The Family Ties That Bind — Reviewing ‘Power Rangers Prime’ #12

This time of year brings families together. It also reminds many how tenuous and often toxic family bonds can be. Just ask the Earth-born Eltarian Junmor, otherwise known as the Prime Black Ranger.

Everything comes to a head as Power Rangers Prime #12 closes out the first story arc while pitting the newly formed Rangers team against Jun’s father and more. Another grand piece of the ever-evolving universe comes from Melissa Flores, Michael Yg, Joana LaFuente, and Ed Dukeshire.

Crafting a whole new universe that incorporates pieces of the prior ones as well as new bits is not easy. It takes a lot of planning but also a lot of execution, especially in the character development and story hook areas. Getting the audience to accept and want to know more about this rebooted and recontextualized landscape is a major goal.

Power Rangers Prime has successfully achieved that goal and all sub-goals through these first twelve issues.

Flores was already a phenomenal Rangers writer when she capped off the previous comic volume based on the beloved franchise. She infuses the comics with heart and true care for the depth of Rangers lore and possibility. When it was announced she was getting to ‘Ultimize’ the Rangers, I knew we were in for a really great ride. So far, there hasn’t even been a hint of a hiccup or disappointment.

Hell, the only disappointment might be having to wait a month to keep reading this book.

This issue tackles a lot, from finishing off the battle with Eltarian General Voltar, to setting Junmor on a new path, to setting up a new status quo for the fledgling Rangers. All of it is deftly handled with the grace and energy that it deserves. Nothing gets glossed over or quickly shoved past to reach the finish line. Flores lands the proverbial plane with extra points for flair and style.

With all that stuff to tackle there is much for Yg to bring to vivid and stylish life. He presents this darker, but still hopeful, world with dense depth and rougher sharper textures. Every bit of the struggle and darkness etched into each panel. Fight scenes feel frantic and chaotic but with an ordered collection to the whole affair, an air of tension is felt through the movements as the characters exist and fluidly soar through the pages.

Emotional depth is mined in the more personal moments. All of it is beyond clear upon character’s features, whether it be their faces or their body language.

That same energy comes through in the words upon the page as Dukeshire makes sure their voices match the rest. He keeps things moving through the pages with a quickness and specific flow, finding ways to incorporate modifications that enhance at every opportunity. Characters’ voices have the authority, emotional weight, and uniqueness to them that is necessary. Plenty of colors and other elements are swirled into this mix.

All of that is felt in the wider colors on the page as well. Flashier elements are always part of this series, what with their costumes and color coordination theme. Their balanced into a more familiar visual space because of the aforementioned darkness that is rife within the world. LaFuente makes sure to really swirl the different levels of the palette together to create the overall dynamic. They pop more when applied against the more natural or neutral background and setting color scheme.

Power Rangers Prime #12 is now available from BOOM! Studios.