Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #1 is published by BOOM! Studios, written by Amy Jo Johnson and Matt Hotson and illustrated by Nico Leon.
Issue #1 is available 7th February 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
In an alternate universe, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers finally defeated Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd, but at a terrible cost. In the wake of tragedy, the team went their separate ways. 22 years later, the long-disbanded team reunites to mourn the losses of beloved friends, but Zack and Billy have some unexpected information to share-Jason, the Red Ranger, has been operating as a lone vigilante, and has since disappeared.
Will the remaining Rangers be able to track him down, especially with a mysterious figure in pursuit?
Review
In this alternative universe series we catch up with the Rangers 22 years after they finally defeated Rita Repulsa and the evil Lord Zedd and promised to retire from the Ranger life and go their separate ways and build new “normal” lives. All was going so well but as Kimberley decides to return to her old stomping ground to witness the opening of the new Trini Kwan Memorial Park and Youth Centre in memory of her closest friend and fellow Ranger Trini, she is soon to find out that the past is sometimes best to stay where it is.
All haven been doing as they agreed and not using their morphin powers (well mostly) but that is until Red Ranger Jason decided he wanted to live the Ranger life 24/7 and become some sort of superhero however unwittingly sucking the power from the Morphin Grid. Jason has gone rogue and disappeared but he needs to be found and before it’s too late, as the Rangers investigate Jason’s movements and access to the Morphin Grid they see that something or someone else is also accessing the grid making finding Jason even more urgent.
The Rangers need Kimberley’s help for one last mission but Kimberley is steadfast in the mind set of no more Rangers and wants nothing more to do with it, maybe a visitor mysteriously arriving on her doorstep will change all that.
When you see that the writer of this series is none other than legendary Pink Ranger herself Amy Jo Johnson you just know you’re in for an epic ride. If like me you are a Rangers fan from day one then you’ll get the same feeling as me when you see that one of the originals is back in the game and she definitely doesn’t disappoint, the series acts like a bit of a “what if” story as the Rangers have beaten Rita Repulsa and runs as a standalone rather than involved the other Rangers comic series that are currently running and it serves well as a good change in direction and one that I am looking forward to see evolving as this issue has definitely created a sense of wonder for what is to come.
I like how Nico Leon has used a realistic style to the artwork and kept the true likenesses of the original Rangers albeit a little more rough round the edges, it gives the comic more of a nostalgic edge as well as holding that vibrant Power Rangers look that fans are accustomed too.
Verdict
The issue I have been waiting for is finally here. The Return #1 did not disappoint. A brilliant comic debut from one our beloved OG Rangers. The anticipation levels have been set and I believe we are in for one last action packed fun ride with the originals, buckle up Ranger fans.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
