Comic Book Review - Mighty Morphin #5

Rob Lake reviews Mighty Morphin #5...

The Unlimited Power Era has thrown yet another variable into it's an increasingly volatile mix. Issue #4 finally revealed who's inside the Green Ranger armour - Matt. 

While Matt's inclusion in this new Ranger dynamic was guessed by some (myself included), he's still a welcomed edition. After all who else could it of been? And who's more deserving?

In true Power Ranger fashion, Matt's first day consists of a one on one battle with Lord Zedd, as Ryan Parrott takes us back to that climactic battle against the Dark Rangers. It's full-on action as Matt battles Lord Zedd whilst he doubts his abilities to fight. Parrott gives us some great dialogue as Grace tries to reassure the young Ranger that he's up to the task. Having Grace as a mentor is going to open up yet more issues for Zordon. As the Human and the Eltarian have different agendas on how to make the world a safer place.

If anything this issue is an origin story as Matt gets thrust into this new world. We follow him through his first moments as a Ranger, right up to the battle against the Chaos Putty. I won't spoil the ending but it's a real character-driven moment as Matt has his "I am Iron-Man" reveal. There's a tonne of character building throughout as Parrott explores the smaller moments of being a Ranger that we don't normally see. There's a nice moment after Matt's first mission where he just stands back and takes it all in. It's a nice touch that humanises the Ranger, and that behind the mask isn't some superhero, it's just an ordinary teenager trying to do some good. 

The other end of this emotional spectrum is when we get reintroduced to the Dragonzord. There's an almost childlike glee as Matt gets acquainted with the Zord. 

Marco Renna and Walter Baiamonte give us some fantastic action sequences throughout. The moment of Matt's transformation into the Green Ranger is a full-page spread full of vibrant colours and some gorgeous art by Renna. 

All in all, Mighty Morphin #5 is a fantastic read from cover to cover. The reveal of Matt as the Green Ranger is the Unlimited Power Era's version of "Who Shot Mr Burns"(or J.R.). Even if you guessed correctly, Ryan Parrott gives us the reasons as to why. While this issue doesn't touch too much on the present we get a great origin story as Matt adjusts to what it means to be a Ranger whilst dealing with his struggle of if he's worthy. 

Rating 8/10

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