Hello heroes, we are back with another Power Rangers comic review as promised in our previous article. Specifically, we are looking at the one-shot issue titled Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind #1. Now, for those unaware this is a tie-in comic for the video game which was released in early December 2024. Although, that was the game’s digital release while its physical release was recently at the end of May. Additionally, both products are alternative events connected to Once & Always, as Robo Rita is the one wrecking havoc. Anyway, this copy was provided to us by Boom! Studios, and we hope they do not mind our delay. So, without further ado, let us morph into action, and jump back in time for this review!
Comic Credits
- Artist: Tango
- Colorist: Adam Guzowski
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Zoe Tunnell
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Editor: David Mariotte
- Cover Artist: Tango
- 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
Now, going into this tie-in comic for the Rita’s Rewind video game I originally was not expecting too much. Especially, since I am halfway through the game, and I am mixed on it like other gamers are. However, the story that Zoe Tunnell goes on to produce for this story is surprisingly very touching. Also, I do not think fans are required to play the game to understand everything about this story. Specifically, since this draws more from Once & Always, and fans can see it as an alternate ending/ continuation. Here, Zoe Tunnell crafts the premise on what if Robo Rita actually managed to go back into the past. So, the present day team of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers consists of Billy, Zack, Rocky, Kat and Minh. Although, they are perplexed on how to handle the situation of pursuing Robo Rita and avoid encountering their past selves.
Interestingly, Minh comes up with an immediate solution to their problem, which like her senior teammates even I questioned. Now, that answer is they should just pursue Robo Rita since Rocky nor Kat moved to Angel Grove yet. Whereas, Billy and Zack appear much older, that most people in 1993 may not recognize them. Meanwhile, Minh can just pass herself off as some teenager touring Angel Grove since she was not born. Yet, once they arrive in the past, the Rangers discover they will be unable to morph. Specifically, since two teams with the same powers cannot co-exist at the same time. Here, Minh learns a valuable history lesson regarding technology in the 90’s when trying to get the team a lift.
Meanwhile, as the Rangers are forced to hoof it into Angel Grove, Robo Rita meets with her past self. Here, the two are plotting to defeat the Rangers to Finster’s dismay, as he has been benched. Although, even while being benched, Finster plots to prove himself by sending the Terror Toad to attack Earth. Coincidentally, around this point in the book, I began to really enjoy Tango’s artwork, as it suits Power Rangers. Like Tango’s artwork fits a 90’s retro-gaming cartoon aesthetic while managing to convey the designs fans associate the brand with. Furthermore, Adam Guzowski’s coloring makes everything really vibrant, so I hope to see them collaborate more on future books. Specifically, I could see them working with Zoe Tunnell as a creative team to make other Power Rangers mini-series.
Anyway, the Once & Always team eventually arrives in Angel Grove, and they are quick to acquire era appropriate clothing. Although, before the Rangers can really take in early 90’s fashion, Terror Toad arrives on Earth. Surprisingly, unmorphed the team is able to summon their weapons, but Billy advises to use them sparingly. Especially since using them could affect their younger selves by leaving them defenseless. As a result, the team becomes more united and resourceful in combating Terror Toad unmorphed. Here, Tango does a fantastic job at displaying motion, the Rangers are constantly moving, and the Putties are thrown about. Additionally, the creative team crafted a cool narrative for how the Rangers defeat Terror Toad by utilizing game mechanics. Personally, I love this scene as it compliments both concepts, plus Minh’s dialogue is the icing on the cake.
Afterwards the team heads to Ernie’s Juice Bar, and nearly runs into the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers of the 90’s. Immediately, Minh is left speechless seeing her late mother as a teenager, alongside the other Rangers. Overall this particular scene is framed beautifully, especially since Billy and Zack must remind Minh to not interact with her. Sadly, Minh does get a little flustered and ends up running into everyone’s favorite duo, Bulk and Skull. Thankfully, with Kat being the motherly person since Turbo, manages to set them straight before things escalate further. Also, the time spent at the Juice Bar never feels like it overstays its welcome nor tours this issue’s pacing. However, the Once & Always team gets surprised when an unexpected threat appears in the form of the Green Ranger. Hilariously, Kat has the best one-liner for the situation, as it feels empathic and concerning having known Tommy’s history.
So, as the Power Rangers confront the Evil Green Ranger, the Once & Always team notices Finster unleashed another monster. Shockingly, Finster has created Lizzinator sooner than expected, with Billy and Zack questioning if they can stop him. However, the group decides to take Lizzinator head on without any powers, leading to a drawn out and exhausting battle. Although when hope seems lost, a morphed Trini appears to help and questions how they can fight the monster. Thankfully, Zack is quick on his toes and says they are “a professional karate team just passing through.” Ironically enough with this being Power Rangers and Angel Grove, I love how this is the most plausible excuse. Luckily, Minh gets Trini to loan her the Power Daggers to combat Lizzinator, as Trini returns to help her team. Surprisingly, the Once & Always team manages to defeat Lizzinator through an unlikely ally, thus preserving the timeline. Shortly afterwards the Power Rangers defeat Robo Rita in the past allowing our ‘time travelers’ to return to their time.
Ultimately, I think this tie-in issue’s final moments wrap everything up with a nice and beautiful bow. Like the book is an incredible continuation of Once & Always, and interlude to the video game. Specifically, since I think this book adds to the experience of understanding Rita’s Rewind without playing or completing it. Overall, like I said previously I do hope this creative team gets to work on more Power Rangers books in the future. However, only time will tell if this dream of mine becomes a reality for Zoe, Tango, and Adam. Nevertheless, I have been Ben Odinson, and I will see everyone next time…
