Go Go Power Rangers #9 // Review
Go Go Power Rangers #9 by Ryan Parrott,and Dan Mora with colors by Raul Angulo and letters by Ed Dukeshire finally brings the title into the Shattered Glass event. As the Rangers deal with the fallout of Rita’s sinister plan and Matthew’s startling return, a new threat emerges with a shocking connection to Lord Drakkon. Who is this Evil Pink Ranger?
After wrapping the previous arc in Issue 8, instead of the title time-skipping ahead for the Shattered Grid tie-in, the Future comes for the original 5 Rangers, in the form of the Ranger Slayer Anti-Pink!
In an effort to free the captured Lord Drakkon (who actually escaped already), the mysterious Pink “Anti-Ranger” has traveled back into time, landing in the middle of a battle between the original Rangers and Goldar. The difference in power between her and the Rangers is made completely evident as she puts down the Flawless Victory on Goldar and his putty crew. Then, in a costume that’s a cosplayers dream, Anti-Pink sets her sights on the young team, picking them apart. Inquiring the whereabouts of Lord Drakkon she finally reveals her not-so-secret identity.
(Not a shocker)
Upon the realization that she has arrived prior to the Rangers battling Drakkon, and even prior to rangers adding Tommy to the team, Anti-Pink retreats.
Ryan Parrot is a special talent, though this issue is very much a Shattered Grid tie-in, he still finds a way to continue building the backgrounds for each Rangers’ origin. The transition from Kim’s parents divorcing, to Jason’s dad being sick, or to Billy just being plain old weird, and then to a team fight scene is done smoothly. All of the story blends perfectly, and no ranger ever feels left out. Dialogue from the team during the action sequences is always fresh. Parrot has a knack for writing campy banter that truly captures the essence of each individual Ranger and what Power Rangers is.
Mora’s art has been a treat this entire run. The suits look amazing and he nails character expressions. Angulo is a top notch colorist; he really makes the visuals pop, especially the scenes with Rita and her cast of henchmen and creatures.
The issue closes with Rangers lamenting on their failure while fearing the future, and Anti-Pink on the brink of forming an alliance that could alter the future even further. The Anti-Pink identity reveal, though cliche, does bring forth another interesting character, which should also lead to another engaging origin story. Small banality aside, issue #9 is another stellar installment that finally starts to get to the nitty-gritty of Shattered Grid(dy)