COMIC BOOK REVIEW - Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: Vol 4

By The Masked Medic

Every once in a while, I feel like returning to memories of my childhood. Although there were plenty of DC Comics and Marvel Comics cartoons I enjoyed watching, I can’t like when I say that I loved Power Rangers. It was such a different concept that put normal teenagers at the heart of saving the world. Which kid didn’t want that to happen to them? So with Boom Comics expansion of the original story, fans of the original TV show win given the rather mature nature to the comics. It’s as if the stories grew up as we grew up! In the last novel, ‘Volume 3’ we saw Tommy and Billy be transported to an alternate reality!

‘Volume 4’ has our titular group split into two. Billy and Tommy, armed with no powers find themselves stuck on an alternative Earth where Tommy didn’t side with the Rangers and instead became the villainous Lord Drakkon bring chaos and destruction to that Earth. Many of the rangers there were killed in the numerous battles and only Zack and Trini were left to lead the resistance. Although sceptical at first, the resistance eventually trusts Billy and Tommy to help them fight Drakkon. Meanwhile, back on ‘normal’ Earth, the remaining Rangers are trying to find a way to reclaim their powers. Goldar, who has now been pardoned by Rita, hatches a plan with Finster to create an army of ‘Goldars’. Each of them just as strong, fast and vicious as the original. When Trini is captured in the battle against this new threat, can the Rangers band together and form a plan to rescue their teammate and reacquire their powers? And can Tommy and Billy help Alt-Zack and his resistance to bring down Drakkon once and for all?

This series for me has been a constant win after win. Not only has it managed to attract the attention of old-time watchers of the TV series, but also capture the imagination of younger readers who are learning to love these heroes. The fact that the story is a little darker than the camp nature of the TV show, means that I believe this brand may have certain longevity to it. Unlike the previous novels in this series so far, there was no cliffhanger to this novel, almost bringing a culmination to one chapter of this series. I’d be interested to see where this story continues in the future, and whether or not they can capitalise on the potential intricacies of multiple dimensions and time travel. If so, sign me up to continue to read and review this series.

The artwork was once again, very good. I like the style of the main illustrator. I think he draws the individual characters very well, even if his landscape work is not the best. The covers were also really good once again. I’m not sure who has been drawing some of these, but I’m all here for it. They’re awesome. Overall, another excellent addition to the series! Up until now, definitely one I would recommend to new time readers of comic books!

Favourite Panel:

Loved this moment so much. Tommy and Drakkon essentially showing their essential differences!

Favourite Character:

It’s tough to say, but I’d say both Trini and Alt-Trini were awesome in their own ways!

Rating:

• Story Arc: ★★★½

• Character Development: ★★★★

• Artwork: ★★★½

• Enjoyability: ★★★★

• Re-readability: ★★★½

Level: Intermediate