Power Rangers Prime begins a whole new era for the franchise under BOOM! Studios. Based on the preview of this new series will introduce us to the Power Rangers version of the Ultimate Universe. With that the Power Rangers franchise is joining in on the trend from Marvel and DC Comics to utilize a new universe to present their franchise(s) in new, fresh ways. Will that work out for the Power Rangers? Let’s find out with Power Rangers Prime #1.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Melissa Flores
Artist: Michael Yg
Colorist: Fabi Marques
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
POWER RANGERS PRIME #1 SOLICITATION
“Power Rangers IS BACK and better than ever! Prepare yourself for PRIME: a bold new era featuring a brand-new cast of characters, excitement, and attitude!
In the vein of Marvel’s The Ultimates, get ready to experience a new team, a new mentor, and a threat to Earth unlike anything you’ve seen before. Angel Grove University students face a difficult choice after crossing paths with a fugitive straight out of legend. The consequences for hiding her are dire… but her existence may not stay a secret for long.
Groundbreaking Power Rangers writer Melissa Flores ushers the iconic Rangers Mythos into the next era of adventure, joined by acclaimed artist Michael Yg (Iron Fist) to craft an unmissable experience perfect for new readers and longtime fans alike!” – BOOM! Studios
REVIEW
Power Rangers Prime #1 lives up to the promise of creating the Power Rangers version of the Ultimate Universe and Absolute Universe. The series debut is more of a foundational setting comic book as we follow new Power Ranger characters rather than the Mighty Morphin team that we’ve followed through all the BOOM! Studios comics.
The magic of this first issue comes from all the world building. There is no doubt that Melissa Flores and Michael Yg understand what makes the Power Rangers franchise special. Being able to create a new universe is an opportunity they fully take advantage of as the Power Rangers Samurai history is spotlighted. This is an interesting choice as Flores and Yg tap into how the Power Rangers Samurai team have a long history with many generations of the team. By focusing on this team, it creates a lot of questions as to the true history of this universe.
These questions made the way they are answered by the Eltarians, who took over control of Earth after saving the planet from an alien invasion, even more intriguing. If we are to follow what the Eltarian teachers at Angel Grove Universe have us believe they took control because of their benevolence. This is further emphasized with how it appears Eltar has made Earth a place for refuggees to live like the Aquitarians and Andresians, as we see with Markon and Orion living there.
Establishing this made the more police state that appears to be the way Eltar governs Earth so much more interesting. Because we see with Markon that the refugees are given specific number designations for classification. That is along with how heavily armed the police-like figures that are hunting Power Rangers appear to be. Developing the world in this way makes the political side of this series as intriguing as the Power Rangers side of things.
Speaking of, Eltar appears to not have any love for the Power Rangers. As Lauren Shiba reveals to Orion, not long after saving Earth from an alien invasion Eltar made sure to eliminate the Power Rangers almost immediately. This extreme action puts into question why they would do this. The only answer we could have is they saw the Power Rangers as a threat to their authority. Which further adds to if in this new Power Rangers Prime universe that the Eltarians know about the Multiverse.
The wrinkle to all of this is the Eltarians using the VR Troopers as their replacements for the Power Rangers. They certainly appear to present the VR Troopers as their approved superhero force. The use of the VR Troopers and Orion making a reference to the Ninja Turtles does set up a lot more to be explored with this new setting when it comes to the superhero side of things.
For the time she is on screen Lauren Shiba certainly gets over as a lead to follower. Setting her up as possibly the last survivor of the Power Rangers Samurai legacy gives a lot of weight to her character. And since she didn’t really get much time in the TV show there is a big opportunity to tap into her full potential as a lead character. Adding Orion, originally the Silver Megaforce Ranger, also gives hope we will see a wide variety of Rangers from different teams mixed together for a new dynamic with the team.
All of these developments are solidified as attention grabbing thanks to the strong hook ending of Power Rangers Prime #1. Rita Repulsa appearing in a new form out of her dumpster that crashed on Earth is the exciting note to end things on. There are many reasons to be excited by this. The primary one may be that she appears to have some control of the Morphin Grid. At least that is what her having the colors of each Ranger on her hand does lead us to believe. Given the status of this universe it wouldn’t be surprising if Rita somehow ends up being the mentor figure of this series if she is the one with control of the Morphin Grid rather than Zordon.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Power Rangers Prime #1 presents us with an exciting new universe filled with possibilities to take the franchise in a whole new direction. The world building done by Melissa Flores and Michael Yg makes you want to learn all the ways this universe is different from what we know of the Power Rangers franchise. Everything about this comic book leaves you hyped to want to find out what characters, new and old, could appear in this series and the form they will be in.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
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