COMIC REVIEW – Power Rangers Universe Issue 2

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On Wednesday, January 26th, Power Rangers Universe Issue 2 will be released from Boom Studios.

Discover the truth behind the Phantom Ranger, the Morphin Masters, Power Rangers, and the Morphin Grid itself in the series that will unlock the secrets of the Power Rangers Universe! In the ancient past, six teens scramble inside the Masterforge to save a mysterious figure they rescue from the Morphin Grid. But in doing so, they strand themselves from their parents, the Morphin Masters, who ascend into the Grid itself to protect it from Dark Specter. Can they protect Earth and the Grid itself from the impending forces headed their way? That question will have to wait, because first they must defend themselves against…a T-Rex attack!

Host Eric (@trekkieb47) had a chance to read the issue in advance and shares his review:

“After last month’s lore crammed issue, Power Ranger Universe continues with another jam packed issue. Unfortunately, the synopsis is misleading – there is no T-Rex attack. Phiro’s pet Whendi, whom we met last issue and looked like a typical Stegosaurus, panics after the attack of  Dark Specter’s forces. But in this issue the face looks more like a T-Rex, with sharp teeth and more boxy face. The spine plates and spiked tail remain though. 

Why focus on such a detail? Because readers already confused if they didn’t read last month’s issue twice to absorb everything, might be left scratching their heads. Fortunately, the rest of the issue is more straight forward as the teens help the Morphinaut to safety and dive deeper into the mysteries of why he is so full of Grid Energy. There is quite a bit of lore explained and we start getting answers pretty quickly. 

Writer Nicole Andelfinger brings these characters to life with witty banter and a believable friendship. The Morphinaut gets to talk a lot in this issue and I couldn’t help but imagine hearing the Phantom Ranger’s voice as he explains what’s going on with the Master Arch and Grid Energy. There is also a huge payoff from the first issue of the miniseries that will get a lot of fans excited for future issues. 

Artist Simone Ragazzoni and letterer Ed Dukeshire combine drawn and designed sound effects throughout the issue, which at times I found a little distracting. However, there are some nice instances where the sound effects act as panels and transitions which I think add to the chaos of their planet’s destruction. Colorist Mattia Iacono brings so much vibrancy to this issue, bright colors that make every panel pop and stand out. 

Power Rangers Universe Issue 2 is a step in the right direction for the mini-series, now that we know the characters and dive deeper into the main plot. A third of the way in, I am more engaged and curious with what will happen next.”

POWER RANGERS UNIVERSE #2
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Nicole Andelfinger
Artist: Simone Ragazzoni
Colorist: Mattia Iacono
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Cover Artists:

  • Main Cover: Dan Mora
  • 1:10 Incentive Cover: Dan Mora
  • 1:25 Dark Ranger Incentive Cover: Junggeun Yoon
  • 1:50 Negative Space Incentive Cover: Goñi Montes
  • 1:100 Incentive Cover: Raúl Allén
  • FOC Reveal Holofoil: Songmuang Chuaynukoon
  • FOC Reveal 1:10 Incentive Holofoil: Songmuang Chuaynukoon

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COMIC REVIEW – Power Rangers Issue 15

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On Wednesday, January 19th, Power Rangers Issue 15 will be released from Boom Studios.

THE ELTARIAN WAR CONTINUES. With the fate of Earth and the Zeo Crystal hanging in the balance, unexpected alliances are formed to stop the Empyreals and their master! On Earth, the Zord battles continue, culminating in the Omegazords finally coming together in a never before seen form!  Will it be enough when all seems lost? 

Host Eric (@trekkieb47) had a chance to read the issue in advance and shares his review:

“After the explosive events of Mighty Morphin Issue 15  – the disarming of the Orange Empyreal, the White Tiger Dragonzord combination and Zartus going to the Zeo Crystal in the Caves of Deception – Power Rangers 15 has a lot to live up to.

In the preview we get an intro from Bulk and Skull in the form of a live Ranger Station update. With so much happening in this arc, I am glad we still get to see a civilian on the ground perspective. It also serves as a nice recap of the last issue. Although if people are reading just one of these titles, this arc would definitely confuse them by only getting half of the story.

We get more looks of the White Tiger Dragonzord, a design which makes my inner 12 year old self scream with joy. To have both the Green and White Rangers together in the comics has always been a fanboy dream, and this is the cherry on top. The White Tigerzord really gets around in terms of original Zord combinations. In Necessary Evil we saw it combine into the White Tiger Mechazord and the Red Tiger Omegazord. I think the reason for so many combinations in the comics is how versatile the base Warrior Mode for the Tigerzord is. Serving as the base for these new modes, comic artists can attach and combine the new addons where needed.

This combination is not just fanservice, since Matt and Tommy are forced to work together. This leads to a much needed conversation and mentor moment for Tommy. With their connection to the Morphin Grid not only do they control the Zords as one, but they are also sharing each other’s thoughts. Not everything is resolved though, and I hope we get more of a lengthy resolution at the end of the arc.

The rest of the issue just continues to build, leading to the promise of some of the variant covers. Not to spoil anything, but writer Ryan Parrott continues to build on every issue of the last year and change. Nothing is left off the table with the cliffhanger of this issue. Both Eltarian War artists Francesco Mortarino & Marco Renna team up for this issue and it just works perfectly. Marco Renna tackles a certain continuation of a battle from the last issue with needed visual continuity while Francesco Mortarino handles all of the Zord battles. I don’t know if the rest of the handful of issue left in Eltarian War will continue this, but if it does, we’re in store for one hell of a finale.”

POWER RANGERS #15
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artist: Francesco Mortarino & Marco Renna (pages 6-9, 17-19)
Colorist: Raúl Angulo and Sara Antonellini (pages 6-9, 17-19)
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Cover Artists:

  • Main Cover: Gerald Parel
  • Legacy Variant Cover: Daniele di Nicuolo
  • 1:10 Incentive Cover: Gerald Parel
  • 1:15 Incentive Cover: Daniele di Nicuolo
  • 1:25 Incentive Cover: Angela Wang (Awanqi)
  • FOC Reveal Cover: Valentine de Landro
  • FOC Reveal 1:10 Incentive Cover: Valentine de Landro
  • Unlockable Cover: Angela Wang (Awanqi)

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Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 193

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It’s time to Ranger Up with your hosts as they talk all things Power Rangers on the Four Eyed Radio Network with RANGER COMMAND POWER HOUR!

In this episode, Eric interviews the writing and creative team behind Supermassive, an upcoming one shot crossover special with Radiant Black, the debut of Inferno Girl Red, and the first appearance of Rogue Sun.

We welcome back:

Kyle Higgins (@KyleDHiggins) – writer and creator for Image titles C.O.W.L., Hadrian’s Wall, Ordinary Gods, and Radiant Black; the Ultraman series for Marvel Comics, and he also wrote for the BOOM! Studios’ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series, including Shattered Grid.

Ryan Parrott (@ThatRyanParrott) – creator and writer for Rogue Sun as well as other series including Dead Day, BOOM! Studios’ Go Go Power Rangers, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and Mighty Morphin and Power Rangers.

And joining for the first time:

Mathew Groom (@MathewGroom) – creator and writer for Inferno Girl Red, originally funded through KickStarter; as well as the co-creator and writer for Self/Made and co-writer with Kyle on The Rise of Ultraman and The Trials of Ultraman. He is also a fellow Power Rangers podcaster on the Ranger Danger podcast (@rangerdcast) and upcoming writer for Mighty Morphin from BOOM! Studios.

Michael Busuttil (@m_busuttil) – designer and editor for Radiant Black, Ordinary Gods, Rogue Sun and Supermassive. Along with Mat, he is also one of the hosts of the Ranger Danger podcast.

We discuss how Supermassive came together, influences from writing Power Rangers and other superhero comics, how Supermassive is a great jumping on point for this new universe, Mathew teases what’s coming up in his run for Mighty Morphin, and more!

At the time of this episode’s release, Radiant Black issue 11 is out now with issue 12 releasing on February 9th. Supermassive will be released on February 9th. Rogue Sun issue 1 will release on February 16th. For more information on these titles you can go to www.blackmarket.la.

Stay Radiant.

Listen now: Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 193 – “Ranger Command Interview – The Supermassive Team”

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COMIC REVIEW – Mighty Morphin Issue 15

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On Wednesday, January 12th, Mighty Morphin Issue 15 will be released from Boom Studios.

THE ELTARIAN WAR CONTINUES. On the moon, the epic, long-awaited battle is finally here as Zordon and Lord Zedd go head-to-head! As the Empyreals are unleashed, the Rangers must summon every weapon at their disposal to stop them from cleansing Earth. Can Matthew and Tommy put their differences aside to avenge their fallen comrades? And what other unexpected alliances will be formed in the desperate attempt to stop the Empyreals?

Host Eric (@trekkieb47) had a chance to read the issue in advance and shares his review:

“The showdown of the decade takes place in Mighty Morphin 15. As seen in the preview pages and the description of the issue, Lord Zedd and Zordon throw down in an epic battle that interweaves throughout the issue. But that’s not all as the Mighty Morphin team and the Omega Rangers face the Empyreals with their zords.

In the flashback, Zordon faces Lord Zedd for the first time 10,000 years ago on the planet Bivix. Bivix was the planet that Zordon had his first supervision with Zartus all the way back in Mighty Morphin Issue 1. This comes full circle not only in the issue, but the entire arc. There is a mention of Rita Repulsa here, which is interesting to see since we’ve seen Ryan Parrott write for Zordon before all the way back in Go Go Power Rangers. There, he was present for Rita’s birth. Now, the flashbacks in Mighty Morphin are spanning decades of the past. Lord Zedd is at his peak, unlike in the last flashback in issue 13 where he was just learning magic. These gaps allow for future writers of the comic to explore the timeline should they choose, or let fans speculate.

The preview continues with the beginning of Zordon and Zedd fighting in the present, and the Zords fighting the Empyreals. To see the full spread of the Zord fight, you’ll need to pick up this issue! If you’ve been craving some Zord action, you get it in spades here. Artist Marco Renna absolutely kills it with intense action and very detailed linework. This is one of my favorite battles in the comics so far. Since Megazord battles are becoming rarer in the comics, when they take up a whole issue – it’s a real spectacle.

Writer Ryan Parrott is holding nothing back. While the action is intense, it doesn’t stop the characters from shining in their dialogue and advancing the story. With only a couple months left in the Eltarian War, I am worried for certain characters and how the aftermath will play out. The rollercoaster continues…”

MIGHTY MORPHIN #15
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artist: Marco Renna
Colorist: Walter Baiamonte with Color Assistance by Sharon Marino
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Cover Artists:

  • Main Cover: InHyuk Lee
  • Legacy Variant Cover: Eleonora Carlini
  • 1:10 Incentive Cover: InHyuk Lee
  • 1:15 Incentive Cover: Eleonora Carlini
  • 1:25 Incentive Cover: Goñi Montes
  • FOC Reveal Cover: Christian Ward
  • FOC Reveal Incentive 1:10 Cover: Christian Ward
  • Unlockable Cover: Goñi Montes

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COMIC REVIEW – Power Rangers Universe Issue 1

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On Wednesday, December 29th, Power Rangers Universe Issue 1 will be released from Boom Studios. A first look of this issue was shown earlier this month.

What is the true origin of the Phantom Ranger? And what is his connection to the Morphin Grid? From the moment he first appeared 24 years ago, fans have wondered about the origins of the powerful and mysterious Phantom Ranger and how they tie to the greater Power Rangers Universe. These are questions which have never been answered—until now—in the game-changing series event that no Power Rangers fan can afford to miss! 

Host Eric (@trekkieb47) had a chance to read the issue in advance and shares his review:

“After months since the initial announcements, Power Rangers Universe is finally in our hands. This title intrigued me from the beginning since it’s not that often we a deep dive into the lore of Power Rangers, specifically for the Phantom Ranger.

The Phantom Ranger is getting a lot of focus this year, from Power Rangers Unlimited: Edge of Darkness to his own Lightning Collection figure. Now, Power Rangers Universe seems to be tackling his origin. Right from the start, we see the suit is colored white and referred to as the Morphinaut, speaking to a scientist named Chendil. The suit name is a play on the word “astronaut”, designed to go into the Morphin Grid itself.

The Morphinaut encounters a dark presence in the Morphin Grid, another connection to the show and comics – Dark Specter. Dark Specter has been teased the past couple of years in the comics and I wonder if this story also deals with his origins. In sacrifice the Morphinaut blows up the connection to the Proto-Arch, the prototype of the Master Arch, another concept pulled from Mighty Morphin and Power Rangers.

And those connections make the Power Rangers Universe live up to its name. The “A47 Galaxy” mentioned before in Go Go Power Rangers: Forever Rangers and in the flashbacks of Mighty Morphin IS the Milky Way Galaxy. We see different Masterforges mentioned, devices seen and described in “Edge of Darkness”. Details like this used by different writers for the comics makes everything feel more interconnected.

We are then introduced to “Ori” / Orisonth, the new Blue Ranger and their brother Kartor. They try to power their Morphin Heart, previously since in Shattered Grid and Beyond the Grid as the Heart of a Master, which gave Drakkon his ultimate form. What follows in the rest of the story lays the groundwork and introductions for the 6-issue miniseries. Rhian is the Red Ranger, Phiro is the Yellow Ranger, Aleia is the Pink Ranger, Telosi is the Green Ranger and Xev could be the missing Black Ranger.

I list them out because this first issue throws a lot of alien names and locations at the reader. It’s a daunting task that writer Nicole Andelfinger balances gracefully with setting up the conflict for the rest of the miniseries. This issue definitely requires a few readthroughs to absorb everything that is presented.

Artist Simone Ragazzoni continues as the Power Rangers event artist from his runs on Drakkon New Dawn and Power Rangers Unlimited. His art really works for exploring the deep past, with a looser sketch feel – no hard line work, that makes the comic feel like a dream. Colorist Mattia Iacono makes Universe vibrant and pairs well with the continued lettering by Ed Dukeshire.

Power Rangers Universe Issue 1 is a lot to take in, but the setup is established for a miniseries that could be groundbreaking and live up to its name by opening a new universe of possibilities.”

POWER RANGERS UNIVERSE #1
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Nicole Andelfinger
Artist: Simone Ragazzoni
Colorist: Mattia Iacono
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Cover Artists:

  • Main Cover: Dan Mora
  • 1:10 Virgin Main Cover: Dan Mora
  • 1:25 Dark Ranger Variant Cover: Miguel Mercado
  • 1:50 Negative Space Variant Cover: Goñi Montes
  • 1:100 Incentive Cover: InHyuk Lee
  • FOC Holofoil Variant Cover: Derrick Chew
  • FOC Unlockable Holofoil Variant Cover: Derrick Chew
  • BOOM! Studios Exclusive Variant Cover: Simone Ragazzoni
  • BOOM! Studios Exclusive Variant Cover: Kath Lobo
  • Jolzar Collectibles / 616 Exclusive Variant Cover: Bon Bernardo
  • Frankie’s Comics / Golden Apple Comics / Forbidden Planet Exclusive Variant Cover: Ivan Tao
  • The Comic Mint Exclusive Variant Cover: Karen S. Darboe of Magnus Arts
  • Encased Comics Exclusive Variant Cover: Diego Galindo
  • ComicsToAstonish.com Exclusive Variant Cover: Guillamue Martinez

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COMIC REVIEW – Power Rangers Issue 14

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On Wednesday, December 29th, Power Rangers Issue 14 will be released from Boom Studios. A first look of this issue was shown earlier this month.

The new Blue Omega Ranger, along with the rest of the Omega Rangers, retreat to Safehaven to plan their next steps. With information gathered from Zordon and the Blue Emissary, our motley crew of heroes and villains set their sights on defeating the minions of their former ally and conducting a rescue mission. But in a galaxy full of enemies, who… or what…  awaits their rescue?

Host Eric (@trekkieb47) had a chance to read the issue in advance and shares his review:

“It’s time to take back Earth in the newest installment of the Eltarian War arc with Zordon is leading the charge. Not just as a mentor, but as a fully capable warrior. Back on Earth, Matt morphs into the Green Ranger, attracting Sentry Force Four while the remaining Rangers find Grace and her staff. The rest of the issue is non-stop twists and turns as both Rangers and enemies of old team up unexpectedly to take down Zartus. 

Overall, Issue 14 of Power Rangers (the fourth part of the Eltarian War) does a fantastic job of advancing the ‘war’ part of the story with all of the Power Rangers taking the fight to the enemy. The story is packed with action on two different fronts showing readers Zordon’s true power as a warrior from 10,000 years ago. And it won’t stop with this issue as the end moments tease one of the most anticipated battles for any long time fan.

Writer Ryan Parrott is able to keep things somewhat light in the middle of serious battles, with a war cry moment that had me chuckling. The dialogue throughout the issue is filled with little moments and quips that are only possible after years of buildup with these characters’ personalities. On the art side, Francesco Mortarino delivers with one of his most ambitious issues yet. Ambitious because of the shear amount of characters he has to draw while maintaining continuity with fellow artist Marco Renna on Mighty Morphin. The last three pages set up some serious groundwork for Marco to build on.

Do I have to say it again? I highly recommend this issue. Mainly because if you got this far, there’s no turning back!”

POWER RANGERS #14
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artist: Francesco Mortarino with Ink Assistance by Christian Prunesti
Colorist: Raúl Angulo
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Cover Artists:

  • Main Cover: Gerald Parel
  • Legacy Variant Cover: Daniele di Nicuolo
  • 1:10 Incentive Cover: Gerald Parel
  • 1:15 Incentive Cover: Daniele di Nicuolo
  • Incentive Cover: Goñi Montes
  • FOC Reveal Cover: Jorge Corona
  • FOC Reveal Incentive Cover: Jorge Corona
  • Incentive Cover: Goñi Montes

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Ranger Command Power Hour Extra Episode 082

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It’s time to Ranger Up with @trekkieb47 as he talks all things Power Rangers on the Four Eyed Radio Network with RANGER COMMAND POWER HOUR!

In our Extra Episode for December 2021, brought to you by our supporters on Patreon, Eric discusses the return of conventions with our local show – the Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo (C2E2).

We also wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, no matter what you celebrate. There is also a catch up on the news including recent comics announcements like Godzilla vs. the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, solicitations, Super Massive and the newest Power Rangers Fan First Friday from Hasbro.

Finally, we include our recording of the “Writing in Someone Else’s Universe” panel with Amy Chu (Red Sonja, Poison Ivy, Sea Sirens), Charles Soule (Star Wars, Daredevil). Delilah S. Dawson (Star Wars: Phasma, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire, Minecraft: Mob Squad) and Kyle Higgins (Nightwing, Batman Eternal, Gates of Gotham, Batman Beyond 2.0, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Radiant Black, ULTRAMAN).

Happy Holidays!

Listen now: Ranger Command Power Hour Extra Episode 082 – “Ranger Command at C2E2 2021”

APPLE PODCASTS – GOOGLE PODCASTS – SPOTIFY – ANDROID – STITCHER – PODCHASER – LINKTREE

Timestamps:

  • 0:00:00 – Intro and News + C2E2 Review
  • 0:20:22 – Writing In Someone Else’s Universe panel

Links mentioned in show:

Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 192

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It’s time to Ranger Up with your hosts as they talk all things Power Rangers on the Four Eyed Radio Network with RANGER COMMAND POWER HOUR!

Eric is joined by special guest co-hosts Rai (@CollectorShuki) from Geek Each Week (@geekeachweek), Ro (@RoliverQueen_) from the Comics Code UH-thority Podcast (@ComicsUhthority), Dr. Ben (@doctorbenMD), and Callum of the Lightning Collective Podcast (@prlcollective) to continue our review of Boom! Studios Mighty Morphin’ and Power Rangers comics. We review the year of Unlimited Power.

We also discuss the news including Mighty Morphin Issue 14, new Power Rangers hats from New Era Cap and EOne’s Michael Lombardo interview mentioning the future of Power Rangers on Netflix.

Omega Now, Omega Forever!

Listen now: Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 192 – “Ranger Merch Review: Boom Studios Power Rangers Comics Part 11: Unlimited Power”

APPLE PODCASTS – GOOGLE PODCASTS – SPOTIFY – ANDROID – STITCHER – PODCHASER – LINKTREE

Timestamps:

  • 0:00:00 – Intro and Podcast Topic
  • 0:04:07 – News – Comics Preview, New Era Cap, EOne on Power Rangers universe
  • 0:25:50 – Unlimited Power Review for Mighty Morphin 1-12
  • 1:06:00 – Unlimited Power Review for Power Rangers 1-12
  • 1:49:41 – Ranger Nation Answers

Links mentioned in show: