Welcome to a all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary blog to the ODPH podcast. On this edition, The mystery behind the Phantom Ranger of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers lore continues to be told in the pages of Power Rangers Universe by Boom Studios. Longtime MMPR readers will especially enjoy this series, but new readers should check this out as well. Issue #1 from Nicole Andelfinger, Simone Ragazzoni, Mattia Iacono & Ed Dukeshire started peeling back the layers of this character with a very solid first issue. Issue #2 doesn’t pause to let readers catch up. There’s a lot happening here, so let’s take a peek at the latest Power Rangers Universe chapter, shall we?

Power Rangers Universe #2 - On Sale January 26th
Creative: Nicole Andelfinger, Simone Ragazzoni, Mattia Iacono & Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Dan Mora)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POTENTIAL SPOILER TALK ***

This issue kicks off with Phiro, Rhian, Telosi, Aleia & Orinsonth finding the Morphinaut & dealing with a world-destroying threat (now identified as Dark Specter) heading right towards them. Trying to process everything is a luxury that they unfortunately don’t have. With danger coming right at them, the young heroes make an escape after shutting down the arch which was their only way to access the Morphin grid.

Our team escapes and readers get a small glimpse of what the Phantom Ranger can do. There is a cool reunion between these teens and a lost friend. With the notion of Specter making his move, these heroes take a shot at possibly finding a way to stop him & saving the Morphinaut at the same time. Although it looks like they might have something to celebrate, these young heroes know that there is no time to step back. They have to press forward with a mission of uncertainty: Protect the grid at all costs.

Very fun issue here. Andelfinger teases enough about the Phantom Ranger without taking too much away from the other heroes involved. The pacing is good & allows the story to develop on its own time. This shines thru when the group takes the shot at stabilizing the Phantom Ranger. The moment isn’t rushed and the result is greater for it.

The art is a great compliment to the story as well. Ragazzoni makes this story stand out on pages. Even the Whendi story, while brief, jumps out at readers to notice. Also, There is a lot of detail work done for the character group panels. Juggling around that many characters while not sacrificing page space isn’t easy. It’s done very well. The splash pages are very awesome, esp the next evolution of these heroes.

Power Rangers Universe continues to deliver a slow burn reveal to the mystery of the Phantom Ranger. Strong storytelling & art keep this story moving in the right direction. There’s lots for fans to enjoy with this book so make sure to grab a copy at your LCS this week!

Let me know on Twitter what you thought of Power Rangers Universe #2! As Always, thanks for reading!

POWER RANGERS UNIVERSE #2 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M