While we do often get typical layouts designed to draw the reader’s eye from moment to moment and emphasize the important scenes, there are also some particularly creative moments. The designs here combine science fiction space stations with an almost mystical aesthetic, while remaining consistent with the world we’ve seen in the “Power Rangers” comics.Īnother noteworthy aspect of the artwork is the panel layouts and positioning. We get to explore new environments, like the Masterforge, a space station designed to help connect to the Morphin’ Grid. Similarly, the scenery and backgrounds are also nicely done. In the case of the Phantom Ranger, we can’t actually see his face, so the contrast between his non-expressive mask and the more emotional looks on the characters around him helps build on both characters. Each character is has a solid design about them, bringing their personalities through via body language and expressions. Going back to Simone’s artwork, she has a very clean style that helps with the characters along with the action scenes. They serve as a way to keep a young Rita brave, to give the Phantom Ranger something to focus on, and reinforce the overarching theme of the story, while each one is either filled with symbolism or helps build on the characters’ stories. While each scene could stand alone with the action and tension, the stories characters tell add another layer on to the scene. Simone Ragazzoni’s artwork nicely captures the martial arts and monsters that the series is known for, with fluid action scenes and impact that comes through in the key strikes.įrank Gogol also uses characters telling stories to add an additional layer to each scene. It gives more depth to a character that didn’t get nearly enough screentime in Power Rangers.Īll the while, we get to see some nice action sequences with the Phantom Ranger, making full use of the power sets (and weaknesses) established in the Power Rangers TV series. Readers of the comic will recognize her from a past arc, where we can see her relation to the green power coin, and “Edge of Darkness” takes a moment to explain how she’s connected to the Morphin’ Grid as well.Īnd of course, we get to see the Phantom Ranger in action, learn what makes him tick (literally), and learn more about his personality and determination. This also builds on Rita’s mother, Fienna, and what she’s like as a character. We’ve seen a little of Rita’s mother in previous comics, but now we can see more of her, learn about Rita’s childhood and her connection to Dark Specter, and even tying her to the Morphin’ Grid. Yes, while the “Power Rangers” comics can create backstory for characters like the Phantom Ranger, they can also build on that of existing characters. The flashback story focuses on a Phantom Ranger mission involving none other than a young Rita Repulsa and her mother. This helps establish greater continuity between the comics and show, connecting everything into a greater overarching “Power Rangers” mythos.īut of course, while that’s all well and good, what really matters in this case is the story itself. While the comic begins in current continuity, the majority of the story is shown in flashback, before bringing it all back to the present and tying in elements from the TV show. This issue follows the Phantom Ranger as he follows up on plot points introduced in the current “Power Rangers” comic storyline, while revealing a backstory more closely connected to the mythos of the series than previously shown. That’s where “Edge of Darkness” comes in. Which is great for the comics, as it gives them plenty of free space to work with in devising new backstories! So the truth behind the Phantom Ranger was never revealed. Unfortunately, his true identity and backstory were never revealed, as the scene had to be cut for time. When Carranger was adapted into Power Rangers Turbo, he was brought in as a mysterious ranger with an unknown identity and mysterious connection to Zordon. In the original Japanese show Gekisou Sentai Carranger, he was known as “VRV Master,” and was not a ranger at all. The Phantom Ranger holds an interesting place in Power Rangers history. Rising star Frank Gogol (Dead End Kids) and artist Simone Ragazzoni (Power Rangers: Drakkon New Dawn) present the first full appearance of the Phantom Ranger in a story that will ripple through the Power Rangers franchise. Only to discover their connection to an ancient evil he encountered long ago… which may have finally returned to threaten the entire universe. Colored by Igor Monti and Sabrina Del GrossoĪnswering Zordon’s call, the Phantom Ranger investigates the aftermath of an Empyreal attack.
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