Good morning heroes, we have the penultimate issue of Power Rangers Prime on hand for today’s review. Sadly, it seems the Prime Era comes to an end next month, and a new reboot is on the horizon. However, right now we are picking up from the previous issue where the Ravagers have arrived on Earth. Also, we get to learn more about the wild situation that is the Shiba Family reunion at Val’s house. Anyway, with our introduction done let us jump back to action for the Power Rangers Prime #15 review!
Comic Credits
- Artist: Federico Sorressa
- Colorist: Joana Lafuente
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Melissa Flores
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Editor: Ari Yarwood, Tea Fougner, Andy Schmidt
- 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
Now, our penultimate issue begins eleven years ago with the Shiba family being involved in a situation regarding Eltarians. Here, the Eltarians are separating families, dividing them into groups of adults and children. As a result, the Eltarians attempt to take a young Jayden away from Lauren and their dad. However, Jayden quickly comprehends that they are in danger, and assaults the Eltarian Guard. Personally, I love how Sorressa illustrates Jayden catching the officer by surprise, and we get to see his anger. Additionally, Lafuente’s color choices for the scene compliments the situation, and foreshadows how Jayden will become a Red Ranger. Furthermore, Melissa Flores continues to fantastically provide great storytelling that gets readers emotionally invested in its characters. Honestly, I love how these flashbacks tend to establish a theme for the issue, or explore specific characters’ backstories. For example, here we get enough characterization for Jayden to possibly see how Eltarian imprisonment may have affected him.
Then we cut to present day to learn about how Eltarians imprison Power Rangers like the Shiba Family. Interestingly, Lauren’s father explains that everyone gets held in different cells or facilities, and they are moved sporadically. Coincidentally, they suspect that it is to disorient the prisoners, and disrupt their chances of whole groups breaking out. Unfortunately, Jayden and Mr. Shiba admits they could not verify how many other Rangers were imprisoned alongside them. So, it depresses me that the series is ending, as it would have been cool to see more Rangers appear. Especially, if this title ran longer then we could have gotten an entire breakout arc to rescue those prisoners. However, regarding the current story, Mr. Shiba is grateful the family is reunited and considers Valentina to be family too. Yet, this makes Val suspect something is wrong, and pulls Lauren aside to re-evaluate this miraculous reunion. Specifically, since Val notices how cult-like Mr. Shiba sounds regarding the Shiba family’s mysterious benefactor and the greater Ranger Family. Also, I love how Val’s and even Lauren’s suspicions heighten as Trey of Courage quickly appears before them.
However, before we learn about Trey of Courage, things transition over to the Gold Ranger meeting with Rita and Orion. Here, it is confirmed that the Prime Universe’s Trey is separated and is still able to morph when divided. Additionally, the Trey attending this meeting is Trey of Heart, where Rita notices he is Triforian, and that they are Warmongers. So, this leads to Orion connecting the dots, and realizing they attacked his home planet years ago. Yet, Trey tries to exclaim that he came in peace, and to unite the surviving Rangers against the Eltarians. Although their union will come at a price, which is to allow the Ravager to absorb the Earth’s Morphing Grid Energy. Unfortunately, that would mean Earth’s destruction, so Rita quickly attacks Trey to defend the planet. Also, we get this incredible moment where Rita admits she called for allies, but the Legion is not the solution. Personally, I enjoy this scene because it shows that Prime Rita is not entirely evil, and knows right from wrong. Furthermore, Federico’s artwork is impressive yet again, depicting quick and seamless morphing sequences amid the action.
Next things transition to Jun’s location where we see the Legion decimating the Eltarian fleet guarding Earth. Here, Jun discovers the Eltarians are no match for the Legion, and they plan to evacuate the planet. Specifically, a full-force Eltarian retreat that would leave the planet and its citizens utterly defenseless. So, Jun rushes to reunite with Mark, and make him aware of the drastic situation the Earth is in. However, upon their reunion we do get a charming scene where they discuss how the separation affected them. First, Mark opens up about how he became hyperfocused on creating Zords, and that somehow Teezee went into stasis. As a result, Mark is letting his shortcomings tear him down, as he believes it is his responsibility. Thankfully, Jun is quick to snap Mark out of his funk, and here Melissa crafts some great dialogue between our heroes.
“We’re not meant to do this on our own. Maybe that’s what it means to be a ranger. We stand together. Maybe we don’t always win but we always try right?” - Jun
Ultimately, that quote Jun says sums up what it means to be a Ranger, and how they are a team. Especially, since Power Rangers has always been about people coming together to solve a problem. Also, as long as the team can live to see another day, then they can always try again. Personally, I find this quote and lesson necessary because it is a narrative that can be applied to anyone’s life. For example, people need other people, whether it is our family or friends, many people do better with support. Specifically, since not everyone can overcome struggles by themselves, and it is always rewarding being in a team. So, I really enjoy how Melissa has continued to emphasize on Power Rangers’ core theme of teamwork until the end.
Anyway, returning to the story at hand, Rita and Orion are working together to stop Trey of Heart. Surprisingly, Trey proclaims that the Morphing Grid should only belong to those who have proven themselves. Additionally, Trey exclaims that the Power Rangers Prime team is seemingly unworthy of the Morphing Grid’s power. Here, the fight intensifies further, and Federico’s ability to depict action is truly put on display. Also, Joana’s colors really add to the fight’s powers and actions making these panels some of my favorite ones. Interestingly, we learn more about Prime Trey’s powers, as he splits himself further to reveal a morphed Trey of Wisdom. So, the fight becomes an epic tag team match between Rita and Orion facing off against two Gold Rangers. Whereas, Trey of Courage is still within The Belly alongside the Shiba Family, and Valentina. Personally, I love these changes to Trey's abilities, as it makes the Gold Ranger powers appear more incredible. Especially, given that the Prime Universe's incarnation is a power hungry warmonger meant to be a villain.
Currently, Lauren and Valentina are still unaware of the greater threat at hand, but continue following Trey throughout the Belly. However, they realize something is up when Trey remarks that resettlement has begun and they must head to the surface. Especially, as the Belly gets attacked by some unseen force, and it begins crumbling down onto its citizens. Thankfully, Lauren and Val are quick to rush into action to save the Mutants by morphing. Yet, when Jayden attempts to assist them he is pulled back by his father, and is told to stand down. So, it shows that Jayden is an actual hero, and is not fully drinking the juice from the Treys. Sadly, it makes me wish Jayden got more time to see an actual arc where he opposes the Legion’s ideals. Specifically, I would have loved to see Jayden being manipulated more, and pulling away from their cult as Val implies. Whereas, this issue comes to an end as everyone rushes to the surface, and Lauren is offered to join the Legion…
Surprisingly, the penultimate issue of Power Rangers Prime unleashed a major threat upon the earth, and it is really doomed. Currently, it seems the Rangers are going to become public icons again, as Eltar is leaving Earth high-and-dry. So, I hope that the final issue will be longer than 26 pages since there is a lot to conclude. Especially, since many fans including myself want this series to have a solid ending with the impending reboot/ relaunch coming. As for the end, I am assuming it will feature the Zords, and appearances by other surviving Rangers. Overall, Melissa Flores continues to show that she understands the brand, and it is sad she is finished for now. Hopefully, some day Melissa will return, but for now we will miss her and Power Rangers Prime once it ends. Nevertheless, I am Ben Odinson, and I hope to see everyone next time for Hero-Club’s next comic review!
