'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers' #0 Review: Jason David Frank's Tommy, Rita Repulsa Return!
BOOM! Studios takes nostalgia to the next level with the exciting revival of the comic book series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The evil Rita Repulsa is back, bringing Tommy Oliver (played by Jason David Frank) and rest of the Rangers with her in writer Kyle Higgins and artist Hendry Prasetya in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0.
According to the official BOOM! Studios site, the Ranger suits, giant Zords and Megazords, are back in this all-new comic book series. Based on the popular Saban franchise, the story follows the super powered teens as they attempt to defend the world from evil. We go way back to the first season with the original group of kids with attitude.
For Power Rangers fans, the narrative takes place after the events of the five-part episode "Green with Evil." Originally meant to be the Bad Boy of the show, Tommy Oliver (Frank) found himself under Rita Repulsa's mind control. It took an epic one-on-one battle between Tommy and Jason Lee Scott (Austin St. John) as the Red Power Ranger to save the day. If you remember the episode, Tommy and Jason clashed their swords and shot each other at point blank range before the spell was lifted.
In the zero installment, writer Kyle Higgins presents a coming-of-age tale between Tommy and Jason. As Jason learns how to be a good leader to the Rangers, Tommy has lots weeks after being under Rita's powers. Higgins lets the readers questions, is Tommy suffering from post-traumatic stress or is Rita indeed playing a mind-game on him? Though Tommy and Jason are in the forefront, I'd like to see the others, like Zack and Trina.
This critic is really glad artist Hendry Prasetya decided to forgo likeness and just play around with the character designs. In a wide shot, check out the muscles on the Green Ranger in the opening pages. Fans will love seeing their favorite characters back, even with a whole new look. Your childhood crush, Kimberly (Amy Jo Johnson) returns with a perky haircut.
RATING: TAKE MY MONEY ALREADY
This writer acknowledges the R-Rated Power/Rangers fan film, appreciating the mature take, which is why I'm glad the comic book doesn't go full blown dark. At its core, the message of teamwork and friendship is kept intact in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0.