Hello there Heroes, Boom! Studios has sent us the latest issue of VR Troopers to review! Currently, we are on the third issue of this mini-series, and Grimlord has finally appeared to conquer “our” reality. However, only Kaitlyn knows Grimlord is the mastermind to this wild plot, as she is his prisoner. So, we must hope that Kaitlin can break out, or that the other Troopers come to her rescue. Also, we are going to change things up by discussing the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Anyway, let us ‘Trooper Transform’ and jump into this review for VR Troopers #3!

Comic Credits

• Artist: Sebastián Piriz
• Colorist: JP Jordan
• Lettering: Taylor Esposito
• Writer: Mairghread Schott
• Designer: Madison Goyette
• Editor: Tea Fougner, Lily Kessinger, David Mariotte
• Cover Artist: Taurin Clarke
• Hasbro Special Thanks to Linda Lee, Lily Zahn, Tayla Reo & Ed Lane

[Warning: The following review contains spoilers, so readers should proceed at their own discretion]

Review

So, our issue begins with Kaitlin as Grimlord’s prisoner underneath Ziktor Industries, and she is ascertaining more information from him. Now, one thing that stands out during this scene is how Kaitlin uses a pager to alert her teammates. Personally, I enjoyed seeing the use of old technology in a technological advanced society, as it shows Kaitlin’s resiliency. Also, it shows how old items can still be useful, and be a method someone like Grimlord would not expect. With that said, another aspect that I loved is how one page’s panels and white space convey the cell’s bars. Like that specific page is very creative since it makes readers more engaged with the story.

Now, as for Kaitlin’s and Grimlord’s conversation, I found it to be good and informative. Especially, with how it establishes Grimlord as an even higher calculating enemy than his television counterpart. For example, when Kaitlin says the Eltarians will defeat Grimlord, he rebuttals that she has too much faith in them. Specifically, Grimlord refers to the Eltarians as “Shiny Blue Overlords,” who are more focused on “spatial borders” than “this reality.” Like these statements give readers the impression that Grimlord’s perspective on Eltarians is that they think so little. Essentially, Grimlord is playing into the old phrase of he is playing chess, while Eltarians are playing checkers.

Once learning Grimlord’s entire plan it makes sense why no one in-universe might have been unable to suspect anything. Grimlord’s plan is brilliant by creating the VR Sets, and making them wildly available for consumers. Additionally, implementing a code into the Ziktor Headsets for his minions to override people wearing them is wild. So, the headsets are keys to activating sleeper agents for Grimlord to command and conquer the world. Like all it would take is Ziktor Industries to release a game or force a mandatory update to enslave the planet. Furthermore, if Earth exports goods to other Eltarian colonies, the Ziktor Headsets might already be available on other planets. As a result, Grimlord could easily start a galactic revolution that the Eltarians have been fearing and anticipating for ages now. Coincidentally, it makes me wonder if Grimlord began his conquest of this reality would discriminated citizens freely join him. Especially, given how many people on Earth are shown suffering under the Eltarian government in Power Rangers Prime.

Also, on top of controlling people through VR headsets, Grimlord’s forces have begun breaching reality barriers. Interestingly, this is a concept that Grimlord’s television counterpart never really achieved besides summoning Skugs. At least that is what I can recall, so seeing Grimlord be more successful in the comics is delightful. Specifically, since it shows that this incarnation has had more years, maybe decades, to enact this plan without being noticed. However, Kaitlin scoffs at Grimlord’s plan, and explains how it should be easy to lock Grimlord with his reality. Especially, since the Eltarians use pocket dimensions to create the VR Troopers’ power to begin with. Coincidentally, I even believed that Kaitlin was correct too with her rebuttal, but I was quickly proven wrong.

Immediately, Grimlord shoots down that theory with two questions which causes Kaitlin to rethink everything. First, Grimlord asks “Haven’t you ever asked yourself why there are only three of you?” Then Grimlord follows up with “Why haven’t the Eltarians made hundreds of Troopers to do their bidding?” However, before letting Kaitlin respond, Grimlord adds “The illusion of power is enough to make people think you have it.” Unfortunately, that monologue is how Kaitlin and Grimlord’s conversation ends though for this issue. Although, it is at this moment where my appreciation for this series rose from good to great. Like this VR Troopers’ series has taken everything established in Power Rangers Prime, and expanded the Prime Era’s lore. Surprisingly, I want VR Troopers to either become a full ongoing series, or recurring mini-series if it is profitable. For example, if VR Troopers cannot become a full ongoing title, make their stories like the MMPR/ TMNT crossovers.

Anyway, transitioning from Kaitlin being captured, we move onto Ryan and JB who are launching their own investigation. Like JB questions if Ryan or anyone else ever saw his father’s corpse when it was reported he died. However, as Ryan recalls there was no body, and no relatives to stay with, so Professor Hart’s family adopted him. Eventually, Eltarians came to the Hart residence to recruit Ryan into the VR Troopers program, and the rest is history. Although Ryan mentions that he asked Zarysh to investigate his father’s death previously. Yet, Ryan begins to think he was chosen to be a Trooper due to his father’s research. Here, it made me think how Grimlord must be right about the Eltarians, and their illusions of power. For example, having Ryan, JB, and Kaitlin be VR Troopers as a form of defense shows civilians they have power. Whereas, in reality, the VR Troopers possibly have more power than the Eltarians have yet to understand or fully comprehend.

Interestingly, we come to learn that Tyler Steele and Professor Hart actually created the VR Troopers. Specifically, they created the Troopers to prove to Eltarians that humans have an ability or invention that Eltarians cannot achieve. Yet, again it ties into Grimlord’s exposition on how Eltarians focus on spatial borders, and rule with theatrical/ intimidation tactics. Whereas, for this particular situation, Eltarian scientists were forced to cover-up Trooper technology’s origins while researching, and reverse engineering it. Like Eltar cannot admit they did not invent the technology, as it would show they are imperfect. Ultimately, if Eltar admitted it, it would be an eye-opening experience for various races being oppressed by them. So, Eltar has stolen the credit, and most likely caused the accident that killed Tyler Steele and Professor Hart.

Yet, before Ryan or JB fully come to my possible conclusion or assumptions, they get Kaitlin’s message. However, Ryan is confused by the message, as he gets a notification that Kaitlin has returned to the base. Unfortunately, it is not Kaitlin, and it is comic-verse Dark Heart breaking into the base to attack our heroes. So, we get a “Trooper Transform” and the transformation panels are impressive, as Ryan leaps into action. Immediately, Ryan’s and Dark Heart’s fight escalates into not just wrecking the office, but other parts of the Troopers’ base. Here, Dark Heart orders Ryan to hand over the data they uncovered, and quit trusting the Eltarians. Alternatively, Ryan not trusting his attacker orders JB to destroy data to avoid their enemies acquiring it. Sadly, JB obliges and they potentially lose the history of the VR Troopers, but they end up capturing Dark Heart. Additionally, they uncovered Dark Heart’s identity which actually shook me, as it is a decent twist. Especially since it is the last person that readers may have expected, but open several storytelling possibilities moving forward.

Overall, VR Troopers #3 continues to re-establishing concepts from the show and elevate them for the modern era. Like this reimagining of a “lesser” Saban brand could only be achieved through a creative team that genuinely cares. Whereas, when I mean a “lesser” brand, I am referring to how it is remembered by the general public. Especially since VR Troopers is debated as the second or third best Toei adaptation from Saban alongside Beetleborgs. Yet, I can say having recently re-watching the series alongside the comics release I have become a VR Troopers fan. Personally, getting to re-discover the show and seeing the comics improve on the show has been a wonderful experience. So, I cannot wait for November to come, so I can get my hands on the fourth issue. Although, I am unsure if I am ready to see where the story is heading next given this issue’s reveals. Currently, I wonder if the Power Rangers will get involved, or if Grimlord’s invasion will spiral into the Prime series? Ultimately, I have no clue, but am I prepping myself to return to Virtual Reality sometime before Thanksgiving. Nevertheless, I have been Ben Odinson, and I will see everyone next time!

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 Virtualizers