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COMIC REVIEW – Power Rangers Issue 17

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This past Wednesday, March 16th, Power Rangers Issue 17 was released from Boom Studios. We had a first look of the issue last week.

With the threat of the Empyreals gone and Earth saved, the Omega Rangers must forge a new path for themselves! But with the Blue Emissary gone and Xi still out of commission, can the Rangers survive the dangers of the universe that they’re trying to protect?  

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

“The aftermath of the Eltarian War continues with the second mainline comic this month with Power Rangers Issue 17. For this issue, the focus is on each of the Omega Rangers – Jason is on the hunt for Drakkon, Trini is focusing on repairing Xi and Zack helps catch a thief on Safehaven. 

Jason is still on the search for galactic threats and signs of the Spectrum II and Drakkon. Eventually he is interrupted by Yale chasing a jellyfly, one of the many native species of Safehaven, and comes to a realization. Trini gets some help from Billy via intergalactic communication as she attempts to repair Xi. It’s nice to have some crossover with the acknowledgement that the Mighty Morphin team is looking for a new Command Center, seen last issue. Xi is successfully repaired, but he has a change in personality. He is restricting access to his previous memories, cutting off the trauma of being destroyed and the events of Unlimited Power. Zack helps Arkon with a mystery of stolen items across Safehaven, the latest being a Morphin Master spear. This is a great connection to the currently running Power Rangers Unlimited as the staff has a unique Dairanger/Squadron design. The thief is a young Hartunian named Kevor Vrin whose parents were King’s guards and killed when the Empyreals destroyed their planet. Arkon spares his life after a fight, the tension still lingering between their two species. 

All of these individual stories come to a head with the Omega Rangers coming to the same conclusion – they need to do more and focus on the larger picture. They send out a galaxy wide communication with several shots on alien species and individuals (Andros!). And we are teased with the message reaching the Followers of Vox. Yup! Vox, as in Garrison Vox from Necessary Evil. How’s that for full circle?

Writer Ryan Parrott continues the Omega Ranger saga without a universe-ending storyline, beginning a new chapter for the Omega Rangers that feels more personal. I am glad that Xi is back, but also not himself. As an advanced robot, his continuing storyline with his memories and choosing to access them or not harkens back to classic science fiction. Are we the same without our memories? It’s another plot that I can’t wait to see the implications of going forward. Artist Marco Renna switches to Power Rangers after his stint on Mighty Morphin and it’s wonderful to see his art continue to be paired with Ryan’s writing. I’ve said so many great things about Marco in past reviews that I would just be repeating myself. 

Power Rangers Issue 17 is the next evolution for the Omega Rangers. They have a lot of work to do to live up to the message they sent galaxy-wide. With no ship and the Omega Zords still damaged, it’s only a matter of time before trouble comes knocking on Safehaven’s door. We can only hope they are prepared…”

POWER RANGERS #17
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artist: Marco Renna
Colorist: Walter Baiamonte with assistance by Sharon Marino & Sara Antonellini
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: Rian Gonzales
  • FOC Reveal Cover: Helena Masellis
  • FOC Reveal 1:10 Incentive Cover: Helena Masellis
  • Unlockable Cover: Rian Gonzales

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COMIC REVIEW – Mighty Morphin Issue 17

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On Wednesday, March 9th, Mighty Morphin Issue 17 was released from Boom Studios. A first look of this issue was shown last week.

NEW CREATIVE TEAM. With the defeat of the Eltarian invasion, the Mighty Morphin team must band together with Matt and Grace to help rebuild the Command Center. But will old tensions arise to create new challenges for the teams? Or can they learn to finally put aside their differences?

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

“With a new creative team, the comic is being rebuilt both narratively and behind the scenes. Mighty Morphin Issue 17 brings in writer Mat Groom and artist Moisés Hidalgo. Mat Groom is a longtime fellow Power Rangers podcaster with the Ranger Danger podcast. The relationships formed on the podcast with writer Kyle Higgins and others gave Mat the chance to become an accomplished comic book writer with titles like Self-Made, Ultraman, SuperMassive, and Inferno Girl Red among others.

Obviously, Mat is a knowledgeable fan which brings in many fun references and connections to past series. For example, when Mat’s podcast reviewed Time Force, they latched onto the minor character of Bio-Lab scientist Michael Zaskin. In this issue we find out that Zaskin is working for Grace Sterling at Promethea. Along with Rocky’s ringtone being a Levi Weston (Ninja Steel) song and the introduction of King Aradon, only mentioned once before in Power Rangers Zeo, these small touches give the universe a more interconnected feel. This is like the sister title, Power Rangers, where writer Ryan Parrott weaves in elements from other series to populate the space the Omega Rangers explore. 

As mentioned by Mat in our interview with him, this issue gives Rocky a major focus. Rocky is left to defend the Power Chamber with the new Green Ranger, Matt. We get a taste of Rocky’s home life, seeing his many siblings and how he has to step up to help take care of them with his mom. The civilian side of the Rangers’ lives is one of the elements of the comics that I have really missed. This harkens back to the original Go Go Power Rangers run and is a welcome pace from yet another massive event arc. We haven’t explored enough of the Stone Canyon trio and I think this is a great place to let the story breathe as the Rangers are split up. 

On the art side, Moisés Hidalgo returns from his stint on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issues 51-55 and Yale-focused issues of Power Rangers 9-10. If readers recall, MMPR issues 51-55 dealt with Lord Zedd’s Dark Rangers. That mini-arc was beautifully illustrated and that style continues in this new arc. Moisés has a wonderful style that feels like traditional pencil line work rather than on a computer. Combined with the warm tones by colorist Raúl Angulo and the dialogue between the characters gives the story a more uplifting and hopeful mood despite the circumstances in the issue. 

Overall, Mighty Morphin issue 17 is a fresh start with a new creative team that hits the ground running from the first panel. With a new storyline, enemies and intergalactic challenges this new creative team will be one to keep an eye on, hopefully for a long time!“

MIGHTY MORPHIN #17
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Mat Groom
Artist: Moisés Hidalgo
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: Helena Masellis
  • FOC Reveal Incentive 1:10 Cover: Helena Masellis
  • Unlockable Cover: Goñi Montes

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COMIC REVIEW – Power Rangers Universe Issue 3

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On Wednesday, February 23rd, Power Rangers Universe Issue 3 was released from Boom Studios. A first look of the issue was shown last week.

A mysterious pod crashes on Earth, but the Morphin Master Teens are on the scene to confront whatever dangers it brings from space. While their legendary ranger forms have never made them feel so powerful against the incoming enemy invasion, what happens when their powers begin to fail… and even hurt them?

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

“Last month, Power Rangers Universe Issue 2 ended with the Morphin Master Teens becoming Power Rangers from across all eras of the franchise. From their perspective, future forms that imbue them with incredible power and arsenals. In this issue, the teens put their newfound knowledge to the test with weapons and moves we are all familiar with to fight the forces of Dark Specter, including a new ‘Spectoid’ General. Fans have suspected for ages, but it is explained in this issue –  the teens realize that morphing give them the ability to automatically recall knowledge and skills that the Morphin’ Grid gives them access to. Ori uses a Zeo Spinning Power Punch and Rhian calls upon the Mighty  Morphin’ Power Sword.

A lot of lore is also established and connected from across the Power Rangers… well, universe. The Morphin’ Grid being a source of life in the universe is nothing new, it was mentioned in the Power Rangers 2017 movie as well as a major plot point in the Beyond the Grid comic arc. Here, it’s also theorized as a fixed point in space and time. Which again is nothing new when you think of everything that has happened in the tv shows, but here it is clearly spelled out for all audiences new and old.

There’s a nice moment with the teens, a mini-montage that establishes the term ‘Morphin’ Master Squadron. This aligns with the term Super Megaforce used for the DaiRanger suits, which we know are the basis for this team. Later in the issue, Aleia (pink) has a conversation with Ori and ends up sketching the DaiRanger/Squadron logo, which becomes the basis for their rudimentary morphers, a casing that goes over their Morphin Hearts and controls the Grid Energy flowing through them. We get another fight, with all new powers – it’s fun as a fan to see these suits fight together and also feel like a connection to Super Megaforce and the greater lore of the franchise. There’s a great reference to the Sword of Power, used for the first time since Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers ‘The Green Dream’. It’s a little hard to make out in the art, but it looks more like the Sword of Darkness. An odd choice.

Halfway through the series, it only feels like now we are getting to the core of the story with establishing the team. I still have reserves that have carried over from my past two reviews, specifically some of the choices in the artwork. The lettered and drawn sound effects could be toned down to be less distracting. There was also a weird lettering choice that looked like Ori was agreeing to her own statement. Writing wise, I like the smaller moments between the characters when they aren’t expositing the events around them. The Aleia and Ori conversation is a great example of learning more about the character’s personal lives that turned into a solution for the team.

With another three issues to go, Power Rangers Universe has the potential to be fine entry into the comics universe. Hopefully, like the Morphin Teens, the comic can evolve into something truly great.”

POWER RANGERS Universe #3 (3 of 6)
Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Nicole Andelfinger
Artist: Simone Ragazzoni
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: David Nakayama
  • FOC Reveal Cover: Jo Mi-Gyeong
  • FOC Reveal 1:10 Incentive Cover: Jo Mi-Gyeong

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Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 195

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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 our most in-depth interview yet, Eric talks with writer Ryan Parrott (@ThatRyanParrott) about the Eltarian War arc in the comics. This covers Mighty Morphin issues 13-16 and Power Rangers issues 13-16, discussed in story order. There are major spoilers so make sure you read the latest issues! Ryan also answers listener questions and… Boba Fett??

May the Power Protect You!

Listen now: Ranger Command Power Hour Episode 195 – “Ranger Command Interview – The Eltarian War with Ryan Parrott”

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

Timestamps:

  • 0:00:00 – Intro and Book of Boba Fett?
  • 0:06:10 – Comics – Monthly vs. Trade
  • 0:09:20 – Mighty Morphin Issue 13 recap
  • 0:15:08 – Power Rangers Issue 13
  • 0:28:18 – Mighty Morphin Issue 14
  • 0:49:29 – Power Rangers Issue 14
  • 1:01:59 – Mighty Morphin Issue 15
  • 1:23:13 – Power Rangers Issue 15
  • 1:45:47 – Break / Mighty Morphin Issue 16
  • 2:10:46 – Power Rangers Issue 16
  • 2:35:14 – Listener Questions

Links mentioned in show:

COMIC REVIEW – Power Rangers Issue 16

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This past Wednesday, February 16th, Power Rangers Issue 16 was released from Boom Studios. We had an exclusive first look of the issue last week.

The Omega Rangers travel back to Safehaven to keep an eye on the rest of the galaxy, while Eternity Point falls under the supervision of a new assistant. As the Blue Emissary departs and the remains of three Emissaries are laid to rest, the universe seems relatively safe for now, but how long can that peace last before it’s shattered?

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

“After 32 issues (counting both Unlimited Power and the Eltarian War) the saga of Zordon and his past concludes with a satisfying finale. Serving as an epilogue of sorts, Power Rangers Issue 16 wraps up most of the plotlines while still leaving open so many possibilities for the future. Earlier this month, Mighty Morphin Issue 16 was an action packed spectacle and this issue slowed things down as the future of both teams is in question.

The opening is a fascinating conversation between Lord Zedd and Zordon about the philosophy of  ‘The Power’. Lord Zedd spares Zordon, even calling him a friend, but this is probably the closest understanding they will ever have. The rest of the issue deals with the fallout of the Eltarian War with Sentry Force Four surrendering to Zeyla. Trini has a final conversation with Drakkon as he depart with the Spectrum II for parts unknown. Their dynamic has been something that I really enjoyed throughout this story, Trini in particular has shown amazing growth in her convictions and role as a leader.

Grace and Zordon also patch things up and Zordon gets to have a moment to himself outside on top of the White Tiger Dragonzord. Zordon’s journey in this story has been a delight to read, particularly seeing so much of his past when he was younger. Zordon is not infallible and it’s great to see him triumph and overcome his personal demons from the past. Fate has tied him to Earth, and he endorses Zeyla as the Supreme Guardian. As he says, Eltar needs a fresh start and I hope we see more of modern Eltar in future issues of Power Rangers.

We also get a great scene with the Blue Emissary saying goodbye to the Omega Rangers. I liked the closure here because the Emissary tells the Rangers what they still don’t realize about themselves – they have the power and courage to protect the universe, no mentor required. The Minions reunite with Lord Zedd in the broken remains of the Moon Palace, having made their choice to not live free in Safe Haven. Here, it’s revealed that there is another plan that Zedd has cooked up, showing he is always trying to be two steps ahead of Zordon. Finally, we get a very touching moment between Skull and Zeyla. This scene was very sweet and finally gives Skull the closure he needs, on a trajectory to his growth in the show during Zeo.

Overall, Ryan Parrott has taken the Herculean task of wrapping up this arc with emotional closure and leaving the door open for Mathew Groom, who takes over Mighty Morphin next month. Ryan isn’t going anywhere though, he is still writing Power Rangers with more adventures planned for the Omega Rangers. I will miss the art by Francesco Mortarino. His art has been so tied to the franchise for the past few years. Wherever he ends up next, I will be keeping an eye on his future projects.

The future is wide open for both series and I can’t wait to see what’s next for both teams. Don’t miss our next episode of the podcast as I interview Ryan Parrott and do a deep dive on the Eltarian War.”

 

POWER RANGERS #16
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
  • 1:25 Incentive Cover: Goñi Montes
  • FOC Reveal Cover: Jo Mi-Gyeong
  • FOC Reveal 1:10 Incentive Cover: Jo Mi-Gyeong
  • Unlockable Cover: Goñi Montes

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COMIC REVIEW – Mighty Morphin Issue 16

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On Wednesday, February 9th, Mighty Morphin Issue 16 will be released from Boom Studios. A first look of this issue was shown last week.

In the aftermath of the battle, the ideologies of Lord Zedd and Zordon clash, despite a moment of mercy. As the Eltarian War approaches its end, long-awaited emotional resolutions will launch both Mighty Morphin and Power Rangers into the future, but the relationship between two Rangers takes a turn that neither may recover from.

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

“It’s the penultimate issue of the Eltarian War Arc in Mighty Morphin 16. In the preview pages seen below, we get a flashback even further than the start of Unlimited Power where we initially first saw a young Zordon. The conversation between Zartus and Zophram dives further into Zartus’ motivations.

And speaking of Unlimited Power, the term is referenced by Zophram who says, ‘The only people who should be handed unlimited power are those who are reluctant to take it.’ To me, this almost feels like Power Rangers’ version of ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ from Spider-Man.  A young Zordon quickly proves Zophram’s point over concerns that Zordon does not want to abandon his comrades in Bronze Company. The past bleeds into the present as Lord Zedd, Zordon and Zartus continue their battle…

There is a lot packed into this issue, and as the penultimate issue – a lot of the major battles end, giving next week’s Power Rangers Issue 16 a chance to breathe for the finale of the arc spanning almost two years. Writer Ryan Parrott has done a fantastic job of paying off characters and arcs from earlier arcs and issues. Particularly the Horrid, led by Lord Drakkon. Like him or hate him, the return and rise of Drakkon has left Power Rangers with another main villain in their own rogues gallery. Since this is his last issue writing for Mighty Morphin Parrott has left the next writer, Mathew Groom, plenty to work with. 

My one hope is that the book can slow down a little bit and pull back from universe-ending arcs, at least for a little bit. I enjoyed the parallels between the tale of Zeon and what Zordon accomplished towards the end of this story. There is a lot of collateral damage that both books going forward will have to deal with. “

MIGHTY MORPHIN #16
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artist: Marco Renna
Colorist: Walter Baiamonte with Color Assistance by Sara Antonellini and 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: Rian Gonzales
  • FOC Reveal Cover: Jo Mi-Gyeong
  • FOC Reveal Incentive 1:10 Cover: Jo Mi-Gyeong
  • Unlockable Cover: Rian Gonzales

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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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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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