Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 6 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Go Go Power Rangers Vol.1
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.2
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.3

Go Go Power Rangers Vol.4
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.5
Go Go Power Rangers: Back to School

Title: Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 6
Author: Ryan Parrott & Marguerite Bennett
Illustrators: Eleonora Carlini, Francesco Mortarino, & Jim Towe
Release Date: February 18, 2020


Synopsis: The first year of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers concludes with an epic confrontation against an unexpected enemy and the arrival of a new student who’ll change their lives forever – plus, a special look at what the Power Rangers do during Spring Break!

EVERYTHING’S BEEN LEADING TO THIS EPIC BATTLE – THE POWER RANGERS VERSUS ALPHA ONE!

Is this the end? Alpha One is bent on revenge against Zordon, his creator, and willing to kill anyone in his way, including the Power Rangers!. But when it looks as though their combined strength might not be enough to stop their unexpected foe, the Power Rangers must reach deep and ask themselves just how far they are willing to go to save Zordon, Angel Grove, and the rest of humanity from Alpha One’s plans. Plus, it’s Spring Break for the Rangers, and the first time since they received their Power Coins that they’ll be apart. As they each embark on their own week-long vacation, these teenagers with attitude discover that being a hero doesn’t always mean having to morph!

Writers Ryan Parrott (Star Trek: Manifest Destiny) & Marguerite Bennett (Batwoman) are joined by an all star cast of artists including Eleonora Carlini, Francesco Mortarino, Jim Towe (Riverdale) and more for stories that reveal the untold truth from the first year of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers history.

Collects Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers: Forever Rangers and Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers: Back to School. 

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Review: This is a weird volume. It completes the story arc with the Forever Rangers issue and then the second half is an issue from 2018, Back to School. I reviewed that issue when it first came out and gave it a 4.5/5. Please refer to that review for more details. This will be my review of Forever Rangers. 

Alpha-1 makes such a great antagonist because he thinks he's in the right. It's a moral difference between him and Zordon. This finale is epic. The fight scene feels extended and I am here for it. Tank mode! Alpha-5's surprise! The ominous ending. Then after the dust is starting to clear, we get a check in on all of the teenagers with attitude. Trini and Jason's relationship gets a final moment. Everyone really gets into position for the start of the main ongoing series. 

Rita's story with her mother has been wonderful. I loved getting to see what she had to go through to get the green power coin. The emotions she has attached to the Green Ranger. 

This was an excellent conclusion to the Go Go series. I know there's more, but there's a time jump. This could easily serve as a final issue. I give this book a 5/5. What a final act!


--PAUL

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 10 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 10
Author: Marguerite Bennett
Illustrators: Simone Di Meo & French Carlomagno
Release Date: February 4, 2020

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Vol. 9

Synopsis: BEYOND THE GRID concludes here as the Solar Rangers – an all-new Power Rangers team unlike any other – must face the deadly Praetor for the final time, in a battle that no one will walk away from unscathed!

THE STUNNING CONCLUSION TO BEYOND THE GRID! The Solar Rangers – an all-new Power Rangers team unlike any other – have defied the villainous Praetor and survived. But their victory may be short-lived, as deadly forces move to stop them from regaining their full powers and finding a way home. It’s the final battle between Solar Rangers and their deadliest enemy as the shocking truth behind the Praetor is revealed – and the fates of two galaxies hang in the balance.

The critically-acclaimed team of GLAAD Media Award nominated writer Marguerite Bennett (Batwoman, Animosity) and fan-favorite artists Simone Di Meo, with French Carlomagno, deliver a jaw-dropping conclusion to their Power Rangers epic.

Collects Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #35-39.

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Review: This volume concludes the short lived Beyond the Grid story arc. To be honest, I really loved a lot of the ideas in this story but I just didn't feel like we got to know any of the characters enough. I did really enjoy getting to know Heckyl's story though. I wanted more stories like that. 

Having the focus on rangers from various seasons is so different than the rest of this ongoing comic. This story has felt like a brief pause from the main story to give us a breather after Shattered Grid. I liked seeing all the different rangers interacting. Even the rangers who couldn't morph still doing their thing in the background.

The Solar Rangers are awesome. I wanted much, much more of them! I really hope we see more of the badass Solar Rangers in future stories.

This volume felt really truncated. It seemed like more should have happened. More build-ups to get where this led. But I loved the ending. There was a lot of talking about the themes instead of just showing them through actions and story. I give this book a 4.5/5. It was really good, but I felt like it didn't quite live up to the amazing storytelling that's been happening in this ongoing series. 

The conclusion to the Blue Senturion and Ninjor's story is also in this book. That was a fun story. I liked them working together. They make a great duo. Very humorous dialogue.


--PAUL

Paul's TOP COMIC BOOKS/GRAPHIC NOVELS Read in 2019

I read a lot of books in 2019, specifically comics and graphic novels. I read 87 of my 50 books for my 2019 Goodreads Reading Challenge. And only 4 of them didn't have pictures and text. Out of those 83 books, I've selected my favorites. Below you will find the TOP comic books and graphic novels that I read in 2018. Click on the titles or cover pictures for links to my reviews!  

 MY TOP COMIC BOOKS/GRAPHIC NOVELS OF 2019

10. Waves

9. Moonstruck, Vol. 2: Some Enchanted Evening

8. Pilu of the Woods

7. The Tea Dragon Festival

6. Hotel Dare

  

5. Doctor Aphra: Vol.4, Vol.5, & Vol.6

  

  

4. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Vol.7, Vol.8, & Vol.9 
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.3, Vol.4, & Vol.5
Power Rangers: The Psycho Path

3. Mooncakes

2. Gender Queer: A Memoir

1. Midas

What were your favorite books of 2019? What books are you looking forward to in 2020?

--PAUL

Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 5 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 5
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artists: Eleonora Carlini & Raul Angulo
Recent Release Date: December 10, 2019

Go Go Power Rangers Vol.1
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.2
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.3
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.4

Synopsis: With the Green Power Coin in her possession. Rita Repulsa will turn to an unlikely ally to activate it! Meanwhile, the Power Rangers discover Zordon’s history has come back to haunt them!

With the Green Power Coin finally in her possession, Rita Repulsa must go into the darkest corners of her past to unlock its power. Meanwhile, the Power Rangers work to discover what exactly Rita will do next, but face an unlikely foe who has his origins in Zordon’s past. 

Written by Ryan Parrott (Star Trek: Manifest Destiny) and illustrated by Eleonora Carlini (Batgirl), discover the secret history the Power Rangers revealed for the first time!

Contains issues #17-20 of Saban's Go Go Power Rangers. 

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Review: I continue to adore both of the ongoing Power Rangers series from BOOM! Studios. The Go Go series focuses more on the non-actiony things like teenage drama and backstories to iconic characters. Rita's past is a big part of this volume. We meet Rita's mother and learn that she knew Zordon. Rita reminisces about her past as she tries to get the Dragon coin to work. 

The rangers are being affected by living a double life Zach's not doing well with his classes. The Jason and Trini relationship gets a little bumpy. Kim has to deal with her parents' divorce. 

Alpha-1 makes his debut in this volume. I'm looking forward to where he takes the main story. He has a complicated past and relationship with Zordon. I think we're going to get into the ethics of superhero-ing.

There are so many great references. Master Vile might be on his way. Tenga warriors are featured in a flashback. 

Not only the teenagers get drama to deal with this volume. Rita did not get along with her mother. And we learn more about Ernie's past and why he decided to open up a youth center. 

The artwork is excellent. The colors really capture the brightness of Power Rangers. That was one thing the 2017 film tried to get away from. I hope the upcoming film embraces the bright colors. This comic goes above and beyond the original series feel with the crispness of the colors and especially the zords. The zords get to do things in comics they would never have been able to do in 1990s live-action. 

This volume packs so much. I love it. This volume is a great setup for whatever Alpha-1 decides to do next volume. I give this volume a 5/5. 


--PAUL

Saban's Power Rangers: The Psycho Path (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Saban's Power Rangers: The Psycho Path
Writer: Paul Allor
Illustrators: Giuseppe Cafaro & Marcelo Costa
Recent Release Date: October 15, 2019


Synopsis: The Psycho Rangers are back! Created by Karone when she was still the evil Astronema, the Psycho Rangers were programmed with overwhelming hate for all things Power Rangers. They were defeated at great personal cost, but now someone has brought them back and they are more murderous than ever before. Who brought them back, and why? And can Former Lost Galaxy Pink Ranger Karone and her brother, Red In Space Ranger Andros, stop them before they bring the universe to its knees? From writer Paul Allor (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Clue) and the fan-favorite artist Giuseppe Cafaro (Suicide Squad, Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon)!

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Review: This is the first of the BOOM! Studios Power Rangers comics that doesn't focus on at least one of the rangers from the original Mighty Morphin series. Karone/Astromena is the protagonist. The Psycho Rangers first appeared in In Space and returned in Lost Galaxy. The Green Psycho Ranger was previously introduced in the main comic series. Keeping all that in mind, this graphic novel may seem like it has the most barriers to entry than any other of the current comics but I think there's enough given context and a self contained story that you don't have to be too familiar with all the characters. You just need to know the basics of Power Rangers or be willing to do some RangerWiki searches. 

I absolutely loved this book. You're dropped into the middle of the action with little exposition. The necessary information is given in a natural way. I'm hoping for more books like this that follow more obscure characters to come in the future. I'd even be up for a follow-up to this book. 

Karone/Astronema is the star of this book. The moral grayness is a welcome change for Power Rangers. Boom! Studios is taking the stories from a campy, fun children's show and giving it more depth. The depth is there in the show, but it isn't delved into like these comics. This book is about finding your own identity. Your own community. Your own family. Names are also a big part of this story. The idea that contradictions create personalities. My favorite quote that really sums up the story is "Learning about other people's stories helps us take control of our own."

This is a modern story about empathy, identity and moral complexity. I would love to see a continuation of this story, whether in a direct sequel or having these characters appear in one of the main series comics. 

At the end of the book is a short comic story featuring the Supersonic Power Rangers and the origin of the Green Psycho Ranger. I was so happy to finally read this story. It was originally printed in the Year Two Deluxe Edition collection.

I give this book a 5/5. This is what Boom! Studios is doing so well with the Power Rangers franchise. Adding interesting stories that give a different perspective while adding to and inhancing the expansive Ranger mythology.


--PAUL

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 9: Beyond the Grid (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 9: Beyond the Grid
Writer: Marguerite Bennett & Ryan Ferrier
Artists: Simone Di Meo, French Carlomagno, Francesco Mortarino, Bachan, Jeremy Lawson, & Walter Baiamonte
Recent Release Date: September 24, 2019


Synopsis: Join the Power Rangers as they’re drawn across time and space to combat a great evil in a place BEYOND THE GRID.

After the stunning conclusion to the hit comic book event Power Rangers: Shattered Grid, an all-new, all-star team of Power Rangers is drawn together from across time and space to combat a never-before-seen evil. As they fight to prove to themselves and each other that they have what it takes to survive in a dangerous new environment, these iconic Power Rangers must defeat the onslaught of an unfamiliar, terrifying new villain. Featuring an all new team of Rangers from across the Power Rangers universe comes an all new adventure! 

Join Marguerite Bennett (DC Bombshells) and artist Simone di Meo (Old Man Logan), along with Francesco Mortarino and French Carlomagno, as the Power Rangers discover what it means to be a team without their powers!

Collects issues #31-34 of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

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Review: I have anxiously been awaiting this volume. Shattered Grid is over, but the multiverse must now deal with the repercussions of that. I constantly reconsider waiting until the collected volumes release to read these comics. I get spoiled for major plot points months in advance, but it's fun to finally see them play out. 

This team of rangers is a completely new one comprised of rangers from various seasons of the show. Thankfully, I have watched all the seasons with these characters but I am not as familiar with some of them as I am the original gang. The visuals of these rangers fighting side by side are awesome. I like the different dynamics and friendships that are forming within the group. I'm especially excited to learn more about Heckyl's past.

The art is great in this volume. This different universe without the morphing grid feels so alien. The zords are beautiful! There are a lot of full pages that were difficult to read for me. With the crease in the middle of the book, I felt like I didn't get the full effect. 

There's plenty of new elements that are introduced in this volume that I'm super excited to see where they go. Obviously, the Solar Ranger. Praetor. The Solarix. Zords!!!

I really enjoyed this volume, but I felt like it wasn't as pack full as previous volume. The storytelling felt less tight, but then again most of the characters were newly introduced. In previous volumes, I'm on the edge of my seat every time I turn the page. I had less of that feeling during this volume. I give this book a 4.5/5. I still consider this ongoing series the best comic series out there right now, but I just wanted more from this volume. 

"The New Adventures of Blue Senturion & Ninjor" has another issue at the end of this volume. It's such a fun story. The pair really complement each other well. There's a pretty great zord battle. And great references in the background of some of the panels.


--PAUL

Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 4 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 4
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artists: Eleonora Carlini & Raul Angulo
Recent Release Date: July 9, 2019

Go Go Power Rangers Vol.1
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.2
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.3

Synopsis: After failing several times against the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Rita Repulsa returns to a conquered planet to retrieve a weapon she vowed to never use.

In the aftermath of the bestselling Shattered Grid event, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers must stop Rita’s sinister plan to acquire a new weapon. But when Jason and Trini follow Rita into a magic portal, they get more than they bargained for when their connection to the Morphin Grid gets crossed and their powers become transposed. Written by Ryan Parrott (Star Trek: Manifest Destiny) and illustrated by Eleonora Carlini (Batgirl), this arc of Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers gives the Power Rangers a new look like never before!

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Review: This ongoing Power Rangers series continues to put the focus on the teenagers with attitude's more interpersonal and family lives. Trini and Jason are really highlighted in this volume. There's some pretty awesome panels involving their colors.

Classic parts from the original tv series are shown in new light. Billy's bug makes an appearance. Zak's Hip-hop Kido! Even Pudgy Pig's defeat is the intro to this volume. Two characters that were mostly comic relief in the show get actual moments in this volume: Skull and Baboo. I really liked seeing Baboo whispering to Finster behind Rita's back. 

This was another awesome volume. Great character growth. Epic battles. Emotional arcs. Characters that were flat in the show are given depth. Amazing visuals. Fun. I'm super excited to see what's next! I give this volume a 5/5.


--PAUL

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 8 (graphic novel) [SHATTERED GRID FINALE] - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 7
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Illustrators: Daniele Di Nicuolo, Simona Di Gianfelice, & Diego Galindo
Recent Release Date: May 7, 2019

Synopsis: The epic conclusion of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ first comic book crossover event: Shattered Grid!

As Lord Drakkon comes ever closer to conquering all of existence, Power Rangers from across all eras answer the call to join forces against his armies. As new friends and old foes come together in the Rangers’ darkest hour, the entire legacy of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers hangs in the balance. Join Kyle Higgins (Nightwing) and artist Daniele DiNicuolo (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink) in the epic conclusion to the ultimate war against Lord Drakkon with the final installment of the critically acclaimed event, Shattered Grid.

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Review: It's SHATTERED GRID FINALE time! I read these books as they come out in trade paperbacks, so I was somewhat familiar with what was going to go down thanks to social media. But, there were still so many wonderful surprises! The biggest smiles on my face were brought from how many times the HyperForce rangers show up in this book. I enjoyed that series so much and am still hoping for Season 2 so seeing those characters alongside classic rangers was excellent! The Beast Morphers are also in this book, but they make more of just a cameo appearance. 

One of the great things about this Shattered Grid arc was how many different rangers from different eras make appearances and are integral to the story. They aren't just cameos. Jen Scott and Lauren Shiba are two that really shine in this volume. I absolutely love the interactions between Jason and Lauren. They co-lead the teams wonderfully. Some other characters that I really enjoyed were Andros, Coinless Skull, and Commander Cruger. 

There are so many beautiful panels in this book. I had seen some revealed online before, but there were even more that I just sat and took the time to check out every detail within. The final issue in this volume really surprised me.

The ending was perfect. Kyle Higgins did an excellent job with the over thirty issues that have gone into this story. These are characters that I first met when I was 5 years old. Now, I'm 30. Higgins brought everything that I crave in storytelling to this story. A Multiverse. Good vs Evil. Friendship prevailing.

There's another short story at the end of this volume, continuing Blue Centurion and Ninjor's adventures. It's a cool team-up, but pales in comparison to the rest of the issue. But it's supposed to be just a fun story anyway. There's also a preview of Vol.9 Beyond the Grid included as well.

I obviously give this a 5/5. It's excellent storytelling. It's the culmination of over thirty issues. I'm so thankful that Boom! Studios made this happen. I obviously am looking forward to what happens Beyond the Grid!        


--PAUL

Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 3 (comic) [SHATTERED GRID] - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 3
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artists: Dan Mora & Raul Angulo
Recent Release Date: April 23, 2019

Go Go Power Rangers Vol.1
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.2

Synopsis: Dealing with the fallout of Rita Repulsa’s abduction of Matthew, the Power Rangers are confronted with a dark specter from the future with a shocking connection to Lord Drakkon--ties into Shattered Grid!

CAN THE POWER PROTECT THEM?

The Power Rangers have just exhaled a sigh of relief after their friend Matthew narrowly escaped Rita’s clutches on the moon, but a new enemy has already emerged, one that will have the Rangers question every decision they’ve made so far. Tying into the critically acclaimed, bestselling Shattered Grid event, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers must confront the future to save the past as they face off against the mysterious Ranger Slayer.

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Review: I'm FINALLY getting to read the Shattered Grid storyline! I've followed along on social media so I'm already somewhat familiar with what happens, but finally getting to see the Ranger Slayer in action with her Gravezord was epic!

This ongoing series focuses more on the teenagers with attitude's personal lives than their superhero actions. This volume keeps with that, but there's also plenty of action. Kim's parents' divorce is an ongoing story and I'm enjoying the focus it's getting compared to the few lines in the original tv series. Jason also has somethings going on at home. 

The zords in this volume are beautifully illustrated. The bright colors in this whole volume have me flipping back through the book after reading it. 

I loved getting to see more of the Coinless world. Bulk and some other known characters are featured. I really enjoyed the scenes between Coinless Bulk and Kim talking. There's also some great later cameos in the Coinless world that surprised me. 

One of my favorite things about this series is the Matthew story because I have no idea what to expect. The creative monsters and their names is also a favorite of mine. They always make me chuckle. 

I give this volume a 5/5. Both of these ongoing Power Rangers series are excellent. I'm so excited to read the conclusion of the Shattered Grid story next.  


--PAUL

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 7 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 7
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Illustrators: Daniele Di Nicuolo & Walter Baiamonte
Recent Release Date: March 19, 2019

Synopsis: The epic start of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ first comic book crossover event: Shattered Grid! 

FOREVER RANGERS.

After Lord Drakkon escapes from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, he sets his sights on one goal: conquering Power Rangers across all eras. From Time Force to RPM, no Ranger is safe as Drakkon’s conquest causes the Morphin Grid to shatter, jeopardizing all of existence. But it’s this very act that might give the Rangers a fighting chance against Lord Drakkon and his armies.

Writer Kyle Higgins (Nightwing) and artist Daniele DiNicuolo (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink) raise the stakes as Rangers from across time and space band together to save the universe in this first installment of the critically acclaimed event, Shattered Grid. 

Collects Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #25-28.

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Review: It's SHATTERED GRID time! I'm reading both ongoing BOOM! Power Rangers comic series as they are released in trade paperbacks so this means I'm a few months behind on the stories. I somewhat keep up with big reveals via social media. And I did read the first issue of Shattered Grid (MIghty Morphin Power Rangers #25) the day it came out since it was such a huge event. So I was super excited to get Volume 7 in the mail this week!

This story is what all of the Kyle Higgins comics have been leading up to. Lord Drakkon is back and he's fractured the Morphin Grid. The cameos in this volume are so great! There's representation from pretty much every past Power Rangers team. I really liked how some background context was given for the rangers that had more focus like Lauren Shiba (Super Samurai) and Karone (Lost Galaxy). Doctor K from RPM also has a big focus. The domed city of Corinth is the stage for some epic battles. 

Higgins continues to do an excellent job of taking these characters' story arcs from the cheesy tv show and made them more real and emotional. Saba as an actual character and not just a talking sword is wonderful! Also, Ninjor! The relationships between characters is the real heart of these stories. Some of my favorite interactions included Grace and Jason as well as Jason and Lauren. Also, Skull from the Coinless Dimension!

The imagery in this volume is beautiful. I love seeing all the different ranger suits fighting alongside. And the designs for Drakkon's sentries are so great. I love seeing them appear on my social media in the form of cosplay, fanart, and homemade action figures. 

At the end of this volume, the Blue Senturion's story continues. It's an okay short. It isn't quite as comedic as the Bulk & Skull or Baboo & Squatt shorts, but it has some cool references. And it looks like Ninjor will be joining the robot cop form the future in the next volume. 

I give this volume a 5/5. If you're reading this, you probably are at least familiar with these comics. If you're missing out on Shattered Grid, you're missing out on one of the best stories ever told in the Power Rangers canon. These are the best versions of these characters, in my opinion.      


--PAUL

Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 2 (comic)- Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 2
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artists: Dan Mora & Raul Angulo
Recent Release Date: December 18, 2018

Go Go Power Rangers, Vol.1

Synopsis: No one said being a Power Ranger would be easy, but the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers didn’t expect Rita Repulsa to kidnap one of their own before the Homecoming Dance!

Jason, Kimberly, Zack, Trini, and Billy are well on their way to finding their place as the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Juggling school, superhero extracurriculars, and budding romance--our favorite teen heroes have it all under control. But when one of them has the opportunity of a lifetime that might lead to leaving the team, the dastardly Rita Repulsa kidnaps a Ranger to use the deadliest weapon known to teens: high school drama. 

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Review: Another great volume from Boom! Studios. This series is so good. It keeps the "learning a message" arc feel of the original tv series, but extends the arc to a whole volume instead of 30 minutes of children's action tv. This gives more depth to the characters and really lets them shine. The personality traits merely hinted at in the show are given room to grow. 

This volume features a prom. Seeing the rangers and other Angel Grove teens pair up is fun. I am all about this potential Trini and Jason future pairing. Matthew is a big focus of this volume. He's not the only original character for the comic that I want to see more of. Violet is introduced as a shy, nerdy love interest for Zack. 

The continuity in these new comics is so great. Especially for a series known for very loose continuity and canon. Billy's interaction with Promethea!!!

The rangers training with their zords is so cinematic. I love the art in this book. The rangers discovering the hidden powers of each of their individual zords is awesome.

In each issue, we get a little glimpse of Rita assembling her squad over the years. I like how even Rita's character is getting fleshed out. Her obsession with loyalty. Baboo and Squatt each get their moments.

There is in-universe Power Rangers merchandise!

At the end of this volume, there's a Shattered Grid tease. I am so ready for this epic event to start! I usually wait to read the compiled volumes, but I may have got a few single Shattered Grid issues.

I give this second volume in Go Go Power Rangers a 5/5! Parrott is doing a wonderful job with this series. If you haven't started these comics, you need to!     


--PAUL

Saban's Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon (comic) by Kyle Higgins - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Saban's Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Artists: Giuseppe Cafaro & Marcelo Costa
Recent Release Date: December 11, 2018

Synopsis: When Tommy Oliver’s son goes missing, he comes out of retirement to find him. 

It’s been a long time since Tommy Oliver has served as a Power Ranger. He’s defeated space witches, brought down evil armies, protected the galaxy, but now Tommy leaves protecting the world to the Power Rangers at Space Patrol Delta. But when his son goes missing, it’s up to Tommy to discover a secret in his past, in order to save his future. Now Tommy will call on all his training, his friends, and maybe even some of his enemies as he sets out on his most important mission: find his son and bring him home.

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Review: I was anxiously awaiting the release of this graphic novel. Not only is it an "old man Tommy" story, but it's also Kyle Higgins's final story from his run with the Power Rangers comics. Higgins really made Boom! Studios's comics excellent, taking a modern and more in depth look at the classic teenagers with attitude. I read the comics as they are released in graphic novel format so I still have more of Higgins's Shattered Grid to read.

This comic takes place in a near future where Tommy and Katherine are married with an adult son. He works with SPD and goes missing at the beginning of the comic. The future portrayed shows aliens on Earth as well as common space travel. It connects the world from the original Mighty Morphin series to SPD. It's futuristic, but grounded. 

There are some excellent action sequences in this book featuring all of Tommy Oliver's ranger suits from over the years. There are some great cameos from characters from the original series. My favorite was Finster. The Witch is also a great reveal.

I really enjoyed this story. There was so much set up in this graphic novel that I hope Higgins gets a chance to follow up in some way. I wish Kat would have been utilized better. JJ ends the book in such an awesome space that I hope we get to see more of him. The story felt a little stunted. Higgins could have made many issues from this concept.

I give this graphic novel a 5/5. Kyle Higgins has a knack for story and style. I really hope he returns to Power Rangers storytelling in some way in the future.     


--PAUL