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Preface
I had a very witty, very clever introduction for this review. But, I forgot what it was. (I’m tired). But, it was great, I swear!
Anyway, who cares? We need Omega Zord Power Now!
The Cover
One of my favorite covers in a while, mainly because the image of a Megazord being swept up in a giant wave is something we haven’t seen ever.
The Story
Just as Dayne is about to finish off the Thunder Megazord, the Omega Rangers arrive on Earth in their Omega Zords and make short work of him, quickly capturing him in one of their containment capsules and leaving without saying a word. Obviously, our main MMPR team is confused as to who the Omega Rangers are and how they showed up right when they needed them.
Original vs. New Generation
But, at the Command Center, Zordon explains who the Omega Rangers are, an ancient group of Rangers that have been dormant for centuries. Everyone’s still frazzled from the attack, but they feel a bit better when Tommy reveals he’s fine and does his Tommy thing (as he normally does).
At the Juice Bar, with Ranger Station in the background questioning everyone’s reaction to our newest group of Rangers, Tommy tries to act like everything casual. But, the Stone Canyon trio isn’t having it today, thinking they should admit they might be in over their hands.
With the Omega Rangers, they’re worried about leaving their Earth again, especially with the MMPR team almost being destroyed. With Lord Zedd, having one of the worst days in his life, scrambling to figure out a new plan, the Omega Rangers take the offensive and storm the Moon Palace. This results in Jason facing one on one with Lord Zedd, personally.
Ending Thoughts
Sometimes, when I write these reviews, I just want to write down basically: “It’s all great! Art’s great! Writing’s great! Everything’s just great! What am I even writing this for? Go get it!”
A lot of stuff happens here. For starters, the Omega Rangers taking down Dayne like it’s no big deal. It shows off the amount of power and skills the Omega Rangers have as well as the first appearance of their Zords. Regardless of what you think of the Zord’s designs, the fact that they’re humanoid brings a different and unique feel to the Zord fight, using more human-to-human combat on a much larger scale.
Speaking of something that’s different, let’s talk about the Omega Rangers dropping by Lord Zedd’s house. First off, Power Rangers going straight for the offensive and attacking the enemy’s base (the place they always know where it’s at) is something that never really happens in the 26 years we’ve been watching this show. It feels super satisfying. Secondly, it’s an interesting move for Jason’s character, following some of Grace’s advice (especially this part “…trying to head them off before they become a crisis”). Lastly, even though they’re trying to do the right thing and protecting their friends, they essentially don’t trust the main MMPR team to protect the Earth on their own. With things starting to reach the breaking point between the originals and the Stone Canyon Trio, it’s starting to paint a picture of what’s coming next between all of our heroes and I’m very excited to see what happens next.
MMPR #44 is a monumental step in our heroes’ journey, with all about the Omega Rangers taking control of everything and for better or worse, everyone’s reaction to them.
Random Thoughts from the Morphin’ Grid
- So, what do I think of the Omega Zords? I think they look fine. It’s a humanoid design, which we don’t get that much of, and at the same time, it feels alien with the different body proportions and distinct shapes. I think the only thing I would change is the heads. Personally, they don’t add anything to the Zords. But, hey, that’s just me.
- “Does that mean there’s a team for every letter of the Greek alphabet?” Surprised, there’s no Alpha joke here.
- I don’t know entirely why, but I love the scene Squatt, Baboo and Finster staring through the fan just like the show.
- …I’d be fine with another team of Dark Rangers just as long as they’re not, you know, the originals…
- It’s a small detail, but I love how the Omega Zords are just standing around in a square and guarding the ship.
- I love that final panel of Jason asking permission from the Blue Emissary. It might be just me, but he has the same look on his face as one that Dayne had, one that’s evil and determined.
- The first guy’s reaction of being over the Rangers is kinda funny, but I think I would’ve laughed more if he was a staunch MMPR supporter, like 85% of the world.
- Candice’s reaction actually got me thinking. Where’s the ad-reads? Where’s the sponsorships? Where’s the new merch at? You gotta get better at running this channel, Bulk, and Skull!
- So, just a quick question. Part of the reason why Jason, Zack, and Trini can’t tell the other Rangers about the Omega Mission and all of that is that the Blue Emissary doesn’t want to compromise the new timeline established after Shattered Grid. So, my question is, when the Omega Rangers are attacking the Moon Palace, do they actually have the Blue Emissary’s permission to do that? Because if they do, why would he let them do that and possibly compromise the timeline? Does he know they aren’t going to defeat him and are just letting them waste their time? Or, is the plan to not actually defeat Lord Zedd, but do something else?