Rob reviews Power Rangers #16...
Power Rangers #16 marks the end of an era. Not only do we see the conclusion to the Eltarian War, and the narrative journey that started way back in Mighty Morphin #1. We also say goodbye to Ryan as he bows out of writing both series' and hands over the Mighty Morphin reigns to Mat Groom.
However, Ryan Parrott isn't going to far as he and Marco Renna journey into space with the Omega Rangers! But that's next month. Right now, we're back on Earth as the Eltarian War heads to its conclusion.
After their climatic battle on the Moon, Zartus lies defeated as Zordon and Lord Zedd stand victorious. With their mutal enemy defeated, the long term adversaries turn their attention back to each other. While both Zedd and Zordon are sworn enemies, Zordon still sees the force of good within his former mentor and ally. With Zordon's power suit failing he's literally at Zedd's mercy, but the merciless bad guy shows mercy and sends him back to Earth with a warning that he was never the person Zordon thought him to be.
Back on Eath and both Ranger teams take stock of their current situation. With Promethea and the Command Center being destroyed, the team are currently without a home. Coming to the rescue is Grace Sterling, who happens to have a location in mind, and even helps Zordon by building a replacement containment cube. This comes at a price as Grace being ever the optimist requests posession of the Dragon coin in return.
Meanwhile the Omega Rangers meet up with the Blue Emissary as the celestial being contemplates how much their victory has cost. With the Empyreal threat also coming to an end the Emissary heads off into the unknown, not knowing if his former Emissary accomplices are somehow still alive. Drakkon is also in attendance as he vows to destroy the Omega Rangers once he next gets chance to.
Power Rangers #16 is a somewhat slower, more sombre issue as each side of the conflict reflects on whats transpired over the last few months. While we get glimpses into what's next for both the Power Rangers and the Omega Rangers, its with the supporting cast where this feel the most poignant. And boy, does Ryan Parrott know how to give you an emotional punch!
The scene between Skull and Zelya is particularly heartbreaking as Zelya finally reveals that she's Candice and that she's an undercover alien. You certainly feel for Skull as he wrongly assumes that their relationship was just a means to an end. Yet Zelya throws him an olive branch as she offers Skull a place living with her back on Eltar. Just when you think these two are going to have a happy ending, Skull decides to stay on Earth to watch over Bulk. Forever the star-crossed lovers, the two say goodbye with a kiss - the the cheers of this reviewer.
In contrast to this heart to heart we're also shown as to what's next for the "minions". Over the last few issues, Goldar, Finster, Squat, and Baboo have really come into their own. Away from Lord Zedd the foursome have had quite a substantial investment into their characters. In helping the Rangers we've not only seen that they're not entirely "helpless", and even considering everything they've done over the years, there's actually some good inside them.
It's this good that Tommy and Jason see too as they offer the group a place back at Safehaven where they can live out their lives in relative peace. Or they could go back to their old lives being Zedd's punching bag on the Moon.
Much like the aforementioned scene with Skull and Zelya, you really wanted the minions to have a "good" ending. Yet much like Skull they to choose to go back to their old lives. Whilst this way does give a big hint as to what's coming for the Power Rangers, it is with a tint of sadness. Especially when Squat tells Zedd that they did if for Rita.
And there we have it. The Eltarian War is finally over and the Rangers have yet another new era. Throughout the whole series from the Unlimited Power Era to the Eltarian War, Ryan Parrott has been at the top of his game. Not only has he given us a duel narrative, he has also managed to write a compelling story that keeps you wanting to come back for more. Each issue has been filled with plenty of character driven moments and hard-hitting action. There's been a lot of times where the meaning of "what it means to be a Power Ranger" has been asked, and it's safe to say that this narrative arc has answered that question.
I literally can't praise the whole creative enough, and while this era may be at an end we've got plenty more to look forward to...
Rating 9/10
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