REVIEW: ‘Power Rangers: Ranger Slayer,’ Issue #1

Power Rangers: Ranger Slayer #1, written by Ryan Parrott, illustrated by Dan Mora, colored by Raul Angulo, and lettered by Ed Dukeshire, is published by BOOM! Studios. After the events of “Shattered Grid” and “Necessary Evil,” the Ranger Slayer—an alternate universe version of Kimberly Hart—returns to her home universe. In Lord Drakkon’s absence, a mysterious force has caused the dead to rise. In order to save her home, Kimberly must unite with former enemies and allies while grappling with the sins of her past.

Parrott and Mora first introduced the Ranger Slayer in Go Go Power Rangers. Here, they return to the alternate universe of the Coinless to tell a rather compelling tale. Kimberly is struggling with her place in the world. Under Drakkon’s reign, she did horrible things as the Ranger Slayer. This leaves her on the outs with her former Ranger allies, as well as the sinister Scorpina who has taken Drakkon’s place.

Parrott digs deep into Kimberly’s headspace, showcasing the turmoil within. Nobody really trusts her and she desperately wants to redeem herself. This makes for a complicated, compelling character. Other characters, including Scorpina and former Rangers Zack and Trini, are also revealed to have made shocking choices. Drakkon’s absence has changed them, and not necessarily for the better.

Parrott also manages to use the history of the Rangers comics to go in some surprising directions. An old foe makes a shocking return, and at the end of the issue, Kimberly makes a choice to help keep the peace. These directions feel organic because they are rooted in the characters’ choices as well as their environments. The world went to hell, and sometimes you’ll do things you don’t think you’re capable of to change it.

Mora returns to the world of Power Rangers, and he gets to put his personal spin on the Coinless universe. In traditional Ranger fashion, Kimberly, Zack, and Trini wear rugged fatigues that match their Ranger colors. We also see the return of the Tyrannosaurus, Mastodon, and Saber-Toothed Tiger Sentries. Their militarized looks help to sell the “dystopian future” of the Coinless universe. Mora also excels at action sequences, whether it’s the Ranger Slayer’s Gravezord taking on a massive undead monster or Kimberly and her allies battling an army of zombies.

Mora also leans into horror while designing the undead. Mouths are twisted into horrifying fanged grimaces and eyes glow green with eldritch energy. It brings to mind another title Mora worked on for BOOM!, Once & Future. Angulo’s dark, muted colors add to this vibe and help to separate this book from the other counterparts in the Ranger line.

Power Rangers: Rangers Slayer #1 is a  look at the rocky road to redemption, and promises to expand on one of the most interesting parts of the Power Rangers comic book universe. Given where the issue ends, it’s possible we could be seeing more of Kimberly’s adventures.

Power Rangers: Ranger Slayer #1 is available wherever comics are sold.