The biggest surprise of Power Rangers Prime is the arrival of VR troopers, except for the way the Power Rangers overturn all the Power Rangers they expect from the franchise. Most 90’s kids know that VR Troopers are one of many efforts that have made piggybacks about the success of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. It was undoubtedly one of the most successful attempts other than the highly underrated Beetleborg.
Mairghread Scott and Sebastián Piriz aim to replicate their success with VR trooper #1, who kicks them out of the event in Power Rangers Prime. Having struggled with the fact that his girlfriend Valentina is a Power Ranger, VR trooper Ryan Steele goes on a midnight run when he meets a mysterious figure who knows him, but somehow manages to access the VR trooper virtual chiser. Ryan and his fellow troopers JB and Caitlyn soon learn that the mystical figure may be linked to the disappearance of Ryan’s father, and learn more of the secrets the Eltarians have hidden.
I have to credit Scott to not only introduce interesting mystery in the first issue of VR Troopers, but also to make the trooper a dynamic character. In Power Rangers Prime, they were mostly antagonists, even if they were very meaningful, but now readers are peering into their lives. Certainly, it is the first of six issues, so future installments will shed light on what drives JB and Kaitlin. Scott also knows the lore of VR troopers, as he nods to the Troopers’ longtime enemy Grimm Lord (I hope this is expanded).
boom!
Piriz also makes VR Trooper #1 feel like a real VR Trooper comic. The level of detail he put in Troopers’ armor is incredible. You can see all the circuits that drive Ryan’s suit, but it still feels very refined and futuristic. The battle scenes continue to feel intense. The battle with Ryan’s masked figure sees both they jump through the air and deal blows that break ordinary humans. But Piriz is really good when it comes to conversion sequences. With each trooper’s change, their armor flows around like water. It feels less tech and more mysterious. This is a great approach.
Finally, JP Jordan and Taylor Esposito deserve credit for how their respective colours and lettering enhance the final product. Esposito declares Ryan’s “Trooper Transformation!” Feel the superhero in all the right ways, especially with a bold feeling. The Jordanian colours are also a mood, as they contrast to the dark shades of Troopers’ armor, the bright red/blue/black/silver filling the openings and ends. Figuratively, and literally, Ryan is in the darkness.
VR Troopers #1 expands the world of Power Rangers Prime, large and small, and presents a compelling mystery while embodying troopers. If it’s a boom! The studio aims to follow in Saban’s footsteps and bring a unique touch to other “Ameritoku” heroes.
“VR Troopers” #1 expands one of the best twists in Power Rangers Prime
VR Trooper #1
VR Trooper #1 expands the world of Power Rangers Prime in a variety of ways, large and small, and expands its nominal characters while setting enchanting mysteries.
Scott makes the trooper, or Ryan feel physically, at least.
Power Rangers Prime events are built without being seen too much.
Piriz’s artwork maintains the same energy as the story of a VR trooper, especially the battle scenes.
Excellent use of colours to set up drama and action.
JB and Kaitlin still don’t feel fleshed out. In other words, the comics have lost the dynamics of the team that was a huge hit for the Power Rangers.
