The infamous teenagers with attitude are back! Albeit, no longer teenagers. The latest addition to BOOM! Studios’ Power Rangers comic universe sees a collaborative effort with original series Pink Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson!
They’re back! The original spandex clad superhero teenagers with attitude return in an all new contemporary story. Written by Amy Jo Johnson & co-written by Matt Hotson with art by Nico Leon, BOOM! Studios has partnered with toy company Hasbro to announce “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return”. Amy Jo Johnson made waves on television screens (and in the hearts of many 90’s children) with her iconic portrayal of Kimberly Hart, the Pink Ranger, in Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 30 years ago.
Taking place in an alternative timeline, The Return offers fans a “What If?” love letter to the multiple generations of ranger fans.
Twenty-two years later, the long-disbanded team reunites to mourn the losses of beloved friends, but Zack and Billy have some unexpected information to share: Jason–the Red Ranger, who has long been operating as a lone vigilante–has disappeared. Will the remaining Rangers be able to track him down, especially with a mysterious figure in pursuit?
This is just the beginning of a much larger story that is unlike anything POWER RANGERS fans have ever seen on television, in film, or in comic books, which rewrites the present and future of the beloved Mighty Morphin Power Rangers characters, introduces new sure-to-be fan favourite characters, and introduces bold new storytelling opportunities for the franchise.”
Slated to be a four issue comic event, The Return aims to cap off the Power Rangers 30th anniversary in style, captivating fans with a unique take on the original series’ lore and characters.
As you can see from the illustration designs by Dan Mora, Kimberly, Zack and Billy will have updated wardrobes and matured redesigns, ushering them into the modern era as adults (with attitude?). It’s very likely that the rest of the team will be no different. The designs are, in contrast, different to how we saw our favourite rangers in Hasbro’s “Once and Always” on Netflix earlier this year, possibly hinting at a much darker tone to the aforementioned special.
The biggest surprise to come from the news of this comic comes in the form of Olivia Hart – the new Green Ranger. The character was revealed by Amy Jo Johnson herself on her personal Instagram. In this timeline, it seems Tommy Oliver and Kimberley Hart stayed as a couple (sorry Kat fans) and had their daughter Olivia, who somehow inherits the Green Ranger powers. The how and why will of course be explained within the four issue series.
With all that has been revealed so far, The Return is shaping up to be an exciting story for fans both young and old. Despite meeting it’s goal (and then some), there’s still time to back the project and reap the rewards for doing so on Kickstarter. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return releases February 7th 2024.
Will you be picking up this release? What do you think of the new Green Ranger? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
