Power Rangers Unlimited #1
Comic Script by Joey Esposito and Kenny Porter
Illustrated by Alessio Zonno
Published by BOOM! Studios
Here we are again: the Power Rangers are back, and they’re mightier than ever. Only this time, they have to face all of their enemies along with some new challenges. But they’re also stronger than ever, since their roster consists of Rangers from many previous seasons, from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers to the newest series, as well as some brand-new Rangers who make their debut!
Power Rangers Unlimited is an ongoing series from BOOM! Studios. It features Power Rangers from across the Morphin Grid. Also, Power Rangers Unlimited #1 is going to a second printing because it sold out at the distribution level, which is amazing!
What is happening?
Every Ranger Ever Variant cover by Alessio Zonno
We saw a glimpse of the story in the preview featured in Power Rangers #0, which was released for Comic Book Day, but now we get to experience the full story. The premise is simple: bad guys attack, the Rangers come to the rescue, and they save the day until the next battle. But here’s the twist: we don’t have a standard team of Rangers or a standard villain. Instead, we have a team of Rangers drawn from various seasons, and the villains come from across those seasons as well. However, we’re also introduced to some new elements, including a new Ranger, a new mentor, and a new mysterious master villain.
The Peak (Spoliers Ahead)
Art by Alessio Zonno
As we already saw on the cover, we are introduced to a new Ranger, the Striking Tiger Ranger, who is, as you’ve probably guessed, Trini Kwan. For hardcore fans, it’s a major development to see Trini return, not as the Yellow MMPR Ranger, but as an upgraded version of herself with new powers and abilities.
It also seems that she is taking on a main character role, as she appears to be the commander of the Ranger Force. However, her backstory is tragic, as it seems this version of Trini Kwan lost her family, possibly as a result of trying to remain an active Ranger, and she is understandably bittersweet about it.
Other highlights include the introduction of the mysterious Master Villain and the identity of the Operator, the mentor/Zordon of the story, which is revealed on the last page of the comic.
The Art
Art by Alessio Zonno
Alessio Zonno’s artwork is tremendous. It’s dynamic, packed with action scenes, colorful, and filled with great detail, especially when it comes to the Rangers’ suits. I believe it’s exactly what a Power Rangers comic needs, and it delivers. The artwork is perfect for the series because it’s full of action, energy, and movement. The linework is clean, the details are sharp, and the facial expressions effectively convey emotion through clear body language and posture. It’s a very impressive visual presentation and an excellent job overall.
In Conclusion
Although I believe it’s too early to judge the series based on its first issue, I think it has great potential to stand as both a tribute to the Power Rangers franchise and as a strong standalone series, while also serving as a continuation of the previous BOOM! Studios comics. For Power Rangers fans, it’s a wonderful walk down memory lane to see both classic and new Rangers together. It reminds me of the Legendary Battle episode from Power Rangers Super Megaforce, where Rangers from across the franchise unite to face an army of evil creatures and villains on a familiar battlefield.
For newer audiences, I think it may feel a little overwhelming and somewhat confusing at first to see so many Rangers in a single comic and wonder what’s going on. However, it’s easy to catch up. You can quickly recognize who’s who, whether Ranger or villain, and it’s especially helpful that each Ranger is identified alongside their image in the comic panels, including which season they’re from. I found that to be a very effective way of guiding readers through both the characters and the story.
My opinion? Give it a try. After all, a second printing usually says something about a book’s popularity, and this one certainly seems worth reading. Plus, it features at least three major new comic book character appearances.