REVIEW: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #20: Go Go Power Rangers!

I loved the showÂ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers when it premiered on Fox in August of 1993. The show from Saban Entertainment took footage from various seasons of the Japanese franchiseÂ Super Sentai franchise by Toei and mixed it with American actors to create a new story with a low fx budget. The result was a highly entertaining series that went on to spawn several spin-off series, as well as films and action figures. Â Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #20Â was my first foray into the comic book version of the series and exceeded my expectations.

With the 1969 moon landing as a backdrop Kyle Higgins gives us a tale that predates the television series and introduces a whole new team of teenagers with attitude to combat the forces of evil.

Staying faithful to the source material villain Rita Repulsa is still imprisoned and Zordon and Alpha 5 are ever vigilant in insuring that stays the case.

The new team is formed to deal with the threat of Psycho Green, a villain who may be the most psychotic of any villain who has faced the Rangers. A minion of the Dark Specter, Pyscho Green was attempt to free Rita Repulsa when Alpha 5 shot down his ship leaving him in suspended animation until help could arrive. The moon landing awakens Psycho Green who goes on to try and complete his mission.

The new Rangers go into battle unprepared for what awaits them. I don’t like to give spoilers in my reviews (why read the book if you know everything that happens), but I will say that not every Ranger makes it out alive. The issue leaves us with a moment that makes me very curious to see where they are going with the story.

The art from Daniele DiNicuolo was crisp and clean and did a great job of conveying the intense nature of the battle. The Rangers look great and the tone is not watered down to be kid friendly. The stakes are high and it comes across. Walter Baiamonte uses vibrant colors which makes the action really pop. The art team really worked well together to create a dynamic book.

The book’s story is intense, but is not so grim thar the fun of the series is lost. The moments leading up the the big fight have a lot of levity. One moment in particular Â which made me chuckle was the new pink ranger was a man.

We also get a fun backup story withÂ The Ongoing Adventures of Squatt and Baboo written by Ryan Ferrier and drawn by Bachan with colors by Triona Farrell.

This issue is a great jumping in point. Fans of the show should check out the book and get a little Ranger history lesson. For those not familiar with or fans of the Power Rangers this Â Â book may just change that.

Story: 3.5
Art: 4
Overall Rating: 3.75

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(W) Kyle Higgins (A) Daniele Di Nicuolo (CA) Jamal Campbell