Comic Book Review - Mighty Morphin #15

Rob reviews Mighty Morphin #15...

The Eltarian War continues as the Rangers battle to save Earth from Zartus and his forces. However, not everyone is convinced that the Supreme Guardian is doing "the right thing". Meanwhile, there's a colossal confrontation on the Moon, as Zordon and Lord Zedd finally come to blows...

As you can imagine from Inhyuk Lee's cover, Power Rangers #15 doesn't pull any punches. Straight from the get-go, we're thrown into the action, and it doesn't let up until the final page. Yet even among the action, Ryan Parrott still delivers plenty of character-driven moments that's been the real core to both the Eltarian War and the previous Unlimited Power Era. 

The narrative is somewhat calm this time around as we focus mainly on Zordon and Zedd, as well as the Rangers battle against Zartus and the Empyreal. First, off we're back into Zordon's past as the Supreme Guardian attempts to defend the planet Bivix against Zedd and his goons. Zedd wastes no time in goading his former allies with details of their shared past. It's certainly an interesting moment as there's a look of horror on Zartus' face, even though he should know that Zedd is Zophram!? Anyway, whether this is the case or not, it's this moment that started the duo's ten thousand years long animosity. 

Moving away from this long-awaited confrontation, we then have another claustrophobic battle to contend with. Back on earth both Ranger teams - and Matt are suited and booted in their respective Zords as they attempt to contain the Empyreal. There's a heck of a lot of action as the Rangers desperately attempt to end this world-ending threat. Each battle is a real slug-fest as each Zord/Empyreals gives as good as they get.

We also see an olive branch given between Matt and Tommy as the two work together as the joined "White Tiger Dragonzord". Since Matt's reveal as the Green Ranger, there's been animosity between the two. On the surface, Tommy doubts both Matt's abilities as a Ranger, as well as Grace Sterling's motivations. Yet I can't help but feel that a lot of this has also come from Matt's former relationship with Kimberly.

Of course, Matt hasn't helped himself either especially with his very public reveal, and the apparent team-up with Lord Zedd. But deep down he's only doing what he thinks is best - even if it has the potential to put himself in danger.

Mighty Morphin #15 continues the trend of throwing more situations at the Rangers, but there are signs of the Eltarian War coming to an end. It's quite a subtle shift too as some of Zartus' forces are beginning to question what exactly the Supreme Guardian is planning. Just how this story will end is anyone's guess, but with Ryan Parrott soon handing the Mighty Morphin reigns over to Mat Groom, the figurative slate will be soon wiped clean.

Away from writing, Marco Renna shines during this whole issue. The shots of the Dragonzord in action all have a particular Godzilla quality to them. And it's great to see the Zord show off how menacing it can be. Walter Baiamonte and Sharon Marino bring some fantastic colours to everything too. There's a great balance between the bright, flashy colours of the Rangers, to the muted stillness of Zordon and Lord Zedd battling on the Moon. Also a special shout out to Ed Dukeshire who manages to keep Parrott's dialogue-heavy script flowing with a superb choice of font. 

All in all, Mighty Morphin #15 continues to be a blockbuster epic. Not only do we have a high stakes plot and flashy action sequences, everything is held together with an intimate plot that's been built on years of foreshadowing. 

Only one question remains...where's Drakkon? 

Rating - 9/10

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

Liked this review? Why not buy me a Ko-Fi?