REVIEW: ‘Mighty Morphin,’ Issue #4

Mighty Morphin #4 is published by BOOM! Studios, written by Ryan Parrott, illustrated by Marco Renna, colored by Walter Baiamonte (with assistance by Katia Ranalli), and lettered by Ed Dukeshire. The Power Rangers try to utilize their Megazords to combat Lord Zedd’s Chaos Putty, but are blindsided when Zedd makes an unexpected move. Meanwhile, the Green Ranger’s identity is finally revealed as well as a secret from Zordon’s past.

I mentioned in my review of Mighty Morphin #3 that secrets were established as the underlying theme of the series. With this issue, some of those secrets come to life—especially the Green Ranger’s identity. While I won’t spoil his identity due to the fact that it has to be read to be believed, it’s a reveal that makes sense within the ongoing narrative that Parrott had set up in previous issues of Go Go Power Rangers and Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. The exploration of Zordon’s past is also something I’m looking forward to, as I always figured there was more to him than “giant floating head in a tube” and “Power Rangers mentor.”

It’s the challenging of the fundamental tropes in the Power Rangers mythos that makes Parrott’s writing all the more enjoyable. He clearly has a deep love and knowledge of Power Rangers, but also isn’t afraid to shake things up. I’ve always felt that the reason certain properties, including Power Rangers, have enjoyed longevity is that certain creators are willing to explore different aspects of the property. Fans are used to the “Rangers fight monsters and win,” which makes the idea of the Rangers losing that much more impactful.

Renna gets to draw Megazord action for the first time, and it’s just as awesome as one would expect. Though the Thunder Megazord and Tigerzord are the size of skyscrapers, Renna draws their combat with unexpected grace. Giant robots twisting around and delivering kung fu moves is something that has to be seen to be believed. The Chaos Putty is creepy as all get out, its blood-red eyes and sinister smile bearing more than a passing resemblance to Venom.

Perhaps the most visually striking element comes from the clash between the Tigerzord and Dragonzord, who Zedd trick into colliding. When they hit each other there is a MASSIVE wave of sickly green energy, brought to life by Baiamonte’s color. The following page features a split panel that showcases Zedd and the Green Ranger’s reactions, as the wreckage of both Zords is shown reflected in their respective faceplates. Even though their faces are obscured, it’s easy to tell that they are in awe. Kudos to Renna for capturing that expression.

Mighty Morphin #4 fundamentally changes the game for the Power Rangers and starts to peel back the curtain on some of the series’ mysteries. With the Green Ranger revealed and Lord Zedd having them on the ropes, the Rangers are in for a fight like never before.

Mighty Morphin #4 is currently available wherever comics are sold.