Good evening heroes, we are back to cover an all-new issue of Power Rangers Prime. Today, we have the tenth installment in this ongoing series about an Eltarian controlled universe. Currently, our team of Power Rangers is in shambles again as their Red Ranger Lauren Shiba has been captured. Also, the Eltarian government has called in the Black Ranger’s father to deal with the remaining rebels. So, without further ado let us morph into this review for Power Rangers Prime #10!

Comic Credits

• Artist: Simona Di Gianfelice
• Colorist: Joana Lafuente
• Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
• Writer: Melissa Flores
• Designer: Madison Goyette
• Editor: David Mariotte & Tea Fougner
• Cover Artist: Taurin Clarke
• 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

Like most issues our story begins with a flashback to when Jun the Black Ranger was a young child. Here, Jun is being tended to by Maria, Valentina’s mother, as Jun’s mother Janessa argues with his father Volar. Coincidentally, the subject of their argument is Jun, as Volar finds his son to be too weak to be Eltarian. Eventually, Volar even says to Jun, “At your age, I was already shaven, in training for my first mission.” So, from that statement alone we can see how brutal Eltarian culture can be for those born into it. Besides being known as high intellects and scholars, many Eltarians appear to also value being merciless warriors. Whereas, Volar seeks to have Jun follow in his footsteps rather than allow him to possibly make his own decisions. Then as Volar and Jun have their one-on-one time, Volar presents Jun with a triangular “Eltarian testing” device. Specifically, because Volar wants to test Jun’s abilities, and he informs Jun to not scream as it activities. However, that is where the scene ends and we are left wondering what happened in the past to Jun.

Now, before jumping to the present day events, I want to discuss how Jun is drawn during this period. Like Jun appears younger than 10 years old, so it adds depth to how brutal Eltarian culture must be. Additionally, Simona nailed the facial expressions and body language of a small child aware of his situation. However, like a child, Jun is shown to not fully understand why things are transpiring as they are. So, I really empathize with how Jun could fear his dad, and be scared of the “Eltarian testing” device. Also, Joana’s colors flesh out the scene, and easily makes Volar sinister and hateable for readers. Whereas, from Janessa’s standpoint, I feel sad for how she is clearly conflicted between being a mother and Eltarian traditions. Especially, with previous issues and later in this book, we begin learning how Janessa wants to be a good person.

Then in the present, Mark and Jun return to Orion’s apartment where they are discussing what to do next. Here, it becomes obvious that there is some romantic tension between them rather than the subtle hints previous issues shown. Like it is interesting how their relationship seemed to be a bully befriending their victim, or two opposed classmates. So, it seems it is an opposites attract situation, especially given how Eltarians have a superior complex. Hopefully, this relationship gets established more since I do not think the comics have shown interspecies relationships with Eltarians. Anyway, with that said, Jun believes the only way to rescue Lauren is to join the Eltarian Guardians. However, if he joins them, Jun will have to shave his head and leave Earth, which Mark disagrees with. Surprisingly, this conversation helps readers get a glimpse of who Jun truly is. Specifically, Jun is not meeting his parents’ expectations, but someone trying to make himself proud. Ultimately, it is some I can respect from our Black Prime Ranger, and it reminds me of Time Force's Wes.

Surprisingly, Mark and Jun almost kiss again, but Doobie the dog's timing is too perfect and interrupts them. So, having been interrupted again, Jun heads home to tell his mother he is ready to join the Eltarian Guardians. However, upon returning home, Jun is attacked by none other than ‘dad of the year’ Volar. Thankfully, since becoming a Ranger, Jun is able to defend himself against Volar, who comments that Jun is no longer weak. Then as Volar leaves the room, Jun and Janessa argue about his return, as Janessa pulls Jun into another room. Once inside Janessa confronts Jun about his association with Lauren while pulling up the museum’s security footage. Personally, I am not surprised that Janessa would quickly discover this since she is an Eltarian Commander. Although, I am uncertain if Janessa already knows or has footage confirming Jun is also Ranger. Nevertheless, Janessa is quick to ask Jun, “What do you know about the Power Rangers?” 

Coincidentally, from there our story transitions to the past where Jun and Valentina are drawing as her mother watches them. However, as they are drawing Maria is explaining to them who and what Power Rangers were. Finally it makes sense as to where Jun’s fascination for the Power Rangers originated, as Maria’s stories ignited his dreams. Here, Jun and Val are told Rangers were great heroes battling evil, and if defeated they would try again. Also, what makes this moment special is that readers see the Power Rangers as Jun envisioned them by Maria’s descriptions. Like these Rangers are from the imagination of a child who has never seen them and using possible descriptions. So, the Rangers we are presented with either look distorted, or as original concepts and Super Sentai references.

Anyway, its moral comes down to “You can be whatever you want to be. No matter where you come from.” Which I believe is the part of the story that resonated with a young Jun the most. Especially since Jun is someone that has seemingly always been trying to find himself. So, hearing that had to have encouraged Jun to become who he is today. However, Janessa whisks Maria after hearing her talk about the Power Rangers, as the story transitions back to the present. Here, we learn that Janessa turned Maria over to the government for speaking out about the Power Rangers. Additionally, it shows why Valentina seeks power, plus gives her and her father the reason to not trust Eltarians. Like if I lost my parents over discussing a myth, I too would want to fight the system. Although, from the Eltarian perspective, which is wrong, Maria was glorifying “enemies of the state.” So, it unfortunately makes sense why Janessa had Maria silenced to preserve the Eltarian narrative. Yet, it has come back to bite Janessa, as this is why the universe selected Val to be a Ranger.

Interestingly, Jun and Janessa’s conversation is occurring outside of Lauren’s cell, as Volar is interrogating her through force. Here, Volar forces Lauren to use the triangular device as seen earlier in the issue since she will not crack. However, since Lauren is exhausted and not an Eltarian the device is torturing her further. So, Jun finally comes to the realization that he chose to become a Power Ranger, and he must save Lauren. Whereas, the accompanying panels where Jun decides to morph for this rescue mission are incredible. Personally, I love how Jun is shown holding the Power Coin with power erupting from it. Also, having the lettering include the Power Rangers logo’s iconic thunderbolt adds to Jun's moment of triumph. Following that Jun bursts into Lauren’s cell and attacks both of his parents, since Janessa entered as he morphed. Surprisingly, as Jun battles his father, Volar is quick to realize the Black Ranger is his son. Yet, before Volar can defeat Jun, Janessa blindsides Volar knocking him unconscious. As a result, Jun reveals himself to his mother, and he asks Janessa for help to end the issue…

Overall, this is another solid issue within the evergrowing Power Rangers Prime series from Boom! Studios. Personally, I enjoyed how we have more context regarding Jun’s decisions or environment at home. Also, I like how Jun’s family problems spiraled out to where it affected Valentina’s family. Like the issue answers why Jun wants to be a Power Ranger, and probably why Valentina was selected. Furthermore, readers now understand why we should care about Jun, especially given how brutal Eltar’s culture is. So, I am looking forward to seeing how things play out since Janessa is now forced to be involved. Hopefully, this leads to possibly seeing Maria again and soon, like maybe she is in the same prison as Lauren. Ultimately, I do not know where things are going, but I am excited to where Melissa Flores takes us next. Nevertheless, Power Rangers Prime continues to be a source of joy in this misfortunate shell of a brand. Anyway, I have been Ben Odinson, and I will see everyone next time.

Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Power Coins