Comic Book Review - Mighty Morphin #17

Rob reviews Mighty Morphin #17...

The Eltarian War is over and the Power Rangers are left to pick up the pieces. The Omega Rangers have returned to space, the Eltarian fleet has fled back to Eltar, and Promethea and the Command Center lie in ruins. With new threats on the horizon, it's over to the new creative team of Mat Groom and Moisés Hidalgo.

Power Rangers #17 signals a change in two new ways. Not only do we see life after the shocking Eltarian War, but we've also said a fond farewell to long time Power Rangers scribe, Ryan Parrott. Whilst I had my reservations as to what a post-Parrott Power Rangers story would look like, Mat Groom has stepped up to the plate in a big way! 

Picking up right where the Eltarian War left off, Groom introduces us to the Ranger team as they reflect on the loss of their one constant - the Command Center. Sadly this loss isn't for long as Alpha brings word that the Command Center is a common building within Eltar society. As such the team make plans to head to Eltar and grab a new one. 

While the team head off into space - on Grace Sterling's procured Eltarian starship, Rocky stays behind. It's here where we get to see more of the Red Ranger's life as he helps his mother care for his siblings. Considering that there is a human side to Power Ranger life, I am surprised that it has never been touched upon before. Normally a quick trip to space has often been passed off as a "field trip", and while Rocky does attempt to use this excuse it's great to see his family life take over. Rocky has long been an overlooked character and Groom's choice to focus this first arc on him makes for a perfect choice. 

Away from this, we're also introduced to the Ranger's next adversary. With the Power Rangers recovering, and Lord Zedd seemingly nowhere to be found, Earth is ripe for the picking. As such King Aradon sees himself as the one worthy of finally defeating the Rangers. Fans of the television series are in for a treat with King Aradon as his presence was felt within Power Rangers Zeo. Not only is he the nemesis of PRZ's primary antagonist, King Mordo. He's also the Father of Princess Archerina - another Zeo mainstay. In terms of story, introducing the Machine Kingdom allows for fresh ideas. Whilst Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa will always be the definitive Power Rangers enemy, King Aradon and his dysfunctional family offer something different. It also shows that Mat Groom is moving away from what Kyle Higgins and Ryan Parrott have previously explored. 

Moisés Hidalgo takes over from Marco Renna for art duties. There's a great difference between Hidalgo's bold outline work and Renna's softer touch. However come the issues it feels like Hidalgo is part of the Power Rangers furniture - especially when Rocky and Matt tackle Aradon's drones. The only real issue I have with the art is that it does make everyone a tad unrecognisable. Whilst this will no doubt be ironed out as the series continues, right now it does feel like we're following a new cast of characters. 

Overall, Power Rangers #17 is a good start for the new creative team. Introducing the new-yet-familiar enemy in King Aradon not only signals the series move into its new direction, but it also opens up a lot of future storylines. Especially if Mat Groom introduces the wider Machine Kingdom. But for now, we'll have to wait and see. 

Rating: 8.5/10 

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