Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary blog to the ODPH podcast. On this edition, we are nearing the end of the EPIC Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers saga, “The Eltarian War!” If you are late to this story, make it a point to go back & get the previous “Eltarian” issues. It is well worth the investment (Need more proof? Check out past Parlay Points covering this event).

Mighty Morphin’ #16 by Ryan Parrott, Marco Renna, Walter Baiamonte, Sara Antonellini, Sharon Marino, & Ed Dukeshire (Cover by Inhyuk Lee) from Boom Studios drop the penultimate issue of this story on readers Feb. 9th. With the fate of the MMPR Universe hanging in the balance, how do the forces of good fare against the overwhelming odds? Let’s jump in this issue and find out, shall we?

Mighty Morphin’ #16 - On Sale February 9th
Creative: Ryan Parrott, Marco Renna, Walter Baiamonte, Sara Antonellini, Sharon Marino, & Ed Dukeshire (Cover by Inhyuk Lee)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING ***

This issue starts off with a flashback sequence to where Zophram (aka Lord Zedd), Zartus & a young Zordon meet for the first time. It’s a very telling moment considering how these three have been at the center of “The War” this entire time. Readers are then fast-forwarded to present time where the battle between the former allies continues on. The resolution to this battle will have you yelling “HOLY S**T!” so no other hints other than that.

Meanwhile on Earth, the Rangers are doing all they can to survive when they have a familiar face with a new trick up their sleeve. With said character involved, there’s a LOT of emotional reactions happening (and rightfully so considering their past actions). The Empyreals are still bringing a fight within these pages. However….. let’s just say, what happens to them next no one will see coming. From that fallout, readers are left with a solid final page to start the final issue of this amazing story.

This review might be more vague than usual ones, but there are so much happening in this book that I don’t want to take a chance about ruining those impactful moments. It will be well worth the time to grab this issue and have your own fan reactions without knowing too much.

WOW. Simply WOW. Parrott really drove home how painfully tragic the story between Zordon, Zedd & Zartus was. When readers finally get to that end page, they can actually feel the emotion impact of what happened between these old friends. The other heroes involved have their time as well, especially with how the threat of the Empyreals is finally dealt with. The fallout from this battle will be felt for many stories to come. This wasn’t an issue that had “one and dones”. Personally, I can’t wait to see how a certain character takes on being a new “king” with a real threat at his disposal.

Renna’s art delivers on those big moments. Renna & co’s work on bringing the battle between the three old friends to life really jumped out this issue. Full page panel moment to put an exclamation point on one of them was a big eye catching moment. Same with how an Empyreal was stopped once and for all. The action panels are great here but how Renna does the subtle facial expressions (Zartus is a prime example) amplified how deeply personal their story was. Incredible job all around.

If you’re looking for epic storytelling & fantastic art, the entire “Eltarian War” is your story. Fans that have been reading this story since the beginning will NOT be disappointed in what’s happening in Mighty Morphin’ #16. There is a great deal of emotional payoffs that readers are really going to enjoy & be excited for the fallout from this instant classic. Make it a point to hit your LCS & get caught up if needed on what’s going on in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers universe from Boom Studios.

MIGHTY MORPHIN' #16 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M