Good morning heroes, today we are finally looking at Power Rangers Prime #16, the last issue in the series. Now, its cancellation/ conclusion is rather unfortunate, as it feels as though the series was starting to take off. So, I hope someday Boom! Studios decide to revisit this Power Rangers team, and its universe one day. Yet, with that said, this issue picks up where things left off with Rita and Orion battling Trey of Triforia. Also, it goes further into Lauren Shiba’s family drama, which will force her to make a difficult choice. Specifically, stand with her family and the Ravagers or fulfill her duty as a Power Ranger. Although that is not everything, as there is still more to see in this finale. Anyways, without further ado, let us morph into action one final time with this review!
Comic Credits
- Artist: Federico Sorressa
- Colorist: Joana Lafuente
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Melissa Flores
- Designer: Madison Goyetter
- Editors: Ari Yarwood, Tea Fougner
- Cover Artist: Andrew Lee Griffith
- Hasbro Special Thanks to Linda Lee, Lily Zahn, & Ed Lane
- Special Thanks to Allyson Gronowitz, David Mariotte, and Caroline Butler
[Warning: The following review contains spoilers, so readers should proceed at their own discretion]
Review
Now, I want to mention that I am going to be talking about what this issue conveys while reviewing it. As I have said in past reviews, Melissa Flores does a fantastic job showcasing the core themes of Power Rangers. Specifically, what it means to be a team, characters from different backgrounds, and putting differences aside to change the world. Like at the end of day, Power Rangers is about people discovering they are stronger when united. Yet, while that is great entertainment drama, it is also an amazing lesson that is important for people to learn now. Yes, people work better alongside others, whether being proactive in their lives or being emotional support. Thankfully, Power Rangers shows how people can do both through the various situations they are placed in.
Then as for the story at hand, we see Lauren and her family arguing as they overlook the current situation. Here, Lauren’s father states that the Power Rangers are not strong enough to stand against Trey. Meanwhile, we are presented with Orion and Rita struggling as they fight Trey, who is constantly shown with the advantage. Interestingly, Rita creates a monster to assist them, and they enlarge it to turn the fight in their favor. Then the story returns to Lauren’s perspective, as she explains what being a Ranger means to her. However, her father says being a Ranger is wrong focusing on how it destroyed their family. Whereas, the misguided Jayden attempts to fight Valentina, believing she and the Prime team is the enemy destroying his family.
As Val and Jayden fight, Lauren continues arguing with her father, and I must say the dialogue here is beautiful. Here, Lauren goes on about how Rangers are courageous, righteous, and never let their spirits be broken. Specifically, focusing on how those values made her a better person, and allowed Lauren to believe in herself. Personally, I think this moment perfectly showcases Lauren's growth into being a team player and becoming a leader. Also, it shows how Lauren went from just trying to reunite her family to becoming an actual hero. Coincidentally, Valentina finally gets through to Jayden and makes him realize who the true enemy is at this moment.
Now, to tangent a bit, as I love Sorressa’s artwork through this run, and he went all out for the finale. Previously, in other reviews I mentioned that Sorressa is great at creating the illusion of motion within his art. For example, all the action feels like it is happening with panels appearing as frames from a motion-picture. However, since this is the finale everything seems even faster and more intense creating a grander spectacle. Like Sorressa’s use of perspective during a wind effect excels at depicting a sense of being approached quickly. Additionally, Sorressa’s artwork shines further with the inclusion of Teezee reaching its true Zord size. Unfortunately, it saddens me that we do not get to see the other Zords nor the Prime Megazord. So, it does hurt seeing a Power Rangers team without a Megazord. Hopefully, if the Prime Universe is ever revisited Boom! Studios will find a way to rectify this mistake.
Anyways, returning to the plot, with Teezee’s appearance we are finally presented with the Power Rangers Prime team being reunited. So, with Mark and Jun’s grand entrance Lauren goes off to pilot Teezee. Whereas, Jayden makes his choice and sides with the other Rangers to battle the Treys and his own father. Although, Jayden does appear to feel guilty regarding his decision as the family is being torn apart again. Meanwhile, we learn that Rita and Orion are hiding themselves through an invisibility spell to avoid the Treys as they remerged. However, rather than being one whole Ranger they turned themself into a massive monster. Thankfully, Lauren and Teezee draw away Trey’s and his monsters’ attention to focus on them. Whereas, Rita and Orion prepare a teleportation spell to send the Legion Ravagers back into deep space. During this sequence Rita reveals to Orion that the Rangers were always strong and she needed them.
So, with this revelation Rita goes to show how she has grown since the series began. Originally, Rita was an agent of chaos looking to rule the world using the Rangers as her soldiers. However, instead the Rangers showed Rita that being a team can make people more powerful. Also, by having comrades it makes an individual even better than who they once were. Ultimately, seeing this moment makes me upset that Prime is ending, and we may not see Prime Rita again. Although what makes this scene stand out even further are the new allies that the Prime team gains. Yet, without spoiling this moment I am pretty sure many fans can surmise who came to help them defeat Trey. Thankfully, with these reinforcements, Orion completes the spell to teleport the Ravagers back into deep space.
Finally, the issue ends with hints towards a better future, as the Eltarians begin seeing Power Rangers as being necessary. Also, it shows how the Rangers are responding to being public figures again while Jayden begins his new life. So, there is some setup for a possible sequel if the Prime Universe ever gets revisited. Ultimately, I think this is a bittersweet ending for a series that never fully found its footing. Personally, I loved Power Rangers Prime’s message about “found families,” and how people should not go through adversity alone. Overall, I really appreciate everyone involved that worked on making Power Rangers Prime possible, as it was a refreshing narrative. Hopefully, one day the Prime Universe’s story gets a proper continuation, and possibly within the new title Power Rangers Unlimited. Nevertheless, until the next comic review, I have been Ben Odinson and I am powering down for now!
