Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: Stephen Byrne
Publisher: DC Comics & BOOM!
Back in January, BOOM! and DC Comics kicked off a new crossover series with the potential to be an all-time great. The premise of Justice League vs. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was simple: The Power Rangers and a dangerous enemy are accidentally transported to the Justice League’s universe and are greeted by an understandably irritated Batman. But the heroes must put their issues aside and band together to stop a world-destroying event. Pretty cool, right?
The first issue of JL vs. MMPR was a fantastic start as an all-out hero rumble erupted in the middle of Gotham. This fight was a classic misunderstanding between good guys and shouldn’t have happened in the first place, but it was quite entertaining to read. The interactions between Batman and the black ranger were particularly enjoyable, which, as it turns out, is a theme that continues into the second issue. Thank goodness!
Right from the get go, JL vs. MMPR #2 makes a point to show how the powers would collide. Can Green Lantern’s ring stop the Dragonzord? Tom Taylor provides the answer to this very question. And the best part is that he poses and answers the nerdiest of questions while adding in some much needed puns. The first issue was quite serious, but the second is decidedly more humorous. Even Superman cracks a mini joke.
Even though the opening battle provides some seriously cool moments–when Jason and the Flash meet–it ends at the perfect time and opens up room for some key dialogue. This is where everything gets even better as Batman and the black ranger have some more interactions, including a moment where Zack asks the question that everyone has been wanting to ask since Batman was created. It’s great. Plus, this dialogue transitions to explaining how the villains meet and gives a teeny glimpse into the possible frightening future. More importantly, this meeting unleashes a worldwide event courtesy of one of the better DC Villains.
As a continuation of this new series, Justice League vs. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #2 is phenomenal at setting the stage for issues to come. The villainous plans slowly become more apparent but don’t cause frustration. The slow burn that is learning the plot is actually a better option than having the entire story revealed at the beginning. Besides, it will be fascinating watching the two villains grow accustomed to each other. Their personalities are so different so the interactions should be fun.
Two issues in, Tom Taylor is knocking it out of the park with Justice League vs. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The story is so entertaining, and the interactions between every character just make each panel better. This series is much better than it has any right to be, and that fact makes me so happy.
