Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #41 // Review
The universe is re-created, but not without some unintended consequences. The Morphin Grid has randomly empowered people all over the universe, creating confusion and dangerous new threats. In response to this one of the Morphin Masters, known as Emissary, has recruited three of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers to a special task force. Can the new Omega Rangers safely handle an insurgence of new super-powered beings? What lengths will the Rangers go to make sure another "Shattering" never happens again. These and more of the seat mysteries and thought-provoking questions brought to readers in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #41.
Ryan Parrot and Daniele Di Nicuolo's sophomore issue has already offered many answers to the jaw-dropping revelations of issue #41. Readers now know why Jason, Trini, and Zack were in mysterious new Ranger in some strange planet instead of the "Peace Conference" described in the second season of the MMPR television series. With that information comes great moral dilemmas sure to be pursued by Parrot in future issues. Can the Rangers justify lying to their closest friends in the world? These and the other chilling revelations regarding Emissary's mission that are revealed by the end of issue #41 are the sorts of mature, grounded conflict that readers have come to love from Boom's Power Rangers offerings, especially those written by Parrot.
Parrot's script also has to be praised for its exceptional pacing. The main story involving the Omega Rangers fills more like an original graphic novel than a standard 32-page script. Even more impressive is the fact Parrot touches on the other two on-going plots, Dayne and the Earth Rangers, substantially enough to keep them on the readers' minds without bringing the main story to a complete halt. It's an incredible script that manages to make issue #41 an enjoyable self-contained experience, as well as entry in a larger arc.
Di Nicuolo's lines are as sharp and energetic as ever. Issue #41's is the true introduction of the Omega Rangers into Power Rangers lore. Di Nicuolo makes a great impression of the team's powers and designs. The gorgeous fight choreography and intimidating posing make the suits look gorgeous, with praise given to the vibrant palettes used by color team Walter Baiamonte and Katia Ranalli. The transformation sequences and final blow of the fight sequence are sure to be discussed by franchise devotees for weeks to come.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #41 demonstrates a balance that Boom Studios has strived to achieve in their 3-years publishing Power Rangers comics. The Omega Rangers and "Necessary Evil" arc are both wholly new concepts to the franchise, that still feels familiar. The perfect mix of new to keep the universe from becoming stagnant, while still staying true to the intrinsic core of what gives the series its identity.
