Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return is revealed as the upcoming comic series launches a Boom! Direct Reserve Campaign. The new comic series will feature the original Pink Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson, as the writer for a new ‘What If’ take on the characters that started the franchise. Johnson will also be joined by co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon as they continue the original team’s story like they never left. As part of the 30th anniversary of the franchise, a new campaign has also been unveiled, which will feature must-have collectibles and epic exclusives.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return was revealed during the BOOM! Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, which features the 1st Pink Ranger as the series writer. Amy Jo Johnson began her acting career as Kimberly Hart, the original Pink Power Ranger until her character passed down her powers during the 3rd Season. For the next twenty years, she starred in several film and television productions, such as Susie Q, Perfect Body, Felicity, and Flashpoint. For the last ten years, she has turned her attention to behind the camera, writing and directing four short films, and two feature films, and made her foray into TV directing on the CW’s Superman and Lois.
Original Pink Ranger Brings ‘What If’ Story to Power Rangers
BOOM! Studios, together with leading toy and game company Hasbro, is beyond thrilled to announce the previously teased Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return, written by the original Pink Ranger herself, Amy Jo Johnson along with co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon (Ms. Marvel)! Amy Jo Johnson, the actress, screenwriter, & director behind Kimberly Hart, the original Pink Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, returns to Power Rangers as part of its 30th anniversary to write her first comic book!
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Along with co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon, Johnson pens a love letter to the franchise in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return that imagines an alternate future for the original cast. BOOM! Studios, in collaboration with Hasbro, proudly presents Johnson’s comic writing debut directly to fans in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return Boom! Direct Reserve Campaign alongside a new edition of the beloved Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink series and exclusive, limited-edition collectibles.
“My most cherished aspect of portraying Kimberly Hart, the Original Pink Power Ranger, is the countless stories from fans who found solace in our characters. We became friends to many who faced bullying, challenging home situations or were on a journey of self-discovery. What this show has meant to an entire generation was beyond my initial intentions when I took on this role, but it has become one of the most precious gifts of my life. This comic book is my heartfelt love letter to all of you. Thank you for the enormous amount of love and support that has enriched my life because of you!”
Co-writer and original Pink Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson
The Alternate Tale Envisioned for Fans of the Original Team
Along with sharing her excitement for the upcoming release, Johnson also teased the outline of the new story featured in the new series. The original Pink Ranger revealed key details regarding the story for the original team, featuring a ‘What If’ scenario if the team remained together throughout the years. Johnson also spoke about the heart put into the comic series as she partners with Matt Hotson and Nico Leon to bring their vision to life.
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“It’s incredibly exciting to partner with my boyfriend, Matt Hotson, as we set out to offer our own interpretation of the Power Rangers. What if the original team had never separated? Where would they be 30 years later? This comic book is our affectionate tribute to an entire generation, and we genuinely hope it does justice to the legacy that means so much to all of you!
Seeing our story come to life through Nico Leon’s artistry has been the most thrilling part of creating this comic book. Nico’s childhood love for the show adds a special layer to the project, as he infuses his incredible artistic talent and incorporates intricate Easter eggs and details throughout. We couldn’t be more ecstatic with the results!”
Co-writer and original Pink Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson
“As the actress behind the original Pink Power Ranger, I’m stepping into the world of comic books and unleashing my creative vision with a ‘what if’ story that re-imagines the enduring bond of the original Power Rangers. With this project, we’re eager to offer fans a nostalgic yet fresh perspective on these beloved characters while creating a whole new adventure! “What if the original Power Rangers had never parted ways? Where would they be 30 years later?” This comic is our ‘what if’ scenario and my heartfelt love letter to the entire generation that has kept these characters alive for 30 years!”
Co-writer and original Pink Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson
In an alternate universe, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers defeated Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd, but at a terrible cost…and in the wake of that tragedy, the team went their separate ways.
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Twenty-two years later, the long-disbanded team reunites to mourn the losses of beloved friends, but Zack and Billy have some unexpected information to share: Jason–the Red Ranger, who has long been operating as a lone vigilante–has disappeared.
Will the remaining Rangers be able to track him down, especially with a mysterious figure in pursuit?
“To round out our year-long celebration of the monumental 30th anniversary of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, we wanted to give you, the fans, a real first look at the incredible alternate vision of the beloved franchise that Amy Jo, Matt, and Nico have been building. This campaign is for Power Rangers fans new and old. Comics are for everyone, and the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are forever!”
President of Publishing and Marketing, Filip Sablik.
This story may not be in the same universe as the 30-year-long storyline, but it adds a crucial story that fans have been awaiting in the Morphin Grid’s Multiverse. It’s fantastic to see the original Pink Ranger return by bringing a unique perspective on what could have happened if the cast remained together, without transferring their powers. It will be exciting to see how the characters have changed and how loss in their lives has affected them. As the Mighty Morphin team will have a never-ending tale, many fans will be curious to see how other characters were affected, including any references to the Ranger series that were supposed to follow.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #1 will hit shelves on February 7, 2024. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return Boom! Direct Reserve Campaign will continue for 28 days, with special surprises, product reveals, and hidden stretch goals to be announced all month long!
What do you think of the upcoming Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return? Are you excited about the first issue for Boom! Studios latest series? Will you be contributing on Kickstarter for the amazing range of exclusive items? Let us know on social media and keep following The Illuminerdi for more Power Rangers news.
Source: Boom Studios, Amy Jo Johnson
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