Heroes in a half-shell….Morphin Power! It has been since May 2023 that two pop culture favorites joined forces. There have been many changes since that time. The TMNT franchise had a new animated movie and series relaunch at IDW. Fans witnessed the Power Rangers endure the Darkest Hour into its’ latest series from Boom! Studios.
Going back for another adventure, there would have to be a terrifying threat. How does the team-up of Lord Zedd and Shredder sound?
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #1 by Ryan Parrott, Vincenzo Federici, Raúl Angulo and Ed Dukeshire starts an all new saga for the teenage super teams!
Let’s take a closer look at where events land now!
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #1 by Ryan Parrott, Vincenzo Federici, Raúl Angulo and Ed Dukeshire (BOOM! STUDIOS/IDW PUBLISHING)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Parrott goes for a more cataclysmic feel for the opening act. Seeing Tommy (Green Ranger) and Leonardo fighting a losing battle makes a statement. Readers watch as the weathered pair discuss their mission relays about past failures. It builds towards a shocking end. This proves to be a perfect reset point to the past. What starts as a familiar mission plot rolls into something more deceptive.
Readers watch as the team-up provides excellent interactions. The dialogue hits its marks while moving plot in the shadows (literally). One the action slows down, the writing puts something in clear view. Both squads are on a losing defensive. Readers watch as they attempt to rally but it never carries a sense of truth. The teams feel overwhelmed and finished. A few members break rank to try the impossible. This carries a sense of impending danger with the radical choice. As unwise as the mission was, the result turns extremely grave.
There are some clues provided to the endgame. It sets the stage for one last showdown for the chapter. Through the frantic scene, there is a moment that stops the show. It is perfect for a last page. How readers handle it will be another story. If fans wanted an event, Parrott delivers round one in spades.
Federici teams with Angulo for art duties. They kick off events with a solid fight. The full page image of Tommy and Leo duking it out sets an early pace. This flows easily into its’ abrupt stop. Time jumping back, the fight in Paris packs the punches. Readers watch the mix-match team-ups create some fun panels. It doesn’t hold a candle to the North Dakota brawl.
The two page splash is a certified crowd pleaser. It locks in on the wild scenario playing out on the moving train. Dukeshire’s classic lettering elevates these moments higher. Seeing the reflection of failures start creeping in only makes the last mission more grave. The art team throws in a full page image of the bad guys plan. It kickstarts another go-around of action. Even with a great half-page entrance for some key players, nothing tops the final page. The bold full image is complimented by the painful close-ups. After seeing it, there’s no chance to skip next round.
OVERALL GRADE: 9
The third installment of MMPR x TMNT swings for the knockout in the opening round. Parrott’s writing takes both teams into new avenues. Federici and the art team deliver on action and surprises with each page. The final page leaves readers in somber territory. Prepare for a wild adventure in waiting.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #1. Thanks for reading!