Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink #1

Published by: Boom Studios

Written by: Brenden Fletcher and Kelly Thompson

Illustrated by: Daniele Di Nicuolo

Colours by: Sarah Stern

Letters by: Ed Dukeshire

I went into this issue unsure what I would think of it. Being a fan of the old Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, I took a chance on Boom Studios updated comic series and have thoroughly enjoyed it thus far, but an entire mini series based on Kimberly, the Pink Ranger? She had never been a stand out character in my mind, so I had my reservations, but having enjoyed the main series, I decided to take a chance, and I am very glad that I did.

The story takes place later in mythos of the television show than the main series, with Kimberly having already left the Power Rangers to pursue he career in gymnastics. Having not heard from her parents in some time, Kimberly decides to go and investigate the small french village at which they are now living, discovering the population has been abducted by monsters reminiscent of the creature from the black lagoon.

The writing is great, harkening back to the tropes of the television show (Kimberly being a valley girl stereotype, concerned with fashion and her hair) while allowing Kimberly to show how she had matured and was no longer solely a stereotype herself. She is willing to do whatever it takes to protect those around her, even without her powers, and does not simply rush head first into obvious danger, but thinks things through, prepares herself for situations, and acts rationally. Realizing that this situation may be more than she can handle on her own, Kimberly calls for assistance from the Power Rangers, but unfortunately is told that they are off world, being given back her Pink Ranger powers so that she may be able to deal with the situation herself.

The artwork evokes images of a cartoon, with mostly a similar colour being used for much of the art, which gives it a very fitting Sunday morning vibe that reminds you of the original series. This illusion is enhanced even more by the use of thicker outer lines to show the shape of the object with thinner inner lines showing the detail, creating a fun, energetic atmosphere. The Pink Ranger uniform also gets a (slightly plot related) update, incorporating a sleeker design, and a bit more emphasis on black to counteract the brighter whites and pinks.

Despite my reservations going into the mini series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink #1 far exceeded my expectations. Despite a week of very important issues coming out with the first few Rebirth issues, may have been the most enjoyable book I read. I would easily recommend this book to any fans of the original television series, anyone reading Boom Studio's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series, or even anyone looking for a great new series with a strong female protagonist.