Comic Book Review - Power Rangers #12

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Rob reviews Power Rangers #12...


Power Rangers #12


Power Rangers #12 is a milestone issue for the Omega Rangers - and the wider Power Rangers universe. Not only does it signify the end of the highly successful Unlimited Power Era, it ushers in the Eltarian War, and the reveal of the new Aqua Omega Ranger - well not exactly "new" as we all know who it is...but anyway. 

This time around Ryan Parrott deals with the aftermath of the Yellow Emissary's untimely death. As a result not only have the Omega Rangers lost a potential ally Zartus has gained one. The death of the Emissary has resulted in the birth of the Yellow Empyreal, who wastes no time getting to grips with the Rangers. As the Rangers contemplate what's exactly happening, Drakkon appears with that final nail in the Omega Ranger coffin. Yes! the former Lord is back. But while he has influenced the Omega Rangers, have they influenced Drakkon in return? 

So, the Omega Rangers are really in a mess. Not only are they stranded on an unknown planet, but they're also cut off from any form of help. With the planet rapidly becoming a lifeless wasteland, the trio slowly comes to accept their grizzly fate. 


It's certainly a sad issue as we see Jason, Trini, and Zack slowly succumb to the realisation that no one is coming to rescue them. It's heartbreaking in a way as they're far away from their loved ones, who themselves have no idea what's happening. Parrott brings everything to a personal level as the trio reflects on past events and what to do when the end eventually arrives.

Much like in previous issues, we get more intimate character building as Zack finally confront his demons - in the form of the Hartunian King he left behind. Ultimately it asks the question of "should a Ranger let their feelings get in the way of their duty"?  The answers certainly a resounding no, and Zack knows that. It's certainly been plaguing the young Ranger for a while, and now he's got time to reflect on the decisions that come back to haunt him in quite a big way. 

Jason and Trini also go through their battles, which certainly show different sides to both characters. Throughout the Power Rangers run, Trini has certainly grown in character. We've seen her go from a somewhat supporting role to standing up to Drakkon, and now she's the voice of reason for Zack and Jason. Even as Ryan Parrott shows us her vulnerable side through the interaction with Xi, she's still headstrong and essentially the team's leader through this issue.


Where Jason begins the issue as his normal self, come the finale the confidence within him has all but faded and we see the mantle of leadership weigh heavy. It's a stark contrast from the conversation between Jason and Rocky way back in Mighty Morphin #1, where both talk about the meaning of being the Red Ranger. 

As the situation worsens, there is a flicker of hope as the new Aqua Omega Ranger is introduced. Of course, we already know it's Yale as the events in Power Rangers #10 made that obvious. How it's all going to work is anyone's guess, but even with Yale's appearance, the Omega Rangers are not of the woods yet. 

Visuals throughout this issue are fantastic. Francesco Mortarino, Raúl Angulo, and Jose Enrique Fernández bring plenty of strong line work and colours together that shows the desperate situation that the Rangers are in. There's a lot of great expressions that show the anguish and fear that's certainly going through the Ranger's minds. The reveal of Yale as Omega Aqua is a brilliant full-page spread that's packed full of heroic tones and shows just how special this new character is going to be moving forward. 

All in all, Power Rangers #12 does a grand job of bringing the Unlimited Power Era to a close. What we get here is an intimate tale of survival as the Omega Rangers attempt to deal with their current situation and deal with their demons. With the Eltarians on Earth's doorstep and Drakkon on the loose, the Eltarian War is already starting with a bang! 


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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