Power Rangers Unlimited: The Morphin Masters #1 is published by BOOM! Studios, written by Ryan Parrott and Rachel Wagner, illustrated by Daniel Bayliss, coloured by Arthur Hesli and lettered by Ed Dukeshire.
Issue #1 is available 31st January 2024 either directly from BOOM! Studios online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
Picking up right after the shocking events of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #116, an iconic returning character has entered The Grid in a desperate attempt to find the Morphin Masters and the answers they might possess.
Review
This issue is the beginning of a new arc that continues the story from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #116, where Lord Drakkon makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the Universe. Kimberley has the task of finishing the job, the unwanted mission is for her to locate the Morphin Masters and give them the power coin allowing the Morphin Masters to stop the infection that’s tearing through the Morphin Grid and in turn save the Universe.
Kimberley must traverse the trickiest of terrains and dig deep to find her inner strength allowing her to push through, the Pink Ranger from the past (in hologram form) she will have the guiding voice of a familiar figure that will help as a guide alone Kimberley must find the path herself. A visit to the Fountains of Knowledge to give Kimberley direction doesn’t quite go to plan as she finds out that all is not what it seems.
As Kimberley finally reaches the Morphin Masters it’s quickly apparent that this journey may well be wasted, the very existence of the Universe may well depend on Kimberley, can she carry the burden herself? Is she ready? She’ll need to be there’s not much time.
This issue sees the return of Ryan Parrott as he gives his talents to this story alongside Rachel Wagner. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout and doesn’t slow down, each page is thrilling as you see the growth of Kimberley as the potential stand out character of this arc. It takes a special kind of talent to keep a series feeling so fresh for so long and the creative team behind the Power Rangers multiverse have definitely got this spot on as each new arc grows the multiverse and keeps the different storylines held together.
The illustrations of this issue are strong with Daniel Bayliss utilising a varied colour palette to highlight the emotional journey that Kimberley is embarking on. Each panel holds their own with dramatic tones that highlights the darkness of the feeling throughout the universe.
Special mention needs to go to Toni Infante for producing the main cover art that blew me away, the artwork really highlights the strength of Kimberley as she stands proud Infront of an explosion of colour.
Verdict
At this point I am more or less expecting the comics from the Power Ranger multiverse to be a 5⭐ production, yes I’ve set the bar high but I haven’t yet been disappointed. When you put Ryan Parrott’s name on a book you just know it’s going to be epic. This series looks to be one to watch in 2024.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐