Warning: Spoilers ahead for Power Rangers Prime #5! The Power Coins, once seen as symbols of pride and responsibility within the storied Power Rangers franchise, have taken on a foreboding new significance in the latest plot developments. Traditionally, these coins denoted membership in Zordon’s heroic team of ‘teenagers with attitude,’ offering hope and purpose in the battle against evil. However, a darker transformation looms in Power Rangers Prime #5, where Rita Repulsa has assumed Zordon’s role, casting the Power Coins in a much more sinister light.
In this latest installment crafted by writers Melissa Flores and Michael YG, the narrative pivots as the Power Coins emerge as tokens of liability rather than empowerment. The Yellow Ranger, Valentina, finds herself fraught with dread after experiencing the immediate repercussions of wielding her newfound abilities, leading to her deep-seated regret over her choice to accept the Power Coin.
Rita swiftly establishes a stringent stance, denying the Rangers the luxury of leaving at their whim. This approach starkly contrasts with Zordon’s philosophy, darkening the perception of the Coins—and the responsibilities they entail—for these new Rangers.
Rita Repulsa Alters the View on the Rangers’ Power Coins
Power Rangers Prime #5: A Dark Narrative Shift
Set in a divergent universe from the beloved original series, Power Rangers Prime presents a reimagined lore surrounding the Power Coins. In the earlier Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, these coins were crafted by the powerful sorcerer known as Ninjor, who bestowed them upon the Morphin Grid. Originally, nine Power Coins were created, five of which were entrusted to Zordon to empower his chosen warriors.
While the overarching role of the Coins remains intact in Power Rangers Prime, their origins take on a new enigma, particularly regarding how the Rangers acquired them from the Angel Grove Natural History Museum. Crucially, the Prime version of the Power Coins is tainted with Rita Repulsa’s malevolent magic, which complicates their association with the Morphin Grid. Although Rita is innately connected to this source of power, the infusion of dark sorcery suggests a serious corruption of their original purpose.
Notably, before granting powers to her unique breed of ‘Teenagers with Attitude’, Rita stresses that she “cannot force the power upon you… you must reach out and take it.”This perspective is echoed when she names Lauren Shiba the new Red Ranger, prompting Lauren to vocalize that they are making a “deal.”This arrangement carries a striking Faustian undertone, suggesting that the Power Coins may well be cursed—an irrevocable choice once the offer is accepted.
A Stark Contrast: Zordon’s Treatment of the Power Coins
Mighty Morphin Rangers Had Fluidity in Their Choices
Historically, Zordon’s approach allowed his Rangers considerable autonomy regarding their involvement. In both the original TV series and the comics, he never enforced the Power Coins as irrevocable contracts binding his Rangers to remain until evil was vanquished. The only instance of strict obedience took place in Zordon’s interactions with his initial team in 1969, where he requested their Power Coins back following their victory against the Green Psycho Ranger.
This was less about obligation and more about Zordon confronting the failures of his first team, many of whom perished during their inaugural mission. With the Mighty Morphin Rangers, however, Zordon permitted members like Trini, Zack, and Jason to depart voluntarily to pursue humanitarian endeavors, while others returned at will, enjoying a fluid relationship with their roles as Rangers.
Will the Power Rangers Come to Regret Their Alliance with Rita?
The Potential Consequences of Aligning with Rita
The nuances between serving a wise mentor like Zordon and a malevolent figure such as Rita Repulsa reveal significant implications for the Power Rangers. Both Zordon and Rita pose the choice of accepting power, but the circumstances vastly differ. In the original series’ premiere, Zordon readily allowed the teens a moment of reflection, each empowered at their discretion. Conversely, Rita offers her powers as a means of survival against threats like the aggressive VR Troopers, creating an atmosphere charged with urgency and desperation.
While Zordon’s call to adventure arises from a genuine desire to inspire and empower, the Power Rangers’ decision to ally with Rita seems steeped in self-preservation. Ultimately, this alignment with Rita may lead to unforeseen regrets, suggesting that this new partnership could prove disastrous for their futures.
Power Rangers Prime #5 is now available from BOOM! Studios.