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

For this entry, the buzz surrounding the new creative team on the Power Rangers franchise at Boom! Studios has been crushing it ever since they debuted in #101. With vivid re-introductions of fan favorites and new story-lines brewing, there is no better time to jump into the line. After last issue’s shocking final panel, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #104 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Kath Lobo, Raul Angulo, Fabi Marques, and Ed Dukeshire became an instant must-read amongst MMPR fandom. Let’s not wait another minute and dive into what is unfolding here, shall we?

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #104 - On Sale January 18th, 2023
Creative: Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Kath Lobo, Raul Angulo, Fabi Marques, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke)
Credit: BOOM! Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The Power Rangers have been thru so much since the epic saga of “Charge To 100.” With an investigation of a disturbance on the moon, the young heroes had no idea what they were going to see unfold! Lord Zedd, their infamous adversary is lying at the feet of a returning, yet new figure in the Power Rangers Universe. Rita Repulsa has emerged with a new identity of Mistress Vile and taking care of Zedd sent shockwaves thru the Rangers. However, her next actions drive a deeper wound into the team. Vile captures Matt, the green ranger and is on the run! With desperation and frustration setting in for finding Matt, the team gets a signal that the red omegazord is on the planet Casentine. Once they arrive, they don’t find Matt or the Omega Rangers, but find Alpha-1 waiting for them at the downed zord.

This issue kicks off with an update for the readers about Matt. Along with torture, Vile is also trying to break Matt mentally and starts going into how similar they both are. From here, readers settle in for the origin of how Rita has become Mistress Vile. Dated a few months back (along with a two-page recap of Rita’s notable moments), Rita has been banished into space from Lord Zedd for failing to conquer Earth. Drifting away, she is discovered by space pirates led by Divatox, who say there is quite the bounty for Rita’s return to her home of Gamma Vile and her father, Master Vile. Once the family reunion starts, it’s the beginning of the end of Rita and the era of Mistress Vile starts.

The reunion is overshadowed by Master Vile’s ultimate goal coming to possible fruition. What plan does Master Vile have in store here? Who is he trying to connect with? How does Alpha-1 tie into those plans? How does Rita’s return impact everything? Readers witness how love of family is trumped by love of power. The final act carries a great build-up and pay-off explaining most lingering questions. However, readers will need to brace for the impact of Vile’s master plan with the final panels here.

The story behind Rita’s evolution was an excellent read. Flores sets things up to display how ruthless Rita can be and how her new status quo hasn’t even begun to plateau. The relationship with her father proved to be a double-edged sword in the sense of how Rita being back meant a great deal, only to be pushed aside by his own master plans and self accolades. Once established, readers watched along as she went to work assessing and ultimately manipulating control of the situation. Reintroducing a character with such notable history can be difficult, but Flores pulls this off masterfully with giving Rita a layered origin into her new persona. With that said, Take nothing away from the impact of the final page, as those few panels will have fans reacting strongly as the endgame is revealed very quietly. Incredible issue.

The artists on this issue (Simona Di Gianfelice & Kath Lobo) present Rita’s rebirth with some excellent panels. The two page spread showing her “this is your life” timeline jumps out. It’s a great piece for new readers to get caught up quick on what the character is all about and a great refresher for older fans. The panels with Master Vile “reuniting” with his daughter also stand out as Rita’s reaction to hearing her father’s plan spun into scheming and planning which gave a bigger pay-off when the plan unfolded. Rita’s constant evil smile carries through this issue and gives readers the visual que that she’s been in control this entire time, whether others knew or not. While this issue focuses all on Vile’s origin, the final panels will connect with readers as they see what Vile’s current manipulation is about to cause. It’s not a huge moment persay but once readers see what’s unfolding, it will hit BIG.

FINAL POINT: The evolution of one on the most infamous rogues in Power Rangers lore is delivered to fans with an issue that can’t be missed! Flores, Di Gianfelice, Lobo and the creative team deliver on superb writing matched with excellent art to bring forth the backstory of Mistress Vile. With the endgame now in sight, readers can’t afford to miss this issue. Make it a priority grab at the local comic shops this week.

Hit me up on ODPH social media & let me know what you thought of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #104! Thanks for reading!

MIGHTY MORPHIN' POWER RANGERS #104 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

Ken M