SYNOPSIS

POWER RANGERS #1 reveals a new cosmic threat that only the original Power Rangers, now known as the Omega Rangers – Jason, Trini and Zack – can hope to defeat! But their secret weapon is… the villainous Lord Drakkon?! Zordon forbids the Omega Rangers from engaging Drakkon, so if they want to save the universe then they’ll have to go rogue – and go up against their Mighty Morphin allies.

STAFF REVIEW

Following the launch of this past Wednesday’s Mighty Morphin Issue 1, the story continues in Power Rangers Issue 1. Think of the issues this month as a two-parter of the television show, kind of like a season premiere. While Issues 51-55 felt like a set up for this new arc, Mighty Morphin #1 and Power Rangers #1 are a launchpad for both series to take off in their own directions.

This particular issue sets the Omega Rangers on a quest that I don’t think will let them return to Earth anytime soon. The solicits make this point clear that they are on a forbidden path. Forbidden by whom? Zordon. Like Mighty Morphin #1, Zordon is an important part of the consequences going forward.

From the previews, readers should already know that there is a reunion between both teams as they discuss the Empyreal. The Omega Rangers are desperate for information, and it’s clear that Drakkon is the only lead. There are some superb character moments in this issue. My favorite is a conversation that should have happened in the show between Jason and Rocky about what it means to be the Red Ranger. Members of both teams discuss the oncoming threat of the Empyreal and this sets up almost a division of viewpoints between the teams. Writer Ryan Parrott does a fantastic job giving every character a clear conviction in what they believe. Trini in particular is a standout character of this issue.

Out of the two issues this month, I enjoyed this one a bit more. Both issues are fantastic number ones, but Power Rangers sets up a conflict that won’t be resolved easily. I am excited for the direction the Omega Rangers can go. Like the universe itself, the possibilities are endless.

Artist Francesco Mortarino returns from the last arc Go Go Power Rangers. Seeing his art again feels like a comfy blanket. And his art just continually improves, you can feel the emotions in the conversations. There’s also an “action” scene towards the end that sets up the covert feel this series is going to take.

To sum it up, Power Rangers Issue 1 sets the Omega Rangers on a journey that will open up readers to the wider universe of show and comics. No longer are the Omega Rangers tied to a “main” book or event, this is their story. Omega now, Omega forever!

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Cover images below.