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Preface
Hello ranger fans, and welcome to the review. I apologize for the late review but you know how life and college can go. To make up for this I also included a review for the MMPR Annual issue that came out a couple weeks ago. Originally, since the canonicity of the book was debatable with the comic series currently running, I wasn’t going to do it. However, since I owe you guys one I decided to do it anyway, not only that but my thoughts on this issue was kind of short all things considered. With that, let’s get started with the main course, MMPR #6.
The Story
The Command Center lies in destruction and here stands one lone villain before the rangers. Known only as the Black Dragon, he utterly decimates the rangers in combat and forces them to withdraw. It isn’t over though as they failed to save Billy form the clutches of the enemy forces and, utilizing the captured power coin as well, he negates all the powers they have save for Tommy’s/
The Black Dragon’s powers are pretty interesting too. While fighting he seems to be able to half nergate the powers of the rangers. It makes me wonder that maybe before he took hold of Billy’s power coin he may have had some low-level access to the Morphing Grid, which would raise all sorts of implications. I wasn’t surprised by Tommy keeping his powers as it’s already been made aware that his coin is not connected to the Morphing Grid.
I did like how Higgins included a scene of Tommy’s mother wondering about him and finding him missing. While I could see a criticism as it getting in the way of the main action, I think it helps keep a human element to the book amidst all the fantastical. It was a subtle sub plot being waged across the issues if very faintly, so I’m glad to see some continuation of it.
I also liked the small continuity nod of the rangers hiding in one of the simulations that was set-up beforehand. It’s little things that this that aren’t heavily called out in the beginning, but are rather allowed to be presented then folded into the background allows for genuine surprises without it coming off as an ass-pull.
I suppose the final thing to talk about is the ramifications of this and last issue, in-universe and out. Higgins has stated in an interview that he doesn’t feel obligated to stick strictly to the canon of the original series, so anything could go. While I would prefer not to over react to this information, though I admit I did when first reading it, let’s examine the possibilities.
The Technical Aspects
For me this issue was a pretty breezy read, as a lot of fight centric comics are for me.
Dear Zordon in the Great Beyond
I guess you might actually be in the Great Beyond now. Too soon?
MMPR Annual #1
Preface
Well this is interesting. When I heard there was going to be an annual released I assume it would be supplementary to the main series. Maybe be a bit more character driven or help expand or add to the already present world created there-in. I was right by a fifth it seems. No, it turns out that the comic would be filled with short stories written and drawn by different authors, each seemingly unrelated to each other. As such I originally didn’t think it held any real merit to talk about within the context of the running series. However, there is joy to be found here and so I’ll review it for you all. I’ll be taking a look at them starting from I feel is the weakest to the best. Let’s get started.
It’s Putty Time
I just….I don’t even…..what?! The heck is this? The heck are those? I don’t even know how to begin with this one. I mean, a putty pretends to be a student and the rangers may or may not know it’s a putty. Okay, that sets up for hijinks, but what is with the art here? This is like, kindergarten style, who approved this? I’d seriously like to know.
What Makes A Hero
Not much to say on this one aside from saying that while I digged the message and overall theme of the short story, the art style kind of took me out of it. It wasn’t putrid or anything, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. If you could get over it, it’s a nice quick done-in-one worth your time. Good stuff.
Unlockly Heroes
Bulk and Skull make pseudo-Power Rangers and hijinks ensue. While I could talk about the hidden heroism buried deep inside them waiting to burgeon out if given the chance. Their hearts of gold that slowly matured to be shown outwardly. Or how Bulk should have been given the knowledge of the Samurai rangers’ identity because he is a piece of Ranger history……I had a point didn’t I? Oh yes, this was a nice fun done in one that didn’t over stay its welcome. Good stuff.
Only the Strong Survive
I was certainly not expecting a story like this to pop up, and it was quite a refreshing surprise. This story, while excellent, also makes me question if this is going to be canon in the series or not, because it is good stuff. Goldar having a brother we never knew about that could possibly join in? That could be interesting. Seeing Lord Zedd, in a goofy robe, and having them talk about Dark Specter was a nice continuity nod and something that allows for great speculation on the part of the fans.
A Day in the Life
This is undisputably, to me at least, the best part of the book and luckily it comes at the beginning, giving the impression the book to its best foot forward. Written by Kyle Higgins I also conclude that this one is the most “canon” with the monthly series and so I can so the most about this one. I also happen to be lucky that it centers around the character in the main og cast I feel is understood the least, Jason.
So many times I hear people when describing Jason, usually off old memory, relegate him to either the stoic stereotype or the jock stereotype, when neither fits him really. Stoic? I’ve seen Jason and the series emote plenty of times, with smiles, laughs, hanging with his friends, and how can we all forget his hearty yells of battle when commanding his team. And for jock? While Jason was involved with a sport and kept his body in peak condition at all times, does he really conform to what we call the jock stereotype? He isn’t a lug-head idiot or a guy totally full of himself being a star of a high school team. On the contrary Jason was intelligent and diligent, even teaching his own karate classes. So I also don’t see how he applies to this line of thinking.
That leaves the question though, “If he isn’t either of those things, what is he?” And to that, if you want to know who Jason is, I give you this story. We all know the trope well through TV and anime of “Wake Up, Go to School, Save the World” but how practical is that to be applied to a teenager in high school? In truth, Jason does have a struggle to keep everything in his life balanced while also saving the world every week. It takes its toll as one could imagine it would, but does Jason whine or complain about it? No he doesn’t. He makes it work through sheer tenacity and force of will, since he knows all of what he does is important.
Without any words spoken that sum up everything to the audience in a nice little bow, summarizing and explaining the moral of the story, and with very little words I might add, Higgins gives us a window into just one ranger’s life, and just a week at that which we can assume to be just another week like any other.
Well, this was a change of pace, but I’m ultimately happy with the result. If you guys liked this then maybe next year I’ll do the next annual. All you have to do is let me know. Until then, may the power protect you all.