The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers have taken part in numerous crossovers since their run at BOOM! Studios, including two showdowns with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a clash with the Justice League. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Usagi Yojimbo #1 may be their most unconventional yet… but it’s not the kind of unconventional you’d expect.
The story begins with Miyamoto Usagi tasked with defending a temple from bandits seeking an artifact called the Dragon’s Eye. Meanwhile, the Power Rangers are mysteriously teleported into Usagi’s world, where they find themselves battling one of Rita Repulsa’s monsters. As the Rangers get used to a world with few humans around, they find themselves embroiled in a battle for the Dragon’s Eye. But will they fight Usagi or side with him?
What stands out about Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Usagi Yojimbo #1 is how reader-friendly it is. Fans can follow the story even if they haven’t read Usagi Yojimbo or all of BOOM! Studios’ interpretations of the Power Rangers. In fact, the first few pages nicely sum up everything Power Rangers are, including Usagi being a ronin, doing chores, and the Rangers protecting the Earth. I’d go so far as to say that this is the most reader-friendly crossover comic I’ve ever checked out.
BOOM! Studio
This reader-friendliness is thanks to Ryan Parrott’s deep familiarity with the Ranger world. But he also shows a surprising familiarity with the character of Usagi, a samurai rabbit who is just as introspective as he was in Stan Sakai’s original comics. This leads to an unexpected connection with Jason the Red Ranger, who feels he would be better off dealing with threats himself, something Usagi strongly dislikes. Parrott also has a great gag where Billy and Zack have to stop each other from spouting pop culture references and technobabble.
The artwork by Sean Daly also mimics the same anime style as Sakai’s work while still maintaining the high energy action of the Power Rangers’ fights. Let me say this: I never thought we’d need to see the Power Rangers in anime-inspired form until now. Daly also plays around with both worlds, creating new characters including a giant dragon and a new monster named Hogwash (you can take three guesses as to why it’s called that). James Fenner’s bright colors help sell the Power Rangers aspect of this piece, but also fit well into Usagi’s world.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Usagi Yojimbo #1 is not your typical crossover. It forces you to ponder the nature of trust, unity and honor. In a sense, not only do the characters of Usagi and the Ranger cross over, but so do their respective philosophies.
The first episode of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Usagi Yojimbo” is deeper than expected
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Usagi Yojimbo #1
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Usagi Yojimbo #1 is not your standard crossover; it’s a thought-provoking piece about the nature of trust, unity, and honor.
It’s a thoughtful story about the nature of trust, honor and unity.
Parrott has written a crossover that is very familiar to readers, yet remains true to the appeal of Usagi and the Rangers.
Daly’s artwork is very close to Stan Sakai’s artwork.
The personification of Usagi’s world blends well with the hyper-kinetic action of the Ranger’s world.
