Good morning heroes, Hero-Club is finally back with a new comic review! Today, as the title implies, we are checking out the continuation of MMPR/ TMNT III with Issue 4. Currently, this series has been really good like its predecessors even though I was not fond of the previous issue. Although I can easily say Issue 4 has me hooked again, and I will go into further details shortly. So, without further ado, thanks again Boom! Studios for this review copy, and let us ‘kick some shell’…
Comic Credits
- Artist: Vincenzo Federici
- Colorist: Raúl Angulo
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Ryan Parrott
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Editor: Ari Yarwood, Tea Fougner, Andy Schmidt
- Cover Artist: Alessio Zonno (Main Cover)
- 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 issue begins where things left off with Tommy’s and Leonardo’s visit to the Temple of the White Light. Currently, things do not look too good for our heroes, as they are confronted by a Mutated Lord Zedd. Here, Zedd proclaims that his intentions were to overcharge his Putties and monsters with Mutagen. However, having been exposed to the Mutagen, Zedd now wants it all for himself, which is a worse case scenario. Especially, since Mutant Zedd seemingly appears to be even more powerful and unstoppable than before. Coincidentally, Zedd’s power is enough that both Leo and Tommy consider willing to die trying rather than retreat. Thankfully, the White Tiger Spirit convinces them to retreat, citing that the battle is decided but the war is not over. Also, the White Tiger Spirit conveys that those words were not his own, but Master Splinter’s. So, like our heroes, we are left wondering if Splinter is dead, or if he has been displaced in reality.
Following Tommy’s and Leo’s retreat, our story transitions to Dimension X where some of the others are located. Specifically, Jason, Trini, Zack, and Donnie are here looking for April, Cassie, and the Dimension X Rangers. However, Goldar and company have appeared in an attempt to defeat this collective of heroes. During this battle, we get some of my favorite panels that feature the Dimension X Rangers summoning their Power Blaster. Personally, I love how Federici frames the scenario and Angulo’s colors make the artwork feel 90’s inspired. Also, seeing Goldar get blasted off like Team Rocket along with Zack’s and Donnie’s reaction to it made me chuckle. So, with Goldar and co. sent packing, our heroes inform April and Casey on current events. Additionally, Professor Honeycut appears to show Donnie how he has been working on Dimension X Rangers’ Zords. Unfortunately, there is a minor setback, Honeycut and the crew cannot figure out how to pilot them yet. As a result, readers are left wondering what the Zords look like, and how they are driven. Although, we can easily confirm that the Dimension X Zords will debut in the next issue since it is the series’ finale.
Anyway, the story transitions to our other team of heroes featuring Billy, Kimberly, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Here, they are being overrun by the Shadow Rangers and Mousers, as Billy attempts to call another ally. Interestingly, Billy possesses the Dragon’s Eye, a mystical item that appeared in another crossover event. However, during my initial reading of this issue I forgot what it was, or who it was related to. As a result, I originally was blown away that the reveal is Billy is calling Usagi Yojimbo for aid. For those unaware, that crossover occurred two years ago under the solo title, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/ Usagi Yojimbo #1. So, it is great to see Usagi, a Turtles’ recurring ally appear here, and canonize his adventure with the Rangers. Especially, since this leads to a comedic scene where Raph and Kim are surprised that they both know Usagi.
Additionally, the chaos that ensues as Usagi makes his arrival is perfected samurai-ninja action in comics form. Incredibly, Usagi’s appearance really steals the show, but it should be expected given the character’s fanbase and Federici’s artwork. Furthermore, having Usagi being included makes MMPR/ TMNT III feel like this is the grand finale. Although, I would love to see another crossover where the Turtles meet the Season 3 team for excessive ninja action. Especially, since it would be interesting to see how the Turtles interact with Stone Canyon Trio, Kat, and Ninjor. Plus that potential crossover suggestion could get even crazier by featuring the Alien Rangers and the Triceratons, but I digress.
Anyway, events have finally caught up to the prologue as seen in the first issue of MMPR/ TMNT III. Here, Tommy and Leo are fighting Putty Patrollers and Foot Ninjas around a wrecked Radbug, questioning their survival. Unfortunately, things only worsen for them, as a Technodrome charged Serpenterra appears overhead, which Stockman refers to as the Serpenterra-Drome. Interestingly, it is not a true Megazord combination, as Serpenterra is coiled around the Technodrome using it as a battery. Coincidentally, we only learn about detail as Shredder, and Lord Zedd bicker about the antics regarding the combination. However, when Stockman mentions their weapons are charged Zedd immediately targets Zordon and the Command Center. Meanwhile, Tommy and Leo realize things are getting bleaker, choosing to apologize for their mistakes before seeking to avenge Splinter. However, as things seem lost a miracle occurs with the White Ranger appearing, and he is revealed to be Splinter!
Originally, this took me by surprise like Usagi’s appearance, but having Splinter be the White Ranger balances out Morphed Shredder. Especially given how Green Ranger Tommy and White Ranger Tommy are often depicted in fanart as Yin-and-Yang. So, it really makes sense that these two hardened rivals possess Ranger Powers attributed to ‘Good versus Evil.’ Whereas, with Splinter’s arrival he makes quick work of Shadow Rangers, Bebop and Rocksteady. Additionally, Splinter explains his miraculous survival was, he trusted that “the power would protect him” and it did. Personally, this is an asspull moment that I accept since the franchise barely uses that phrase to its literal sense. Like there have been some past inklings where that was the case, but I do not recall characters stating it. Sadly this reunion is interrupted, as Zordon sends out his final message to everyone before Zedd unleashes the Serpenterra-Drome’s attack. As a result, the issue ends with Serpenterra’s beam demolishing the Commander Center, and Zordon’s survival left unknown…
Now, we have this huge cliffhanger to hold on to with no clue as to how things will conclude. However, we do know Splinter survived and we have brand new Zords coming to save our heroes. So, I am really excited to see how things turn out since the Thunderzords and Dragonzord are on standby. Ultimately, I trust Ryan Parrott and the creative team behind this series to deliver a grand slam for the finale. Especially, since they have been able to present an immersive crossover between these two popular brands on multiple occasions. Anyway, I have been Ben Odinson, and I will see everyone for the next Boom! Studios review!
