by Matt Sernaker, Editor-In-Chief

It’s not often that a series can successfully return from obscurity after 30 years, but the creative team behind VR Troopers has accepted the challenge! Thanks to the shocking inclusion of the trio of virtual-reality warriors in the hit Power Rangers Prime ongoing series, Ryan, Kaitlin, and JB are back for the second issue of their own title. VR Troopers #2 is hitting the stands, and the threats to our world just got a whole lot bigger…

Official Synopsis:
We are VR! The VR Troopers continue their triumphant return to comics after 30 years! After the dramatic revelations of the first issue, Kaitlin puts her journalistic skills to the test to investigate Ziktor Industries. But is she in over her head on her solo mission? Meanwhile, JB and Ryan try to solve the mysteries of their new enemies!

Creative Team:
Writer: Mairghread Scott
Artist: Sebastian Piriz
Colorist: JP Jordan
Letterer: Taylor Esposito

I will admit, I wasn’t as hooked on VR Troopers growing up as I was with Power Rangers. I enjoyed the premise of the original show, but it didn’t have the same appeal to me without the giant robot battles. I might have also caught on to the fact that the show was cobbled together from a few different Japanese series early on, and the grid suits being repainted MMPR helmets added to the distraction. That being said, I loved everything about the first chapter of the BOOM! Studios title. The setup was exponentially stronger than it’s 90s counterpart, and I’m extremely excited to see that this book can still exist on its own while operating within the Prime Universe. The family mysteries, power dynamics, and impending threats came across well in both the opening chapter and this new installment, and the narrative build keeps getting better and better.

The art of VR Troopers works well on a larger level (the action looks incredible and I love the use of motion in the books), but the inconsistency on the facial expressions is a bit off-putting. It’s a minor quibble, but something that became very noticeable in the early pages of the second issue in particular. The use of color is bold and engaging as it further differentiates the book from its Prime companion.

VR Troopers gets back to action with an impressive new take on the 30-year-old franchise. The sense of impending doom is clear by the end of the second issue, and I can’t wait to see what the creative team has in store for us next.

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives VR Troopers #2 – 4 out of 5 refreshing twists on a nostalgic property.

ComicsOnline is celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, and we would greatly appreciate a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on our various social media channels.

INSTAGRAM – COMICSONLINE
THREADS – COMICSONLINE
BLUESKY – COMICSONLINE
YOUTUBE – COMICSONLINE
FACEBOOK – COMICSONLINE

Thank you for your ongoing support of our independent media outlet, and we hope you will explore our other exclusive interviews and coverage of everything geek pop culture!