Welcome to a brand new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out the next installment of a crossover event sequel involving two of the biggest fandoms in pop culture! The first crossover in 2019 was a smash hit and it looks like more of the same from this series! MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2 #2 by Ryan Parrott, Dan Mora, Raul Angulo and Ed Dukeshire for Boom Studios & IDW Publishing picks up from a shocking ending that both groups never saw coming. What happens now that a close ally has appeared to switch sides? Let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening here, shall we?

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2 #2
Creative: Ryan Parrott, Dan Mora, Raul Angulo and Ed Dukeshire
Credit: Boom Studios & IDW

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Six months have gone by since the combined forces of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles defeated Rita Repulsa and Shredder. The turtles have taken a trip to Angel Grove to catch up with their friends while Casey Jones has been looming in New York City looking for leads on the whereabouts of Shredder. During his investigating, Jones is attacked by Karai, the protege of Shreddar and an off panel figure with a sinister warning. Time passes but when news breaks of Jones going missing, Tommy (the Green Ranger) and Raphael start looking. All the while, there is a prison break for Baxter Stockman from forces connected to Shreddar and Rita. The comibined TMNT and MMPR teams arrive along with a returning Casey to intervene. That is until Casey reveals himself to be an evil Ranger helping Stockman escape!

This issue jumps in with the villain team along with Stockman appearing before the throne of an old Rangers foe: Mistress Vile! She lays out a decree of plans to take over the earth shortly. Meanwhile back in New York City, the MMPR and TMNT teams start forming a plan of their own to get Casey back. It is also revealed that someone has been kidnapping rogues of both teams for a time now. The clash of personalities starts bubbling up but ultimately cooler heads prevail. Zordon and Master Splinter converse while the teams focus on some training.

Meanwhile back in Dimension X, Krang confornts Casey or “Ranger X” in this case, questioning his motives. Rita appears and it’s revealed how she has him under her control. It also appears Krang might have been the assailant to capture Casey with Karai. During their talk, it appears Shreddar is still a person of interest lurking in the shadows. Rita doesn’t take long to wait to attack as a giant portal is opened over Angel Grove with a super army of rogues walking thru behind Rita.

The teams have been waiting or this moment but need something extra to step up for this fight. Fans will be super excited to see what happens with the heroes. Meanwhile Scorpina, Baxter, Rock Steady and Casey/Ranger X make their way to the command center , home of Zordon! Luckily for him, they’re greeted by a few heroes ready to fight. The action kicks into high gear with a few key plot moments fused in. With all the high-paced moving parts here, no one is ready for the final image to cap off what a thrilling take this issue was.

Parrott excels at getting all these characters equal time to add to the overall story. Even when all hell breaks loose when Rita leads her army to Angel Grove, nothing ever felt rushed or forced. Pacing worked to build Rita’s overall plans while giving a small break to move Casey’s story forward without overshadowing. The same can be said when the teams meet to discuss what has happened with Casey and Raphael’s emotions of frustration pouring then later the conversation between Zordon and Master Splinter. Each moment is key for various reasons, yet nothing oversteps. Structuring these events only makes the battle scenes connect every harder with the readers. The action delivers on showcasing the various parings and made for great breaks from the drama. The final moments builds to its’ shocking reveal masterfully to close out on a major point heading into the next chapter.

Mora + action scenes = Money! the later half of this chapter is all full throttle panels with both teams letting loose on the ensuing battles. There’s a great full page shot of both teams “assembling” after a two page spread officially announces Rita’s army into the battlefield. Right form these moments, readers can feel the anticipation for whats about to go down! Mora’s panels carry that excitement straight thru the conclusion of this issue. The emotions are there especially when it deals with Raphael and Casey/Ranger X. Seeing Raphael’s eyes after hearing a line come from Casey said more than any word bubble could. This high-level art never slowed downed, even with all the building towards the final moments. Excellent closing image to carry readers onward to the next chapter.

FINAL POINT: Parrott, Mora and the team continue their fantastic work within the pages of the latest issue. The merged worlds of MMPR and TMNT speed along to give readers high level excitement mixed with enough emotional punches to let the audience know they’re in attendance for an event. The series has lived up to its’ predecessor and shows no sights of a sophomore slump. Don’t miss your chance to pick up this comic on new Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of MMPR/TMNT 2 #2

Thanks for reading!

MIGHTY MORPHIN' POWER RANGERS/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II #2 (BOOM! STUDIOS/IDW)

Ken M