Review: The Groundwork For The Next Epic Journey Is Laid In ‘MMPR #52’

With the Power Rangers on Earth busy with the return of Lord Drakkon, the focus turns to the Omega Rangers in space. With the Morphin Grid safe, they’re tying up some loose ends, putting them on a collision course with a planet about to explode. They’ll have to act fast to save everyone, but there are forces working against them.

There’s a lot going on in the Power Rangers universe right now so it’s no wonder that there will soon be two series once again, each centering on a different group. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #52 helps set some of that up, planting the seeds for the next steps for the Omega Rangers. It’s clear their work in space is not yet complete and there are more people to save.
As big as the potential is for this, there’s not a lot to grab onto just yet. Writer Ryan Parrott certainly ups the stakes, but we’re not super invested with these aliens so the danger they face doesn’t pack a punch. Instead, it feels like a basic Power Rangers adventure as they go through the motions to take down a new foe.

That being said, we do see the Omega Strike unleashed as the three Rangers work together to unleash an impressive attack. The Power Blaster is the counterpart on Earth so I was wondering how their weapons would combine to form a big attack like this. Artist Moises Hidalgo showcases the sheer power of this well, highlighting each step in the process. These panels are bursting with energy and excitement.
Colorist Walter Baiamonte, aided by Katia Ranalli brings these sequences home. The colors are so bright you practically need sunglasses to take it all in. The Omega Rangers arrive on a dark and desolate planet on the verge of destruction, bringing a ray of hope with them.

You don’t just see these awesome attacks. You can hear them (sort of) thanks to letterer Ed Dukeshire’s great sound effects work, not to mention the bombastic commands shouted by the Rangers. That helps cement this as an intense scene.
My only qualm with MMPR #52 is that Hidalgo’s artwork can be a little cartoonish at times, which feels a little off in this story. Characters’ limbs stretch a little longer than they should, especially when winding up for a massive blow. Some of the characters’ faces also fit this bill, appearing a little too overly expressive, like they’re all smirking for the camera, like Jim from The Office.

The first steps for the next epic journey of the Power Rangers, both at home and in space, are beginning. The groundwork is being laid for something big, spanning multiple worlds and I am here for it.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #52 from BOOM! Studios is currently available at your local comic shop and digitally through ComiXology and Amazon Kindle.