- Retail Price: $3.99
- Writer: Ryan Parrott
- Artist: Marco Renna
- Cover Artists:
- Main Cover: InHyuk Lee
- Legacy Variant Cover: Eleonora Carlini
- Incentive Cover: InHyuk Lee
- Incentive Cover: Eleonora Carlini
- Incentive Cover: Goñi Montes
- FOC Reveal Cover: Elizabeth Torque
- FOC Reveal Incentive Cover: Elizabeth Torque
- Incentive Cover: Goñi Montes
Synopsis: As the Power Rangers and their new allies, the Eltarian Guardians, prepare to rescue Candice from Lord Zedd, elements of Zordon’s past begin to collide with the present. Will old loyalties and rivalries lead Zordon, and in turn the Power Rangers, into ruin? Or will they be able to right the wrongs of the past and save Earth in the process?
The issue begins over 10,000 years ago as we follow up on the end of last issue. Zartus is running out of medicine to help Zophram. He’s also taken it upon himself to tell the Eltarian Elders that Zophram died trying to protect the Zeo Crystal. He also directs Zophram into thinking that Zordon was behind his current condition. Now, with his medication affecting his mind, and believing that Zordon and Eltar have betrayed him, Zophram declares that Zophram of Eltar is dead, and that he will spend the rest of his new life working to destroy Eltar.
In the present, Billy joins the 3 newer Rangers for lunch at Angel Grove High. He’s a little hesitant at first, but the others are confidant Billy will not be kicked off them team for helping Prometheus create the new Green Ranger, and that, somehow, things will work out. Meanwhile, at the juice bar, Matt joins Kim to try to talk things out and explain his actions the last few issues. This does not go well though, as their argument ends with Matt questioning Zordon’s loyalties if it comes down to Earth vs Eltar.
Later, at the Command Center, the Rangers, minus Billy, are introduced to Sentry Force Four, an Eltarian team called upon to help the Rangers rescue Zelya. Zenith has what looks like glowing insect wings, which she uses to fly. She apparently hasn’t walked in years. Zeta is your basic cape wearing, sword wielding warrior type guy with glowing eyes and a mask that covers most of his face. He’s also not much of a talker. Zero-Zero, or Zerd-Zerd (it’s hard to tell because of the weird font), is actually a smaller Eltarian piloting a large mech. And Zag, despite looking like The Flash’s Eltarian cousin, actually creates teleporation portals so he can attack from many angles at once.
After meeting the Rangers, and expositing about their powers, the Sentry Force Four return to their ship with Zartus. But Zartus reminds them that they weren’t sent down to make friends, and that he expects them to use the planned rescue mission to study the Rangers. But before he can say why, he is interrupted by the return of Zelya. After explaining that she escaped, Zartus has her taken to her quarters to rest, but quietly wonders why she’s lying.
At Prometheus on a later day, Grace is surprised to see that Billy has no idea of what is happening in the real world because he’s currently working on a secret project. They talk about the Eltarian arrival, and somehow Grace knows that Zartus is the Supreme Guardian of Eltar, and she’s worried. However, she does let Billy know that regardless of what happens with the Rangers, he’ll alway have a place at Prometheus.
On his ship, Zartus requests more troops, then dismisses his assistant. Then he opens the vault containing the Celestial Shard and calls out Zelya, who he has detected has snuck into his quarters, accusing her of attempting to kill him and steal the Shard. She reveals that she knows that Lord Zedd is Zophram, and that she knows that Zartus has known all along. He reveals that he kept it a secret to protect Eltar, just like everything else he’s done, including resurrecting the Empyreals. When he threatens to destroy Earth, Zelya is about to attack him, but is stopped by Zag, who not only stops her attack, but also teleports Zeta in, who ends the attack by threatening her with his sword at her neck.
Later, Zartus uses a hologram to tell Zordon that Zelya escaped from Zedd, but says she’s in the infirmary, and will soon be returning to Eltar. He then reveals that he’s bringing in the Eltarian Guard to help against Zedd, and that after they deal with Zedd, he’s going to need the Power Coins. See, Eltar is also at war with the Empyreals and they need soldiers using the Ranger powers, not teenagers with attitude. Zordon relents, and swears loyalty to Eltar.
But when Zartus’ hologram disappears, Zordon tells the Rangers that it appears Zelya has failed, and we learn that she had warned them ahead of time of Zartus’ plans, and that they now only have a short time to prepare for The Eltarian invasion.
Story – 4 out of 5: Well, that was a bit of surprise. I was afraid the Rangers were going to be betrayed in battle, so it is nice to see that they’ve been given a warning and sort of have time to prepare. I must admit that I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t get to see Zelya’s reaction to Zedd’s story, or if she actually escaped or if Zedd released her, but then again, if we had, her part in this issue wouldn’t have been as suspenseful. Still, seeing her reaction to finding out that one of Eltar’s greatest heroes is now one of the universe’s greatest villains would have been interesting. I’m also wondering how much she told Zordon and the Rangers when she gave her warning. Did we just lose seeing Zordon’s reaction to finding out that his mentor is now his worst enemy? I guess time will tell. Speaking of Zophram, I am looking forward to seeing just how he makes the full transformation to Lord Zedd, especially the mystical powers he has. Also, while Zartus’ deception is now even more obvious, and you hate to see Zophram fall for it, it also sucks to know that he presumably won’t get his come-uppance until the end of this new storyline. Ugh!
Sentry Force Four looks cool! Granted they were designed by Dan Mora, so it shouldn’t be a surprise, but I really like their uniforms. And Zenith saying that she hasn’t walked in years is paid off by her never touching the ground in this issue. Not even to stand. It’s a fun little character quirk, and it will be fun to see if it is remembered as the story progresses.
And just what is Billy working on? Will it be the macguffin that ends up saving the day and therefore the reason Zordon does not kick him off the team? Only time, and Ryan Parrott, will tell.
Art – 4 out of 5: Marco Renna’s art has really grown on me. Honestly, I was a little disappointed he wasn’t around last issue, despite the great Dan Mora art, and I’m glad to see him back. His art style gives the book an animated feel, without being anime influenced like Power Rangers. Despite the lack of detail, emotions are clearly conveyed, action scenes look great, and you can clearly tell who is who in the story. The colors by Walter Baiamonte, Sara Antonellini, and Katia Ranalli are well done as well. They reflect the mood of each scene, without using the jarring neon colors of previous issues. They also help add to that animated feel.
Overall – 4 out of 5: I’d have to say I enjoyed the issue all the way around. Great story, fantastic art, and vibrant colors. Definetly looking forward to the next issue!
