Tales from the $3.99 Bin! - Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers #10

Next up for the month is a quick look at the Boom Comics' version of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. Who knew this series would catch fire the way it did? If someone told me that there would have been a pretty good Power Rangers comic series out there, I would have looked at them a little weird, and then go check it out. Right now, the series (and its spinoff) are doing their own thing after their major crossover, “Shattered Grid.” Which reminds me… How does “Comic Crossover Central” sound? It might be the name for my new blog.

Anyway, I’m not talking about a new blog today. I decided to look at the run and find something to talk about. Since the series is mostly full of story-arcs, I’ll be talking about Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers #10, a standalone issue. Kyle Higgins wrote the issue. Johnathan Lam handles the pencils and inks. There is a 2-page mini story at the end that’s done written by Steve Orlando and illustrated by Corin Howell. All I can really say about it is that it was pretty funny. It’s just a mini that has Bulk and Skull get tempted by Rita in being heroes. With all that said, how does one of my favorite Power Rangers deal actually deal with being a Ranger?

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #10

Writer: Kyle Higgins

Artist: Johnathan Lam

Colors: Joana LaFuente

Letters: Ed Dukeshire

We start out in Washington, D.C. The Power Rangers (pre-Green With Evil) are taking on a monster around the Washington Monument.  Billy figures out the monster has a weak spot and has Zack and Jason distract it. He tries to take a shot with his Power Blaster, but freaks out at the last second. Luckily, Kimberly takes out the monster with her Power Bow. While the day is saved, Billy feels a little dejected. The next day, Billy gets ready for school and is reading a book called “The Hero’s Quest.” Before he leaves his room, he morphs into costume manipulates it so he basically has it under his suit.

This would have been interesting to see on the show.

While he’s walking to school, he overhears a lady talking about how brave the Power Rangers are. At school, Trini sees Billy reading the book. She asks him about it, but he rebuffs her and leaves. Later, we see Billy morphed and being a bad mofo. He takes down some Putties and single-handedly takes down a giant pig monster. We find out that he’s doing a simulation in the Command Center. Zack sees what goes down and is impressed. He’s a little shocked to find out that Billy has gone through the simulation 64 times.

Yeah! Tell 'em, Zack!

In another part of the Center, Zack talks to Billy to see what’s going on. It turns out Billy is worried that he’s not the hero he needs to be. He’s been reading the book in order to get him there. The reason he wears his costume under his clothes is because he’s still scared. Zack reassures him by telling him that he’s not alone in this and he that he doesn’t need a book to help him become a hero. This does inspire Billy to create the communicators. Later, he hands each member one at school. The story ends with Billy returning the book.

………………………………………………………..

Even though not too much happens in this filler issue, I liked this one. It centers on the Ranger I probably related to the most on the original team. We get to see how Billy, a nerdy science guy, deals with being under the mask. In the first season, Billy was usually the most timid of the bunch. Heck, I remember when he couldn’t face off against the Putties in those early episodes, so seeing this side of him was nice. I liked the conversation between he and Zack at the end as well.

The artwork is pretty good for the most part. Jonathan Lam filled in pretty well for the regular artist. While the looks are modernized, you still know who is who. I wasn’t missing Zack’s 90’s hairdo all that much. The action is quite nice, the small quiet moments work, and it has nice anime look to it. The only negative I really have is that it’s so brief. I only read it in a few minutes. Even for more modern comics, it felt a little quick. Even if that was the case, this was still a good read.

In the end, this was good if a little brief. I want to eventually read through this series especially since “Shattered Grid” ended. I’m just missing the fifth and ninth issue of the run. Right now, both Power Rangers series is doing different stuff, so it’s cool that the franchise is doing well in comic form. Next time, I’ll be heading back to Marvel to look at that “Master of Kung Fu” everyone likes. Until then, Peace, God Bless, and be careful out there.