If you’re a ’90s kid, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles need no introductions. Although the two properties had their first crossover when Saban’s Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation did a crossover episode with Power Rangers in Space (the less said about that, the better), BOOM! Studios and IDW did it much better when they collaborated on a five-issue miniseries that successfully meshed the Heroes in a Half-Shell and the teenagers with attitude.
Ryan Parrott, who wrote the first volume, returns for the sequel that continues the fun interactions between the Power Rangers and the Ninja Turtles, whose worlds are very similar to their original television shows. The two teams once again team up as Rita Repulsa and Krang are preparing an alien invasion that will start at Angel Grove, but the biggest shock comes in the shape of the Turtles’ ally Casey Jones, who has become a Ranger and has allied himself with the villains.
It’s pretty much the same setup as its predecessor – an ally from one franchise joins forces with the villains from the other. Parrott isn’t putting much effort into the mystery, which does get resolved halfway through the narrative. As before, the appeal of this crossover is seeing these two worlds colliding, whether it’s Donatello talking science stuff with Billy, or April teaming up with Bulk and Skull so the latter two are trying to scoop an exclusive Channel Six interview for their endless journey to fame and fortune.
While these character interactions are fun, from the Ninja Turtles reluctantly allying themselves with the Shredder, to the witty banter between Bulk, Skull, Bebop and Rocksteady, the storytelling moves at a quick pace and moments of characterization are fleeting. Upon reading these issues, you can see the potential for further character development, such as the Turtles using holographic tech to disguise themselves as humans so they can interact more with the people of Angel Grove. With a potential third installment hopefully in the near future, hopefully we get more scenes of the titular teams just hanging out.
As before, the lore from both franchises are transferred to one another and artist Dan Mora revels in the collision. While the comic overindulges with a large number of characters that pop up from both properties, Mora maintains the iconography whilst updating their look of these iconic players, with the standouts being Rita Repulsa, Krang (in his robot suit) and the Shredder. As much as this reviewer would love to see Mora draw a whole TMNT comic, he has a blast drawing the Power Rangers as prehistoric mutants who get mentored by Splinter during the heat of battle.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II is more style than substance, but when the style is this good, it’s impossible to complain.
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