REVIEW: ‘Power Rangers’ Issue #1

Power Rangers #1, published by BOOM! Studios is an action-adventure superhero comic, written by Ryan Parrot, penciled by Francesco Mortarino, and colored by Raúl Angulo. The Power Rangers have entered a new era, with three of the original Rangers Zack, Trini, and Jason being the Omega Rangers. Lord Drakkon is defeated and imprisoned, however, there is a new cosmic threat on the horizon, the Empyreal. The only way to learn more about this menacing new threat and have any chance of defeating it is with the help of Lord Drakkon. Zordon, the Power Ranger’s leader, mentor, and father figure forbids the release of Drakkon and advises the Omega Rangers to try and stop this threat another way.

This amazing issue is off to a great start for fans that have been following since previous events such as Shattered Grid. It’s also a great issue for newcomers, though it can be quite confusing. Parrot does a fantastic job at penning past issues and threats the Rangers have fought and overcome to the more pressing threat the Rangers are faced with now. We see many Rangers throughout the issue on one page at a time but Parrot keeps the limelight on Zack, Trini, and Jason.

Parrot also establishes the personalities of the trio. While Jason may be the leader of Omega, Zack and Trini are definitely an integral part and constantly on the same page as Jason when it comes to their mission. I also appreciate the life he breathes into Zordon. In the original television show, Zordon was a stoic being who still managed to give sound advice to our heroes. In this issue we see Zordon arguing with the Omega Rangers and actually get angry and frustrated. There’s a point where Alpha-5 squares off with an adversary and warns them of their capabilities to hurt them.

Mortarino and Angulo’s artwork is phenomenal. The Omega Rangers’ outfits are dope and stand out from the other Rangers. I am unsure what theme these Rangers take after (Mighty Morphin and Dino Thunder are themed after dinosaurs) but their uniforms look a mixture of Dino Thunder, Ninja Storm, and Samurai. When not suited up, each character has a distinct look. As a Black American and feeling represented by Zack, I loved the way he’s drawn and the civilian outfit he wore while visiting Angel Grove. While simple, it is a great nod to African American culture. Each of the Rangers donned a comfortable look when not in Ranger Form.

This issue is not an action-heavy issue but it’s cool to see onomatopoeia big and bright as they jump off the page. Power Rangers has always been over the top and spectacular media. With Mortarino and Angulo on board, I hope we get that over the top spectacle on the page, that truly captures the Power Rangers essence.

As a fan not truly experiencing the entirety of the Shattered Grid arc, Power Rangers #1 is a great place for new Ranger fans to enter and experience a new story. This issue and era are sure to whet appetites, having readers wanting more and going back to satiate their questions of past events.

Power Rangers #1 is available wherever comic books are sold.