Throughout Power Rangers Prime, Melissa Flores has been deconstructing and reconstructing the typical Power Rangers story. This team of Rangers was formed under a powerful magic user…but said magic user is Rita Repulsa, who hasn’t lost her edge in this new universe. Instead of a fleet of Zords, there’s a Funko-sized robot named Teezee who possesses immense power, and no clue as to how to harness it. Power Rangers Prime #15 brings another classic trope to the table: the idea of the “evil Ranger.”
Ever since the iconic “Green With Evil” saga in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers introduced the Rangers’ de facto mascot in Tommy Oliver, nearly every season has had a Ranger who starts out on the side of evil before transitioning to good. This issue features three Triforians, who utilize the power of the Gold Ranger from Power Rangers Zeo. They’re using said power to summon a creature known as the Legion Ravager, which will wipe the Earth clean of Eltar’s influence…and deliver it to them.
If that wasn’t bad enough, it turns out that Lauren Shiba’s brother Jayden and her father believe the Triforians are meant to carry out their duties, even if it means untold destruction and death. Lauren’s spent nearly the entirety of Power Rangers Prime trying to find her family, and to say the end result isn’t what she expected is an understatement. In fact, the entire theme of this issue seems to be “be careful what you wish for”: Rita tried to summon allies to battle the Eltarians, and brought a far greater evil in the Triforians, while Jun learns that being part of Eltar’s culture doesn’t give him the peace he was looking for.
Flores’ script also digs deep into what it means to be a Power Ranger. It’s not just giant robots and multicolored karate; to be a Power Ranger means protecting others, above all else. This is evident in a scene where Lauren and Valentina, seeing people in danger, immediately rush to their aid while Jayden stands by. Rangers are also meant to work together, as Jun tells Mark in an emotionally charged moment. These moments show that Flores is one of the few writers who truly understands what the Power Rangers are all about.
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These moments are given more weight by Federico Sorressa’s artwork, which follows in the same footsteps as Michael Yg’s by balancing character moments with high-octane action. Every time one of the Prime Rangers morphs, they literally propel themselves forward as if they’re trying to leap off the page. Their punches and kicks also have an immense impact, sending their foes flying. Sorressa also gives the Triforians’ Zeo forms a literal edge along with a flowing black cape, making them feel more sinister despite their self-proclaimed messages of peace.
Joana Lafuente also deserves credit for her color work, which makes Power Rangers Prime sing. Every panel is rich in color, whether it’s the golden sands of the desert where Rita and Orion battle the Triforians, or the cool blue of the Rangers’ Command Center. I also love that each Prime Ranger has flashes of their signature color following them whenever they morph or fight, as it feels like the perfect flair for a Power Rangers book.
Power Rangers Prime #15 continues to deconstruct and reconstruct the Power Rangers mythos, while setting the stage for an epic final battle. I’m going to miss this series when it’s gone. While I don’t doubt BOOM! Studios is going to continue to make more Power Rangers comics; this is one that had a truly unique flair.
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