Good morning Hero-Club, today we are stepping out of the Morphing Grid, and jumping into virtual reality. Especially, since we have VR Troopers #1 to review, which was sent to us by our friends at Boom! Studios. Now, this is the start of a new ongoing series that ties in with Boom! Studios’ current Power Rangers Prime series. Also, this series could not come at a better time since it somewhat correlates with VR Troopers 30th anniversary. Specifically, VR Troopers originally premiered in September 1994, but media anniversaries normally consume an entire year, so it should count. So, without further ado, let us learn a valuable lesson from Tyler Steele, and ‘Trooper Transform’ into this review!

Comic Credits

• Artist: Sebastian Piriz
• Colorist: JP Jordan
• Lettering: Taylor Esposito
• Writer: Mairghread Scott
• Designer: Madison Goyette
• Editor: 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

Surprisingly, VR Troopers #1 begins with a scene reminiscent of the television series, as Ryan Steele reflects on life. Specifically, Ryan is remembering advice bestowed upon him by his father, a regular occurrence in the show. So, I already enjoy how Mairghread chose to recreate that aspect, and keep it part of Ryan’s character. Like I can almost hear Brad Hawkins’ voice in my head when reading Ryan’s lines on the page. Whereas, the advice given is, “when I had a problem, I first needed to make sure I wasn’t bleeding anywhere. If I was, I needed to fix it asap.” Coincidentally, that becomes the theme of the issue since Ryan is dealing with the events of Power Rangers Prime. As a result, Ryan’s “problem/ bleeding” is how his relationship with Valentina and friendship with Jun are uncertain. Furthermore, Ryan is unable to figure out how he can fix the situation, or adjust to these intense changes. Sadly, Ryan can only assess that he is not hungry, thirsty, injured or in danger, but alone.

Now, depressed Ryan decides to take a late jog through Angel Grove to further collect his thoughts. Here we get a different perspective on how things occur in the Power Rangers Prime universe. For example, Ryan seemingly lives in a somewhat normal and peaceful neighbor, albeit there are some alien structures though. Coincidentally, for the most part it appears that an Eltarian occupied Earth did not really uproot the suburbs. Also, as Ryan jogs through his neighborhood he reflects on the various issues humans, and refugee aliens have. Additionally, Ryan cites that with Earth being an Eltarian Colony, it is part of the greater Galactic Empire. As a result, that means that the VR Troopers and citizens of Earth now are forced to endure “Galactic Problems.” So, with this scene readers are presented with the fact that Ryan is aware not even is perfect. Like Ryan appears to see somethings as being in the grey, but still wants to uphold order. However, I assume that between this ongoing series and Power Rangers Prime, Ryan’s beliefs will be heavily tested.

However, before Ryan gets further lost in thought, he notices someone broke into the Angel Grove Water and Power Station. So, since Ryan is a VR Trooper, he decides to suit up and head inside to investigate. Personally, I love the framing for this scene, the way Sebastian and JP illustrated the suit forming is really cool. Like it looks different from how the Power Rangers are shown morphing in Boom! Studios’ comics. As a result, it sets the two henshin hero teams apart from each other rather than copying each other. Thankfully, this shows that Boom has given the Troopers their own identity for fans to appreciate. Especially, with how the series was often treated as Saban’s poor attempt to repeat Power Rangers’ success.

Interestingly, another cool element with the art is how the team depicts Ryan’s suit in dark areas. Like the lights and shadows make Ryan’s Metalder-inspired suit still appear metallic and feature its various circuit details. Additionally, it helps that the setting is a power plant during the nighttime, so Ryan is exposed to different lights. Anyway, once inside Ryan quickly encounters Skugs, as seen from the television series. Surprisingly, they took some queues from VR Troopers, and Spielban by having them in haunting human disguises. Although, at this given time, this is Ryan’s in-universe first encounter with these usually comedic foot soldiers. So, I am curious to learn if they are destroyed when thrown into each other, as seen in the show.

Yet, I will have to wait to see how Skugs are defeated here, as the book’s main antagonist appears. So, not having really seen VR Troopers growing up, and watching it presently, I was unaware this character is in the show. Like I only found out this character is from the first season’s later half from Wheelz. In addition, this character is called Dark Heart, and his story is a major spoiler for the show. Although, this comic is heavily calling back that plotline from the original television series. As a result, I probably should have begun my rewatch of the series sooner, but I digress.

Anyway, Ryan and Dark Heart begin to fight one another, with Dark Heart easily overpowering Ryan. Additionally, the panels accompanying their fight are amazing, as Dark Heart catches Ryan’s punch by his wrist. Then Dark Heart proceeds to chuck Ryan through a window, and tackles him down as Ryan tries to recover. Personally, I love this fight’s framing too, as it feels like a callback to how VR Troopers battles occurred. Specifically, since the show was a composite of two Metal Hero series, JB and Kaitlin are rarely fighting alongside Ryan. So, for the comic, they have Ryan needing to call them for backup to explain why they are not around. Furthermore, I like how Ryan is shown to realize that he is outmatched, and now desperate in the fight. As a result, Ryan shoots and destroys whatever Dark Heart was working on to gain the advantage. However, Dark Heart retaliates by using an unconscious worker as a hostage, and seeks Ryan’s Virtualizer in exchange.

Immediately, Ryan does the right thing, and hands over his Virtualizer to save the hostage’s life. However, as soon as Dark Heart acquires it, he exclaims “Trooper Transform” and begins to become a VR Trooper. Whereas, Ryan is left stunned by this action, but luckily JB and Kaitlyn arrive to stop Dark Heart. Thankfully, all it took was one “Laser Lance Command” to recover Ryan’s Virtualizer resulting in Dark Heart’s retreat. Eventually, the VR Troopers return to their headquarters to talk with their mentor, Zarysh about this case. Especially, when reviewing the scene the Troopers notice that the unconscious workers wore Ziktor brand VR goggles. In addition, the device Dark Heart was using may have lured the workers there while they were asleep. Furthermore, JB is praised for having an Eltarian-like intellect for having examined the mysterious device.

Then we get into some interesting exposition, as Dark Heart is seen as a major security threat. Especially, since Dark Heart is from another Earth or alternate reality possibly tied to Tyler Steele’s past research. Furthermore, Zarysh explains that Tyler’s death was caused by his unauthorized research in breaking barriers between realities. However, since Zarysh has withheld this information for years, Ryan storms off upon this revelation. Although, it makes me question the truth about Tyler Steele’s research being unauthorized or unknown by the Eltarian government. Specifically, since I assume that they would want a device like this to further conquer galaxies and other dimensions. So, this could be one giant cover story by the Eltarians to avoid suspicion from their allies and enemies. 

Coincidentally, the biggest surprise came for myself, with JB beginning to piece together Dark Heart’s identity. Like as mentioned before rewatching the show now, I was unaware of this callback/ spoiler. Specifically, because JB mentions to Kaitlyn that Virtualizers are keyed to their biosignatures. As a result, that means only the Troopers or a possible relative can actually use the Virtualizers to transform. So, that indicates to JB that Dark Heart is connected to Ryan, either as a relative or alternate reality parallel. However, the final page suggests this plot parallels the show, as Dark Heart possesses a photo of Ryan and Tyler. Ultimately, it leaves me wondering if this will fully readapt that original story, or if there will be another swerve.

Overall, I really enjoy this first issue of VR Troopers, as there are several callbacks to the television series. Additionally, I love how they are retelling elements of it, as an immediate mystery rather than piecemealing it out. Rather than Ryan questioning his father’s whereabouts, we ask if Dark Heart is his dad or is Tyler dead. So, I am interested in seeing how this story continues and how it compliments the current Power Rangers Prime series. Anyway, I have been Ben Odinson, and I will see everyone for the next Boom! Studios review!

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 Virtualizers