Well, readers certainly got a lot for their money with this issue eh? There's a lot to go through with this one, and let's be fair, it was all really really good stuff.
As with the previous issues, this one begins more than 10,000 years ago on the planet of Eltar as we get another slice of Zordon's backstory. After having seen him as a solider, and studying alien civilisations here we see the moment when the Supreme Guardain chooses Zordon to be his successor, a role that Zordon never set out to pursue. It's fun to see a Zordon who's not only unsure of themselves, but can't even see the qualities in himself that are needed for such a role, qualities that would come to define him in the era where we know him best.
Not only do these segments show us insight into Zordon's past, and give us information that will come into play with Candice/Zelya, but it also shows a Zordon who's trying to do his best but makes mistakes. He makes poor choices even though he's trying to do the right thing, something that really seems to apply to Billy at the moment, with his involvement in the new Green Ranger. I think that these looks into Zordon's past are going to become more important when it finally comes time for Billy and Zordon to talk about what's happened, and could play a big part in helping their friendship from falling apart.
After this brief flashback the story carries on with the Rangers having to fight against Zedd's new Chaos Putty, that's now grown to giant size and is terrorising the city. It turns out that these new Putties aren't just a challenge for the Rangers in regular fights, but prove to be a challenge for the Zords too. Luckily, the Rangers have some back-up in the form of the newly upgraded Dragon Zord. I've always had a soft spot for this particular Zord, especially as it's the Power Rangers version of Godzilla, so to see it back, with a fresh new design is a true joy. Sadly, it seems that even with him on their side it's not enough and the Rangers are quickly overwhelmed.
I love that Zedd just keeps racking up the wins here. After being sidelined somewhat in the Necessary Evil story it's great to see this guy turn around and remind everyone why he's a bad guy to be feared, and actually get some victories under his belt. It also puts the team in some new situations that they've not had to face before; one of my favourite ones being Rocky going outside the Megazord to buy the team time, fighting a literal wave of Putties to do so. It's the kind of scenario the television series just couldn't give us.
Luckily, the team are rescued by Zelya, who's able to transport them out of danger and back to the command centre, where she reveals her true identity to everyone, and reveals that a 'third Eltarian war' is coming. Sadly, we don't really get much details on what this means here, as the issue is already having to do so much else, but it certainly sets up for some interesting stuff to come once the Rangers are able to beat Zedd. Sadly, that looks like it's going to be more of a challenge as Zedd traps Angel Grove beneath an energy dome, one that's trapped the Rangers outside.
Fortunately for the citizens of Angel Grove there is one Ranger still inside the dome with them. Going on live television the new Green Ranger reassures the citizens of the city that they'll get through things, that everything is going to be okay. They tell people that they know this because they're one of them too, and to prove this removes their helmet, revealing their identity to the world. And yeah, that was something that I wasn't expecting. I knew the reveal was coming this issue, and that the person beneath the helmet was probably going to be this person, but I was not expecting them to make their identity public knowledge.
Not only does this person being the Green Ranger add some wrinkles into the team dynamic just because of who they are and their relationship with the Rangers, but it also changes things so dramatically that they're open about it. How will this change the way the public see the Power Rangers? Will this cause the team to question their reasons for staying hidden? Will the public be trying to figure out the Rangers identities now that they know who the Green Ranger is? It's all exciting possibilities going forward.
As usual Ryan Parrott has managed to not only deliver an action packed issue filled with character development and awesome moments, but has done something that could change the Power Rangers comics forever. Whatever you think of the reveal, whatever you think of the pick for the new Ranger, you have to admit, this is all very, very exciting.
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