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Preface
Looking ahead at the solicitations for this series, it’s a bit clearer now what the role and the structure for this series is now.
Before, the structure for Go Go Power Rangers was four issues of a storyline that devoted equal time to not just our Rangers, but villains and side characters as well.
But, as of now, the Go Go Power Rangers series’ structure is seemingly three issues of a complete storyline focusing solely on our main Power Rangers and then an issue of a side-adventure focusing on one of the supporting members of the PR cast. We’ll see how these storylines pan out, but for now, I am fine with this new development. The main MMPR series has abandoned these filler issues around 20-ish issues ago so these are all welcome. Plus, it will limit the amount of random scenes that could happen in previous storylines.
The Cover
Meh.
I do enjoy though the nostalgic retro style of it.
The Story
At Tommy’s little cabin in the woods, he calls his uncle and asks him if he can go and live with him in Hong Kong. His uncle reluctantly agrees but asks Tommy to say goodbye to his friends and family in Angel Grove before confirming his decision. Meanwhile, with Jason’s wishes, the Blue Emissary appears before Zordon in the Command Center and tells him about a method that can be used to restore Tommy’s status as a Ranger: the White Light.
Which brings us to the timeline of this issue. This issue occurs during the MMPR episode White Light. If you don’t remember what happened in that episode, let me bring you up to speed.
Zedd uses the Sentinel Statue in Angel Grove Park to create a new monster, which causes it to start oozing. The Rangers see this and teleport to the Command Center after a fight with a squadron of Putties. However, the Command Center is completely in the dark with the Rangers wondering where the heck Zordon and Alpha went.
Meanwhile…
Using this photo because I couldn’t think of any other relevant ones to use. Also, because he’s shirtless and that should be the main focus.
From a secret location in the Command Center, Zordon and Alpha teleport Tommy to them. They explain to him the situation and that they need him to teleport to a distant planet to obtain a power source needed to fuel his powers and make Tommy a stronger and faster Ranger.
While Billy finds schematics for a secret room in the Command Center with the help of Grace from Promethea, Jason tries to use the Command Center’s computers to find candidates for a new Ranger team with no success. When Jason begins to get frustrated, the Blue Emissary empathizes with him, talking about his feelings of isolation and doubt without a known focus to him. However, this touching moment is quickly interrupted…
“It’s not what it looks like! Actually, wait, it totally is….”
Ending Thoughts
So, we’re dealing with something a little new here.
There is a lot of debate with the comic continuity and whether or not it actually ties in with the show’s continuity.
These comic stories are usually presented as something that happens between the episodes of the actual TV show. Sometimes they refer to a specific episode just to indicate where the story fits in the overall timeline, but most of the time, they just leave the episode on its own. This is the first time an episode’s storyline is integrated so much into the story of the comic arc. Although I can see an approach like this working, there’s a bit too much to process here, it trying to address the important parts of the White Light 2-parter while having the new elements of the Necessary Evil storyline. Even though I do appreciate this series for giving focus to multiple characters, it might’ve been better to skip some of their scenes to fully address the story elements of White Light for any newcomers.
Go Go Power Rangers #25 reminds me of GGPR #21, mainly because it feels like situational set-up for continuity and the overall timeline. But, like that issue, there are still memorable moments here and there like some cool action sequences and character development for our Blue Emissary. All in all, GGPR #25 is the start of both an interesting departure and adaption for the origin of the White Ranger.
Random Thoughts from the Morphin’ Grid
- Hong Kong, eh? Do I even have to say why that would be perfect for Tommy?
- Was that son of a Rita about to write a breakup letter for Kimberly… There’s so much bad mouthing I want to do right now, but I want to keep this child-friendly.
- So, one of the things that isn’t shown in this version of White Light is that Kim got a letter from Tommy saying that he would return to Angel Grove and that the gang decided to throw a big Welcome Back party for him. (You could say that was the letter that he was writing to Kim, but the way it’s presented, why would he write the letter before calling his uncle?) So, if this is supposed to happen here, then his decision to move away would make Tommy the ultimate party killer.
- Grace is here…and doesn’t reference Beyond the Grid… which again means it was all pointless!
