REVIEW: ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II,’ Issue #1

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II (MMPR/TMNT II) #1 is written by Ryan Parrott, illustrated by Dan Mora, colored by Raul Angulo, and lettered by Ed Dukeshire. It’s published by BOOM! Studios in association with IDW Publishing. Months after their first encounter, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers continue to be firm allies. However, a mysterious force has been abducting many of the Turtles’ enemies, and Casey Jones suspects it’s connected to the disappearance of Rita Repulsa and the Shredder. Soon, the Turtles and Rangers join forces to track down this mysterious new foe, but danger strikes when they least expect it.

I remember letting out an audible gasp of excitement when this series was announced at San Diego Comic-Con. I’ve been a fan of both teams for years, and the first series was a delight to read. A large part of that was due to Parrott, who’s spent the better part of six years with the Rangers and knows how to push them in new directions. That also extends to the Turtles, as Parrott’s script explores the bonds between both teams. Billy and Donatello geek out over otherworldly technology. Leonardo and Jason find common ground in being the team leader. And Raphael and Tommy go toe to toe with multiple foes. No matter which franchise they’re a fan of, there are plenty of moments that will put a smile on the readers’ faces.

Parrott is joined by Mora, who helped launch the Go Go Power Rangers series at BOOM! Studios. Considering the Power Rangers franchise was a large part of what made him a superstar artist, it’s only fitting that Mora would return to the multicolored champions. And he goes all out with his illustrations. A sparring match between Jason and Leonardo is pulsing with energy, as the Red Ranger and TMNT leader lock blades. Another page features Goldar and Rocksteady breaking Baxter Stockman out of jail, with handy arrows charting a path to their escape. Mora also continues a tradition of designing a new Ranger, and I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that it’s one of his best designs yet.

Ranger veterans Angulo and Dukeshire return to give the issue its color and lettering. Angulo uses his color work to draw a clear line between the worlds of the Rangers and the Turtles. In the scenes set in the Command Center and Angel Grove, the colors are bright and vibrant, which fits the Rangers. However, when things move to New York City, the colors grow darker and more muted, which fits the world of the Turtles. And the lettering from Dukeshire features some truly bombastic sound effects. Every “Thud” and “Thwack” is outlined in bold, which lets the reader feel the impact.

MMPR/TMNT II #1 delivers an opening chapter that reunites the teenagers with attitude and the heroes in a half shell. Just from this issue alone, the comic looks to be even crazier than the first MMPR/TMNT series—and considering everything that happened in that one, that’s saying something. But you know what? I welcome it.

MMPR/TMNT II #1 is available wherever comics are sold.