Rob reviews Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #106…
If you’re a Power Ranger fan, this week has been quite the treat. Not only have Netflix released the trailer for their upcoming Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always special, Melissa Flores is also back with yet another stellar performance with MMPR #106.
Since taking over from Ryan Parrot 6 issues ago, Flores has taken the Power Rangers in an completely different direction. While large Eltarian invasions, and Empyrial threats are a thing of the past, Flores has brought back one of the Rangers more insidious foes - Rita Repulsa. However, in doing so the fan-favorite villain has had one almighty makeover. And when Rita - know known as Mistress Vile - swiftly defeats Lord Zedd…well you know she means business!
MMPR #106 continues the tradition of starting things off back in the past. This time around we’re treated to a duel between Lord Zedd and Rita. With Zedd having the upper hand, he offers Rita a saving grace, leave the servitude of her father - Master Vile - and instead become the general in charge of Zedd’s army. Before we get a definitive answer, Flores jumps us back to the present as Xi fills everyone in on the purpose of the Master Arches, and why the Morphin Masters destroyed them to stop the Dark Spectre accessing the Morphing Grid.
Elsewhere, the decision on what to do with Alpha-1 continues. While Tommy and Kimberly petition to Zordon about the need to stay on Safehaven to help the Omega Rangers, the Eltarian recalls them back to Earth. Not content with leaving the Omega Rangers short handed, Kimberly opts to stay behind to help out Trini and Zack. In true Power Ranger fashion it is then revealed that Earth also houses a Master Arch - much like Safehaven. We also get to see more of the dynamic between Zordom and Grace Sterling as Zordon speaks his fears on what the Zeo Crystal-wielding Mistress Vile could do if she does access the Master Arch.
Arriving back on Earth and Tommy has a heart to heart with former rival - and now de-powered Jason. We haven’t seen Jason since the the groups encounter with the Death Ranger, which resulted in the former Red Omega Ranger losing his powers. It’s during this conversation that Tommy seeks out the veterans advise as to the current situation. Again, it’s pretty brief but shows just how much the two have become friends since Tommy’s time as the Green Ranger. Back on Safehaven and Kimberly uses her own downtime to catch up with friend - and current Red Omega Ranger - Trini. Much like Tommy and Jason, it’s a nice distraction to see the two veteran Rangers just chatting.
This is soon interrupted by Alpha-1 and his legion of suped up Putties. Things then get a bit hectic as the Omega Rangers - and the Power Rangers take the fight to Alpha-1 with their respective Zord’s. Across this battle, Alpha taunts Kimberly, Zack, and Trini about their past and that he can predict their fighting pattern before they even know themselves. While this seems to put the team at a disadvantage, Alpha doesn’t count on Yale, Aisha, Rocky, and Adam.
While this is going on we then switch back to Earth as Grace ponders over the imprisoned Lord Zedd, and wether to utilise the Grid Navigator that Promethea has at their disposal. However, this is then cut short as the resurgent Lord Zedd somehow has his own Morpher and somehow becomes a Power Ranger!?
When it comes to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #106, there’s a lot going on. Not only do we have the situation with Alpha-1 on Safehaven, but we also have to contend with what’s going on back on Earth, and the shadow of Mistress Vile. Thankfully Flores handles this in way that allows her narrative to naturally switch through its perspectives without loosing sight of what’s going on. You can tell that this is a Power Rangers story written by someone who understands both the characters and their past ordeals, as well as giving the fans an incredible story too.
While this issue is very light on Mistress Vile, her presence is felt across the issue. It’s great to see how far the character has come from her original appearances as Rita Repulsa, who did get a little stale (in my opinon). Now, she really is portrayed as a major threat, more so than the still ominous Dark Spectre. Flores also solidifies this by having her characters showing their worries and fears - especially Zordon, and Zedd who have their own past with Rita/Mistress Vile.
Keeping with Zordon, and this issue does more to spread the cracks forming in the Rangers relationship with their mentor. While Zordon wants the Rangers back on Earth, the Omega Rangers need their friends to tackle the threat coming from Alpha-1. This then sees a direct conflict between the two as Zordon essentially orders the group to leave their friends to their fate. This internal conflict is then taken further as Zordon speaks to Grace about the Rangers essentially being soldiers - even though they’re still teenagers.
This then segues nicely into how Flores deals with the Rangers own friendship. Even though both groups have been split up for a while, with both leading their own separate lives, the friendship is still there. The conversation with Kimberly and Trini is exactly how two friends would catch up with each other after a long time apart. They talk about their individual relationships with the “new members” of the group, and open up on various things they have noticed. Similarly the same thing can be said about Tommy and Jason. While their “heart to heart” focuses solely on work topics, it’s refreshing to see how far both characters have developed since Tommy’s time as the Green Ranger. It’s also a nice scene that shows Tommy‘s respect for Jason as he values his opinion over Zordon.
Away from the story and Simona Di Gianfelice continues to hit the dizzy heights with the art work on show. Much like Flores, Di Gianfelice shows a natural understanding of these characters and really captures the emotion, and adrenaline in the scenes. Wether it’s the quieter, talking heads moments, or layout-smashing Zord action, everything is well choreographed, and just effortlessly flows straight from the page.
When it’s said and done, MMPR #106 is an essential read. Not only does Melissa Flores, and Simona Di Gianfelice - and the entire creative team - show a clear passion for these characters, there’s still room for new ideas to come through. And who would of had that ending on their 2023 Power Rangers bingo card?
All I can say is roll on MMPR #107!
Rating: 9.5/10
Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter, Hive, Facebook, & TikTok @GeekCultureRev
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