by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
The year 2018 has been big for the Power Rangers franchise. Between the 25th anniversary celebrations, Power Rangers: Ninja Steel “Dimensions in Danger” reunion special, Hasbro’s acquisition of the brand from Saban, and the sensational storytelling of “Shattered Grid”, it is hard to fathom that there could be more in store for fans.
After completing an epic run on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers title for Boom! Studios, Kyle Higgins (Nightwing, Batman Beyond 2.0) has set his sights on an even bigger target with his latest endeavor: Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon. With artistic support from Giuseppe Cafaro (Justice League vs Suicide Squad) and a story created in association with Special Consultant Jason David Frank (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), this creative team has successfully crafted the equivalent of The Dark Knight Returns for the Power Rangers universe.
For those of us who grew up with Power Rangers, Tommy Oliver has been a central figure for over 25 years of colorful adventures. Since his initial introduction in the classic “Green with Evil” mini-series, fans knew that there was something unique about this character. His recent return in Power Rangers: Ninja Steel provided fans with even more nostalgia as he quickly cycled between all of his previous power sets using a new (yet familiar) Master Morpher. While the cameos in the more recent series and the Bat in the Sun appearances have been amazing to say the least, they have lacked the opportunity to shine spotlight on the adventures and life of the character since his time on Dino Thunder. Jason David Frank has been a huge advocate of a storytelling device to share Tommy’s continuing adventures (we are still hoping for a Bat in the Sun ongoing series), and with help from Kyle Higgins, this untold final story of Tommy can finally be told.
Once you read Soul of the Dragon, it is hard not to jump to comparisons to The Dark Knight Returns and Old Man Logan. This story is firmly established within the Power Rangers universe, tying in elements and characters from Mighty Morphin, ZEO, S.P.D, and more. For those of us who wanted more callbacks in the live action appearances, you will find immense satisfaction with the Easter eggs cleverly imbedded in the pages. The attention to detail and thought behind every element makes this a must own for any Power Rangers fan. The story also provides a bit of a generational nod to those of us who started with the show in 1993 and have since had the opportunity to share our passion for the series with our families. The introduction of JJ Oliver is a game changer to say the least, and we can only hope that this story will serve as a launching pad for his continuing adventures.
Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon is the crowning achievement of Kyle Higgins contribution to Power Rangers canon and could not have been a better way to wrap up his time with these characters. Jason David Frank should be very proud as well, as his advocation for deeper storytelling for Tommy has truly paid off with this masterpiece.
ComicsOnline gives Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon 5 out of 5 morphinomenal callbacks.
Get your copy of Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon on December 5th!
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