Through Power Rangers Prime #8 there is an important theme: conflict. Of course, there is a fundamental conflict between the Power Rangers and VR troopers, but now it’s spreading to other characters. Lauren and Orion find themselves in the Logger Heads with Rita Repulsa, who prioritizes her own agenda over the mark of salvation. Jun and Valentina are growing far from the Eltarian occupation, especially now that they are rangers.
However, the biggest conflict comes between Valentina and her boyfriend Ryan. Aside from the fact that she is a ranger and he is a trooper, there is an increase in her disillusionment and his desire to return to things, even if it is impossible. Melissa Flores has been building this conflict for a while. Power Rangers Prime #8 is where Val and Ryan explode as they are forced to make tough choices. I also respect Flores is beginning to humanize the troopers and continue the threads that VR trooper #1 has started. Antagonists with layers make some of the best stories. What’s even better is the fact that it starts with seeing Val and Ryan’s relationship before the events of Prime begin.
Having problems thriving in conflict means that Michael YG can bring his talent to the page. I have previously praised YG’s artwork, but I don’t think he gave him enough credibility in the way he elicits the movement. Every punch, kick or jump feels like a real move. That’s until I feel almost animated (and I’m really animated). Whenever Orion swings a giant mace, he shows that he is used to shaking his whole body with it and wielding heavy weapons.
boom!
YG’s best moments are the first time we’ll be introducing Rangers’ morphing. Each ranger has a burst of colour from Fabi Marche and is given its own panel. Marques is another reason why Power Rangers Prime works. Colors are utilized in a great way, where Rangers’ weapons and movements feature the same shade as each Ranger’s color. Finishing it is Ed Dukeshire’s lettering, which literally pops out of the page. But Dukeshire also makes sure Rangers’ morphing call feels really epic. For the first time, it feels like they’re all on the same page.
Most people who pick up Power Rangers Prime #8 are likely to have floors on the final page, with a massive reveal. (I would be more intrigued if the variant cover hasn’t yet ruined a big surprise.) What the VR trooper revealed in his work in Power Rangers Prime #1 is because it was so unexpected. From the ultimate Spider-Man to the Absolute Batman, most of the big twists we saw in these reboots were left hidden to make the most of the impact they landed. That being said, it’s an interesting dynamic and we can pay homage to the 2017 Power Ranger film, which is highly regarded by the creative team.
Power Rangers Prime #8 thrives in conflict between different characters as it sets the stage for yet another major status quo shift. Many times, this series never surprises me.
“Power Rangers Prime” #8 is built on conflict
Power Rangers Prime #8
Power Rangers Prime #8 thrives in conflict between different characters as it sets the stage for yet another major status quo shift. Many times, this series never surprises me.
Flores has built up various conflicts throughout the series, but here it is boiling, especially between Ryan and Val.
YG’s art has a unique sense of movement.
The first big morphing sequence is as grand as you would expect.
There’s a truly amazing final page moment…
…But that final page lacks the surprises of other major releases in Comic Dodam.
