Comic Review: Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers #12

Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers #12

BOOM! Studios

Writer: Ryan Parrott

Artist: Dan Mora

The Power Rangers’ timeline is in danger. Previously, Kimberly from the future was brainwashed and sent back in time as the Ranger Slayer to eliminate the Power Rangers. Now, Kimberly has been freed of the mind control, but the present Rangers are having trouble trusting that her actions are genuine

Shattered Grid has a plot that very much resembles the popular X-Men Days of Future Past storyline, but there is enough being done in details within the Ranger mythos to distinguish the two. Ryan Parrott does a lot of fan service to those that grew up with the series. Parrott presents a more mature team without driving the Rangers so edgy that they no longer resemble their origins.

I enjoyed the fast-paced action. I think the Zord fights with the called out moves was a treat to see. The major problem that created confusion for me was the use of captions. In that, there is very little. If you were to live by the idea that every comic is someone’s first then you need to take steps to introduce new readers to your world. A good way to explain characters would be through captions. Readers who are not new to the series know to skip those captions while new readers get some nice exposition. If you are using a flashback sequence you can acknowledge so with captions. This issue really struggles in that regard.

Future Kimberly has been the main focus of the Shattered Grid crossover, so it makes sense that she gets the most focus on character. There are a few attempts to hoist up others that I appreciate though. Matt, who is Kimberly’s boyfriend adds some drama while hanging out with the team. Jason, the Red Ranger also has a thread introduced in the plot.

It does feel like Parrott has more story to tell than there are pages for so at times the pacing is a little too fast. I noticed the problem with pacing while reading, but it is not a problem that is too frustrating.

The art feels perfect for a Rangers book. It could use a little more background at times instead of just filling in blank colors. There are times when I lost what Dan Mora was trying to depict. Those are little issues that are not enough to take away from the excellent character designs throughout the book. The Zord looks fantastic. Trying to make them look cool while fighting is a daring feat that the art team pulls off nicely. There are some great colors that highlight the intensity of the battle.

I did find myself wondering when the Shattered Grid storyline would finally start to come to a close while reading this issue. I still think there is enough fun in this series that if you are looking for something light you will be highly entertained. If you are looking for some heavy action this issue delivers. I would recommend the issue, especially if you are a fan of the characters.