Hey there heroes, we are still playing catch up with all the comics that Boom! Studios have been sending us. Thankfully, we should be closer to the release window as today’s comic just dropped this past Wednesday. So, as the title states we are looking at the third installment in the MMPR and TMNT crossovers. Previously, our heroes took down Rita and Krang, but currently Lord Zedd and Shredder have devised a new plan. Anyway, let us grab some pizza and our morphers, as we jump into the review for this crossover!
Comic Credits
- Artist: Vincenzo Federici
- Colorist: Raúl Angulo
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Ryan Parrott
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Editor: 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
Now, the third installment in the MMPR/ TMNT crossovers begin amid some action referred to as “The End.” Here, everything seems like it has come down to Tommy and Leonardo as they fight off The Foot and Z-Putties. Personally, I already like this approach to opening the story, as readers are left with little context besides the action. So, we the readers have something to invest in like learning about what went wrong for our heroes. Currently, we just know that somehow the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have failed. Yet, before “The End” can conclude, the story jumps back to three weeks ago when everything seemed fine.
Back then, we see Trini, Donatello, and Raph fighting a Boom! Studios original and recurring monster called Warbunny in France. For those unaware, a version of the character appeared in the previously released Go Go Power Rangers series. So, it is fun this character is getting reused like other monsters often did from the Mighty Morphin era. Furthermore, the banter between Trini, Raph, and Donatello is really engaging as well as comedic. Although, the group is unaware of Karai spying on their battle with Warbunny from the shadows. Meanwhile, in North Dakota, another team consisting of Jason, Tommy, Kimberly, Leonardo, and Mikey battles upgraded Foot Ninjas. Like these Foot Ninjas appear to be some type of Putty-hybrid, which can even shoot fireballs. Overall, these designs are cool and I enjoy how the Foot Clan has become a realistic threat for Power Rangers. Also, I liked Kim’s joke about wanting to throw fireballs, and Mikey recoiling into his shell to avoid one.
Eventually, all the teams retreat back to their respective locations, so our heroes regroup at the Command Center. Now, while they managed to stop more things from being damaged, they wonder why the attacks have increased. Also, our heroes mention that Lord Zedd and Shredder have been stealing various technological components and materials. However, they have been unable to discover what their enemies are constructing with them, as Billy and Donnie left clueless. Heck, since the items mentioned are so vague, I would have never guessed the upcoming reveal in this book. So, kudos in advance to Ryan Parrott on crafting this natural progression of raising the stakes throughout these crossovers. Especially, since Wheelz and I had to have a recap session to just remember how things got to this point.
Anyway, we find what I like to call “Team Hothead” (Raph and Tommy) plotting a recon mission behind everyone’s backs. Here, Tommy empathizes further that Zedd and Shredder must be constructing a weapon to defeat them. So, he and Raph are motivated to find out what is happening at the Bandora Palace on the moon. Ironically, I actually agree with their intent to go spy on Zedd since the Turtles are involved. However, I know this is a terrible plan since every time a Turtle spies on Shredder they usually get caught. Also, to make things slightly worse is Kimberly plays devil's advocate by telling them it is a good idea. Although, Kim does not plan to join them, choosing to stay behind, and pretend she is unaware they left. Thankfully, it appears that Splinter overheard their conversation, and is already plotting the eventual rescue mission.
Surprisingly, on the moon, we learn that Lord Zedd’s and Shredder’s alliance is moving rather smoothly. Although, there is a slight hiccup at one point where Lord Zedd has to remind Shredder how powerful he is. Specifically, Zedd exclaims, “I turned your collection of runaways and vagrants into fearsome warriors with just a touch of magic.” Personally, I love how the comics restored Zedd’s ruthlessness, and it is always great to see him as that intended threat. Especially since many fans like myself mostly remember Zedd’s campier side from his television series counterpart. Anyway, Tommy and Raph quickly learn that Zedd and Shredder have been making several Power Morphers. Interestingly, they made thirteen morphers to be exact, causing the tension to spike in the story. However, before Tommy and Raph can destroy the morphers or leave, they are attacked by Bebop and Rocksteady.
Then things take a shocking turn, as Bebop and Rocksteady reveal two more morphers to tap into the Shadow Grid. Yes, there is a Shadow Grid now, with Zedd and Shredder either tapping into it, or creating it. So, I assume we will learn more about this power source later, but for now we have new Dark Rangers. Immediately, Tommy and Raph get used by Dark Ranger Bebop and Dark Ranger Rocksteady to make new lunar craters. Although, before things can get any worse for Tommy and Raph, Splinter appears with Jason and Leo for the save. However, as our heroes make their escape something I thought to be unthinkable happens to close out the issue.
Overall, for the start of the third MMPR and TMNT crossover this has almost left me shocked and speechless. Although, it is in a fun way leaving me really invested to see how dark this installment will truly be. Especially, given how the early pages refer to present day events as “The End,” meaning our heroes have seemingly failed. Ultimately, I want to see how we eventually get to that point, and how our heroes will rebound from it. Nevertheless, I have been Ben Odinson, and I will see everyone next week when VR Troopers #2 drops!
