Good morning heroes, we finally have our hands on the last issue of MMPR/ TMNT 3 to review today! Currently, it seems that this is the epic conclusion for this crossover trilogy between two popular 90’s brands. Also, I expect some “um actually” responses with that prior statement since the comics were released in the 80’s. However, Turtlemania started in late 88 and spanned into the early 90’s making it a transitional property. Anyways, with the comic’s story presently, Lord Zedd has seemingly destroyed the Command Center and victory seems near. Although we already know that our heroes are going to make some type of glorious comeback. So, enough of me rambling about brands and recapping events, let us jump into today’s review!
Comic Credits
- Artist: Vincenzo Federici & Jodi Nishijima
- Colorist: Raul Angulo & Joana Lafuente
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Ryan Parrott
- Designer: Madison Goyetter
- Editors: Ari Yarwood, Tea Fougner
- Cover Artist: Alessio Zonno
- Hasbro Special Thanks to Linda Lee, Lily Zahn, Tayla Reo & Ed Lane
- Nick Special Thanks to Amy Jarashow, Benjamin Harper, Jeff Whitman, and Micol Hiatt
[Warning: The following review contains spoilers, so readers should proceed at their own discretion]
Review
The final issue begins with Lord Zedd recapping the plan between the Foot Clan and his forces. As Zedd’s narration proceeds, readers are presented with the comic’s introduction to Venus de Milo. So, seeing Venus appear at this given time was surprising since she is a polarizing TMNT character. However, it makes sense that Venus would be used in these crossovers since The Next Mutation was a Saban production. Also, I love how the accompanying panels for this scene depicts Zedd unleashing monsters to destroy the world. Specifically, Zedd is looking to force out our heroes by any means necessary to defeat them once and for all.
Meanwhile, Tommy, Leo, and Splinter arrive at the Turtle Lair in New York, only to discover Alpha and Zordon survived. Interestingly, Alpha managed to convert Krang’s robotic body to sustain Zordon, as they escaped Zedd’s attack. However, Alpha and Zordon are busy trying to access New York’s electrical grid to supercharge the Zords. Then it cuts to a bombastic Megazord battle, as the Turtle Megazord returns to fight alongside the Dragonzord. Personally, I love seeing Megazords battles in the comics, as they gauge the level of threats our heroes face. Although it sucks that Zords battles are very limited within the comics, since they are a standard aspect on television. Yet, as the Zords battle, Zordon and Splinter infiltrate the Serpenterra-Drome to combat Lord Zedd and the Shredder.
Here, Zordon in Krang’s body takes on Super Zedd while White Ranger Splinter squares off with Green Ranger Shredder. So, we are presented with an alternative version of the White Ranger/ Green Ranger fight from MMPR Season 2. Additionally, I found Splinter’s and Shredder’s duel to be more engaging since they were morphed. Furthermore, with the inclusion of Saba, the scene features good elements of comedy often associated with TMNT’s branding. However, that is not to say that Zordon’s and Zedd’s battle is dull, but it is not as impressive. Personally, their part of the fight does not get as good as Splinter’s and Shredder’s portion until the end. Yet, before we get there the story returns to the Megazord battle, and the Dimension X Zords finally shine!
Surprisingly, the Dimension X Zords consist of an unknown reptile, nonspecific spiked animal, a mantis, a squid, and a snake. Also, they do not form a new Megazord, but they are seemingly Auxiliary Zords becoming extra limbs and weapons. However, others and I believe they might get their own Megazord combination if there is another MMPR/ TMNT installment. Although seeing these new Zords connect to the original MMPR Zords is mildly jarring. Especially since the concept of Auxiliary Zords became a tradition in Wild Force and onwards. So, this scene will probably be divisive among fans since comic combinations are weird, but I enjoy them. Whereas, for the narrative, the various new Megazord combinations begin to turn the tide in our heroes favor.
Yet, our heroes are not out of danger, since Zordon and Splinter continue to try destroying the Serpenterra-Drome’s power source. However, they still have to contend with Super Zedd and Green Ranger Shredder, but the White Light finally comes into play. Here, the White Light is used to undo Zedd’s mutation, and sever Shredder’s connection to the Morphin’ Grid. Personally, I like how the White Light is used, as it aligns with Boom! Studios’ interpretation of the powers. Although the White Light’s powers appear overused in the comics, mostly due to their reliance on MMPR content. Surprisingly, the White Light is not the be-all and end-all fix, as the Serpenterra-Drome manages to fry the Zords. So, our heroes seemingly need another deus ex machina to ultimately save the day and it luckily comes.
Thankfully, Billy and Usagi arrive from another dimension riding atop Shinonome the Dragon to supercharge the Dino Megazord. Ultimately, the combined efforts of the Megazord and Shinonome easily destroy the Serpenterra-Drome. However, I found the battle’s aftermath more interesting as the Turtles encounter Venus and introduce themselves. Then the book transitions to the following week where we learn the Rangers are moving into the Bandora Palace. Immediately, I find this change to be the most fascinating, since the television series never toyed with that option. Especially, with how Zordon implies new threats are incoming and they need to protect the Zeo Crystal. Additionally, we get a training sequence at the Temple of the White Light to select the next White Ranger. Specifically, featuring the pairings of Leo and Tommy alongside Jason and Raph possibly to imply it might not be Tommy. Although if there is a sequel the White Ranger will most likely be Tommy due to the status quo. Eventually, the issue ends with all of our heroes together taking a celebratory photo at the Bandora Palace.
Overall, MMPR/ TMNT III is an amazing finale for this crossover thus far, and makes all three installments a solid trilogy. Especially, since I am assuming that MMPR/ TMNT IV is possibly in the works given the teases from this issue. Personally, I could see a Machine Empire and/ or Triceraton invasion become the next major storyline. Additionally, it could even further establish Venus and introduce other Rangers like the Stone Canyon Trio or Kat. However, I am getting too ahead of myself, so let me return to praising this current mini-series. Anyway, I always find Ryan to be a joy when working on Power Rangers, having written several amazing books. Also, I think Ryan is really good at writing the TMNT characters as they embody elements from their modern incarnations. For example, when Shredder talks a reader could imagine hearing Scottie Ray or Kevin Michael Richardson say these lines. Furthermore, Federici’s and Nishijima’s artwork is incredible throughout the issue, their paneling really emphasized the action. Ultimately, the creative team put their all into making this series a love letter to these brands and their fans. So, until the next review, I am Ben Odinson and I will see everyone then, Power-Bunga dudes!
