Review: Ranger Academy #5

We continue our exploration of the illustrious Ranger Academy with another endearing set of character moments. Maria Ingrande Mora has excelled at crafting interactions between Sage & her friends feel genuine and relatable. Their youthful anxieties go beyond the typical “teens angst” tropes you might expect in a story involving characters this young.

However, while the character development remains a strong point, the plot seems to be slowing down. The central mystery surrounding Sage’s father and her own self-doubts echo plot points from earlier issues without much movement. While the cliffhanger ending hints at a potential escalation, it’s unclear if it’s enough to break the cycle of reveal, ruminate, and repeat.

Visually, this book remains stunning. Jo Mi-Gyeong’s art continues to impress with its manga style designs and expressive character portrayals. Joana LaFuente’s colors further enhance the world-building, creating a vibrant and visually distinct setting for the Ranger Academy and all its inhabitants. The pink hues of the guidance office scene, the orange hues of the dorm life, and the blues of the Battle Matrix all looked amazing.

Overall, this issue offers another charming installment in this new corner of Power Rangers’ lore. The characters remain the series’ strongest asset, but the narrative needs a shot in the arm to avoid getting stuck in a loop. Here’s hoping future issues manage to balance character development with plot development for a more focused and engaging experience.

Rating: 7.5/10