Good morning heroes, we are already back with another new comic review, and it is MMPR/TMNT III #3! Now, we got this issue from Boom! Studios last week, but we took a break after Power Rangers Prime 12. Whereas, we are picking up where we left off in issue 2 with the Rangers being pressured from all sides. Currently, things are starting to feel bleaker for our heroes as the situation escalates from bad to even worse. Anyway, with our introduction out of the way, let us hop into the action see how things worsen…
Comic Credits
- Artist: Vincenzo Federici
- Colorist: Raúl Angulo
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Ryan Parrott
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Editor: Caroline Butler, Tea Fougner, David Mariotte
- Cover Artist: Alessio Zonno
- 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
Our story begins at the battle for the Technodrome, where Trini and Donnie attempt to take on Bebop and Rocksteady. During the fight, they begin piecing together that the Shadow Rangers are absorbing Morphin Grid energy to weaken our heroes. Interestingly, I love how the opening panels are framed as camera recordings with Bulk and Skull filming it. So, readers get to see that Bulk and Skull are still trying to work for Channel 6 News. However, Bulk and Skull do not play too much further into story, as Trini and Donnie work to defend bystanders. Coincidentally, the bulk of the Technodrome’s exterior battle is centered on Jason’s and the Shredder’s duel. Surprisingly, Shredder even mentions how Jason reminds him of himself when he was young, sensing a darkness within Jason. Although, I see this as Shredder being drawn towards teenagers who are often forced into leadership before adulthood. Like in most adaptations Shredder often finds Leonardo as a worthy apprentice, so it makes sense he views Jason similarly. Hilariously, enough that Shredder makes that offer for Jason to be his apprentice a couple of times throughout this battle.
Meanwhile, inside the Technodrome, Leonardo is fighting Lord Zedd, as he continues to avenge Splinter’s death. Unfortunately, Lord Zedd is not impressed by Leonardo’s abilities, as Zedd mocks him with each attack deflected. Specifically, Zedd taunts Leo as if he duels like Errol Flynn, and states Leo’s movements are “slow and predictable.” However, once Zedd belittles Master Splinter and his teachings, Leonardo gets enraged to press back against Zedd harder. Coincidentally, Leonardo manages to knock Lord Zedd off his feet, and send him crashing into some Mutagen containers. During this moment, the Mutagen briefly weakens Lord Zedd as he begins to mutate, and Leo motions for the kill. However, unbeknownst to Leo or the others outside, Baxter Stockman has reactivated the Technodrome in preparation for our villains’ escape. So, Leo is forced to retreat to avoid being trapped with their enemies by himself. Honestly, I am somewhat surprised Leo was almost successful in avenging Splinter and killing Lord Zedd. Especially, since I assumed their battle would either be a draw or Zedd forcing Leo to retreat by overpowering him. Although seeing Lord Zedd get hit with Mutagen is wild, but his new form is withheld until the issue ends.
Unfortunately, Grace and her forces do not contribute much to this story, they act as bystanders needing to be rescued. So, that is rather disappointing for anyone expecting Grace or Promethea to portray an active role in crossover. However, we transition to the Command Center where Zordon is having a conversation with the confined Rita and Krang. Here, Zordon is trying to appeal to their vanity, and convince them to assist our heroes in any way. Personally, I found this scene sort of funny since Rita is the only one with an actual body. Surprisingly, Rita and Krang do provide Zordon with some information, like the Technodrome being the key to defeating the Zords. Additionally, they point out how Zedd and Shredder want to make our heroes suffer before everything ends. Coincidentally, that part lines up with the Shredder throughout most adaptations, and comic-verse Lord Zedd. Especially, since Lord Zedd in the comics is what the television wanted him to be, a calculating and vindictive ruler.
Anyway, with morality at an all-time low, Zordon prepares to counter Lord Zedd’s and the Shredder’s plan. Additionally, Trini tries to reinvigorate the team by saying saving lives matters more even if losing the Technodrome was important. Although, the Rangers and the Turtles cannot come to that same conclusion given the discourse between the parties involved. Eventually, Zordon decides to split the team up once more, sending practically everyone but Tommy and Leonardo into Dimension X. Hilariously, as the others enter Dimension X, they immediately run into the Dimension X Rangers: April, Casey, Kala and Zak. Especially since Casey scoffs, “you had to let all the bad guys become Rangers, huh?” Like that line, and Casey’s proceeding dialog got me to laugh while becoming my favorite lines for the entire issue. Also, it does not help that our heroes are besieged by Lord Zedd’s all-new Mutant Shadow Rangers upon reuniting. However, it is great that we will be seeing nearly all of the exclusive crossover forms in this current installment.
Then as for Tommy and Leonardo, Zordon decides to send them to the Temple of the White Light. Honestly, this plot point is a little disappointing though, since the comics rely on the White Light too much. Anyway, at the Temple, Tommy and Leonardo encounter the tiger guardian which they nickname Ghost Tiger. Here, the tiger informs the pair that neither are worthy of the power within the temple. Specifically, the tiger states, “your hearts are black with sorrow and distrust,” which really emphasizes Leo’s current mindset. However, I would say this does not perfectly explain Tommy’s mindset even though he and Raph got Splinter killed. Like maybe the tiger is taking consideration as to how Tommy was cursed into becoming the Green Ranger. Especially, since the “Go Go” comics alluded to Tommy being tainted when he ventured to become the White Ranger. So, I can understand how the temple guardian is apprehensive towards trusting them with the White Light. Unfortunately, before they can question the guardian further it is struck down by Mutated Lord Zedd, which I referenced earlier. Sadly, upon seeing Mutated Lord Zedd in this Super Shredder-like form is where we are met with ‘To Be Continued!’
Overall, MMPR/TMNT III #3 is a pretty good issue as we hit the halfway mark of this story. Next up, is the penultimate issue where I suspect things will escalate further leading to the first issue’s opening scene. As mentioned earlier, seeing the White Light being the solution to our heroes’ problem is a little repetitive. Personally, would have love to see a bigger swerve like introducing the Zeo Crystals to upgrade our heroes temporarily. Also, Federici’s artwork has been amazing thus far, and I always find myself looking at each panel in depth. Like I just want to figure how Federici goes about when drawing panels and scenes. Additionally, I really enjoy Angulo’s color composition especially during the battle for the Technodrome and Mutated Lord Zedd’s appearance. Furthermore, Ryan Parrott is excellent at continuing to craft this ongoing narrative that blends MMPR and TMNT together. Nevertheless, I have been Ben Odinson, and I will see everyone some time after Thanksgiving, so enjoy the holiday!
