Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. For this edition, were at the conclusion of the origin of one of the most mysterious characters in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers universe: The Phantom Ranger! Power Rangers Universe #6 by Nicole Andelfinger, Simone Ragazzoni, Mattia Iacono & Ed Dukeshire for Boom Studios has been a thrill-ride taking a closer look at this secretive character. Let’s not waste any more time and see how this story plays out its’ final chapter, shall we?

Power Rangers Universe #6 - On Sale May 25th
Creative: Nicole Andelfinger, Simone Ragazzoni, Mattia Iacono & Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Dan Mora)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The origin of the Phantom Ranger has been a unique trip as readers have see the Morphinaut first appear when the experiment he was working becomes more than he planned. Attempting to access the Morphin Grid, the Morphinaut also drew the attention of the Dark Specter. Trying to stop the evil presence from escaping the Grid, a choice is made to seal the opening off. Years later in the A47 Galaxy, the Morphinaut appears warning of the danger following him. This message falls at the feet of the group that will be known as the Squadron Rangers. From there, the young teens are trying to fend off forces trying to access the Morphin Grid. At one point, they take an extreme gamble as their powers begin to fail them. Coming back stronger than ever, the young heroes prepare to take the fight to the Dark Specter once and for all. That is their plan until the Morphinaut makes a noble sacrifice that might become the Rangers ultimate doom.

The final issue kicks off with the Dark Specter now in possession of the Morphinaut’s body. Once their initial plan of trapping the Specter fails, the Rangers must find a way to prevail. The stakes have never been as high as they are fighting in vain to buy time. During the fight, the Morphinaut re-emerges for a brief moment with a possible way to end this threat once and for all? Can these heroes pull off the impossible and at what cost? Plus there’s a final panel that you need to see to believe!

Andelfinger caps off he series with a very satisfying ending. This issue didn’t have the heavy emotional kick of last issue, but it wasn’t necessary here. At his moment, all the young heroes knew the gravity of the situation. Every moment was high emotion. Orisonth and Aleia had standout moments as well with the decisions made this issue. Readers witnessed the huge ramifications of the play made to stop the Spector and were treated to a final moment that they will be talking about happily.

Ragazzoni delivers on big action to close this story out properly. The build-up was set as they take the attack to the Dark Specter. The panels had high energy to them ad were capped off by a fantastic “It’s Morphin Time” 2 page spread that will please many readers. There was some great “quieter” moments mixed in, especially with Orisonth and Aleia . The fallout sequences were engaging to assist in letting the next moves for this team forward from the battle. Absolutely marked out at the last panel. Readers will be extremely pleased with who or what appears at the end.

Overall, Power Rangers Universe #6 closes the chapter of the Phanton Ranger’s beginnings with a great story that fans will surely enjoy. The series has been carried by great storytelling and energetic artwork to give the series a feel all its own. It’s a must read for MMPR fans and anyone who’s jumping into this universe will be very pleased to have checked this series out. Make sure to give this a shot when you’re at the local comic shop this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Power Rangers Universe #6. Thanks for reading.

POWER RANGERS UNIVERSE #6 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M