Comic Book Review - Mighty Morphin #21

Rob reviews Mighty Morphin #21...

With both Ranger teams still on Earth after their recent ordeals, Mighty Morphin #21 continues to deal with both teams reflection on what it means to be a Power Ranger. With Jason still greiving, and Kimberly having a crisis of faith, are we about to see a shake up within the Rangers and their Omega counterparts? 

It will come as no suprise that this issue also draws its main focus on one particular member of the team. So far Mat Groom has quite rightly fixed his attention on Rocky, who up until now has been a bit of a blank slate. This time around, Groom continues to build upon Kimberly's reservations that as Power Rangers they are ultimately expendable. These thoughts haven't been helped by the team feeling the effect of Jason's mothers death, and that a normal shopping trip with Trini reopens Kim's world to the events of 'Shattered Grid'. 

While normally Kimberly is portrayed as one of the more confident members of the team, you can understand why the seeds of doubt are sprouting. After all both teams have been through their fair share of drama, and how many times have they starred death in the face, and lived to tell the tale? 

Anyway, this issue opens to Kimberly attempting to reach out to Jason via the power of food. Its a very heartfelt (and heartbreaking) scene as we see just how closed off from the outside world Jason has become. His house is littered with food parcels, and his appearance is far from his usual kempt self. Groom approaches the dialogue in this scene with great care and attention to the subject matter. And while Jason rebuffs Kimberly's offer to talk, it's the un-spoken dialogue between the two that talks louder. 

This is then followed by a more lighthearted moment as Kim and Trini hit the mall. Much like the scene with Jason, its great to see the two friends reconnect and catch-up. With the two now being on separate sides of the galaxy, it's clear that they have a lot to talk about. Whereas it's mainly bringing up the events with Drakkon and "Shattered Grid", it works to push the story forwards for this issue. 

The rest of Mighty Morphin #21 deals with the sub-plot of Kimberly's fears for the future. As they're now battling an enemy that's far more advanced than what they've fought before Kimberly asks Billy about the possibility of upgrading their suits. This then sees the Blue Ranger create the metallic armour from the television show. As Kimberly and Tommy head off into the Pocket Dimension to test the armour out, things then take a turn for the worse. 

I won't spoil what exactly happens here, but fans of 'Lost Galaxy' are in for a treat. Its a real "oh my!" moment that if built upon is going to take the earth based team in an entirely new direction. 

Mighty Morphin #21 continues the character driven plot that's been synonymous with Mat Groom's run on the series. While Rocky takes a back seat, it's now Kimberly's time in the spotlight. It almost feels like we could soon be seeing Kat Hillard make her grand entrance, as Kimberly (like Rocky) has doubts about being a Ranger. Moisés Hidalgo art also continues to come into its own, and the climatic set-piece is a real scene stealer. 

With the path to that land mark 100th issue firmly in the sights, Mighty Morphin - and the whole Power Rangers series continues to be one epic thrill-ride. 

Rating: 8.5/10

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