Long time fans of this blog will know my love for superheroes expands beyond just comic books. Like many other kids who grew up in the 90's I was exposed to a team of color-clad, robot-piloting, monster fighting, teenagers with attitude. And now, after twenty years The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers have returned in the pages of their own comic book! Welcome to Current Issues!
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Artist: Hendry Prasetya
Colorist: Matt Herms
"Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" was a kid's television show that debuted on Fox Kids in 1993. Created and produced by Haim Saban (rad guy, by the way), this show followed the adventures of five teenagers who protect Earth from an evil witch named Rita Repulsa. Guided by their God-like leader Zordon, assisted by their quirky robot Alpha, and equip with weapons, armor and giant robots these heroes protect the world as The Power Rangers. "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" borrowed most of it's footage from a Japanese program called "Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger" and adapted it for an American audience. Obviously it was the 90's so the quality wasn't great, but kids loved it. Bandai/Toei-the company that produced Japan's Super Sentai-saw the results and partnered with Saban Entertainment, thus solidifying two more decades of Super Sentai adaptations under the "Power Rangers" brand. Even today with Saban's "Power Rangers: Dino Charge" being an adaptation of Bandai/Toei's "Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger". With eighteen shows (nineteen in 2017), two movies (three in 2017), and sixteen video games under it's Morpher-carrying belt Power Rangers is a cultural icon and a symbol of synchronization between two cultural entertainment genres.
This comic series is published by Boom Studios, a publishing company behind independent series like "Irredeemable" and established series like "Planet of The Apes". The placement of the book seems to be between Season One and Season Two of the original show given the status of one key character, but we'll talk about him in a minute. One of the most surprising aspects of the book's placement is the era it is set in. The book suggests the events of Season One happened just as they did in the show, but that it happened in the current day. What I mean is "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" very clearly took place during the 90's. Both literally and in the show. You couldn't watch an episode of MMPR without spotting a 90's trope like fashion or music. For the comic it seems everything has been updated, characters have iPhones and wear modern day clothes. I almost couldn't recognize Zach without his ridiculously colored hammer pants. I'm sure the modernization may bother some fans of MMPR, but I find it very refreshing. It's not like the time they were set in really effected the story directly and making it modern makes it easier to write the characters.
Speaking of story let's get on to it. The key character I mentioned before is Tommy Oliver, The Green Ranger. Even people who've seen MMPR in passing know this guy because when he first showed up he was the first evil Power Ranger and single-handily defeated the other five. Tommy was the new kid in town and was hypnotized by Rita to be her weapon against The Power Rangers. As the evil Green Ranger he had power that exceeded the other Rangers and he had access to The Dragonzord. Basically robot Godzilla. But not Mecha Godzilla. In the show Tommy's possession was eventually undone and he joined the Power Rangers, he even went on to lead them during "Power Rangers: Zeo" and mentor a new generation of Rangers in "Power Rangers: Dino Thunder". Basically, the guy who played Tommy (Jason David Frank) fell in love with the fanbase and became the face of Power Rangers. However, writer Kyle Higgins decided to expand on Tommy's life after Rita's possession. The main crutch of the comic is Tommy suffering from hallucinations of Rita Repulsa, reminders of his former allegiance and his guilt. He has visions of events that never happened, he screws up during battles, and he almost kills innocent people while piloting his Zord. If that's not enough it seems Rita is planning on taking the Dragonzord back from Tommy and draining his power in the process. Coupled with Tommy's personal issues we see hints of distrust among the Rangers, some wonder if Tommy can be trusted or if he's even free of Rita's control. The book is much more character focused than anything MMPR ever did. More examples are Billy (Blue) doubting his strength and Trini (Yellow) boosting his confidence and being a type of therapist to the Rangers. Kimberly (Pink) clearly displays concern for Tommy and a hesitance to continue being a Ranger, Jason (Red) makes it clear that he-as the leader-can't show bias in his decisions, and Zach (Black) hints to having troubles at home. Even Bulk and Skull begin showing a fandom for The Power Rangers, starting a YouTube channel about them. Rita Repulsa and her minions get character moments too as if no important character is sparred a chance to build themselves.
I applaud Higgins' choice to update and expand the characters provided especially the psychological torment of Tommy Oliver. Tommy is already one of my favorite Power Rangers and seeing a darker side of his life only adds to his character. Higgins wrote both "Nightwing" and "Batman Beyond 2.0" and many other successful comics I've enjoyed and more than anything he knows how to flex the continuity of the stories to a comfortable and new angle. I really enjoy the talent he brings. The art by Prasetya is pretty subdued during still moments, but his work on action scenes is amazing to see. When you're dealing with armed and unarmed combat and giant robot fights you're expected to impress on all cylinders and he does not disappoint there. Herms' color is a pleasure to the eye and since this is Power Rangers we're dealing with that kind of effort is mandatory. Both the characters and environments are given fully fleshed color that's displayed in a multitude of effects. From red spandex to neon blue bar signs.
Power Rangers has a special place in my heart, especially the earlier series. Basically between this and "Power Rangers In Space". I've always felt they were unappreciated by the comic-reading community because of their style and presentation, but given their long history I find it surprising it took this long to do an honest to Roa series. Yes there have been Power Rangers comics in the past, but this one feels real. It feels like it was done with heart. Sure they have a movie coming up, but at least the people behind the book see the potential for expanding the stories MMPR left unfilled. I'm excited to see where this book goes and what other flips and tricks Higgins applies to fine tune the lore of MMPR. I'd love to see this book extend to other series. Hell, I'd love to see an entire Power Rangers Comic Book Universe. One where The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers can meet with The Alien Rangers while The Time Force Power Rangers clash with Power Rangers SPD. The possibilities are on the table and I sincerely hope Boom Studios turns Power Rangers into a big corner of their comic publication. If not for the kids in the theater, then for guys like me who want to see their heroes grow up with them.
Thanks for reading and May The Power Protect You.
Artist: Hendry Prasetya
Colorist: Matt Herms
"Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" was a kid's television show that debuted on Fox Kids in 1993. Created and produced by Haim Saban (rad guy, by the way), this show followed the adventures of five teenagers who protect Earth from an evil witch named Rita Repulsa. Guided by their God-like leader Zordon, assisted by their quirky robot Alpha, and equip with weapons, armor and giant robots these heroes protect the world as The Power Rangers. "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" borrowed most of it's footage from a Japanese program called "Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger" and adapted it for an American audience. Obviously it was the 90's so the quality wasn't great, but kids loved it. Bandai/Toei-the company that produced Japan's Super Sentai-saw the results and partnered with Saban Entertainment, thus solidifying two more decades of Super Sentai adaptations under the "Power Rangers" brand. Even today with Saban's "Power Rangers: Dino Charge" being an adaptation of Bandai/Toei's "Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger". With eighteen shows (nineteen in 2017), two movies (three in 2017), and sixteen video games under it's Morpher-carrying belt Power Rangers is a cultural icon and a symbol of synchronization between two cultural entertainment genres.
This comic series is published by Boom Studios, a publishing company behind independent series like "Irredeemable" and established series like "Planet of The Apes". The placement of the book seems to be between Season One and Season Two of the original show given the status of one key character, but we'll talk about him in a minute. One of the most surprising aspects of the book's placement is the era it is set in. The book suggests the events of Season One happened just as they did in the show, but that it happened in the current day. What I mean is "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" very clearly took place during the 90's. Both literally and in the show. You couldn't watch an episode of MMPR without spotting a 90's trope like fashion or music. For the comic it seems everything has been updated, characters have iPhones and wear modern day clothes. I almost couldn't recognize Zach without his ridiculously colored hammer pants. I'm sure the modernization may bother some fans of MMPR, but I find it very refreshing. It's not like the time they were set in really effected the story directly and making it modern makes it easier to write the characters.
Speaking of story let's get on to it. The key character I mentioned before is Tommy Oliver, The Green Ranger. Even people who've seen MMPR in passing know this guy because when he first showed up he was the first evil Power Ranger and single-handily defeated the other five. Tommy was the new kid in town and was hypnotized by Rita to be her weapon against The Power Rangers. As the evil Green Ranger he had power that exceeded the other Rangers and he had access to The Dragonzord. Basically robot Godzilla. But not Mecha Godzilla. In the show Tommy's possession was eventually undone and he joined the Power Rangers, he even went on to lead them during "Power Rangers: Zeo" and mentor a new generation of Rangers in "Power Rangers: Dino Thunder". Basically, the guy who played Tommy (Jason David Frank) fell in love with the fanbase and became the face of Power Rangers. However, writer Kyle Higgins decided to expand on Tommy's life after Rita's possession. The main crutch of the comic is Tommy suffering from hallucinations of Rita Repulsa, reminders of his former allegiance and his guilt. He has visions of events that never happened, he screws up during battles, and he almost kills innocent people while piloting his Zord. If that's not enough it seems Rita is planning on taking the Dragonzord back from Tommy and draining his power in the process. Coupled with Tommy's personal issues we see hints of distrust among the Rangers, some wonder if Tommy can be trusted or if he's even free of Rita's control. The book is much more character focused than anything MMPR ever did. More examples are Billy (Blue) doubting his strength and Trini (Yellow) boosting his confidence and being a type of therapist to the Rangers. Kimberly (Pink) clearly displays concern for Tommy and a hesitance to continue being a Ranger, Jason (Red) makes it clear that he-as the leader-can't show bias in his decisions, and Zach (Black) hints to having troubles at home. Even Bulk and Skull begin showing a fandom for The Power Rangers, starting a YouTube channel about them. Rita Repulsa and her minions get character moments too as if no important character is sparred a chance to build themselves.
I applaud Higgins' choice to update and expand the characters provided especially the psychological torment of Tommy Oliver. Tommy is already one of my favorite Power Rangers and seeing a darker side of his life only adds to his character. Higgins wrote both "Nightwing" and "Batman Beyond 2.0" and many other successful comics I've enjoyed and more than anything he knows how to flex the continuity of the stories to a comfortable and new angle. I really enjoy the talent he brings. The art by Prasetya is pretty subdued during still moments, but his work on action scenes is amazing to see. When you're dealing with armed and unarmed combat and giant robot fights you're expected to impress on all cylinders and he does not disappoint there. Herms' color is a pleasure to the eye and since this is Power Rangers we're dealing with that kind of effort is mandatory. Both the characters and environments are given fully fleshed color that's displayed in a multitude of effects. From red spandex to neon blue bar signs.
Power Rangers has a special place in my heart, especially the earlier series. Basically between this and "Power Rangers In Space". I've always felt they were unappreciated by the comic-reading community because of their style and presentation, but given their long history I find it surprising it took this long to do an honest to Roa series. Yes there have been Power Rangers comics in the past, but this one feels real. It feels like it was done with heart. Sure they have a movie coming up, but at least the people behind the book see the potential for expanding the stories MMPR left unfilled. I'm excited to see where this book goes and what other flips and tricks Higgins applies to fine tune the lore of MMPR. I'd love to see this book extend to other series. Hell, I'd love to see an entire Power Rangers Comic Book Universe. One where The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers can meet with The Alien Rangers while The Time Force Power Rangers clash with Power Rangers SPD. The possibilities are on the table and I sincerely hope Boom Studios turns Power Rangers into a big corner of their comic publication. If not for the kids in the theater, then for guys like me who want to see their heroes grow up with them.
Thanks for reading and May The Power Protect You.
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