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Comic Review: MMPR/TMNT #3

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3

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 February 5th, 2020

Rita Repulsa faces off against Shredder for control of the weapon that will change the Power Rangers forever! No matter who wins, the world will never be the same! As the two villains battle, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers must find a way to storm the Foot Clan base to save Tommy, as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles step up to help their new allies in an unexpected way.

Besides their main IDW series, the TMNT have currently made themselves known for crossovers. Whether it’s the DC universe, Lego, Batman, Ghostbusters, or now the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, our Turtle Brethren are no strangers when worlds collide. Yet, maybe it’s the 90’s kid in me, but this MMPR/TMNT crossover really sticks out. It might be the nostalgia talking (isn’t that the point?) but Issue 3 cemented itself as a major influence in solidifying that this may be my favorite crossover so far, yet we’ve only just begun (cue The Carpenters). 

With our Turtles and Power Rangers working together (by way of butt kicking and exchanging words) coupled with The Shredder gaining a Green Ranger friggen Morpher…it’ safe to say issue 2 left me practically salivating for the next. Can Issue 3 follow up with greater or equal radicalness?

IT WAS GREATER RADICALNESS. 

Issue 3 is fast paced, humorous, and exciting. While reading these issues I hear the music, the character voices, and sound effects. Simone di Meo and company continue to knock it out of the park with their unique visual style. This may be one of my favorite looks for the Turtles and their world. The overall dark cool hues of the book splashed with the neon rainbow colors make for beautiful “poster-worthy” pages. And Parrot’s writing continues to build in some of the strongest “crossover” stories in the Turtle’s comic history.

Bebop and Rocksteady are alongside Shredder once again as well as a familiar Turtles ally that had me grinning from ear to ear when they jumped onto the page. The Shredder’s cadance throughout this series has been powerful and selfish (just how I like him) lusting for power and to put an end to the Turtles (and now the Rangers). Seeing the characters of these two franchises interact has proven to be a treat so far. And, being lifelong fans of both, there’s not a single line of dialogue that sounds odd or out-of-character. 

The issue ends in an absolutely awesome way that will make any TMNT and MMPR fan pick up the fourth issue as soon as possible. There’s no doubt in my mind for that. Persoanlly, I truly can’t wait for issue 4 to hit shelves. The worst part of this issue was realizing that it’s nearly over. But I’d rather it be short and sweet than overstay its welcome. It’s a fantastic issue.

  

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

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Comic BooksReviews

COMIC REVIEW: MMPR/TMNT #2

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2

Written by Ryan Parrott

Art by Simone di Meo and Dan Mora

Published by BOOM! Studios and IDW Publishing

Released January 8th, 2020

Tommy faces a shocking betrayal within the Foot Clan that puts him in the crosshairs of their leader – Shredder! But can the Rangers and Turtles put their differences aside before Shredder unleashes his ultimate weapon? No Rangers or Turtles fan can miss this shocking last page!

After a beautiful looking and intriguing first issue, can Parrot/di Meo and team keep the ball rolling by delivering another nostalgic yet mighty radical issue in this five part series? 

Yes. Yes they can. And they did. 

Tommy Oliver is part of the Foot Clan, the Power Rangers want him back and cross our beloved Turtle brothers. Issue two picks up after a rooftop fight between Rangers and Turtles, Channel Six’s April O’Neil reports and the Turtles return to the sewers with some Mighty Morphin’ accompaniment. Issue two fleshes out plot points while the action takes a bit of a backseat (yet there’s still plenty to be had). I don’t know if Parrott had fun writing this series, but from what I’m reading it seems like he certainly did. The Turtles are no strangers to crossovers (especially recently) but it’s important for these characters to do more than pose for some poster-worthy splash pages while beatin’ up the baddies. And Ryan Parrott knows his stuff. With the story starting to really take form, we begin to see some real fanboy imagination…in a great way of course. 

As someone who grew up on these television shows, the universe we’re introduced to is familiar. The Turtles, their world, and surrounding characters in this series are clearly influenced more by the 1987 series with some 2003 thrown in for good measure. The MMPR and their lore are intact as well…straight from 1993. My favorite thing about this issue is each ongoing conversation between a particular Ranger and Turtle during a chaotic foot clan fight. Mikey and Zack talk about favorite pizza toppings, Leo and Jason discuss fighting techniques, Raph and Trini explain the types of goon they take on. It’s little things like that that make these characters feel real. 

The direction we’re headed with The Shredder (classically purple clad once again) and Tommy Oliver is what makes this team up stand out. It shows that Parrott and team are truly going out of their way to make the elements of these franchises blend in a creative and satisfying way. And like the official preview states, the last page will make MMPR and TMNT fans throw their wallets at issue 3. Simone di Meo’s art and Dan Mora’s colors continue to give this series an artful and unique look. While IDW’s TMNT series has more of a basic earthy look, this series is vibrant and stylistic. With dramatic angles and a very “outrun” esque color palette. I really love it.

Overall, MMPR/TMNT #2 delivers nostalgia, yes, but is clearly making its own headway with a creative storyline that should satisfy both TMNT and MMPR fans. I’m sold. And I can’t wait for Issue 3!

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

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Comic BooksReviews

Comic Review: MMPR/TMNT #1

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1

Written by Ryan Parrott

Art by Simone di Meo, Walter Baiamonte and Igor Monti

Published by BOOM! Studios and IDW Publishing

Released December 4th, 2019

The Power Rangers arrive in New York City to find Tommy Oliver (a.k.a. The Green Ranger) but soon discover he’s joined forces with the villainous Shredder and the Foot Clan! As the Rangers are sent reeling by this betrayal, they ‘re confronted by another (fr)enemy… the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Can these heroes find a way to work together to defeat the bad guys and save the world from total destruction?!

It’s a 90s date made in heaven! No, I’m not talking about Saved By The Bell meets Goosebumps (though I might have to copyright that idea) it’s our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles meeting the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers! And I assure you when this was announced eight year old me would’ve choked on my Dunkaroos. But is the first chapter worth your sheckles? Let’s check out issue one in this five issue series! 

On the storytelling side of this issue Ryan Parrott hits a homerun. It very much feels like a lost episode of the Power Rangers rather than the Ninja Turtles (this is a personally feeling) but it works for the issue in a great way. What I really dig is that there is no realm jumping or portal hopping for our heroes to come together ala’ the Batman/TMNT series. Angel Grove and New York City exist in the same universe. And the TMNT and MMPR are just a plane ride away from each other. The classic Power Rangers wit and feel are there with the idea of tying these two franchises together: Tommy Oliver joining The Foot Clan. Ingenious and clever. I am so in, dudes and dudettes. 

The artwork of Simone di Meo, Walter Baiamonte and Igor Monti also fits this series beautifully. As a TMNT fan, it’s a great change of style from Santolouco or Wachter (no offense of course). Di Meo already adds so much fluid life as the main artist for Boom! Studio’s MMPR title, and his rendition of the TMNT already feel like a great fit. 

Having two nostalgic powerhouses like the Power Rangers and TMNT come together is already an insta-buy and attention grabber for a lot of people, but what’s important for comics is the writing and artwork (duh.) And, with this first issue alone, Ryan Parrott and Simone di Meo coming together make this debut as mighty and powerful as it can be. With beautiful artwork and sharp writing, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 debuts with a promising and entertaining story of fun, fights, and fanfare for diehard fans and new ones alike. It’s Mighty Morphin’ Mutant Time, Dudes!

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is now available wherever comics are sold!

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He may be more interested in the Power Rangers, but that won't stop Jason from talkin' turtles! Image Source: GeekRockTV.com
EventsNews

Jason David Frank Talks Turtles During SDCC 2017 Interview

by Justin W
written by Justin W

Back in the early 90’s, it wasn’t uncommon for fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to watch Mighty Morphin Power Rangers as well. Although the two shows weren’t exactly the same, they did share some similarities which appealed to both fan communities. In fact, they went together so well that Saban eventually had the Power Rangers team up with our heroes in a half shell. Although some fans were very critical of the crossover, it was still pretty cool to see the two franchises clash.

Perhaps that is why it was so cool to hear none other than Jason David Frank sharing his thoughts about the TMNT during an interview at SDCC 2017. Jason played the Green Ranger and has been a vocal supporter of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise ever since. As a member of the original crew, he has a unique perspective on what it was like to be on the show while the turtles were at the height of their popularity. During the interview, he shared his thoughts about both properties:

“I used to really like the turtles, and we used to get compared to the turtles all the time. I used to be like ‘oh, I do a show called Power Rangers,’ and they’d be like ‘oh, like that cartoon Ninja Turtles?’ and I’d be like “no, man — we’re the Power Rangers… soon you will find out!”

 

It’s not surprising to find that some people would confuse the two franchises, but it’s nice to see that Jason took it in stride. During the interview, he also answered some other questions relating to the TMNT. Here’s a rundown of his responses:

  • His favorite pizza topping is extra cheese
  • He enjoyed the 2014 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie
  • He prefers the slogan “Cowabunga” over “Turtle Power”

Although Jason only spent a short amount of time talking turtles, we recommend watching the entire interview to hear his thoughts on other subjects such as life, faith and – of course – Power Rangers! Machelle Noel also had the opportunity to speak with Walter E. Jones, the actor behind the Black Ranger. He also had some interesting thoughts about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, denoting some of the similarities between both franchises.

Alternatively, if you want to know more about when the TMNT joined forces with the Power Rangers, feel free to check out a synopsis of the episode or see it for yourself in the fourth episode of Power Rangers in Space.

Special thanks to Machelle Noel (AKA our very own April O’Neil) for conducting this interview. If you want to see more of her work, check out @GeekRockTV and @MachelleNoelTV on Instagram. Alternatively, you can also check out an interview she conducted with the cast and crew of Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Machelle Noel and the fine people at GeekRockTV clearly had way too much fun at SDCC 2017! Image Source: GeekRockTV.
Machelle Noel and the fine people at GeekRockTV clearly had way too much fun at SDCC 2017! Image Source: GeekRockTV.
Machelle Noel hanging out with Walter E. Jones. Image Source: GeekRockTV.
Machelle Noel hanging out with Walter E. Jones. Image Source: GeekRockTV.

We would also like to thank co-host Jimmy Blu Mendez, Leticia Ruiz, Matthew Weatherson, Mike Jeffs, Mason Banks, Matt Beck, Emily Beck, Susy Botello (Int’l Mobile Film Festival), Raymond Montemayor (A Star War Toy Story) and GeekRockTV.com.

Are you happy to see that Jason David Frank is also a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Do you enjoy both the TMNT and the Power Rangers? Feel free to share your thoughts either in the comments below or on Facebook/Twitter.

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Although the turtles won't be joining forces with the rangers in this movie, it would appear that the director got some inspiration from our heroes in a half shell. Image Source: Saban, "Power Rangers in Space"
Movie NewsNews

New Power Rangers Movie May Be Partially Inspired By TMNT

by Justin W
written by Justin W

I know what you’re thinking: how the heck does that work? Well, according to the director of Power Rangers, the nostalgia for both properties was very similar. Just like most millennials, Dean Israelite grew up watching both Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. After being given the task of re-creating the concept behind this Americanized Super Sentai series, he immediately went to work by watching the first season in order to brush up on the origins of the franchise.

In addition to putting that show on his playlist, he also watched a few select episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. When asked why, Israelite said that he wanted to “capture what I used to feel when I was watching these things. I wanted to imbue that feeling into the movie.” If it sounds like Dean is a little nostalgic for the programming of our past, there may be a very good reason for that. When asked why he thinks audiences are nostalgic for these properties, the director went on to state the following:

“I think part of it is it helps you combat fear. It takes you back to a place where you feel completely safe. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately and it’s something everyone talks about. We’re in the era of nostalgia. Everyone is bringing back things that will create these feelings of nostalgia. I’ve started to think about why? I think part of it is it makes you feel empowered.”

Maybe the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles really do go hand-in-hand with the Power Rangers. Image Source: Saban,

Maybe the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles really do go hand-in-hand with the Power Rangers. Image Source: Saban, “Power Rangers in Space”

No matter how you look at it, there’s definitely a lot of truth to that statement. I don’t know if I agree that this is the era of nostalgia (Back to the Future was nostalgic for the 1950s, and that movie was released in 1985), but we’re definitely seeing a surge of nostalgic filmmaking on the marquee as of late. It’s highly unlikely that the inspiration pulled from our heroes in a half shell was based on anything other than this nostalgia, but it’s nice to know that directors of modern films still look to the Ninja Turtles for guidance.

Oh, and when it comes to that episode of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers where they teamed up with the TMNT, Dean stated that he definitely remembers the episode. It doesn’t appear that he used that as inspiration for the new Power Rangers movie, but he was quite fond of the nostalgia that episode kicked up. For more information, check out the original post from Den of Geek.

What do you think? Do these revelations make you want to see Power Rangers when it is released this weekend? Was Isrealite on the right track with his research? Share your thoughts and feelings either in the comments section below or on Facebook/Twitter.

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