Good morning heroes, we are back to cover the most recent issue of Power Rangers Prime from a few weeks ago. Sadly, we got delayed due to weather, technical issues, and receiving the review copies late. However, we would like to still thank Boom! Studios for providing Hero-Club with all the comics so far. Currently, we are on Power Rangers Prime #14 and it is surprisingly all ending soon with issue 16. Also, we keep hearing rumors that a relaunch is occurring, so who knows what will happen to this Ranger team? Hopefully, the Prime team is not going away anytime soon, but Hero-Club will keep fans informed. Anyway, with that said let us jump into Power Rangers Prime #14, and see where this new arc takes us…
Comic Credits
- Artist: Federico Sorressa
- Colorist: Joana Lafuente
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Melissa Flores
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Editor: Tea Fougner & Caroline Butler
- Cover Artist: Andrew Griffith
- 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
Today’s story begins on Andresia, which only means we are finally getting to see Orion’s origin before becoming a refugee. Unfortunately, that includes seeing the planet’s destruction, but the accompanying color palette by Lafuente is spectacular. For example, Lafuente’s use of blues and greys sets the mood, giving readers the sense of Orion’s loss. Also, I love how Melissa Flores uses these prologue/ flashbacks to set up events with the issue’s plot or themes. Specifically, with Orion’s origin we get to see a mysterious figure looking to salvage anything from the destroyed Andresia. Coincidentally, Orion assumes this individual is the cause of his planet’s destruction, and attacks them. However, this mysterious person overpowered Orion and blasts him with a “familiar weapon,” but somehow Orion survives. Interestingly, having mined some material the mysterious figure and his comrades notice Orion survived due to the Morphing Grid. So, from this encounter we learn that Orion is possibly destined to be more than a Ranger. Especially, since these people are seemingly able to detect that Orion must undergo more trials. Furthermore, I love when they mention how the “Morphin Grid does not discriminate,” indicating how anyone can be a Ranger.
Anyway, Orion awakens in the present day having relived those moments we saw earlier as a nightmare. Thankfully, Doobie is there to calm Orion, but Orion notices it is 4 AM and Mark is tinkering on Teezee. Here, we see that Orion is concerned for Mark’s wellbeing, and that they might get evicted due to noise. Sadly, because of their disagreements, Orion decides to go out for a walk. However, it becomes an excuse for Orion to go check in on Rita’s current activities, and learn more about magic. Interestingly, Rita’s magic is out of her control, when Orion arrives as her magic makes a monster train. Personally, I enjoy the visual here as Rita’s magic is inscribed on the train she was tinkering with. Although I was surprised that the monster turned on its creator so quickly compared to Rita’s past creations. Yet, Orion makes quick work of the train monster and asks Rita why her magic is on the fritz. Here, we learn that Rita’s connection to Morphing Grid and containment has slowly corrupted her magic. Coincidentally, with Orion wanting to learn magic, Rita discovers teaching him helps her regain control. So, it is cool to see Rita being somewhat vulnerable, but able to accept Orion as her student.
Then the story takes an interesting turn, as we check in on Valentina and Lauren. Currently, Val catches Lauren sneaking off to be a vigilante again, and decides to confront Lauren about it. Funnily enough, Lauren tries to convince Val to tag along, so she could have someone watching her back. So, I like how Melissa is writing their budding friendship to be playful, but still combative towards each other. Especially, since Val does not want them getting discovered as being Power Rangers following their agreement with Janessa. Additionally, because of their odd friendship, I can see Val even being the team’s second-in-command at some point. However, with there being only two more issues left I doubt we will see which character fills what role. Anyway, with those thoughts aside, it appears as though someone is watching our heroines from outside. Although we quickly learn that this individual is Lauren’s brother, the Samurai Red Ranger Jayden Shiba. Immediately, Jayden attacks Val which leads to an incredible scene illustrated by Sorressa with Lafuente’s colors intensifying the action.
Thankfully, Lauren steps in to stop the battle, and she is taken back by how Jayden is free. Yet, Lauren is more surprised to learn that her father is with him, and they are finally reunited. However, their reunion comes off as suspicious because it makes me wonder how long Lauren’s family have spied on her. Especially, since Lauren’s father proceeds to call Val the enemy, and proclaims that the Eltarians will pay for their crimes. Additionally, he mentions that his and Jayden’s escape occurred all thanks to an unnamed powerful ally. So, at this point I can only assume the ally Lauren’s father mentions is the mysterious individual from Orion’s past. Unfortunately, before we can learn more about the Shiba family’s savior, we find out Jun has returned to Earth. Furthermore, Jun has been expelled from the Guardians due to having spoken up about the abuse occurring within the system. As a result, Janessa is furious with this outcome, but she soon has worse matters to attend to.
Surprisingly, the Earth is under attack by a gigantic worm monster being ridden by three unknown individuals. Now, Janessa and the other Guardians state the creature is a Legion Ravager, which feeds on planets for power. Coincidentally, this leads me to believe that with the resurgence of the Power Rangers, the Ravager wants Morphin Grid energy. Anyway, the monster proceeds to break through the Eltarian blockade and heads towards Angel Grove, specifically the Command Center. Interestingly, Rita and Orion sit outside of it to meditate, waiting for something to be summoned from their past spell. As a result, Rita and Orion are surprised by the creature’s appearance, so they prepare to defend themselves. However, they are met by the mysterious person from Orion’s past, Trey of Triforia, Herald of the Legion Ravager. So, with this reveal ending the issue, I question if Trey is separated or being accompanied by other Rangers. Also, I already love this Prime-era redesign for the Gold Ranger, Sorressa went above and beyond with it. Hopefully, whatever comes next for the character is epic, and we get merchandise for Trey down the road.
Overall, this is another solid issue of Power Rangers Prime, and Melissa Flores is just ramping up the action. Especially, when it feels like Boom! Studios cancelled this title before it could really get going. Yet, even with that assumption, I am still excited to see how things will end within the last two issues. Personally, I do not know where the story can go from here, but I hope everything ends on a good note. Hopefully, we will get to see the Power Rangers Prime team and VR Troopers return in another series some day. Nevertheless, I am Ben Odinson, and I hope to see everyone next time for Hero-Club’s next comic review!
