually. So, giving this specific character a leading role is already a breath of fresh air for the overall brand.
Anyway, as mentioned with Rangers being outlaws, Lauren is being pursued by an alien police force in Angel Grove. Here we are greeted with an awesome presentation of Michael YG’s ability to portray the flow of action and movement. In addition, Fabi Marques’ use of colors make the visuals of Lauren’s pursuit simply gorgeous. Like the panel during where Lauren is caught amidst an explosion is one of my immediate favorites for this run. Specifically, what draws me in is the added blur and distortion, which makes it feel like a live-action production. Also, the incomplete morphing sequence is another highlight, just from how they chose to interpret the morph sequence. Especially, when it gets to the helmet materializing around Lauren’s face, as it somewhat resembles the 2017 movie posters. So, our new art team is already off to a good start from this brief sampling of action.
Although, with that said, Lauren manages to avoid being captured when Mark Zhao, an alien refugee, does not expose her. Specifically, when Mark stumbles upon Lauren hiding in his dumpster outside of his apartment, late at night. In addition, we learn later that Mark and his roommate are tending to Lauren recovery without any hesitation. So, I assume that he most likely Mark will become a new Ranger, or significant ally in the foreseeable future. Whereas, with Mark’s introduction, we follow him to Angel Grove University and learn how this Earth is an Eltarian colony. Interestingly, Mark is refugee due to an intergalactic war where aliens found Earth as a sanctuary. Unfortunately, as things escalated Eltar came to aid and defend the planet, but resulted in Eltar colonizing Earth. Furthermore, during this exposition Mark’s Eltarian professor questions him and his classmate Jun, another Eltarian, if colonization was the correct idea. Ultimate, both give different answers, as the Eltarian occupation benefits Jun, but the overall war and relocation worsened Mark’s life.
Following this class, the story transitions to Jun and some of the other students who attend the university. Surprisingly, we learn that Jun seems to believe in the Power Rangers, at least he is intrigued by their existence. Specifically, this is because the Rangers appear to be a myth, or a work of fiction to everyone else. Also, there is a connotation that even mentioning them is taboo with dangerous consequences if governing officials overhear the conversation. However, what makes things worse for Jun is that his mother is an admiral that is aware of his interests. As a result, Jun’s mother Janessa is quick to shut that type of talk down to protect her reputation. So, most likely Jun is possibly a rich kid looking to start trouble at least in his mother’s eyes. Although, the rich kid appearance could be a persona covering up a future hero looking to change the world.
Then before learning more about Jun, the issue transitions to a news report on how the VR Troopers protect Earth. Shockingly, they exist in this universe and they seemingly are Eltarian elites that fight criminal mutants, or a television show. Unfortunately, we cannot confirm if they are the original character, but it is wild to see the VR Troopers return. Like it will be amazing to see if they are actually alternate universe variants of Ryan, Kaitlin and J.B. Especially, since the VR Troopers never had an official crossover with the Power Rangers during their television run. So, maybe other ‘Big Bad’ characters might show up to ‘bug’ our heroes for an ultimate team-up. Yet, that is not all, as Mark’s roommate is revealed to be the Super Megaforce Silver Ranger, Orion. However, due to circumstances this Orion is most likely not a Ranger, but seems to be aware of Lauren’s situation.
So, as Orion tend Lauren’s recovery, she explains her story and what happened to the Power Rangers on Earth. Like the television series, the Samurai team is a generational group that defended the planet until the Eltarians arrived. Surprisingly, their arrival occurred during the 1950’s, and they did not see the need for Power Rangers anymore. Unfortunately, that meant the Samurai Rangers, and possibly other unconfirmed teams on Earth or throughout the universe were hunted down. However, the Shiba family managed to always elude the Eltarian Empire, with Lauren being its known sole survivor. Although, the Shiba family’s death is implied, they could actually be imprisoned somewhere unknown to Lauren with other Rangers. Whereas, Lauren seems to be constantly on the run non-stop while trying to combat the Eltarians’ overwhelming forces. Yet, there might be hope for Lauren, as an unexpected visitor and possible ally arrives from the moon. Specifically, an individual that often gets contained in objects like the one Lauren was found in earlier. Additionally, this individual has distain for Eltarians, so they must be an ally, or a third-party to be reckon with.
Ultimately, this issue is an incredible to start for this new run or era of Power Rangers comics. Like Melissa truly hit the ground running with the world building and new roster of characters, either old or new. Also, as we already know Melissa is well aware on what the brand is, and where it can go. So, having this new original story makes it an even better read since it is an entire alternate world. For example, Prime is not relying on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, but the whole franchise like the crossover events. As a result, having this new Prime Era, gives readers the sense of not knowing what can happen. Specifically, when compared to the previous run where we knew things would be saved to preserve timeline and the multiverse. However, the Prime Era is uncharted territory where I nor other fans cannot immediately predict future events. Additionally, with this series’ tackling mature themes, I think it will further attract adult audiences and bring back older fans. Especially, given certain real-world issues, this story will most likely resonate with people like V did in the 80’s. Furthermore, this new run should give longtime fans’ their needed fixation, as the show is on indefinite hiatus. Nevertheless, Power Rangers Prime #1 is the start of something new, and it has my full attention!
