The biggest surprise about Power Rangers Prime – other than how it manages to upend everything Power Rangers fans have come to expect from the franchise – is the appearance of the VR Troopers. Most ’90s kids know that VR Troopers was one of the many, many efforts Saban Entertainment made to piggyback on the success of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers; it was also arguably one of the most successful attempts other than the highly underrated Big Bad Beetleborgs.
Mairghread Scott and Sebastián Piriz are aiming to replicate that success with VR Troopers #1, which spins out of the events of Power Rangers Prime. Struggling with the fact that his girlfriend Valentina is a Power Ranger, VR Trooper Ryan Steele goes on a midnight run when he meets a mysterious figure that not only knows him, but can somehow access his VR Trooper Virtualizer. Ryan and his fellow Troopers, JB and Kaitlin, soon learn that the mysterious figure may be connected to the disappearance of Ryan’s father – and more secrets that the Eltarians are hiding.
I have to give Scott credit for not only introducing an intriguing mystery in the very first issue of VR Troopers, but for making the Troopers dynamic characters. In Power Rangers Prime, they’ve mostly been antagonists, even if they’re well meaning, but now readers will get a peek into their lives…or at least, Ryan’s life since it’s mostly focused on his issues. Granted, it’s only the first of six issues, so maybe future installments will shed light on what drives JB and Kaitlin. Scott also knows her VR Troopers lore, since there’s a nod to the Troopers’ longtime foe Grimlord (which I hope is expanded upon.)
BOOM!
Piriz also makes VR Troopers #1 feel like an actual VR Troopers comic. The level of detail he puts into the Troopers’ armor is incredible; you can see all the circuitry powering Ryan’s suit, yet it still feels very sleek and futuristic. The fight scenes continue to feel intense, as well – Ryan’s battle with a masked figure sees them both leaping through the air and delivering blows that would break a normal human being. But Piriz really excells when it comes to the transformation sequences. Whenever a Trooper transforms, their armor flows around them like water. It feels less hi-tech and more mystical, which is a great approach.
Finally, JP Jordan and Taylor Esposito deserve credit for how their coloring and lettering, respectively, enhance the final product. Esposito makes Ryan’s declaration of “Trooper Transform!” feel superheroic in all the right ways, especially with how bold it feels. Jordan’s colors also add to the mood, as the bright red/blue/black/silver of the Troopers’ armors provide a contrast to the darker shades that fill the opening and ending. Figuratively and literally, Ryan is in the dark.
VR Troopers #1 expands upon the world of Power Rangers Prime in moments big and small, fleshing out the Troopers while also introducing a compelling mystery. If BOOM! Studios is looking to follow in Saban’s footsteps and bring a unique touch to other “Ameritoku” heroes, it’s off to a great start.
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