In collaboration with Hasbro and BOOM! Studios, Amy Jo Johnson – the actress behind the original Pink Ranger Kimberly Ann Hart – is bringing Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return to Kickstarter. The comic series imagines a timeline where the first Rangers team remained together. Last August, readers received a preview of what’s to come in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 30th Anniversary Special comic, which set up the core idea of diverging from the ’90s TV show by having all original members stay with the group.
Now, readers have their first opportunity to support this book as the launch of its Kickstarter campaign officially begins, giving fans a chance to reserve their copy of the series ahead of publication. The direct reserve campaign will be online for 30 days, and supporters will have access to extra perks like a new edition of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink and other limited-edition collectibles.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #1 is by Amy Jo Johnson, Matt Hotson, and Nico Leon, and is currently set for a February 7 release date. Additional cover art by Goni Montes, Dan Mora, Justine Florentino, and Jenny Frison can be viewed below. The issue’s summary reads:
In an alternate universe, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers defeated Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd, but at a terrible cost… and in the wake of that tragedy, the team went their separate ways.
Twenty-two years later, the long-disbanded team reunites to mourn the losses of beloved friends, but Zack and Billy have some unexpected information to share: Jason – the Red Ranger, who has long been operating as a lone vigilante – has disappeared.
Will the remaining Rangers be able to track him down, especially with a mysterious figure in pursuit?
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return Is Coming February 7
Pink Ranger Actress Amy Jo Johnson Writes New Series
Amy Jo Johnson’s return to the Power Rangers franchise sees her examining an alternate universe in which no Rangers left the original team. Rather than Jason, Trini, and Zack leaving for the Peace Corps as on TV, they make use of their teleportation devices to keep protecting Angel Grove. What follows is the Rangers living their best lives, defeating Zedd and Rita in the process, but not without suffering an unforeseen tragedy. 22 years later, the long disbanded team must come together for a new mission, and fans learn how their lives went differently due to their initial decision to remain a unit.
A Mature Mystery for the Power Rangers
Power Rangers Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary
The comic is part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers TV show, and is described as a love letter to fans. Expressing excitement for the project, Amy Jo Johnson says
It’s incredibly exciting to partner with my boyfriend, Matt Hotson, as we set out to offer our own interpretation of the Power Rangers. What if the original team had never separated? Where would they be 30 years later? This comic book is our affectionate tribute to an entire generation, and we genuinely hope it does justice to the legacy that means so much to all of you!
Seeing our story come to life through Nico Leon’s artistry has been the most thrilling part of creating this comic book. Nico’s childhood love for the show adds a special layer to the project, as he infuses his incredible artistic talent and incorporates intricate Easter eggs and details throughout. We couldn’t be more ecstatic with the results!
As the actress behind the original Pink Power Ranger, I’m stepping into the world of comic books and unleashing my creative vision with a ‘what if’ story that reimagines the enduring bond of the original Power Rangers. With this project, we’re eager to offer fans a nostalgic yet fresh perspective on these beloved characters while creating a whole new adventure!
What if the original Power Rangers had never parted ways? Where would they be 30 years later? This comic is our ‘what if’ scenario and my heartfelt love letter to the entire generation that has kept these characters alive for 30 years!
Based on the previous teases and what readers know about the synopsis, this story is shaping up to be a fresh examination of classic characters that stays true to the original show’s aesthetic and history while also feeling mature. There have been many version of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, but nothing beats the originals, and it will be fascinating to see what Amy Jo Johnson does with the franchise she helped define for an entire generation.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #1 will officially be available from BOOM! Studios and Hasbro starting February 7, but fans can support it on Kickstarter now.
