Good morning heroes, we are back with an all-new comic review, specifically the latest issue of Power Rangers Prime. Last time we were left on an impressive cliffhanger, where Jun turns to his mother Janessa for help. However, will Janessa choose to help or be able to do it since Jun is a Power Ranger. Anyway, before getting into today’s review we would like to thank Boom! Studios for providing Hero-Club with this advance copy. So, with the introduction done, let us morph back into action see what Power Ranger Prime #11 is cooking.
Comic Credits
- Artist: Michael YG
- 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
Now, the eleventh issue begins with a look back at our Red Ranger, Lauren Shiba, when she was younger. Here, we are presented with Lauren being with her family, like her father and her brother, Jayden. During this moment, it is when the Shiba family was in hiding, as the Eltarians hunted down Power Rangers. Although, while in hiding, Lauren questions her father’s decisions to quit being a Ranger. Interestingly, Lauren’s father states his reason to hide, as being a father who chooses his family first. So, it shows Lauren’s father sees caring for his family as being more important than his duties as a Ranger. However, it becomes more depressing when the book transitions to the present day, and Lauren is reunited with him. Specifically, since the Eltarians are using him to help interrogate Lauren to gather more information on the other Rangers. Furthermore, Lauren’s father mentions that Jayden is being held elsewhere as a bargaining chip. Yet, I am uncertain on if Jayden is alive or undergoing programming treatment to be some type of Eltarian warrior.
Then regarding the other Prime Rangers, most of them are currently at the Command Center. Here, Rita is explaining how the team’s Megazord works, but mostly what went into creating them and their powers. Coincidentally, Orion points out that there is no theme for their team or Zords except power. Especially, since their powers are a combination of dinosaurs, mythical creatures, and precious stones like jade. Yet, Rita is quick to mention how these creatures faded from existence just like the Power Rangers. Also, Rita adds that since the Earth is strongly tied to the Morphin Grid, ancient creatures have more power. Essentially, I theorize this as Rita most likely leaning heavily into myths as the team’s theme. Whereas, from a writing standpoint, I think Melissa is developing new lore as to how magical Zords are possibly created. So, I question if this means that we might see other ways that Zords are constructed later on. Additionally, I wonder if the comics’ Troopers have their mecha based on the one from the television series?
Anyway, Rita further points out how Teezee is already a living Zord in progress, as its power continues to grow. Now, this leaves Mark in disbelief because he assumed that Teezee was merely a museum science project. Whereas, Rita must inform him how Teezee is powered by the Morphin Grid, bonded to Lauren, and can grow. For readers, this revelation is not too shocking, since many assumed Teezee was a baby Zord. Although for the characters in this story, I assume they are unaware that sentient Zords exist, like the Galactabeasts. However, before Rita can continue discussing how Zords work, Orion’s dog Doobie begins barking. At first, Rita dismisses the dog before either understanding its intention, or realizing herself that they had guests. Specifically, Jun and Valentina have returned to the team, but they brought along Jun’s mother Janessa too.
Immediately, Rita and Janessa jump at the opportunity to fight one another, physically and through ideology. Interestingly, the artwork and panel in which Rita morphs leading into the fight is utterly beautiful. The sequence appears very cinematic like a Marvel Symbiote, as Rita’s magic slips the Green Ranger suit on with ease. Additionally, Jun and Valentina try to help argue Janessa’s case that she is here to help. However, Rita does not fully believe Janessa’s intentions, and their battle forces the others to leave the Power Chamber. Yet, as the adults continue to talk through their fists, Teezee decides to interject themselves into the fight. Surprisingly, Teezee comes to Janessa’s aid to defuse the situation, and to allow a proper conversation to be held.
So, with two finally talking, Rita admits that she has dealt with her type before, which is vague. Like it can be translated as Rita referring to Eltarians as a whole, or individuals similar to Janessa. Personally, I am going to assume it is both though given Rita’s history throughout the franchise. However, Janessa tries to prove to Rita that they are alike, being individuals who are morally grey. During their back-and-forth conversation, they both admit they were going easy on another to surmise the other’s strength. Whereas, Rita even implies she has been looking for a real challenge since she escaped the dumpster. Eventually, the two come to an understanding that they will now work together for Jun’s sake while Volar remains.
Coincidentally, from this interaction, I have begun to really look forward to where Janessa and Rita’s dynamic is going. Currently, I assume they are still going to be adversaries, but Rita seems now interested in Janessa’s wish for freedom. Specifically, marital freedom, as Janessa despises Volar as an individual, and how he mistreats Jun. So, I hope that Rita and Janessa can go from adversaries to allies once Volar is gone. Especially, since previous issues hint that Janessa is very indifferent to Eltar’s culture, possibly seeking government reform. Like at her core, Janessa is still loyal to Eltar, but is seemingly displeased how restrictive its culture and government are. Alternatively, I could be misinterpreting Janessa’s character, and she might just want Volar gone. Whereas, if that is the case, Janessa most likely is going to be Rita’s ongoing rival for the opposing side.
Meanwhile, as Rita and Janessa have their conversation, the other Rangers regroup outside of the Power Chamber. Here, Mark questions Jun on if Janessa is against them being in a relationship rather than bringing her along. Surprisingly, Jun easily scoffs at that question, and says she is not that strict. Although, they do briefly argue about going back into the Power Chamber to defuse Rita and Janessa’s fight. Whereas, Val and Orion briefly allude to their friends budding relationship before discussing their past history. Specifically, when they briefly met at that Gala years ago, where Val was a guest and Orion was a waiter. Immediately, Orion thanks her for chewing out the rude guests, but Val replies she often feels like a coward. However, Orion tries to ease Val by saying he understands her since he pent-ups his rage. Like often Orion finds himself having to hold himself back emotionally and physically due to being an alien. So, I wonder if with an impending battle with Volar coming, will Orion finally unleash the beast he cages? Hopefully, that does happen since Eltarians are drastically stronger than humans and morphed Rangers. Yet, regarding Val’s inner struggles, I am uncertain how long it will take to overcome seeing herself as a coward.
Surprisingly, we get a brief scene featuring the VR Troopers, which I nearly did not expect to see. Especially, given how they were omitted from the previous issue, I assumed this is when their on-going comic story began. So, I do wonder how the timeline works regarding how the two comic titles play off each other. Specifically, given how we recently learned who actually created the VR Troopers' technology in Issue 3. Also, with that discovery it is most likely the influence as to why the Troopers are disobeying orders now. Additionally, since the team gets to witness how far the Eltarians go to obtain their information from criminals. Whereas, Caitlin finds the Eltarian methods to be barbaric as opposed to their usually highly sophisticated personas. Furthermore, they do not seem too pleased about being assigned to work for Volar either. However, do I surmise that the VR Troopers are at their breaking point, and they will rebel against the Eltarians soon.
Finally, this issue concludes with Volar crashing down upon the Power Chamber in front of the Rangers. Here, Michael’s artwork really shines as it presents Volar as a “boss level” threat. Additionally, Joana does a spectacular job colorwise, emphasizing the impending danger that the Rangers will face next time. Like these final panels really indicate that this fight will either make or break this team of Rangers. Currently, I am assuming the team is going to rally together, and force Volar to retreat. Especially, since Janessa will most likely be assisting the team in some capacity. However, with the VR Troopers enroute it is uncertain whose side they are going to be on…
Ultimately, I love how Melissa Flores has crafted this new universe, and created this dysfunctional team of rebels. For the most part, Melissa has highlighted what drives these heroes and I wait to see where their stories go. Specifically, since we are coming up on the twelfth issue which should cap off Power Ranger Prime’s first year. So, I hope this series can stick its landing for its current arc, and continue with its near perfect consistency. Personally, I think Power Rangers Prime is a solid entry within the greater franchise, and hope more people invest it. Especially, when the brand does not have any new televised media coming out within the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, I have been Ben Odinson and I will see everyone when the next Prime Universe issue drops.
