VR Troopers has done a good job at expanding the Power Rangers Prime continuity. It has provided a different look at the new Power Rangers universe that BOOM! Studios created. The mystery behind the history of the characters, specifically Ryan Steele, has been a big part of the story. We got the chance to check out an early copy of VR Troopers #5 by BOOM! Studios. Find out how it goes with our advanced review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Mairghread Scott
Artist: Sebastian Piriz
Colorist: JP Jordan
Letterer: Taylor Esposito
VR TROOPERS #5 SOLICITATION
“A daring rescue leads to shocking revelations! Ryan and J.B. storm Ziktor Industries to save Kaitlin, only to find she’s suffered a humiliating fate! With a little help from Ryan’s mother, Amy, the Troopers battle back—but Grimlord has a new weapon in store…one with ties to Ryan’s past. Will their greatest threat prove to be the one they never saw coming?” – BOOM! Studios
HIGHLIGHTS FROM VR TROOPERS #5
Ryan Steele & JB Reese Use Their Heads
Throughout VR Troopers #5 we see something that is honestly surprising. That is that Ryan Steele and JB Reese are both shown using their heads. There are a lot of moments that challenge them that it would be understandable for each of them to make emotionally charged decisions. They instead are shown actually thinking and having a heart-to-heart about Amy Steele’s presence. This shows the strength of their friendship and makes them more believable as a team. It is something that this series should’ve done more of but glad it is doing that now.
Get Right Into the Action
VR Troopers #5 is the most action packed issue of the series thus far. This really helped to show how well Ryan and JB fight together as VR Troopers. Their experience fighting villains is showcased well. It further helps differentiate them from the more raw fighting abilities of the Power Rangers Prime. Sebastian Piriz does a great job at the wave of enemies they fight feeling like a fight of skill vs numbers.
Amy Steele Wild Card Series Needs
Amy Steele, Ryan’s mother, provides the much needed wild card this type of story is needed. With Amy around we see how the characters deal with a rogue character like her around. It helps make all the characters better. It then leads to Amy’s character standing out even more because she is different from both sides of the cast of this series. It makes what role she will ultimately serve be in an unknown spot.
Grimlord a Classic Villain
Grimlord hits on all the classic Super Sentai villain notes. They are just a pure villain that is a great change from the shades of grey the Eltarians are. It helps to drive home how the VR Troopers and Power Rangers have other threats to deal with in this universe. It leads to some classic Super Sentai elements to be used that has been missing from the Power Rangers Prime Universe.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN VR TROOPERS #5
Do Better By Kaitlin Star
The biggest takeaway from the last few issues of this series has been that Kaitlin Star deserves a big moment. This issue drives that point home with the role she ends up serving. Mairghread Scott can’t just fall back on the typical direction just because Ryan is the star. Kaitlin, and JB as well, needs a big moment so they aren’t just seen as supporting characters to Ryan’s leading role.
FINAL THOUGHTS
VR Troopers #5 is the best issue of this series thus far. This taps into the classic Super Sentai episode feeling. It is something that helps to make it standout from its sibling tile, Power Rangers Prime. Hopefully that is momentum that is kept up moving forward.
Story Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7.5 Night Girls out of 10
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