Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers #16
Boom! Studios
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artist: Eleonora Carlini
The Boom! Studios Power Rangers comics have been consistently great since they started in early 2016, with Ryan Parrott having helmed Go Go since #1, and having delivered excellent Power Rangers stories in this run. This issue follows the Mighty Morphin Rangers with a slight twist: Each of them has had their ranger colors swapped. It’s a fun premise that was focused on more in the last issue but still makes for some cool character moments here. Also, Zack works that pink outfit, just saying. Anyway.
Parrot’s writing is wonderful, especially his grasp of the characters. The book is filled with dynamic action sequences befitting a Power Rangers comic, with some inventive moments where the Rangers get used to using each other’s power sets. There’s not so much of a big story for this issue, but the fight scenes are high quality and merit the focus they get here, and despite that focus, the series’ overall plot continues moving at a satisfying pace. Each Ranger’s individual personality shines through in Parrott’s writing, even when those personalities are (intentionally) being slightly muddled together as a result of the power-swapping shenanigans. In addition to the strong characterization given to the Rangers, Parrott also offers his characterization talents to Rita and her underlings, especially Baboo in this issue. Despite her roots as an insanely hammy character in the original series, Parrott writes Rita in a way that actually makes her somewhat threatening and an overall very likable villain. She definitely feels like she commands the respect she deserves as a scourge of the galaxy when Parrott writes her.
A Power Rangers book wouldn’t be complete without colorful, vibrant art and artist Eleonora Carlini and colorist Raúl Angulo do a fantastic job. Everything in this book is so alive and animated, from the beautifully colorful Power Rangers’ fight moves to the various blasts of energy to the facial expressions of the characters. The art style is simpler, but effective, retaining both the slightly Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic and a strong level of detail. One particular page where the Rangers unleash the Power Blaster is especially gorgeous. Not a single page of the book ever drops the high standard of artistic quality, and it’s everything a Power Rangers comic should be visually: bright, dynamic and expressive, with a dazzling variety of a color palette. If you loved Power Rangers when you were younger it is definitely art that should completely appeal to you.
Saban's Go Go Power Rangers #16
A wonderfully written Power Rangers issue with absolutely spectacular art in an overall excellent Power Rangers series. If you were ever a fan of Power Rangers and Sentai shows, it's a book absolutely worth your time.
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