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Preface
Xi’s Log, The Spectrum II, Stardate 2020.12:
“We are now en route to where Drakkon allegedly states that the Empyreals reside in. Due to us now having an insane egomaniac on board (Let me rephrase that. Another one.), we now have to avoid any and all planets having Rangers or any Ranger-like allies. This is also known as the scenic route.
No member of the G5 Galaxy Police, no Space Sheriff, no Masked Riders. What’s even the point in traveling in space anymore?
For now, I must keep my optics on Drakkon and ensure he isn’t endangering us all. Moments ago, he attempted to borrow Trini’s shampoo.”
The Cover
Taken straight from the Mighty Morphin #2 review:
“Anyways, about the cover itself, this time around, the Mighty Morphin cover is better than the Power Rangers cover. It just has more of an epic feel. The Green Ranger fighting a dozen Putties on his own as they swarm him with a giant Lord Zedd looming overhead with the dark red atmosphere around him. It almost feels like a death metal cover. Meanwhile, the Power Rangers cover has a more dynamic action coming towards the reader, but the color scheme of it makes it feel basic overall.”
Mighty Morphin – 1
Power Rangers – 1
The Story
After seeing a quick flash forward 6 hours into the future and seeing our heroes in grave danger, we find Jason and Xi arguing on the ship’s bridge on Jason’s decision to take Drakkon with them. Meanwhile, as Trini puts Drakkon in his cell on the ship, Drakkon makes the slightest suggestion that she should be leading this mission. However, this strategy doesn’t work as Trini is not an idiot.
Soon, out of nowhere, the ship’s power is drained, losing speed and now being adrift in space. All of the Rangers split up and find the auxiliary backups needed to give power back to the main engine. Unfortunately, even though the Rangers are on their own, they’re not alone. All of them find themselves in trouble against a bunch of alien creatures capable of burning their helmets off. While Jason manages to escape from a horde, both Zack and Trini end up having to fight their respective hordes, with Zack teaming up with Yale and Trini forcing both the creatures and herself out into space.
Soon, the creatures, known as the Horrid, stumble upon Drakkon’s cell, planning on feeding off his lifeforce. In an effort to save his life, Drakkon makes a deal with the Horrid King, their leader. In exchange for sparing his life, he’ll give them all of the planets the Horrid would want to suck more life out of…
Ending Thoughts
Like I said, in the last review, Power Rangers feels completely different from the Mighty Morphin’ series.
This whole issue had a whole horror movie vibe to it. Dark corridors, characters all split up and facing threats they can’t fight one-on-one and thinking their way out through different methods. However, this has a sci-fi spin to it because this is Power Rangers. Essentially, you have each Ranger facing off against a group of footsoldiers alone. The Rangers can fight back, but not as well as they usually can. It’s suspenseful seeing what each of them are facing.
This is a good move because remember, this is essentially a new series. Each character needs to show off on their own how they are capable of handling themselves in a fight. Not just through strength, but through their individual skills. And even when we see them succeed, each character still gets their own damage done to them. It’s been a while since we’ve seen broken visors in the comics, but it’s an effective way of showing how much trouble they’re in. (Also, I can’t remember, but is this the first time we’ve actually seen blood in anything Power Rangers?)
Not only that, but we still get more character for future issues. Xi’s statement about not wanting to see Jason get hurt is heartwarming. Drakkon gets to show off how manipulative and quick he can be with how he tried to give Trini doubt on her team’s leadership and how he came up with a solution to save himself from the Horrid King. Again, it’ll be interesting to see what Drakkon’s long-term plan is. And, also, Yale’s growing on me so that’s always a good thing.
Art-wise, since this is a horror-filled issue, essentially all the lights are out so you’re not going to be that interested in a lot of the environments shown here. But, with Power Rangers, when the bright colors stand out, you immediately are focused on them. The bright Ranger suits contrast with the darkness to give better focus on them during the fight sequences. At the same time, any time you see the Horrid pop out of nowhere, those bright red eyes are all that’s needed to tell you something’s wrong. Plus, the designs for both the Horrid King and the Horrid footsoldiers feel fresh, each one wearing these new renaissance-like outfits that remind you of the blood and the skeleton of the body.
Power Rangers #2 takes us straight into the vast unknown of space and deep into its darkest depths where even for Rangers, unfortunately, you’re never alone.
Random Thoughts from the Morphin’ Grid
- Just now realized that the ship’s name is Spectrum and right now, the newest packaging for the Lightning Collection is called Spectrum. Coincidence? I think not.
- Side note. I honestly do hope I can keep those Star Logs going on in the future. Seem like a fun thing to put in the preface and it fits perfectly with this kind of genre.
- I would’ve loved it if the final page was the same, but it was the Horrid King dragging Drakkon by his hair. Oh man, can you imagine that?