Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! We’re nearing the end to the Charge to 100 in the pages of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers books by Boom Studios. Power Rangers #22 by Ryan Parrott, Marco Renna, Walter Biamonte, Sharon Marino, Sara Antonellini and Ed Dukeshire bring fans to an extremely intense destination before the milestone #100! The build up has delivered and there are some BIG events here. Let’s not waste any more time ad jump into the events unfolding within these pages, shall we?

Power Rangers #22 (Legacy #99) - On Sale August 10th
Creative: Ryan Parrott, Marco Renna, Walter Biamonte, Sharon Marino, Sara Antonellini and Ed Dukeshire. Cover by Guillaume Martinez
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The Omega Rangers have been dealt some unforeseen hands since declaring their warning to any evil doers around the universe. Zach and Trini have become reluctant parents of a fast aging alien names Journey. Jason has endured a major tragedy with the unexpected death of his mother. Factor in the introduction of Andros, a past ranger with a mysterious path, into their lives and it’s been a non-stop roller coaster of emotions to deal with, all while defending the universe.

With the events of last issue (and if you read “Countdown to Ruin”), Andros’ master plan had finally come to fruition . He has found a way to save his best friend Zhane and plans to extract some revenge along the way. Jason has got questions but he and Yale get to be first hand witness to Andros and Zhane destroying a Xurix space station! In shock, Jason tries to asses Zhane more and does he ever get more than he bargained for! The reveals are HUGE! The only thing bigger is an action done that will have readers doing an immediate double take!

The rest of the cast has their moments to spotlight as well during this issue. Journey and Keron Vrin have to find a way to defend Safehaven from the Followers of Vox. Zach and Trini get brought into the drama with Zhane and what a moment that is! On top of all this, we have a surprising action that ultimately leads to an exciting final page to guide readers to the milestone #100!

If you’re a new reader to this blog, I’m a big fan of Ryan Parrott’s work. Between the MMPR books and the incredible Rogue Sun, Parrott always delivers on great twists and fan moments (NOT to be considered Fan Service) that get readers telling each other “Hey! Did you see when (character) did (action). HOLY CRAP!” and so forth. There’s at least 2 moments of that in this book that a fellow press member and I had those reactions to. The pacing gives everyone time to shine and once Zhane’s plan unfolded, the impact could be felt thru the page. Another speculation point I’m making: for the amount of time focused on Journey, I’m almost banking on her playing a HUGE part in this story’s conclusion. Possibly a bigger role for her in the “Recharged Era.” Either way, it’s a great pen-ultimate issue before the big blockbuster in September!

Renna conveys a lot of emotional moments for two characters in particular during this issue. Both Jason and Andros have panels that exemplify the events unfolding. Andros, finally reunited with his best friend and the moments following carry weight along with Jason seeing what’s happening and trying to cease where the story is heading demonstrate these elements. There is a fair share of action sequences that Renna brings to life with ease. Events don’t stall for time catching the reader’s attention and getting the story to where it needs to be before such a huge issue forthcoming. The final panel is enough to generate some anticipation for this saga’s conclusion on its own.

Overall, Power Rangers #22 sets up the final chapter of the Charge to 100 with surprises and excitment fitting for the conclusion of this creative team’s stellar run. Parrott and Renna showcase excellent storytelling and art mixed with a few surprises that readers won’t be able to handle the wait to September to see. Make sure not to miss this issue at the LCS this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Power Rangers #22. Thanks for reading!

POWER RANGERS #22 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M