Good morning heroes, we are back to cover an all-new issue of Power Rangers Prime. Today, we have the ninth installment in this ongoing series following a delay due to the newsletter arriving late Monday. So, we hope Boom! Studios does not mind that our review is not as timely as our other outings. Whereas, in the previous issue the exchange for Mark’s freedom and Lauren’s capture occurred. However, an all-out brawl happened between the Power Rangers and the VR Troopers realizing a double cross was coming. Although, just as the Prime team seemed to finally unite, the Troopers managed to take them down. Yet, as things were about to worsen for the Prime team, a new sixth Ranger appeared, the Green Ranger. So, without further ado let us morph into this review for Power Rangers #9!
Comic Credits
- Artist: Michael YG
- Colorist: Fabi Marques
- Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
- Writer: Melissa Flores
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Editor: David Mariotte
- 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, issue nine kicks off a week prior to the series’ present day events with Rita in the Space Dumpster. Here, Rita is giving an internal monologue about her potential futures, multi-versal parallels, and everything leading up to this point. As expected, the art team of Michael and Fabi outdo themselves again with how they depict Rita’s futures and parallels. Like the layouts for the panels flow amazingly, while the light and shadows look spectacular. Especially given how the ‘Rita-palooza’ appears as shattered fragments of glass to further allude to various Shattered Grid events. Also, I love Melissa’s use of flashbacks to establish an issue’s theme, explaining characters’ personalities and motives. Personally, when reading these scenes it makes me look forward to new issues, and I hope others feel the same. Furthermore, I am really loving how this series puts focus on “a Rita” looking for purpose in life. However, Rita’s current main goal in life is to merely survive in this Eltar controlled universe. Coincidentally, this makes Rita even more relatable since I and many others try to survive one day at a time.
Anyway, following Rita’s monologue the story jumps to the present with Green Ranger Rita leaping into action. Like most Sixth Ranger debuts, Rita dominates the scene as she single handedly takes on the Troopers. Although, if a dysfunctional Power Rangers team was giving the Troopers problems then Rita is literally their worst nightmare. Additionally, the artwork during this battle is great, and I am a sucker for visor facial expression mid battle. Personally, I enjoyed the part where we can see in Rita’s eyes that she caught the Troopers off guard. Also, what initially caught me by surprise was Rita launching a car at the Troopers. Later I realized Rita did not conjure it up, she just threw the Troopers’ own car at them. Then Rita decides to have Bulk launch Teezee into the mix which sent me over the edge. Specifically, Teezee’s involvement starts comical then evolves into some mirco-Zord action. Interestingly, it makes me want merchandise for the character like a stuffed animal, or full on deluxe toys. So, I hope Boom! Studios can contact Hasbro and Playmates to make those suggestions happen in the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile as Rita sees about the VR Troopers, the other Rangers are left as onlooking bystanders. However, seeing the madness escalate Lauren Shiba begins to start acting like a leader. Surprisingly, Lauren decides to turn herself in to save the Troopers’ lives, and stop the conflict. Like I went into this issue expecting the entire team to escape, but Lauren willingly turning herself in is wild. Yet, Lauren assumes that being captured will help get her closer to ultimately finding her family. Although, other readers and I fear they might be dead, but usually that is not the case with Power Rangers. So, I am very curious as to what will occur once Lauren goes through the Eltarian processing program for criminals. Additionally, with Lauren turning herself in, the Troopers realize they are getting themselves into a greater predicament. Especially, since the Troopers begin disagreeing with each other on turning over Lauren to the Eltarians. For example, Kaitlyn states, “there comes a time when that’s not going to be enough of a reason.” Specifically, when Ryan says that is their job and orders to obtain criminals, while Kaitlyn sees notices they are unethical.
So, I am assuming that Kaitlyn questioning the ethics of the Eltarians, may lean into her television counterpart’s investigation skills. Also, I hope her investigation skills and concerns regarding Eltarians continue into the VR Troopers’ mini-series. Especially, since I feel like that mini-series pushing the Troopers towards rebelling against their authority, given Ryan’s recent discoveries. Whereas, for Lauren during processing into the Eltarian prison system we learn how threatening she was for the Eltarian Forces. Like Jun’s mother Janessa even admits that she had no idea how terrifying the Power Rangers could be. Additionally, Eltarians state that their next priority is capturing Rita at all costs to avoid more Power Rangers from appearing. Furthermore, they empathize that no one should access the Morphin Grid freely, and the Troopers are unqualified for the task. Interestingly, from this dialogue I realized that Eltarians fear humanity, or the simple possibility of uniting. Especially, given how Rita can create Rangers to combat their rule, and spark a potential galactic revolution.
However, this issue ends on an interesting cliffhanger that has me questioning where things will be going next. Although, from this final scene and recent solicitations we know that the next issue should be focusing on Jun. So, we will most likely see the Eltarian perspective on their galactic expansions and view of Earth. Especially, since these previous issues focus on those who have been affected by their wars and colonization. Hopefully, by getting an Eltarian perspective some of the gaps will be filled in on the Prime Universe’s history. Like I assume we might find out that Eltar started wars on purpose to colonize planets. Also, I hope that issue tells us what caused Eltar to fear the Morphin Grid and Power Rangers.
Anyway, Power Rangers Prime #9 is another fantastic installment in the series, which fans should be reading monthly. Specifically since this title goes into uncharted territories that flips some concepts on their heads. Ultimately, the entirety of the Power Rangers Prime has easily become another hit for Boom! Studios which keeps me invested. Like each month I am ready to read what happens next, and have a newfound love for the VR Troopers. So, until Prime #10 and VR Troopers #2, stay tuned for my review of MMPR Rita’s Rewind #1 coming soon! Nevertheless, I have been Ben Odinson, and I will see everyone next time…
