Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #2
Marcell Hines
Recap
Teenagers With Attitude—NO MORE!
The second issue in the two-part introduction of the all-new Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series is here... and the Rangers battle Rita Rabiosa as she turns earth-based technology against humans!
It’s been a decade since Jason, Zack, Kimberly, Trini, and Billy have morphed together as a team — can find their rhythm once again to become the legendary Power Rangers of their past?
Or are the challenges of their grown-up lives destined to cut this reunion short?
New York Times–bestselling comic book writer Marguerite Bennett (Bombshells, Batwoman) joins forces with industry veteran artist Andrew Lee Griffith (Transformers, G.I. Joe) to raise the stakes in a new era of Power Rangers!
Review
Rita Rabiosa’s attack on Earth has begun in earnest, and the Power Rangers find themselves struggling to push her back. As things grow more dire, Rabiosa’s plans are revealed and her connection to Trini may lead to tragedy for the entire planet.
MMPR #2 has some moments that feel heartfelt, but it leans more into the camp of Power Rangers. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it can make this issue a bit of a slog to read at times. Rita Rabiosa’s motivations are reminiscent of Bandora from Zyuuranger, but overall feel a bit weak when fully presented to the reader.
Marguerite Bennet’s script is a bit unnatural at times. I know things in these types of stories are usually heightened, especially when using an IP like Power Rangers, but after the previous comics and even the currently running Unlimited that use a bit more natural dialogue, this can be a bit too campy. The characters don’t really feel that much like themselves and the more in-depth moments to expand on their characters feel very cartoonish at times. Kimberly saying “oh sprinkles” before swearing at Rabiosa a few pages later was particularly jarring.
The art by Andrew Griffith and Phillip Sevy is a bit too detailed at times, making the rangers look older than they are supposed to be, but the Megazord looks good. I’m still not a fan of the new suits, but they still look solid when in motion.
Final Thoughts
MMPR #2 is a step up from the first issue, but still displays some of the same problems. The dialogue is a bit unnatural and the art is off-model at times, leading to a rather dull experience. If you are a fan of the original team this will satisfy, but for those that have moved on, there might be better stories elsewhere.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #2: A Return to Business
- Writing - 6/106/10
- Storyline - 7/107/10
- Art - 6/106/10
- Color - 7.5/107.5/10
- Cover Art - 5.5/105.5/10
