REVIEW: ‘Power Rangers Universe,’ Issue #2

Power Rangers Universe #2 is written by Nicole Andelfinger, illustrated by Simone Ragazzoni, colored by Mattia Iacono, and lettered by Ed Dukeshire. It is published by BOOM! Studios. Following the end of the first issue, the Morphin’ Masters and the Morphinaut/Phantom Ranger race to stop Dark Spector from accessing the power of the Morphin’ Grid. However, Spector has used his dark influence to corrupt innocent people, transforming them into grotesque monsters. In order to stop him, the Masters utilize their Morphin’ Hearts to tap into the power of the Grid — and become stronger than before.

This issue continues to unveil the secret origins of the Power Rangers mythos, including the first morphing sequence ever and the origin of the war against Dark Spector. Ragazzoni and Iacono deliver some mind-melting imagery, including flowing lava that surrounds beings and transforms them into Dark Spector’s minions. There’s also the matter of Telosi’s massive pet Tyrannosaurus Rex. It’s Power Rangers, is anyone surprised that a giant dinosaur showed up? And keeping in line with the sci-fi theme, Whendi incorporates elements of other dinosaurs, including the plates of a Stegosaurus and the spiked tail of a Triceratops. Dukeshire also leans into the savagery of Whendi’s rampage by drawing her roars as jagged, curving elements that follow her as she smashes through Spector’s servants and buildings alike. The same goes for the Morphinaut, who utilizes his energy as a series of “Zzzt” sounds that take the form of pure white lightning.

Ragazzoni also gets to draw the first-ever team of Power Rangers, and longtime Ranger fans will flip out over which form the Morphin’ Masters take. In addition to Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, fan-favorite seasons such as Power Rangers Time Force, Power Rangers Dino Thunder, and Power Rangers Zeo are also alluded to. Combined with Iacono’s bright color art, this is yet another image that’s going into my “Deserves To Be Turned Into A Poster And Hung Up On A Wall” collection. And it only makes me look forward to Ragazzoni and Iacono’s work on the Supermassive one-shot for Image Comics, which like Power Rangers, features a team of Super Sentai-inspired superheroes.

Andelfinger’s script, while escalating the danger of Spector’s invasion, is somewhat lacking when it comes to the main characters. While the audience knows that Rhian, Telosi, Orisonth, Phiro, and Aleia (and later Telosi’s friend Xev) become the first Power Rangers, there’s little in the way of characterization. What makes them special? How did they become friends? The beauty of the BOOM! era of Power Rangers is that it allowed for deeper characterization of the Power Rangers; I’d hope that same courtesy would be afforded to characters such as these. In fairness, there are four issues left so we can learn more about the team.

Power Rangers Universe #2 continues its expansion of the Power Rangers mythos, including forging the first-ever team of Power Rangers. With the Rangers now in control of their newfound powers, I’m looking forward to seeing how they take the fight to Dark Spector — and if there are other surprises in store.

Power Rangers Universe #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.