Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast. For this entry, the new creative team taking over the MMPR Universe at Boom Studios kicked things off with a huge debut issue. MIGHTY MORPHIN’ POWER RANGERS #102 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire keep the momentum rolling with an issue that fans have been ecstatic about since the final panel of the last issue. Let’s not waste another second and start a deeper look into what’s happening in the land of the Power Rangers Universe by Boom Studios, shall we?

MIGHTY MORPHIN’ POWER RANGERS #102 - On Sale November 23rd, 2022
Creative: Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Mateus Manhanini)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

This issue opens up with a flashback of three years prior with a simple night out with Matt feeling like the odd person out of the group. Fast forward to present time and the Rangers are on the moon seeing Lord Zedd has been taken out by a shadowy figure (who I guessed last issue was “Dark Zordon” clone) and the returning Rita Repulsa now known is Mistress Vile! Readers get quite the visual with a decimated Lord Zedd laying defeated on the ground! The heroes now find themselves in an awkward situation: they are the only thing standing in the way of Vile killing Lord Zedd?!

The rangers jump right into action! Tommy (White Ranger) block’s Vile’s attack with his blade while Kimberly (Pink Ranger) follows suit and Matt (Green Ranger) takes a strike to Vile from behind. This is answered with “Dark Zordon” slamming him face first into a wall. Meanwhile Rocky (Red Ranger) and Aisha (Yellow Ranger) are dealing with the Royal Throney. All the while Adam (Black Ranger) and Billy (Blue Ranger) are dealing with Vile’s minions outside Zedd’s castle. When the battle sways into an unfavorable direction, a proposition is made that throws everything in flux. What deal is made? Will the team make it out as a unit or does someone get left behind? Plus what about that final panel? Readers will have much to discuss after checking this issue out.

Flores continues the fast paced action with this latest issue. Once the team jumps into the newly established threat, the book doesn’t slow down and allows everyone to get a fair share of panel time. This is easier said than done, but Flores pulls this off with ease. This issue spends a good portion of time focusing on Matt, who plays a big role in the issue. The remaining team gets thrown into uncharted territory with the proposition that is made. That dynamic will be extremely fun to see play out.

Di Gianfelice introduces Mistress Vile to the readers in a big way. Seeing first hand how Vile stands triumphant over Zedd made for a big impact moment. The use of “Dark Zordon” as I refer to him as was excellent as well. Not much was tipped off as the true nature of the character but lurking in the shadows until he struck was solid. Seeing the rest of the Rangers in action made for a energetic read but also never lost focus with all the characters involved. The closing moments of the book will stand out as the final parting shot drives home how high the stakes are here.

Final Point: Two issues in and there’s something special going on within this story. MMPR #102 doesn’t slow down on delivering the next chapter of the opening arc. Flores, Di Gianfelice and the team present an incredible read with excellent storytelling and art to complement the events unfolding. Don’t miss this on new comic book day at the Local Comic Shop.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #102.

Thanks for reading.

Edit Note: As I’m typing this blog entry, the unfortunate news about the passing of Jason David Frank, who played Tommy on the live action Mighty Morphin Power Rangers show, just broke. On behalf of everyone here at the ODPH podcast and 607 Podcasts, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world.

MIGHTY MORPHIN' POWER RANGERS #102 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M