The crossover between Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continues in the 4th and penultimate issue of the series. This is a spoiler-review! You have been warned.
The issue opens with the Turtles about to engage WyldFyre (one of Rita Repulsa’s goons) in combat. Making good on the last panel of issue #3, the Turtles morph, and it is both jaw-dropping and impossible not to love. I didn’t realize how badly I needed to see the Turtle Rangers until now.
After they morph, we cut back to the Angel Grove team in the sewers with Splinter. Splinter delivers an empowering speech, telling the team that “You are not rangers because of your morphers. You have your morphers because inside…you are all rangers.” This idea that internal strength makes us who we are is a hallmark of both franchises, and it was easily one of my favorite lines from this issue.
Splinter’s moving speech directly precedes the second new crossover design of this issue – that of the Ninja Rangers. The Black Ranger’s design was my personal favorite. The incorporation of the fur hoodie and gas mask really made it standout.
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Mighty Morphin’ Teenage Ninja Rangers
Back on the streets of New York City, we see the Turtle Rangers absolutely gushing over the suits. Mikey exclaims his love for his new weaponry and Raph proclaims how happy he is that these enemies aren’t human, giving him the opportunity to go all out for once. They’re having the time of their lives, and their exuberance is palpable.
The Ninja Rangers then embark on a quest to free Tommy from the clutches of the Foot Clan. They break into the technodrome and do battle with The Putty Soldier Elite, Baxter Stockman’s latest creation. In a clever twist, these hybrid Foot soldiers prove instrumental in Tommy’s efforts to save Tyler.
The Putty Soldier Elite turn on Tyler and his team, which is where Tommy steps in. Delivering a signature Ranger battle cry, he beats down Stockman’s creations and rescues Tyler, telling him that “The Foot Clan doesn’t care about you!”. His message finally hits home, and he takes Tommy’s hand. These panels are arguably the best in this issue, as they deliver very strong emotional payoff and resolution to Tommy’s mission.
Rita and Shredder take a backseat in this issue, only taking the spotlight in the last few pages. They have both failed at their respective tasks, but they come together in a last-ditch attempt to defeat both the Ninja Rangers and the Turtle Rangers. Their evil chemistry is as wonderful as ever as they grow Bebop and Rocksteady to colossal heights and unleash them on the citizens of New York City.
Thoughts On The Issue
This issue is the strongest of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles team-up so far. It’s very fast paced and high octane, but it never feels rushed. The emotional beats are memorable and continue to showcase how deep Ryan Parrott’s understanding of both teams goes. Even ancillary characters like Casey and April are given time to shine. They earn their place in the story here, becoming more just than fan-service appearances in this crossover.
Simone Di Meo’s illustrations are beautiful and make excellent use of negative space in this issue. The coloring is handled by Walter Baiamonte, and it is phenomenal. He elevates and complements Di Meo’s work, turning already stunning pages into vibrant, ethereal masterpieces. The only challenge this issue faces from a visual standpoint is the somewhat disorienting battle with WyldFyre.
Issue #4 continues to exceed expectations. This comic will make you smile, laugh, and cheer from cover to cover. The final panel sets up a fantastic conclusion that I cannot wait to read. The Illuminerdi highly recommends picking up a copy of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 this week.
