The first few issues of Power Rangers Prime have been setting up multiple plot threads, including the Rangers’ status in a bold new world and flipping the script on what Ranger fans have come to expect. Now Melissa Flores and Michael Yg start paying off said plot threads in Power Rangers Prime #4, and the results are definitely worth the wait.
For starters, Lauren finally morphs into a Power Ranger! But rather than her typical Samurai Ranger powers, she’s become a new Red Ranger thanks to Rita Repulsa’s magic. Flores has introduced quite the interesting wrinkle here, since Rita is usually trying to kill the Power Rangers; what happens when she’s the reason for their existence? Flores also hasn’t lost her gift for character work; she gives nearly everyone in this issue a big moment whether it’s Lauren, the other future Rangers (particularly Jun and Valentina who are torn between helping Lauren or the Eltarians), and even Bulk.
The character work goes hand in hand with an intense fight scene, and Yg goes all out. Of special notice is Lauren’s new Red Ranger suit: while it bears a strong resemblance to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers‘ Red Ranger, it boasts more armor and some surprising weapons. But while the suit might be new, the Ranger action is what fans have come to know and love. Lauren throws herself head first into the action, taking out Eltarian guards – and not to be outdone, Rita uses her magic to summon a massive Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton (which given Lauren’s new Ranger suit, is extremely fitting). And all of it is given glorious, vibrant color by Fabi Marques.
BOOM! Studios
The biggest draw of the issue (other than the last page, which is poster-worthy) is that it finally pits the VR Troopers against the Rangers. Yg does some of his best work here, testing the Troopers’ lasers against Lauren’s new powers. Flores also underlines the struggle that certain characters are feeling: while Valentina called in the Troopers as she’s dating their leader Ryan, she’s horrified to see how they treat Lauren once they apprehend her.
In fact, if Power Rangers Prime #4 has an underlying theme, it’s choice. Usually, Power Rangers are chosen, but this time the new Rangers make the choice to stand up to the Eltarians. It’s the biggest change that Prime has made, but it’s the most welcome one. I’ve always felt that heroism is a choice, and having the Rangers choose to do the right thing even if it costs them is the type of character work that keeps readers invested in comics.
Power Rangers Prime #4 delivers one of its best issues yet, paying off plot threads while also delivering great character work and action. Now that we finally have our Rangers, I can’t wait to see what Flores and Yg bring to the table next – and how they’ll continue to shake up the Rangers’ world.
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