Synopsis: The forecast in Angel
Grove today calls for sunshine and a chance of... monsters from space? Longtime
fans of the smash-hit show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and newcomers to this
ensemble driven series, will discover a deeply compelling world packed with
highflying adventure and tremendous heart. Welcome to Angel Grove. Home to the
Power Rangers and weekly monster attacks. Tommy Oliver was the new kid in town
when evil doer, Rita Repulsa, swooped in and made him the Green Ranger. Now,
free from her mind control, Tommy struggles to find balance between the plights
of high school, making new friends, and the dangers that come with being a
hero. Writer Kyle Higgins (C.O.W.L., Nightwing) and artist Hendry Prasetya
(Voodoo vs. Green Lantern) explore the untold story in the life of the Green
Ranger as he struggles to overcome his demons and learns to trust again. This
collection also features short stories from Steve Orlando (Midnighter), Corin
Howell (Bat-Mite), Mairghread Scott (Transformers:Windblade) and Daniel Bayliss
(Kennel Block Blues) (from the online description)
Review: I’m a bit late to the Power Ranger Fandom,
being that I didn’t watch my first episode until after I married a man who
spent large chunks of his childhood watching/re-enacting Power Rangers. The
premise had so much potential but the show wastes it on cheesy fights, shallow characters,
and ridiculous dialogue.
The graphic novel almost redeems
that. Although we see tried-n-true (or worn-out) superhero tropes as the bases
for the story, there is more depth here than I expected. Tommy, with his PTSD,
the conflict of leadership, Billy with his self-doubt, these all had dimensions
not seen in the show. And the fights – so much better. There is a sense of
actual danger and violence. The Zords actually seem useful. There was a bit of darkness to the story, and
that had always been what is missing from the show. There is so much potential for
a gritty, violent, story line and I hope the graphic novel creates that.
I enjoyed this story far more
than I anticipated and I’m eager to read the second installment.
Bookmarks: 8 of 10
Awards: None
ISBN: 978-1-60886-893-3
Year Published: 2016
Date Finished: 12-23-2016
Pages: N/A
Year Published: 2016
Date Finished: 12-23-2016
Pages: N/A
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