Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #5

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #5:  Zack Attack 

 

Story by: Kyle Higgins

Art by: Thony Salis

Release Date: 7/20/2016

 

How do you beat the Power Rangers? What could you possibly employ to destroy them? Maybe a well laid out contingency plan, a giant monster, or maybe explosions that double as a flashy pyrotechnic display? I’ve seen all these things and still the Power Rangers stand united. Hm, maybe if one were to divide them up, one could conquer them? This one shot story gives a short glimpse into the psyche of these angsty teens in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #5.

Kyle Higgins dishes out a solid one and done story. There isn’t any played out building to some epic story arc, that will change the rangers forever. Instead we get a lesson in character development. Focusing on Zack the Black Ranger; how Zack steps up to the plate and pilots the Zword in a time of duress. Another thing Higgins does is that he keeps it simple with the plot, it isn’t muddled with unnecessary fluff. The action is tight and satisfying, and having it take place in Italy is a nice change of scenery.

Although we get to take a peak at the moon base of Rita Repulsa. Going to her base is like looking at some bizarro world, where values and morals are reversed. Rita’s henchmen give an explanation as to why they deploy giant monsters on the planet was in response to the Zword. Which of course is a clever half truth that hides the whole truth behind it. I like how all this plays out within the confines of the issue, no loose strands to pluck. Kyle also writes in some good humor as well.

Thony Salis does the art here. Salis’ style is reminiscent of Bruce Timm of Batman fame. Thony’s action is fluid and sharp. Plenty of eye candy within the book to feast upon. I believe that Salis’s style is on point for Power Rangers. You need someone that can give the over top 90’s action and sell it to the readers. I’m not an artist by trade and I’m unable to talk shop with artist about their work, but I certainly can wade through the garbage that’s pandered. Thony also does some cool things with his expressions. One panel in particular has Zack giving a look of contempt under his helmet, Thony just draws only half the helmet. I know it sounds rather basic when I describe it, you’ll just have to take a look for yourselves.

Another hero for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #5 is the cover artist Jamal Campbell. Every time I walk by the comic shelves I see his work, and I always stop to gander. His stuff is some of my favorite out there, well that’s enough gushing about Jamal.

So over all this book is a great read, with fun art and action. Since its such a good book, buy two of these books one for you and one for a new reader. I love giving my nieces and nephews comic books to read, it fosters a hunger for fiction. This book is appropriate for all ages and has a good lesson in it. Boy or girl I think they’ll enjoy it. But take it from a 30 something male, I loved it. Check out Anthony’s review on issue 2 for more insight into the books as well.