Pretty in pink.
From the time the Power Rangers first morphed onto the scene, fans have wondered just who the characters are beyond their multi-colored masks. Since a Power Rangers reality show is out of the question (though really, who wouldn’t watch that) BOOM! Studios offers the next best thing in their Ranger-centric solo series. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink is the first of such titles, and if the entertainment found here is an indicator of things to come, here’s hoping the rest of sextet isn’t far behind.
Considering the success of MMPR’s flagship title, it really comes as no surprise to see the team split into solo ventures. What is surprising is where writers Brenden Fletcher and Kelly Thompson choose to start theirs. Rather than introduce us to a Kimberly Hart still brandishing the pink tights, or even first breaking them in, we instead get a Kimberly who’s already given up the mantle entirely. Seeing as how the main MMPR title is only a few issues deep, it’s a somewhat curious decision to have the book set in a place that’s either far ahead or not even in the same continuity. That same disconnect is present in the book’s presentation. Ranger die-hards will likely enjoy the mention to characters and items familiar to Ranger lore, but the casual fan may be left grasping air at certain instances, particularly when the power of the Pink Ranger comes into play. It’s not new reader adverse, but the learning curve is decidedly more difficult than one would likely suspect.
Entry hiccups aside, what Fletcher and Thompson have crafted here is quite appealing, with the bulk of the engagement coming down to their portrayal of Kimberly herself. From the opening pages readers have a clear understanding of what drives the character, and over the course of the issue we’re shown the qualities that allow her to back that drive up. The problem she faces – the disappearance of her parents – doesn’t appear especially Ranger-centric at the onset, but soon we realize that the powers at play are well within her specific wheelhouse. Most importantly, the situation presented forces her to take charge sans her fellow dino-costumed cohorts, Fletcher and Thompson doing a great job in crafting a character we fully believe is up to the challenge.
Also aiding in the character's easy accessibility is the art by Daniele Di Nicuolo. Much of the script depends on the energy of the book's art, and energy is something Di Nicuolo brings in spades. His clean lines and crisp design has a distinctly animated quality, which in turn lends itself well to the myriad action sequences found throughout. Kimberly herself stands out as confident and self assured, everything from her intricately choreographed moves to her on fleek style reminiscent of a different leather clad, motorcycle riding heroine Fletcher is known for. Kimberly's costume redesign comes off as a bit extraneous when compared to the simplistic design of the original source material, but it fits well with the unique aesthetic Di Nicuolo is out to create. Colorist Sarah Stern likewise proves an excellent artistic fit for the project, her cool palette highlighted by a wide range of pinks.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink offers a promising look at a fan favorite character, the presented mystery providing a great springboard for Kimberly's solo adventures. Certain narrative choices prevent the read from being an outright winner at the start, but it's undoubtedly clear that the character is in good hands.
The Verdict
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink #1 does a solid job of setting the stage for further solo-centric titles down the line, Brenden Fletcher and Kelly Thompson introducing a Kimberly that’s true to form but still unique. The book’s uncertain timeline and heavy reliance on knowledge of the source material bog it down at times, but a clear voice and great art ultimately proves the difference.
Editors' Choice
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