Power Rangers Prime #2 continues the momentum of twisted timeline by reintroducing a classic villain to Earth. The second issue of the new BOOM! Studios series outlines the Eltarian occupied world further, as Lauren is sheltered by new friends.
Power Rangers Prime has unleashed a whole new world that no longer accepts Rangers. However, an iconic character makes her descent, making waves in a world on the Eltarian Earth. Connections are also being made between Lauren and her new allies, with Orion also lending a hand. With events starting to spark, the VR Troopers tease an unexpected fight as they become aware of the infamous Space Witch.
Power Rangers Prime is a new BOOM! Studios comic series written by Melissa Flores. With artist Michael YG (Iron Fist), colourist Fabi Marques and letterer Ed Dukeshire, the story features a complete twist on history as Eltarians colonise Earth. The story also brings in a collection of epic series together as Lauren from Power Rangers Samurai and even the VR Troopers are thrown into the mix. Newly introduced characters also appear in abundance, including an Eltarian and an Aquatarian featured as key protagonists.
Power Rangers Prime #2 Places Firm Mighty Morphin Difference With Rita’s Debut
The second issue of the Power Rangers Prime comic series continues from the significant cliffhanger of the premiere release. Fans are introduced to the new Rita Repulsa, who arrives on Earth with a completely different history. With a meshing of characters, the comic delivers unexpected encounters and continues to create relations between renowned and new entries of the universe. This includes tense confrontations and divided opinions, creating a memorable clash so early in the story.
Rita Becomes Our Eyes and First Response
Rita Repulsa debuts later in this new universe as she arrives on the Eltarian Earth, discovering everything for the first time. Her debut creating amazing suspense as a cliffhanger, so in this issue she became a part of the viewers perspective for the new world. It was interesting to see how different she was, but she also appears to be a lot strongly connected to the Morphin Grid. This includes finding Lauren’s broken Samuraizer and even turned it into a monster to server her need.
Her first altercation with the Eltarian’s defence also brought in a familiar face from Mighty Morphin history. Bulk makes his appearance as a security officer with Eltarian, Captain Kanel. This potent collision provides a fantastic altercation that leads to an exchange between the villain and comic relief icons. It was brilliant how quickly things escalated, and YG and Marques did a fantastic job illustrating the overwhelming power Rita commanded.
Relations Between Protagonists Tested and Expanded
The sudden explosion on the Moon bringing Rita to Earth had a dramatic effect, with Jun and Markon in the aftermath. We get to see a great bond between the Eltarian and Aquarian, while also discovering the negative term ‘Rufee’. The two have a fair bond with the view of Rangers solidifying their acts of compassion and kindness towards Lauren. Their difference in status also helps provide a clearer insight into the type of immigration the planet now features, including a sign of how dark the Eltarian Earth can be based on their discussion.
Fans also see two iconic characters from separate seasons come together in this world. This includes Samurai’s Lauren interacting with the deviated version of Super Megaforce’s Orion, with a casual flair before escalating. The VR Trooper commercial was a great element to highlight due to its oddity in a Power Rangers world. The distraction from Orion also provided some great amusement by using his dog as a way to keep Lauren hidden. This felt like such a convincing and natural move, showcasing Flores’ skill and Orion’s wit.
Power of Rita, Conversing with Bulk
It was incredible to see Rita have more power than we’ve previously known, this includes making the Morpher into a mini staff, plus making a fiery monster. It was surprising that the monster turned on Rita, but it was astonishing to see how quickly she vanquished it. The followup was the highlight of the comic as we see Rita take Bulk under her wing. Rita also hosted the most excitement in the comic but this buildup for all characters at different paces prompted us to read each page.
Seeing this exchange was fascinating from start to finish as a relationship becomes forged between them. Rita even placed heat onto Bulk choices, pressing the fact that the Eltarians have eroded Earth’s identity. Many fans have often seen a comparison between Bulk and Minion Squat, but Rita gives off so much charisma while interacting with this particular human character. This creates a bigger view of the villain and even updates her to be more than just a monster, but a person representing defiance that people can relate to.
Tensions Run High as Protagonists Meet
We finally get to see a little bit of unease for Lauren as Jun brings her to his place. With Orion and Markon present, it was nice to see a much more common side to life on Eltarian Earth. This all flipped in a way that finally made sense when Valentina came home. Her reaction fit the most in this new world, providing an insight into the differences between the species and their upbringings.
The tension between the roommates was already tense but the cliffhanger added greater excitement when the VR Troopers were brought in. Although there is a deep connection, it’s clear there is still a difference in opinion, and it was epic to see Ryan get involved. We also get to see all three VR Troopers for the first time in the comics, which creates an extra buzz for the next issue. One thing that becomes instantly clear from Ryan’s chat with the team, compared to Rita, Power Rangers are a much bigger threat, and Flores makes us hungrier to find out why.
For an insightful instalment for the new series that fleshes out many significant characters, we give Power Rangers Prime #2 a total score of 9 out of 10.
Power Rangers Prime #2 is now available at your local comic book store or as a digital copy. Power Rangers Prime #3 will be released on January 22nd, 2025.
For more Power Rangers Prime, keep an eye out for upcoming comic book content. For more Power Rangers, keep an eye on social media and keep following The Toku Source for more news and announcements.
