Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Darkest Hour #1 Review: The End of An Era

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Darkest Hour #1 Review: The End of An Era

As a fan who has been along for this wild ride since the beginning, I can confidently say that Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Darkest Hour #1 is a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary saga. It’s been quite a journey, one filled with hope, despair, laughter, and tears, much like my own life experiences (though hopefully not as explosive).


Following an extraordinary 8-year run that significantly raised the standard for Power Rangers and the tales they could embody, it’s now time to wrap up this grandiose narrative in style. This significant finale unfolds in the eagerly awaited comic series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Darkest Hour #1. It wasn’t going to be a simple task to conclude this 8-year journey gracefully, but the talented team consisting of Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, Jose Enrique Fernandez, Ed Dukeshire, and editors Allyson Gronowitz and Kenzie Rzonca skillfully accomplished it. They even added a few surprising elements that will linger in your memory, particularly for those who have followed along since the start.

The Darkest Hour

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Darkest Hour #1 Review: The End of An Era

In “Darkest Hour,” the Rangers have persisted in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges, yet they’ve struggled to gain significant ground for the good side lately. This struggle is a key aspect that makes watching Darkest Hour engaging on multiple levels, as it offers moments of triumph and relief as the story approaches its climax. Additionally, the resilience of each surviving Ranger, who presses onward despite seeing no light at the end of the tunnel, adds depth to the narrative, showcasing their unyielding determination.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that the challenges in this series aren’t designed for a swift victory. Instead, they’re deliberately crafted to be tough nuts to crack, leaving me with a constant sense of scarcity and mounting pressure. It feels like every corner I turn brings another obstacle, and my resources are always running low. But when I manage to overcome these challenges and tie up loose ends, the satisfaction is immense – it’s as if the tension and stakes have all been worth it.

Decisions Matter

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Darkest Hour #1 Review: The End of An Era

Let’s discuss another surprising aspect that emerged during the final episodes, which might leave some viewers with mixed feelings. A recurring theme throughout recent Power Rangers issues, particularly in Darkest Hour #1, is the idea of consequences and how every action can impact the world significantly, whether big or small. The ripple effects of our actions matter greatly, and no action escapes its own set of consequences, be they positive or negative. If you anticipated that all the storylines and arcs leading up to this point would conclude neatly, I think you’ll find it surprising, not always in a bad way.

What has left the deepest impression on me since my initial read is this: The story doesn’t cater to everyone, and even those who manage to navigate it are indelibly altered. Some character arcs reach their conclusion in ways that don’t provide a typical happy ending, which might not be what some were anticipating. However, this is precisely why I find the narrative compelling. When outcomes feel authentic and decisions carry weight, the pivotal moments become more impactful, particularly when they exist within the complexities of the grey. Billy and Zordon serve as an excellent illustration of this, since not all of Billy’s choices have led to positive outcomes, and regardless of the final outcome, there are real repercussions that can’t simply be undone by magic.

By the way, rest assured, while I chat about personal dilemmas and significant choices, you’ll find plenty of thrilling action scenes throughout this issue, making everything seem larger than life. It’s always exciting to witness various eras of Rangers appearing through portals to join the fight, and let me tell you, even Baboo, Squatt, and Goldar piloting a Zord is a treat! I’d gladly watch a full sitcom dedicated to that alone. Also, the morphing sequence in the second half is simply stunning, not to mention several other heartwarming moments showcasing the relationships that have made this series such a joy for fans of the franchise.

End of an Era

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Darkest Hour #1 Review: The End of An Era

Although it’s not flawless, the challenges presented are largely due to the constraints of space and property management. There appears to be an overwhelming amount of aspects to address and resolve within a single issue, even if it spans 40 pages. The main characters in this story segment receive some screen time, but there seems to be much unexplored potential left untouched. The transition from the battle’s climax to the resolution is swift, leading to a rapid reset of the status quo. There simply isn’t enough room for us to delve deeper into the world and witness how these events impacted everyone, save for a few brief conversations. However, the interactions that are shown are truly engaging; I just wished there were more of them.

Having grown up reading these comics, I must say that their conclusion left a profound impact on me. It was as if the creators took everything that had been built over the years and gave it a sense of finality that resonated deeply. The consequences of past actions were palpable, lingering long after I closed the pages. Though I’m left with unanswered questions, there’s something undeniably poignant about how they chose to wrap things up.

Published by Boom Studios

Written by Melissa Flores

Art by Simona Di Gianfelice

Colors by Raul Angulo and Jose Enrique Fernandez

Letters by Ed Dukeshire

Cover by Taurin Clarke

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2024-07-31 16:10