COMIC REVIEW: MMPR/TMNT #4

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4

Written by Ryan Parrott

Art by Simone di Meo and Alessio Zonno with Walter Baiamonte and Igor Monti

Published by BOOM! Studios and IDW Publishing

Released March 18th, 2020

It’s the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers as you’ve never seen them before vs Shredder! No, really. Just imagine the coolest thing we could do and, yeah, we’re doing it.

With an official synopsis like that, I think Parrott and the gang know they’re giving MMPR and TMNT fans what they want. So far we’ve been gifted a series that shows not only the utmost respect to both franchises but boasts a fan-driven story that unapologetically nods, ninja kicks, and morphs to as many “what ifs?” you can ask. And Issue 4 is no different. With the last issue ending with our Ninja Turtles holding power ranger morphers, I practically melted into my 8-year-old self and did “jump-kicks” off of nearby playground equipment. But that’s a story for another time. 

Story-wise, Parrot really gives every ranger and turtle their time to shine. Costume/power swapping being the main draw in this issue is handled in such a way that it felt natural to see it play out on an old CRTV back in 1994. The Turtles’ weapons getting the power rangers treatment, as well as our four mutant brothers being able to fight out of the shadows, adds to the fun crossover charm.  Fanboy giddiness aside, this issue is mostly about setting up the final issue coming out next month. Which makes it a quick read. Yet even though Issue 4 feels like more style than substance, I’m not going to argue that the style is worth purchasing alone. 

Simone di Meo’s artwork continues to be striking and colorful. It puts you in a world where you just immediately know where you are. The “power poses” between the TMNT and MMPR here are nothing short of crossover perfection. And the “neon-like” color scheme makes every page feel like some sort of late 80s/early 90s time warp. 

With the inclusion of Foot-putties, a giant BeBbop and Rocksteady, Ninja Rangers driving the Turtle van and using the  Dinozord…pure fan fuel fun practically oozes from this issue. 

With everything currently going on in the world, this comic series couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s funny, action-packed, and beautiful to look at. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 continues to be my favorite series of 2020, if not the past 5 years. Make a pizza, wash your hands, and delve into this Issue. If you’re a TMNT fan, MMPR fan, comic reader, or simply have a pulse…I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 

Let’s hope we hit a homerun with Issue 5!  

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 is now available wherever comics are sold!