Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #34 - Beyond the Grid
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #34
(Apologies for the late review but, various things stopped me from reading and reviewing comics on my normally, established schedule. Also, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!)
This is the issue I needed in terms of laying down a concrete foundation on how this arc is supposed to course. I mentioned in earlier reviews how basically every Ranger seemed to have their own complex/purpose to serve in the arc and this was the issue that finally spelled it out. Basically, it finally “clicked” why Bennet seemed to choose these particular Rangers as avatars for the complexes and said the complexes served as a way for the Praetor to get a vantage point on the Rangers.
The issue picks up right where it left off with the Praetor’s fleet right behind the Rangers and the Promethea. It’s established this issue that the Solarix is, in itself, a piece of the Morphin Grid and through this revelation the team is able not only morph but this time also summon their Zords. Granted, the Zords seem to be “incomplete” as they are transparent and hard-light projections but, they serve their purpose as the team defends itself from the Praetor’s massive armada. As mentioned before, the Praetor initially got an edge up on the Rangers based on his ability to project his mind into the thoughts of the team and make them face the guilt, uncertainty, and darkness that had been plaguing them for some time. Another interesting note is that Prateor knows of Drakkon; its unclear if he actually met/saw him or was simply able to read their minds and learn about him. With a last minute save from Grace Sterling’s Mechazord the Rangers are able to best the fleet and cause a retreat. The issue ends with an ominous holo-projection of the Praetor looming over the Promethea but all his words that all he need do is wait as soon, the Rangers will turn on each other.
Overall, a good read and arguably the best issue yet; while I had to fight with the art at times to understand what had happened, when it wants to be clear it’s beautiful and captivating. Also, in terms of Cam, I was a bit miffed about Bennet’s handling of him until this issue gave a definitive reason why. Granted, I don’t necessarily like the depiction but, it does work within the established narrative. I always saw him as a Billy 2.0 that while reserved had a charming personality as well as being a very capable fighter to boot. Nonetheless, Bennet has given him this odd quirk of him using quirky replacement “expletives”. I don’t know why she chose to this with him and I even went back and watched some core Cam episodes of Ninja Storm to make sure this was always apart of his character; it was not…
Regardless, 8.5 out 10. I really enjoyed this issue and it was very much needed.
