Comic Book Review - Power Rangers #8

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Rob reviews Power Rangers #8...


Power Rangers #8


The Empyreal threat has finally arrived on the Omega Rangers doorstep. As Trini and Jason go toe-to-toe with the formidable Empyreal warrior, Zack leads the Hartunian evacuation. With a planet to save will the Omega Rangers be enough? 

What a blockbuster issue Power Rangers #8 is. Everything just clicks into place within this issue, with many previous questions answered - and even more asked. The issue kicks off with Empyreal's arrival in Haruna. The Emperor finally gets to complete his destiny, and Drakkon has a few words about the would-be Empire. As it turns out the Hartunians built their Empire on conquering civilisations that were less advanced than their own. Which naturally doesn't help with the much more skilled Empyreal laying waste to the population. 

It isn't long before we get treated to some Omega Zord action as Trini and Jason tackle the lone Empyreal. It's a one-sided affair as the Empyreal easily bests both the Rangers in combat and makes both Zords look like a pair of bothersome flies. Meanwhile, due to interference Xi can't teleport the survivors to safety which then leads Zack on a perilous mission to reach the Spectrum II. 
To say any more would be diving into spoiler territory, but this is the issue that starts to tie everything together. 


Let's talk about writing. I've said all along that Ryan Parrott is a genius when it comes to writing about the Power Rangers. Every so far within this Power Rangers run has been very character-driven. From Drakkon's influence on the team to crossing the moral line - nothing is done on impulse. Zack for instance gets a lot more character building this issue than he has for a while. We get to see the man behind the wise-cracks, and his relationship with the Empress started to feel anything but professional. It's an interesting set-up that adds yet something more to a character that we've all known for years. Parrott is doing the same with Rocky over in Mighty Morphin, and it's great to see these small traits highlighted. 


If anything this issue serves to show just how much of a threat a single Empyreal can be. To effortlessly beat two Rangers in their prime is no easy feat yet here it's made to look too easy. Whilst the Empyreal's galactic genocidal campaign still lacks quite a bit of exposition we do pick up some interesting developments during the battle. We learn that Empyreal's knowledge of the Omega Rangers and that they're seen as nothing more than bugs. And that they are destroying worlds of those civilisations they deem unworthy or not meeting their potential. It may all turn into a somewhat God complex, but considering how the issue ends then it will answer a lot of questions.

The art and colours are also fantastic throughout. Everything from the rugged, barbaric feeling of the Hartunians to the sleek, fine-lined Empyreal is just gorgeous to look at. Mortarino, Angulo, and their respective assistants have done wonders in capturing that Power Rangers essence, yet making something truly unique. 
Ed Dukeshire also does a brilliant job with his lettering. The switch between various dialogue is all performed with a nice tint as to who's talking. The Empyreal especially gets some nice royal blue text boxes with a somewhat fiery orange text that completely compliments the characters design.

All in all Power Rangers #8 is the catalyst for bringing the two concurrent series' back together. So far The Unlimited Power Era has been a great lesson in how to write a comic book and Ryan Parrott shows no signs of that writing magic drying up.

Power Rangers #8
 
With the Empyreal threat well and truly real. Who stands with the Omega Rangers? 

Rating 10/10 

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev



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