Power Rangers Prime #2 – Review
Author's Note: This review is a little late. Due to postage delays over Christmas and Royal Mail being unable to tell the difference between BX and BS, my delivery was held up.
Title: Power Rangers Prime #2
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Writer: Melissa Flores
Artist: Michael Yg
Colourist: Fabi Marques
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Power Rangers Prime #2 continues to build on the gritty world introduced in the first issue, raising the stakes and hinting at long-anticipated crossovers. Conflicts emerge around the fugitive Ranger, while a fan-favourite villain discovers the remnants of a Samuraizer—an artefact that could unleash an unprecedented power if activated. Writer Melissa Flores keeps readers hooked with her clever remix of Power Rangers lore and surprising new twists.
The core mystery surrounding the fugitive Ranger deepens, but it's the expanding cast of characters and factions that takes centre stage. Those helping the fugitive are starting to resemble a new Ranger squad, and Flores has fun dropping visual teases of what might be coming.
The real standout tease is the involvement of the VR Troopers—handled in a way that feels both serious and satirical. Much like the Stalkers from The Running Man, the Troopers are state-sanctioned enforcers who double as entertainment figures. The regime uses them to hunt down dissenters while simultaneously entertaining the masses. It's a darkly clever twist that highlights how authoritarian governments weaponise media and spectacle to maintain control.
This depiction of the VR Troopers strikes a balance between deadly and absurd. They're beloved figures in this world, presented as both celebrities and enforcers. Their hunts aren't just state missions—they're shows, part of a propaganda machine that keeps the public entertained while reinforcing the government's narrative. It's a chilling take on how media and authoritarianism intersect, making the Troopers feel both terrifying and tragically plausible.
Michael Yg's art enhances this dystopian world with sleek sci-fi designs that feel both futuristic and grounded. Fabi Marques' colours provide nods to familiar characters while keeping key reveals under wraps, and Ed Dukeshire's lettering ensures every interaction hits with impact.
The series continues to explore themes of freedom and control. Rita Repulsa, now reimagined as a revolutionary figure, emerges as a morally complex character. She offers humanity freedom from their Eltarian rulers, but at a high cost. Her motivations, while extreme, are hard to dismiss, making her one of the more compelling aspects of the story.
Meanwhile, the lingering conspiracy about the Eltarians' true motives continues to build tension. The suggestion that the invasion that brought them to Earth may have been orchestrated by the Eltarians themselves raises questions about power, deception, and the lengths those in control will go to in order to maintain their authority.
Final Score:
Story: 8.0
Art: 8.0
Overall: 8.0
Verdict:
Power Rangers Prime #2 delivers another stellar chapter in this bold reimagining. The integration of the VR Troopers as both serious threats and tools of state propaganda adds a fascinating layer to the story, blending deadly enforcement with media-driven spectacle in a way that evokes the Stalkers from The Running Man. It's a dystopian twist that feels chillingly relevant in today's world. With nods to crossovers and deeper conspiracies, this issue sets the stage for even bigger revelations to come.
I must admit that I am a little disappointed with the VR Troopers. Personally, I would have preferred to see them depicted using the Battle Grid uniforms from the show, demonstrating that, while the Eltarians have an issue with Power Rangers, they haven't come up with anything better than their own version of Rangers with a name change. Then, later on, they could have gone full Metal Hero as a power-up. But that's just my view.