The Power Rangers legacy extends across many forms of media, including comics, with multiple creators putting their own spin on our favorite “teenagers with attitude.” Now, in Power Rangers: Across the Morphin’ Grid #1, the actors who played the Rangers are now able to build their characters in a whole new way. Like most Power Rangers anthologies, Across The Morphin Grid #1 is comprised of five different stories.
“Billy’s Makeover” was written by David Yost (aka Billy Cranston, the original Blue Ranger), illustrated by Patrick Mulholland, and colored by Ellie Wright. It focuses on Billy as he undertakes a dangerous mission for the Morphin Masters. When Billy crash lands on a strange planet, he discovers that he may not be as alone as he thinks. Yost, who has played Billy for many years, brings new depth to the blue-brained character. Although he never transforms, he completes his mission thanks to the lessons he learned from his friends. Mulholland’s artwork leans into the alien nature of Yost’s script, especially when it comes to a mysterious character named Adriel. She appears to have been woven from the universe itself, with stars of different colors dotting her body. It’s an image that’s equal parts eerie and enchanting.
Another Original Ranger, Walter Jones (aka Zack, the Original Black Ranger), takes on his own story in “An Apple A Day.” Jones explores where Zack’s easy-going personality comes from and how it translates to helping the neighborhood kids and fighting one of Rita Repulsa’s newest monsters, apple-shaped Bob. I decided to find out if it helps. As a result, Jones performed a clever apple pun, featuring a monster that looked like a rotten apple courtesy of the Domico “Domo” station and DJ Chavis. Overall, “An Apple A Day” feels like a classic episode of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
boom!
“Across The Morphin’ Grid” pops when it focuses on a ranger who has rarely been given the spotlight. Case in point: Tanya’s Heavy Metal Rescue, co-written by Nakia Barris (Tanya Sloan/ZeoRanger Yellow) and JD Sutphin, illustrated by Tango, and colored by JP Jordan, is a book about fellow Ranger Adam Park. To save Tanya, he sends her on a rescue mission. From the Machine Empire. It’s a harrowing story that ends with a very heartwarming moment, and it looks gorgeous thanks to Tango’s artwork. I’ve always felt that Power Rangers Zeo was very underrated, so it’s great to see Tanya back in action.
The same approach powers “In The Red” by Steve Cardenas (Rocky DeSantos, 2nd MMPR Red Ranger) and Matt Groom, with art by Anad Ramsheron. Rocky didn’t get much depth in MMPR or Zeo, but the BOOM! Studios comics, especially when Groom was writing them, delved deeper into his family life and fleshed him out. This trend continues in “In the Red,” where Rocky’s sister Rayna learns that he is a ranger and feels that his powers will give her the confidence she needs. This is probably my favorite story in Across the Morphin’ Grid. Because it shows that you can derive confidence from more than just superpowers (a lesson touched upon by the Groom in Inferno Girl Red). It also looks gorgeous, thanks to Ramushron’s anime-inspired art. Especially the panel where Raina transforms for the first time.
Finally, “Chloe’s Chaos Kitchen” by Meghan Camarena and Paulina Gunshaw delves into the world of Power Rangers Hyperforce for a rather unconventional cooking lesson. We’re excited to see Camarena continue to build the world of Hyperforce and to see her working on stories that range from epic (see last year’s Hyperforce one-shot) to cute stories like this one . Gunshow’s artwork is a perfect fit for such an appropriately chaotic story, especially in the scenes where Chloe and her fellow Hyperforce ranger Vesper ride a unicorn. It makes sense in context.
Power Rangers: Across the Morphin Grid #1 is a unique way for former Rangers to build on their legacy, and a reminder that Power Rangers is many things to many people. I’ll give it to you. Even though Power Rangers Prime gave the Power Rangers universe a fresh start, Across the Morphin’ Grid reminds us of what came before, and there’s more to the Rangers than karate, primary colors, and giant robots. It reminds me that there is.
‘Power Rangers: Across the Morphin Grid’ #1 lets Rangers past and present build their characters
Power Rangers: Beyond the Morphing Grid #1
Power Rangers: Across the Morphin Grid #1 is a unique way for former Rangers to build on their legacy, and a reminder that Power Rangers is many things to many people. I’ll give it to you.
Let the Ranger actor give new depth to the character.
It’s a reminder that Power Rangers means a lot to a lot of people.
The artwork ranges from cosmic to anime-inspired to cute.
I love returning to the world of Power Rangers Hyperforce, focusing on lesser-known Rangers.
