Okay let’s get into the nitty gritty. In my opinion, smaller comic book companies have to constantly create excellent stories in order to thrive, unlike Marvel and DC who can afford to have a few rubbish storylines here and there. It’s probably the reason that I’ve been impressed with everything that I’ve seen come from Boom Studios’ Power Rangers series. So every time I hear that there’s a standalone novel focusing on a different team of rangers, I’m intrigued!
‘The Psycho Path’ is a novel set after the Power Rangers In Space series. It sees the Psycho Rangers come after their creator Andromeda, who has now reverted back to Karone. In an attempt to save the lives of the people around them, Karone willingly gives herself up to her former creations. However, she soon learns that there is a new addition to the team; Psycho Green. Green, however, is a little different, because he too was created by the villainous Dark Spectre before Andromeda. He attempts to convert Karone back to Andromeda, only to find that they may be one and the same. Karone takes over the team in an attempt to teach them how to be better at what they do. As time passes and the team carry out their missions, Karone begins to incorporate things that she’s learnt from the Power Rangers to her team, telling them that it is more important that they are a family. During one mission, Psycho Pink fails at a task, and rather than let the rest of the team destroy her, Karone argues that helping their teammate will aid her in becoming better. Psycho Green naturally is not happy about the way things are progressing and looks for a way to take back control and to destroy Karone. At the same time, Andros, the Red Space Ranger, and also Karone’s brother sets out to find her, after learning of her abduction. He believes that she is being held against her will. Can Andros rescue his sister before it’s too late? Will Karone be able to achieve her mission? And just who is this Psycho Green Ranger and where the hell did he come from?
Man! Once again, Boom Studios manage to deliver an excellent novel that just pulls you in from the get-go. The first issue creates a real sense of mystery and intrigue that you have to read on. I think revisiting a popular series and focusing on fleshing out developmental arcs for what would have been minor characters was a bold but successful move here. I really like the Psycho Rangers as a team in this novel, I thought Karone’s involvement was excellent and the inclusion of a new ranger with a decent backstory meant that ‘The Psycho Path’ is most likely one of their best standalone novels. The only qualm I would say I had with this is that it was a little too short, as a standalone, and I would have liked more inclusion of the Power Rangers in Space team. Perhaps if there was a follow up to this novel?
One of the things that I admire about Boom Studios is that they always get these amazing artists to come in and draw for them. The artwork style was crisp and dynamic and I really appreciated that! There was unfortunately only one cover, but it was still good. Overall, an excellent stand-alone but I hope to see more of this universe!
Favourite Panel:
This is why comics are great. We would never have been able to explore this character development in the TV series!
Favourite Character:
Oh man, it’s tough to choose, but it probably is Karone. What fantastic character development!
Rating:
Story Arc: ★★★★
Character Development: ★★★★
Artwork: ★★★½
Enjoyability: ★★★½
Re-readability: ★★½
Level: Intermediate