Lord Zedd Vs. The Red Ranger (Omega-style.) One-on-one. Your Major Spoilers review of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #45 awaits!

MIGHTY MORPHIN’ POWER RANGERS #45

Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artist: Daniele di Nicuolo
Colorist: Walter Baiamonte
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Editor: Dafna Pleban
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 27, 2019

Previously in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: As the Mighty Morphin’ and Omega Rangers battle evil forces on the moon, it’s Jason (now the Red Omega Ranger) who must face Lord Zedd alone!

No matter who wins, nothing will ever be the same for any Power Ranger…

CHANGING THE GAME

With his new Omega Powers, Jason has managed to hold his own in battle with Zedd, but the solictation copy may have exaggerated his prowess somewhat. Even with his new power source, it’s an uphill fight, leading to the united Omega Rangers making it a four-on-one fight and an eventual knockout by Zord. It’s the kind of escalation that Zordon’s rules of battle never allowed, but it is successful. Not only that, the Omega squad cleans up the palace on the moon, taking most of the monsters and lackeys into custody and trapping them (and Zedd) in cosmic dumpsters for storage. The Power Rangers arrive just in time to feel useless, with extra tension coming from Blue Omega Ranger Kiya recognizing White Ranger Tommy as the younger self of Lord Drakkon, who destroyed her life and world. It’s almost an all-out brawl, but Jason sends his warriors home before having a tense conversation with Zordon, who DOES NOT approve of the Omega Rangers methods. Before he leaves, he even gets to talk to his replacement, but White Ranger isn’t sure that he’s ready for the mantle of leadership he’s been forced to take, and his troops are worried that they’re all going to be fired. Then, someone makes a very dumb decision, leaving someone else to be literally stabbed in the back.

BUT WHAT WILL FILL THE VACUUM?

The removal of Zedd leaves the field wide open, as the Power Rangers no longer have a primary foe to fight, making several of the team wonder if they’re even necessary anymore. Add in Tommy’s doubts about his leadership and the shocking last-page events, and it’s clear that there’s a whole new continuity in play. Parrott’s use of the bits and pieces of character from the original seasons of the show is excellent, and the twists and turns of power add a ‘Game of Thrones’ element to what were some silly kiddie show shenanigans in 1996. Di Nicuolo’s art, especially the Omega Ranger designs, is really fluid and exciting throughout the comic, but special note has to be given to Zedd’s flunkies (Goldar, Finster, Squatt and Babboo) hiding out in an abandoned convenience store, plotting to repair his power staff. It’s at once silly and ominous, and the shot of Goldar in the shadows, explaining his plan to become a threat more intense than his bosses is unnerving, even if you know he’s an idiot.

BOTTOM LINE: THAT ENDING… UH-OH

With the unexpected betrayal in these pages, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #45 is a game-changer in more ways than just defeating the evil skeleton-man, making it clear that even without Lord Zedd as an immediate threat, Tommy’s team (and, for that matter, Jason’s) have more than enough to keep their super-powered plate of menaces full, with strong art putting it over the top for a well-deserved 4 out of 5 stars overall. I’m a veteran of both comics and of Power Rangers, and I was pleasantly surprised and more than a little freaked out by this issue, which may be the greatest compliment I can pay this comic book.

Dear Spoilerite,

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.