Review: Amy Jo Johnson’s MMPR: The Return #3 Reveals All and Sets the Stage For the Final Confrontation!

It’s Morphin’ Time! Suit up and teleport in for the third part in Amy Jo Johnson’s new alternative chapter of the BOOM! Comics Rangerverse: MMPR: The Return.

Good day Ranger fans! We’re back with Part three of four of the 30th Anniversary saga, brought to you by none other than Ranger veteran, Amy Jo Johnson, plus partner, Matt Hotson, with art by Nico Leon.

RELATED: Review: Amy Jo Johnson’s MMPR: The Return #1 Provides Nostalgic Yet Alternative 30th Anniversary Take

I continue my duty to the Morphin Masters to bring you this review of issue #3! Below you will find out the pros and cons of this alternative universe tale that is MMPR: The Return. You know what time it is, Rangers? It’s Morphin Time!!!

RELATED: Review: Amy Jo Johnson’s MMPR: The Return #2 Takes an Unexpected Turn!

WARNING: Potential story spoilers ahead! Read at your own risk!

The Pros

So far, MMPR: The Return has been really enjoyable. A bumpy start in issue #1 that was an overall enjoyable read that led into an improvement with issue #2 despite a majority of the issue being a nostalgic infused flashback. Regardless, it’s been a really good celebration of Power Rangers and Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers in particular. I am also happy to say issue #3 doesn’t lose the momentum, carrying on from the curiosity peaking cliffhanger of issue #2; we now get to see why Selena disguised herself as “Trini’s Cousin” in order to get to Kimberly. In classic ‘bad villain 101’ fare, Selena reveals her motivations and plans to the captured Rangers (yes, plural!) and we see the return of an unexpected foe. Not only that, but there’s some surprises on the Ranger side too! The whole thing is culminating towards a potentially exciting finale and I’m honestly so stoked to see how it ends. It’s a difficult thing to make each succeeding chapter more interesting than the last but, with the talents combined, everyone involved has achieved it so far. Of course, once again, I need to gush over Nico Leon’s art style and the way he capture’s the likenesses of our favourite MMPR characters; especially Tommy in this issue. Finally, the issue ends with Olivia Hart donning the Green Ranger attire for a fantastic fully body shot that leaves me ready for a duel between offspring. It’s somewhat poetic given the relationship between each characters demised parent. Here’s to MMPR: The Return #3 and the hope that #4 brings it all full circle!

The Cons

I must admit, it’s getting more and more difficult to find faults in these issues. I don’t see myself as a ‘nitpicky’ person, so ragging on small errors isn’t something I do unless it’s lore based. Thankfully none of that is here but there’s a couple of points I could bump on in this issue. Let’s start with the demise of Rita Repulsa. If you read my review of issue #1, you may remember my apprehension that the story was potentially crossing similar territory to the “Once and Always” Netflix special by Hasbro; there’s a small plot point involving Rita potentially not being dead involving the Morphin Grid and its not explained too deeply, but on surface level it leaves the option for her to return in a manner similar to how she did in the aforementioned Netflix special. Again, I feel there’s more to it than what was shown and with Selena being the daughter of Rita and Zedd casually reminded me of the “Once A Ranger” episode double bill from Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive. It’s neither here nor there but granted, MMPR: The Return is being handled a bit better than that one. Lastly, with the surprise appearance of a suited and booted Olivia Hart appearing at the 11th hour of this issue, makes her seem like a quick Deus Ex Machina than a well thought out plot device, as no reason is explained how she acquired the Green Ranger coin; whether she’s been training all this time or how she knew how to get to Rita’s Moon Palace. Perhaps those particular details will be revealed in the final issue, but that would potentially leave little room to defeat the villain, tie up some loose ends and make sure everyone is hunky dory and going about their day once more. Either way, we have one more issue that could make or break this as a story for the ages!

Conclusion

Overall, issue #3 of MMPR: The Return continues the trend of besting the preceding issue by presenting a dialogue heavy issue that seamlessly manages to blend a mix of action and drama, providing context for the motivations and actions of certain key characters and answering more questions as the plot casually carries along. There’s still some questions that need answered, whether issue #4 answers them and successfully wraps up the story remains to be seen, but I look forward to the finale of what has been an interesting and fun ride!

For this issue, I’d give MMPR: The Return #3 an eight out of ten! A lot dialogue, a lot of context and a handful of action bides your time until the release of issue #4. Still some things unexplained but this issue gave us a lot to think about and a lot to theorise on!

MMPR: The Return #3 released April 11th, 2024 at your local comic book store. This and more Power Rangers BOOM! Studios series are also available as a digital copy from content providers like iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle. 

What did you think of Part 3? Looking forward to the final issue? Any predictions for what’s next? Let us knows in the comments below! We look forward to seeing them. Stay tuned for more reviews of MMPR: The Return and other awesome Power Ranger news & reviews here at The Toku Source!

Source: Kickstarter, BOOM! Studios