Later this summer the current iteration of the Power Rangers on the printed page will reach its end when Boom! Studios releases the finale to its expansive universe-spanning Darkest Hour story. What started with Unlimited Power in 2020 will officially wrap in September with the release of Darkest Hour Deluxe Edition. While fans wait for the release of the final entry in the current Power Rangers comics universe, another “chapter” of that saga is available to read in the form of The Eltarian War. Released this past February (ahead of the forthcoming release of Recharged Deluxe Edition), the 200-page-plus story is the immediate follow-up to Unlimited Power. The recently released anthology, which culls Issues 13-16 of Power Rangers and Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, follows the Power Rangers and Omega Rangers as they work to defend Earth from the invading Eltarian forces of Supreme Guardian Zartus and his minions; this after Zartus and the Rangers thought Zartus had killed Zordon. This leads to a much bigger story, which will be discussed shortly. The general writing, which includes the transitions, works directly with the story to make this anthology worth reading and will be addressed a little later. The artwork that went into the tale rounds out its most important elements and will also be discussed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of The Eltarian War. All things considered they make this chapter of the Power Rangers Darkest Hour saga worth reading in its own right.
Power Rangers: The Eltarian War, the second “chapter” in Boom! Studios’ Power Rangers universe-spanning Darkest Hour saga, is another strong entry in the expansive tale. It is a presentation that Power Rangers fans are certain to appreciate. That is due in no small part to its featured story, which can be summed up in two words: Unlikely partnerships. Following the events of Unlimited Power, a number of unlikely partnerships are formed in the attempt to keep evil forces from taking over Earth. The Power Rangers and Omega Rangers (who are three of the original Power Rangers) have to put aside their differences to stop Zartus and his Eltarian forces from succeeding in their attempt to take over Earth; this after Zartus and the Rangers thought Zartus had killed Zordon in the saga’s previous “chapter.”
That partnership is just one that happens in this story. That is because Zartus and his minions are not the only threat facing Earth and its people. The Empyreals who have essentially come along with Zartus in his megalomaniacal mission threaten to completely destroy Earth and start the planet over without humans. Not to give away too much, but none other than Drakkon (Tommy from the alternate Power Rangers universe) joins the fray with his own “partners” to help take down the Empyreals.
As if all of this is not enough, Zordon – who as it turns out was not killed after all – and Lord Zedd end up partnering up in order to stop Zartus when he returns to the moon to try and steal the Zeo Crystal. This team-up happens because Zordon helps Zedd recall the pair’s previous friendship from their life on Eltar eons ago and how Zartus was to blame for what happened to Zedd.
Staying on the matter of Zedd, his own minions – Goldar, Squat, Baboo, and Finster – believe their evil master has been killed at Zartus’ hands as this story opens. As a result, the misfits end up joining forces with the Rangers to help stop the immediate threat to Earth, go figure. This and all of the other partnerships are all part of an oft-used plot device that has been used across the action realm from one franchise to another. To that end, its use here comes as less of a surprise, but still is enjoyable as the groups all work for the greater good to protect Earth (even when certain figures only want to for their own reasons).
Speaking of the story and its execution, that is all tied directly into the book’s writing, another of its most important aspects. This includes the transitions. In regard to the story’s writing, there are so many moments throughout in which superstar writer Ryan Parrott utilizes some of the campy dialogue style from MMPR that made that television series so fun. At the same time, the dialogue (generally delivered by the rangers) shows that neither Parrott nor the Rangers take themselves too seriously even within the seriousness of the story. On another note, even as Zedd and Zordon face off, the exposition used therein to set the stage for that climactic battle between them and Zartus is just minimal enough to keep things engaging. The transition points are also part of the general writing. Thanks to the simplicity of their use, pointing out when the story is flashing back to the past and when it is changing scenes, that writing element does just as much to keep readers engaged. Between all of this and more, the general writing that went into the story of The Eltarian War goes a long way toward making this graphic novel so engaging and entertaining.
Putting the final touch on the book is its artwork. Marco Renna, who has had a hand in every aspect of the Darkest Hour saga, crafted much of the artwork in this book, this time with assistance by Francesco Mortarino, Christian Prunesti, Walter Baiamonte and others. The familiarity of his work is on full display, what with the rich colors, the distinct use of lines, lighting, and sharp, semi-anime style look. The way in which the Blue Emissary constantly changes from one Blue Ranger to another is another hallmark of Renna’s work. He and his fellow artists make it so easy to see the Emissary changing forms in their minds as he addresses the Rangers when he appears. On yet another note, the battle scenes (which abound throughout the story) expertly use that lighting, simple action lines, etc. to make the whole so immersive, too. It is another testament to the work of Renna and company. All things considered the artwork featured in this collection gives audiences just as much to appreciate as the story and its writing. All things considered the artwork, the writing and story all combine to make the whole a fully immersive presentation that every Power Rangers fan will appreciate.
Power Rangers: The Eltarian War, is a tale that Power Rangers fans across the board are sure to appreciate. That is due in no small part to its story, which is just as action packed as any Power Rangers story both on the page and on screen. It does an excellent job carrying on what started in Ultimate Power and closing itself out before the next chapter begins. The writing that went into the story plays a crucial role in that enjoyment. It ensures the story progresses fluidly while also giving the story just enough edge, heart, and even comedy. The story’s artwork puts the finishing touch to the presentation, giving art-minded individuals just as much to enjoy as those focused on the other aspects. Each item examined is important in its own way to the whole of the book. All things considered they make Power Rangers: The Eltarian War another strong point in Boom! Studios’ Power Rangers: Darkest Hour saga that every Power Rangers fan will appreciate.
Power Rangers: The Eltarian War is available now. More information on this and other titles from Boom! Studios is available at:
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