Since I started reading and reviewing comic books, I’ve been looking for certain series’ that just blow me away and continue to do so regularly. I expected to find these mystical series from DC or maybe Marvel. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I’d find that from a smaller comic book company that was relatively unknown at the time. I’m, of course, talking about the phenomenal Power Rangers series from Boom Studios that has continued to impress me!
‘Volume 5’ of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers series sees our rangers facing a new threat; peace and quiet. Well not quite, but for now it seems that following the events of the last novel, Rita and her minions have been dispatched, albeit temporarily. The rangers now unsure of what to do, and still without the help of Zordon set about to help people across the world who are being affected by natural disasters. Jason, acting as a true leader co-ordinates their missions but finds himself driven to the point of obsession. One one certain mission, the Rangers are offered help by a woman named Grace Sterling who is in charge of a mysterious organization named Promethea. When Sterling identifies a village of interest in Europe for the Rangers to go an investigate, they find that none other than Finster, Rita’s chief architect and monster maker, has been hiding and experimenting on creating new creatures which look remarkably human. This creatures however ‘activate’ randomly and become fearsome monsters. The Rangers manage to defeat two of these monsters, and apprehend Finster, but find themselves in a difficult position whereby they cannot identify when these humanoid looking monsters will activate. Zack suggests that they ask Grace for help, but Jason cannot shake the feeling that something about the whole situation is strange. And when Sterling unexpectedly turns up outside the Command Centre, the Rangers ask the question, just who is this woman and how does she know the location of the Rangers’ headquarters? And will the team ever find a way to bring back Zordon from his unknown prison? Read the novel.
I have to say that when the last novel finished I found myself quite impressed with this new Power Rangers lore that Boom Studios had created, especially with the creation of the capricious Lord Drakkon. When that storyline finished, I was worried that this novel would not be able to catch my attention in the same way. I was wrong. Sure, the start of the novel was a little slower than I would have liked, but it did see the Rangers in an odd situation, asking the question, what happens when the world doesn’t need saving from giant monsters? The addition of new characters like Grace Sterling and her mysterious organization, Promethea, did well to keep me interested. The last issue in that novel, however, had one of the craziest twists I could’ve imagined from the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers lore. Well done to whoever came up with that awesome concept!
The artwork was as always, exemplary and had a real pulchritude. I think that the artist has a bright future ahead. The covers by Jamal Campbell were also excellent. Overall, the series continues to march on as one of the best series I’ve ever read. Surely it can’t continue doing this? It might just become my favourite comic book!
Favourite Panel:
Mad twist.
Favourite Character:
Oof, you know team novels make it harder to pick. I think it would probably have to be Jason, the Red Ranger, given his commitment to the cause!
Rating:
Story Arc: ★★★★
Character Development: ★★★½
Artwork: ★★★★½
Enjoyability: ★★★★
Re-readability: ★★★½
Level: Beginner