SYNOPSIS

Lord Zedd has released his greatest creation yet-the ALL NEW DARK RANGERS; Baboo, Goldar, Squat, Finster and Rita Repulsa, powered by the Green Chaos Crystal, against the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers! What is the full extent of Lord Zedd’s master plan?

STAFF REVIEW

In last month’s issue, the ending revealed Rita Repulsa’s return, but what was the twist? In the continuity of the show and the comic, Rita is still flying around in her Space Dumpster… and that remains the case. It seems that Finster has created the ultimate Putty version of Rita, as seen in these preview pages. As Zedd notes, her experience and abilities are intact with none of her flaws. Later in the issue, readers will find out what also makes so formidable without those “flaws”.

What is great about this new development is that it is a callback to the more intelligent putty that was part of Ryan Parrott’s early Go Go Power Rangers run. These references to past issues really highlight how many stories have been told in over four years of the comics. Much like the return of Violet from that same prom arc, these elements make the comic universe more interconnected with a strong internal continuity. Long time readers are rewarded if they remember, and if they don’t, it’s a perfect time to reread past issues.

With two issues left until the end of this series, writer Ryan Parrott is not holding anything back to set up the relaunch of the two new ongoing series coming in November. The re-energizing of the Dragon Coin was not something I expected just yet, but it helps the final arc with pacing. I don’t think we will have a rushed ending. Artist Moisés Hidalgo continues to impress with every issue. Seeing the Dark Rangers in action is a real treat and gives us yet another morphing sequence this will impress. Issue 53, The Dark Rangers, finally redeems Lord Zedd’s first attempt at evil rangers seen in the television show with style. Highly recommended!

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Cover images below.