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Preface
It’s an annual! Yay! Let’s party!
The Cover
I don’t want to offend anyone, but if you don’t like this cover, there might be something wrong with you.
The Story
Search Party – The adventures of homeless Tommy before he became a dictator
This mini-story, surprisingly, is part of the main series’ storyline as it does explain the alternate Tommy’s initial reasoning for joining with Rita again before going down the long road to Lord Drakkon. But, here’s the thing, this story’s actually the weakest of the 5 in the comic. Now, I’m not saying the story here is bad (although I do think that Tommy’s reasoning for joining Rita again is kinda weak). But, unlike all of the other stories where the impact comes from the story itself, the impact this story has is because of other stories because we know what the ending of the story is supposed to signify: Tommy becoming evil again. So, in a way, this story feels the most out of place compared to the others (and yes, that includes Perfect).
Trini’s Vacation – Trini’s vacation is interrupted by a mystical meteor crashing into town with Goldar right behind it.
Trini is one of those Rangers who never gets the spotlight. But this story, it’s all her. It’s Trini’s moment to shine. She handles Goldar on her own like no one’s business and yet she shows so much personality at the same time. This is just a fun little adventure showcasing Trini handling a problem on her own.
Forever Mighty Morphin Black – In an alternate dimension (because we clearly haven’t seen enough of those), an entity that eats people / energy / Power Rangers / or something (it’s not clearly explained), Adam teleports Black Rangers from all over the multiverse for help.
This kinda seemed like fan service to me. I mean, we didn’t know much about the threat, we didn’t see that much action, and the moral is kinda just there with not really that much impact. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I like some of the new designs for the Rangers (the knight one is definitely my favorite. The mech one is kinda overkill.) I just view this story like I do the JL / PR series. Just a fun little “Hey, that happened!”
Perfect – Did you want to know the Finster’s origins? Did you want to know them in the creepiest way possible?
Finster, to me, I don’t really think that much about him. Although, to be honest, I think he’s like Alfred Pennyworth, except less cool. But, this story definitely brings him in a new light. The story, the tone, the art… it feels like one of those classic horror / tragedy stories. But, even if you’re not a fan of those things, this story definitely gives you a new attachment to Finster.
Sabrina’s Day Out – Scorpina and Goldar go to Angel Grove to find out the Ranger’s dirty laundry, but instead eat taffy.
This was just a fun story. We definitely needed some levity after “Perfect”. But, yeah. Having characters in an environment they’re not accustomed to can be entertaining and it works here. Seeing Scorpina and Goldar basically just goof around on Earth is funny.
Ending Thoughts
Compared to last year’s annual, this one is a definite improvement.
Last year’s annual was just trying a bunch of different styles, but some of those stories were either too ridiculous or too weird to leave any impact. This annual does different stories too, but the difference is that the stories here are better structured and (with the exception of “Perfect”) have a better balance of levity, action, and serious moments.
This annual is definitely worth picking up. There’s not one story in here that won’t satisfy a Power Rangers fan.
Random Thoughts from the Morphin’ Grid
- Search Party – Why does a common thief randomly have a samurai sword on him? And if he’s not that common that he has that lying around, why would he take a runaway teenager’s backpack?
- The reasoning for the Drakkon name is kinda lame, to be honest.
- Also, “Search Party” is not that great of a name for the story anyway.
- Trini’s Vacation – The mystic meteor is called the “Babelstone”, something that “renders speech useless.” And if you have that description, you’d probably think that Trini, Goldar, and everyone else near it wouldn’t be able to talk. You’d be wrong.
- We see a glimpse of original Zordon and it’s kinda “eh” if I’m being honest.
- Can someone point in me in the nearest direction as to where I can get Trini’s shirt?
- “Can we rampage a little bit?” Goldar, you’re so cute.
- Forever Mighty Morphin Black – I have no idea how that “beacon” works. If it’s just based on Adam and the Frog Power Crystal, I have no idea how it summons Zacks, people with the Mastodon Coin, or in the All-New Black Ranger’s case, someone who’s just powered by the Sword of Light.
- Even though seeing these designs are pretty cool, when you do think about it, all of the versions of the Black Ranger could easily make a whole team. Zack, Adam, Dragon Shield version, Metallic Armor version, Ninjette, Defender Vest version, Wild West Ranger, All-New version, 1995 movie, and 2017 movie. That’s 10 Rangers right there.
- Also, 1995 movie and 2017 versions aren’t in this story at all. Seriously? That’s just rude.
- To be honest, I didn’t know the Wild West Black Ranger was here until I saw his civilian form. His Ranger form didn’t have the tassels (or whatever they’re called) on the boots and cuffs.
- There’s a female version of Zack here for some reason. What is the feminine form of Zack, anyway? Zacharina? Zakayla?
- Perfect – Finster’s wife name, Plepra, is actually from Finster’s Sentai version, Pleprechaun. So, nice touch.
- Sabrina’s Day Off – The art does work for this story, but the way Ernie is drawn here… Not a fan of it. I’m not exactly sure why.
- Scorpina knows how to shoot a rifle… and yet she still can’t beat the Rangers.
- Why in the world would you make a toy based on an alien who is constantly trying to destroy your city? That just seems kinda horrible.