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Amy Jo Johnson RETURNS to the Power Rangers franchise, not carrying a Power Bow but a Pen! She is giving us an all-new Epilogue, obviously in another dimension in the Morphin Grid. Or is it?
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return, Written by Amy Jo Johnson & Matt Hotson. Illustrated by Nico Leon. Colored by Francesco Segala and Gloria Martinelli. Lettered by Ed Dukeshire
Where did time go?
This story takes place 22 years after the defeat of Zedd and Rita. The team has broken up and everyone has moved on with their lives, or did they? We start in the ruins of the command center with a buffed-out Jason morphed, who is attacked by some mysterious assailant.
Cut to Billy and Zach at the dedication of the New Trini Kwan Memorial Park and Youth Center. We see some familiar and slightly greyer faces in the crowd. As Billy extolls about his best friend, Zach takes center stage. The crowd erupts into a frenzy, yelling Mas-To-DON! Kim lays low in the back of the crowd, not to be seen.
She dips out before anyone really notices her and visits Tommy’s grave when Zach finally catches up with her, knowing she wouldn’t pass this opportunity up to visit her old boyfriend.
Zach invites her out to dinner and to “catch up.” during dinner, we find out that Zach wrote an almost tell-all about the Rangers. Luckily, keeping everyone’s identities secret. Billy being Billy started his own tech company that more of a front so he can work on his passion projects that use morphin grid energy. This sends Emma, I mean Kimberly, over the edge. Jason has been morphed for a long time. Zach has profited off his heroism, and Billy is tampering with forces WAY above his comprehension. Kimberly, on the other hand, has moved to Canada and has become a recluse. Obviously, at this point, we know Tommy has passed; why, we don’t know how.
While Billy was playing with the Morphin Grid, he could see that Jason was using his coin, but something else was also pulling grid energy too. They asked Kim if they could use her power coin but, more so, her Zord to better search for who or whatever was siphoning off energy.
She leaves furious about their exploits and wants NOTHING to do with the Rangers. Back at home, she is reminiscing about her friend when she receives a knock at the door….
Thoughts from THE RETURN
First and foremost, I was trepidatious about this series, more so because of the hype behind the IMHO, Kickstarter. That is not to take away from Amy Jo and Matt’s writing. Together, they have written an excellent first issue. The bar is set high.
I would assume it’s hard to write a story like this, knowing that the real-life counterparts have passed. Seeing how this is addressed is a smart move to honor their memories. I’m not sure if they intend to explain why or how Tommy had passed, but there is a lot more story to delve into.
There are a bunch of questions I have, and I can’t wait to find out the answers. Yes, I didn’t spoil who was at the door. So you’ll have to check out your LCS and go and pick up Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return.
Final Score: 9 out of 10 Power Coins
Call me a cynic! It’s not a perfect issue, but it’s a very solid showing. There is potential in the long run; we need to get there. Also, don’t forget this is a #1 from Boom! So that means there will be at least 83 variant covers. GOOD LUCK!
Where do you think the story could go? Leave your comments below. Please consider following me personally at OFF THE CUFF TOM on social media. Don’t forget to support your LCS and return to the Nerd Initiative for all your Ranger Reviews!
