Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 1
Author: Kyle Higgins
Illustrator: Hendry Prasetya
Recent Release Date: September 13, 2016

Synopsis: Longtime fans of the smash-hit show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and newcomers to this ensemble driven series, will discover a deeply compelling world packed with highflying adventure and tremendous heart. Welcome to Angel Grove. Home to the Power Rangers and weekly monster attacks. Tommy Oliver was the new kid in town when evil doer, Rita Repulsa, swooped in and made him the Green Ranger. Now, free from her mind control, Tommy struggles to find balance between the plights of high school, making new friends, and the dangers that come with being a hero. Writer Kyle Higgins (C.O.W.L., Nightwing) and artist Hendry Prasetya (Voodoo vs. Green Lantern) explore the untold story in the life of the Green Ranger as he struggles to overcome his demons and learns to trust again. This collection also features short stories from Steve Orlando (Midnighter), Corin Howell (Bat-Mite), Mairghread Scott (Transformers:Windblade) and Daniel Bayliss (Kennel Block Blues).

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Review: I've been getting back into the Morphin' mindset in anticipation of the upcoming 2017 movie. I've rewatched the original show on Netflix and wasted hours lost on Power Rangers wikipedia pages. I knew I had to read this new comic by BOOM! Studios. 

This comic takes place during the original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, but some elements have been updated and modernized. One of the biggest changes I noticed was the focus on the teenage lives of the kids. Their families are mentioned and some are even seen. They discuss AP History. Trini's father has an interesting story.

Another element that is more at the forefront than in the original tv show for children is the complexities of war. It wasn't at the surface of the show, but came up in many 90's teen war stories (like my favorite, Animorphs!). Team work is an element that definitely was in the original show. Trusting in the team is a big part of this comic. 

The rangers all kept their personalities from the show, but are also made into more rounded characters. I liked seeing Trini and Billy's friendship. Kim's snarkiness.

The villains also get some depth. Scorpina and Goldar are both featured. 

 This first volume ends with a cliffhanger and I've already heard so much about the second volume that sounds amazing! This comic is a well written, modern take on the 90's Power Rangers. I did not expect to like it this much. And I want more! There's even a fun Bulk and Skull story at the end of this first volume. 

I give this first volume a 5/5! I highly recommend it to fans of the original Power Rangers, whether you still watch the recent incarnations of the franchise or haven't thought about Power Rangers since Tommy lost his green ranger powers. 

--PAUL