Good morning heroes, we are back in the Prime Universe for the conclusion of Power Rangers Prime’s second arc. Today, it is time to see how the Prime team will rise to the occasion against their latest adversary. Although, they may also fail again since the Prime team is prone to never work as a well-oiled machine. Anyway, we would like to thank Boom! Studios for providing Hero-Club this issue, and we apologize for the slight delay. So, with the introduction out of the way, let us jump into the review for Power Rangers Prime #12!
Comic Credits
- Artist: Michael YG
- Colorist: Joana Lafuente
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Melissa Flores
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Editor: David Mariotte, Tea Fougner & Caroline Butler
- 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
Our issue begins with the four Rangers previously seen at the end of issue 11 continuing their fight against Volar. Here, Volar adamantly exclaims how it is his mission to destroy the Power Rangers since they are enemies of Eltar. Currently, the Rangers are struggling with Volar, and he continues to prove he is a superior fighter. Although the tide quickly turns once Lauren makes her entrance, which visually reiterates how Power Rangers are stronger together. Like everyone knows this at this point, Power Rangers at its core is about people uniting to overcome great obstacles. So, seeing Power Rangers Prime making that element part of its story’s focus is incredible. Especially, given the world these Rangers are fighting in, it is necessary to ignite a revolution.
Interestingly, Jun asks Volar to surrender, as he seemingly does not wish to kill his father. However, Volar decides to pull out his trump to become an enlarged armored Zord-like monster. So, Teezee interjects itself into the battle since it escalated even further, as Rita and Janessa watch from afar. Coincidentally, Janessa even questions why Rita is not getting involved and helping her team. Although Rita is quick to reply how if they cannot win, then they are not worthy to be Rangers. Personally, I like this moment because of a similar situation that occurred during Power Rangers SPD. Specially, when the B-Squad began to rely on Doggie more once he became the Shadow Ranger. Here, Rita wants the team to further prove they can be Rangers, and stand on their own without her. Furthermore, during this battle I assumed we might get more Zords, and even the team’s original Megazord. Yet, that does not transpire most likely since the story is oriented towards featuring the Rangers as being overly resourceful. As a result, I think future issues will be about building towards more Zords being discovered or created.
Anyway, Mark manages to fire an arrow that damages Volar enough, so Jun could finish the job. Now, even though the Rangers are victorious, things quickly being spiraling into the immediate fallout of the battle. Starting with Rita who begins tampering with Volar’s memory, and her discussing with Janessa about their secret arrangement. As that deal unfolds, we see more of how complex the dynamic is regarding Jun’s family. Like this issue alone shows Jun is empathetic towards Volar, but hates his ways of parenting. Whereas, Jun has always relied on his mother Janessa, who seemingly coddled him and very protective of him. Coincidentally, that protectiveness leads Jun to having to quit being a Ranger and leaving for Eltar to become a Guardian. So, being a Ranger down the others begin to plan to fight in the shadows, and learn their enemy’s secrets. Especially, since it is clear that this world needs the Power Rangers more than ever now.
Now, I am bit let down by this issue, having expected something bigger would have occurred. For example, having the inclusion of the VR Troopers working with the Rangers to fight Volar and possibly an army. Ultimately, leading to an epic rebellion against Eltar being born, but this was not the case. Personally, I assumed this would be more than the team uniting again, only to then be broken up once more. Although from a narrative standpoint, I understand why this occurred since this title is still an ongoing series. So, there is no need to necessarily rush into a massive rebellion war arc, and focus on potentially guerrilla warfare. Like it is going to be amazing when Jun eventually returns to the team, possibly making a last-minute save. Yet, even with the breadcrumbs left going into this next arc I am unsure where everything is heading. Specifically, since there are subplots that need continuation and closuring like Lauren finding her family.
Currently, I want to know more about Mark’s and Orion’s motivations moving forward for the plot. Especially, since the series keeps toying with the idea that Orion is holding up, and possibly scarred of his potential. So, besides possibly making the Zords, I want to see where Mark’s and Orion’s individual stories go. Also, with everyone pretending to return their normal lives or assume an alternate identity does not appear too radical yet. Although my digression towards this issue can most likely be chalked up to having very high expectations for once. Overall, Power Ranger Prime 12 is a decent conclusion for the series’ introduction, as we move towards another arc. Furthermore, I am still invested in see where the Prime Universe goes, and how this story develops. Nevertheless, I have been Ben Odinson, and I will see everyone next time for MMPR/ TMNT III #3!
