Power Rangers Prime #1 – Review
Title: Power Rangers Prime #1
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Writer: Melissa Flores
Artist: Michael Yg
Colourist: Fabi Marques
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
In Power Rangers Prime #1, Melissa Flores launches a bold and timely reimagining of the classic Power Rangers franchise. Set in a world where Earth has fallen under the control of the Eltarians—alien "saviours" who never left after defending the planet from an invasion—the story explores what it means to be a hero in a society that has traded liberty for peace. With echoes of V for Vendetta, the comic paints a chilling picture of a world that has slipped into authoritarian rule, not through violence, but through quiet acquiescence.
The narrative begins with a haunting reflection on heroism and the nature of evil, particularly in a world where order has been established at the cost of freedom. The Power Rangers, once Earth's champions, are now hunted fugitives, vilified as threats to the stability the Eltarians have brought. When a mysterious woman—revealed to be the last in a legendary line of Rangers—seeks refuge at Angel Grove University, it forces a group of students to make an impossible choice: help her and risk everything, or stay silent and lose a piece of their own humanity.
The issue's tension is elevated by the subtle suggestion that the invasion that brought the Eltarians to Earth may not have been as organic as it seemed. There's a creeping possibility that this so-called rescue was orchestrated by the Eltarians themselves—a ploy to justify their occupation. It's a chilling revelation that invites readers to question the nature of power, control, and the lengths some will go to seize both.
Michael Yg's art captures the bleakness of this world while maintaining visual callbacks to the Power Rangers aesthetic. His action sequences are dynamic, and the sombre tones enhance the atmosphere of unease. Fabi Marques' colours balance the classic vibrancy of the franchise with the darker themes at play, while Ed Dukeshire's lettering ensures clarity and emotional resonance in every dialogue exchange.
Unlike many dystopian stories, Power Rangers Prime doesn't present an overtly oppressive regime. The Eltarians rule with smiles and handshakes, bringing peace, prosperity, and safety—but at the cost of personal freedom. It's a society where rules must be followed, and rebellion is quietly snuffed out. The parallels to V for Vendetta are hard to miss, with themes of quiet resistance, hidden truths, and the unsettling realisation that the oppressors may have staged the crisis that gave them their power.
Final Score:
Story: 7.0
Art: 9.0
Overall: 8.0
Verdict:
Power Rangers Prime #1 is a gripping start to a fresh take on a beloved franchise, blending nostalgic elements with timely social commentary. It's a chilling exploration of authoritarianism, heroism, and the dangers of trading freedom for safety. Fans of V for Vendetta will find much to love here, particularly as the story hints at deeper conspiracies and hidden truths.
