Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, the monster debut run from the new Power Rangers creative team over at BOOM STUDIOS has been nothing but an absolute must-read each New Comic Book Day! Long time MMPR fans and new readers have been gifted with big moments that have the fandom buzzing with anticipation for what’s next. MIGHTY MORPHIN’ POWER RANGERS #103 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire doesn’t show any signs of slowing down the momentum. Let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening now, shall we?

MIGHTY MORPHIN’ POWER RANGERS #103 - On Sale December 21st, 2022

Creative: Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke)

Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Coming off the heels of Ryan Parrott’s epic finale in the “Charge To 100”, the Power Rangers haven’t had too much quiet time at Angel Grove to rest. Investigating a disturbance on the moon, the rangers arrive to see Lord Zedd, their most dangerous enemy laying defeated at the feet of the returning Rita Repulsa now known is Mistress Vile! Along with Rita/Vile is a shadowy figure (who I guessed a while back was a “Dark Zordon” clone). The rangers do not fare well in this confrontation and lose Matt (The Green Ranger) to Vile in the process.

This issue picks up with a flashback/memory like scenario with Zordon talking with Lord Zedd. Zedd realizes that Zordon is trying to save his life and they converse about Mistress Vile’s return. Readers see fist hand how Vile and her team tear through Zedd’s forces to acquire the Zeo Crystal.

On Earth, the team is regrouping and coming to terms Matt is in danger and what they can do to get him back. Frustration is mounting as the emotional toll is starting to appear on a few rangers’ faces. Once again, Vile doesn’t give the rangers much time to form a plan as a creature shows up in their hometown. The rangers spring into action but what is the true meaning of this attack? How do certain rangers react? What is the fate of Matt? Readers have much to process before they get to the final act which is going to set up an interesting conversation heading into next issue.

This issue features how much Vile’s actions have started to fracture the team. Flores pushes the emotional weight on Zordon, Aisha, and primarily Kimberly is this issue. Seeing her conversation with Tommy pre and post monster attack is prime example of the foundation starting to crack. The scenes with Zordon and Zedd were excellent and told volumes without taking up much time. Their history is always a great piece of storytelling and now a broken Zedd relying on Zordon made for great panels. I’m still sticking to my claim Vile’s companion is a “Dark Zordon” clone, which would be a great addition into the rogues gallery. The final act ramps up the drama and readers will have much to look forward to with this story.

Di Gianfelice delivers on a solid balance of action and drama with the art. The full page panel of Vile’s attack on Zedd’s castle will jump out at readers. The following moments carry that same energy and demonstrates how lethal the new threat is. It’s counter balanced with the impassioned expressions of Aisha and Kimberly. The pressure of seeing someone they care about and being helpless pours out on the page when coming to terms on what Vile has done with Matt. It all makes for an excellent issue.

FINAL POINT: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #103 keeps its win streak rolling with another can’t miss issue. Flores, Di Gianfelice and the team play heavy into the emotions of the rangers while Vile’s plan starts coming into focus. There’s no shortage of great writing and artwork here so make sure this book is in your possession when you leave the LCS this week.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #103.

Thanks for reading.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #103 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M