SYNOPSIS

POWER RANGERS #8 – This is it. There is nowhere left to run and no more time to prepare as the Omega Rangers must stand off against one of the Empyreal… with the fate of an entire planet at stake. And when the Omega Rangers discover the true nature of the threat to Earth, will they be able to warn their former teammates in time?

STAFF REVIEW

This is the issue I’ve been waiting for, the Omega Rangers finally confront one of the Empyreals.

As seen in past issues, the Hartunian Empire controls and enslaves planets for thousands of years all the way back as during young Zordon’s first adventures. It’s ironic that their fate lies in the hands of the Omega Rangers, who want to protect all life. Drakkon seems to be content to watch from the sidelines as entertainment, calling them scavengers.  But will the cost to save them be too high?

Power Rangers Issue 8 is very bittersweet and makes you wonder how futile the Omega Ranger’s quest might be. All of that is felt through Zack’s perspective in this installment. There’s only so much humor Zack can use to diffuse a situation or make himself feel better. After this issue, it will be hard to find humor in this instance.

Writer Ryan Parrott has done a good job building the mystery up until this point, but now more than ever readers definitely need more answers! The next couple months are going to be crucial for both series to start to deliver on building storylines.

As always, artist Francesco Mortarino exceeds himself with beautiful alien landscapes, dynamic perspectives and epic zord fights. For an emotional ride such as this issue, the characters convey every sense of loss and urgency in the situation. Colorist Raúl Angulo uses color contrast to great affect, the oranges and blues of the Empyreal stand out against the battles on Hartunia.

You will want to stay to the end of this issue, because it not only sets the next stage of the story in motion, but leads directly into June 30th’s ‘Edge of Darkness’ written by Frank Gogol. Highly recommended.

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Cover images below.