Power Rangers Prime #10 is written by Melissa Flores and published by BOOM! Studios. Illustration is by Simona Di Gianfelice, colours by Joana Lafuente and letters by Ed Dukeshire. Main cover art (left) is by Taurin Clarke.
Power Rangers Prime #9 is available from today in comic book stores. Grab your copy from Forbidden Planet right here.
Synopsis
The new Black Ranger is caught between his friends and team and his duty to Eltar! Jun’s mother is an Eltarian Admiral, but what of his father… Learn more about the Rangers’ past and meet a villain that will define their future!
Review
The Power Rangers Prime are back today with writer Melissa Flores putting the spotlight on June aka Prime Ranger Black. Flores lures in unsuspecting readers on the premise of exploring more of Jun’s history. But surprises us all in also utilising this story to setup the Rangers latest foe. Intrinsically tying the two together and furthering the series emotionally rooted storytelling.
Power Rangers Prime #10 features a mix of present day and flashback scenes. Jumping back 14 years we learn more about Jun’s time on Earth as a child. With particular focus on the strained relationship he has with his father. Flores packs a lot in to these moments. It’s clear Jun’s mother is dedicated to him. It seems living on Earth has opened both of their eyes to a more colourful and free life. But Jun’s father, Volar, seeks to uphold the traditions of their people. That means a life of duty and service for which Jun just isn’t prepared.
The message of Jun’s fight to be his own person is beautifully underpinned by scenes in the present day. In a moment of brief calm, Jun returns home with Mark leading to a few sparks. Flores has quietly laid the groundwork for these moments so it feels entirely authentic to see them cautiously getting closer. Whilst both of these characters are alien (remember Mark is half-Aquitian and half-human), there’s still an analogy for being ones true self which resonates perfectly.
There’s a strong message across the book of choice. Jun simply wants the option to choose his own path. Something which circumstances towards the end of the story force him to do. Adding to the intrigue is Jun’s mother, who – in the past – seems resigned to Volar dictating his son’s journey in life. But in the present we learn that may not be the case. Those she isn’t entirely innocent in past events. It seems she at least recognised Jun’s potential to do good and sought to protect that at all costs. How this may impact on Jun’s relationship with Valentina is a plot point left hanging for another day though.
What is particularly enjoyable is how Flores is able to put the spotlight on Jun without heavily impacting on the pacing of the series story. There’s still room for Ranger-action in what is already a very busy story. Setting up the return of Volar in the present day. Making him intimately connected with the anti-Power Ranger sentiment whilst having a personal connection to one of them is brilliant. We’ve seen the franchise flirt with this kind of storyline before. But I have a feeling this will be a vert rewarding story moving forward from here.
Simona Di Gianfelice keeps things focussed this issue by honing in on Jun and our small cast. There’s a clear focus to the artwork which is less about world building and more about character. With so much dialogue there’s less room for immersive scenery and that’s reflected in the overall aesthetic of this month’s issue.
Verdict
Adding more depth to an already rich world, Power Rangers Prime #10 is a bittersweet spotlight on Jun. It adds more depth to one of our core new Rangers. But also works to setup a deeply personal connection to the series latest villain.
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