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Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast by way of the Nerd Initiative!
For this entry, we’re taking a look at the epic debut run from a creative team that has set the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers universe via Boom! Studios on fire! Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #105 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire picks up where the re-invention of a classic Power Rangers villain is causing nothing but trouble for our young heroes. After last issue’s origin story, are the Rangers even ready for who is challenging them now? This issue catches up readers very quickly so Let’s take a closer look at the latest events, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Since the conclusion of issue #100, the Power Rangers haven’t had a moment to catch a break. After investigating a disturbance on the moon, they (along with readers) are in complete shock seeing Lord Zedd, their longtime nemesis lying motionless and defeated at the feet of a familiar face. That person is the former Rita Repulsa who has now become Mistress Vile! Making an immediate impact, she takes a prisoner in the form of Matt, the green ranger! Zedd defeated…Matt Captured….the Rangers are becoming increasingly frustrated at the fact they can’t stop Vile. After a signal from the planet Casentine indicates the Red Omegazord is in trouble, the heroes investigate to find Alpha-1 waiting for them.
Last issue featured Vile’s origin and an idea of where Matt’s future is heading. This issue jumps to five days prior with catching up with the Omega Rangers, whom readers haven’t seen since issue #100. After a quick catch-up with Zach, Trini, Yale and Kevor, readers see that they were on their way to the planet Casentine. The story jumps to present time where the Power Rangers (from Earth) confront Alpha-1. It is quickly established for anyone doubting that this Alpha is anything but a friend. Meanwhile on Earth, Tommy and Billy are assessing recent events with an unconscious Zedd lying next to them on a medical bed. Readers can see the anger and frustration pouring out of Tommy as he questions Billy about recent activities. All the while, Aplha-1 challenges the earth Rangers where he is getting the upper hand…until Trini and Yale show up! Can they swing the odds into the heroes favor?
Back on Earth, someone has awoken and that spells trouble for everyone. How does Zordon react to this revelation? Can the combined efforts of Power and Omega stop Alpha-1? What does Kimberly and Trini find out concerning Mistress Vile? Where are Zach and Kevor? There are many questions raised heading into the next phase of Vile’s plans and readers have much to look forward to with this issue.
Flores takes Vile off the board for this issue, allowing all the major players to get some panel time (along with seeing some old friends). Pacing worked very well to hit all the marks. Many readers have wondered when they would see the Omega Rangers again and this worked as a nice re-introduction back. Their part is significant enough but not overstepping the current story set-up. Seeing Alpha-1 as a legit threat was a nice add to the story. The fallout from its’ portion of the issue will be one to watch moving forward. The Tommy/Billy sub-portion gave the readers an insight to how desperate the situation has become. However, the one character to watch coming out of this issue is Lord Zedd. Seeing the ultimate bad guy defeated and weakened makes him an even more dangerous character. What levels is he willing to go to get revenge for being defeated? Overall, solid job juggling all the characters for this chapter.
Di Gianfelice mixes things up with big action panels and simpler, but equally as impactful personal moments with the various team members. The panels with Zach and Trini along with Tommy’s discussion with Billy are perfect examples of those emotional moments. It’s countered with BIG action pages when Alpha-1 takes on the Rangers. In a few short panels, Alpha-1 demonstrates why its’ a big challenge for the Rangers to handle. There is an excellent full page panel involving Zords that will be a fan-favorite relating to that fight. Seeing a broken Zedd will also have fans buzzing about what’s next to unfold for him.
FINAL POINT: The Mistress Vile storyline returns to breaking the rangers down from its detour origin last issue. Flores, Di Gianfelice and the team continue to make a lasting impression with this initial arc. If you haven’t picked up MMPR lately, make sure to fix that quickly. You don’t want this story to pass you by!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #105. Thanks to the team at the Nerd Initiative for allowing the post & thank YOU for reading!
