Review – Mighty Morphin #1 (BOOM! Studios)

Posted on November 8, 2020 in BOOM! Reviews

Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artwork: Marco Renna
Colors: Walter Baiamonte, Katia Ranalli
Lettering: Ed Dukeshire
Release Date: 4th November 2020

Marketed by BOOM! Studios as “the first of two all-new series with two all-new teams” and featuring a bizarrely entertaining battle between the Power Rangers and a technologically advanced giant panda, Ryan Parrott’s script for issue one of Mighty Morphin certainly lives up to its promise of providing its audience with an exciting comic which is “perfect for long-time fans and new readers alike.” Indeed, coupled with the mystery surrounding the secret identity of an all new Green Ranger, as well as the detrimental effect people’s personal suspicions subsequently have upon the team’s dynamics, Parrott seems to have concocted an impeccable recipe for any fan of the American superhero children’s television programme.

Furthermore, the thirty-page periodical presents a fascinating insight into one of Zordon’s physical battles over ten thousand years ago on the planet Artavias, as the modern-day Rangers’ mentor accompanies the likes of Zophram in a fight against the invading Hartunian Empire. This well-paced bout of pulse-pounding pugilism provides an intriguing contrast to the usual Command Centre-based character, and also adds an additional emotional element to the ancient guide’s plight when he later blissfully recalls climbing the spine-covered trees on Eltar so as to eat their delicious fruit to Billy.

Of course, this book’s greatest highlight is the aforementioned contest against Lord Zedd’s latest creation, Pandamonium, at a building site in downtown Angel Grove. Festooned with sharp spears, and the odd helmet of those he has previously vanquished, this adversary looks as strangely formidable as he does incongruous amidst his surroundings. Yet just as soon as the beast starts battering his opponents about the worker’s yard, it quickly becomes clear that the super-powered team may well need the assistance of the Green Ranger and his awesome Dragon Strike if they hope to defeat such a frightening foe; “Look, I don’t know where you came from or how you that coin. But it seems like maybe we’re all on the same side here.”

Lastly, it would be rude not to mention Marco Renna’s invaluable contribution to this publication with his marvellous layouts and eye for a dynamically-pencilled action sequence. The Italian artist’s action sequences featuring a younger Zordon and Pandamonium are incredibly well-drawn in a way that brilliantly captures all the vibrant energy of the frenzied small screen fighting from the Nineties.

[PREVIEW ARTWORK – CLICK TO ENLARGE]