VR Troopers #1 Comic Review: A Hero’s Legacy Reimagined
After three decades, a beloved team is back in the spotlight. BOOM! Studios has officially launched a new era for a classic franchise with the debut of the VR Troopers #1 comic. Spinning out of the events of Power Rangers Prime, this series offers a perfect jumping-on point for fans, whether you grew up with the original show or are just discovering this corner of the universe. The creative team at BOOM! Studios has assembled a stellar lineup to bring this modern reimagining to life, establishing a story that feels both fresh and deeply connected to its roots. This is more than just a revival; it’s a thoughtful expansion of a world many of us hold dear.
This new series immediately sets a high bar, promising complex characters and universe-altering stakes. We are incredibly excited to see where this journey takes us and what it means for the future of these iconic heroes. For fans of great storytelling and dynamic art, this is one of the best new comics to hit the shelves.
Creative Team:
- Writer: Mairghread Scott
- Illustrator: Sebastián Piriz
- Colorist: JP Jordan
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Editor: David Mariotte
- Publisher: BOOM! Studios
A Deeper Look into the VR Troopers #1 Comic
This premiere issue wastes no time thrusting readers into the action. We meet Ryan Steele, one of Earth’s greatest human heroes, as he grapples with personal loss and the immense weight of his duties. His mother left when he was young, and his father passed away just before high school. This isn’t just a story about flashy technology and fighting monsters; it’s grounded in human emotion. The narrative establishes that Earth is an Eltarian Colony, a status that brings with it a host of “galactic problems”. From off-world traffickers to alien weapons, the dangers are constant.
Ryan, along with his teammates Kaitlin Star and J.B. Reese, form the VR Troopers, an elite fighting force tasked with protecting their world. Writer Mairghread Scott does an excellent job of portraying Ryan’s internal conflict. He has the training and the tech to make a difference, but he feels adrift and alone, questioning how to best use his power. It is this vulnerability that makes him a compelling protagonist from the very first page. We believe his struggle, which makes his heroism all the more impactful. Many of our fellow readers will surely connect with his journey.
The central conflict ignites when Ryan investigates what appears to be a minor crime at the Angel Grove Water and Power plant. However, he quickly realizes he’s stumbled upon something far more sinister. He confronts a mysterious, cloaked figure who is not only a formidable fighter but also seems to know him, calling him by name. This confrontation is brutal and intense, with Sebastián Piriz’s artwork dynamically capturing the high-impact action. The fight choreography is fluid, and JP Jordan’s colors create a moody, atmospheric tone that perfectly suits the noir-meets-sci-fi feel of the story. You can check out some truly stunning variant covers for this issue as well.
The mystery deepens significantly following the battle. Ryan and his team discover that the villain had abducted several civilians, who are found alive but with no memory of how they got there. The only clues are the Ziktor brand VR goggles they were all wearing and a strange device the antagonist left behind. J.B.’s analysis suggests the machine has components from Earth and might be a teleportation device, but he can’t be certain.
This is where the story truly opens up. The team learns from their Eltarian contact, Zarysh, that the threat is far greater than they imagined. The core secret is revealed: other realities and other versions of Earth exist. The VR Troopers, it turns out, were truly made to combat threats that cross the barrier between these realities. This revelation connects directly and tragically to Ryan’s past. Zarysh explains that Ryan’s father, Tyler Steele, died in a failed experiment while attempting to pierce that very same reality barrier. Now, someone from another reality has succeeded where his father failed, and that “reality fugitive” is loose in Angel Grove. The issue ends on a stunning cliffhanger, suggesting the villain has a shocking biological connection to Ryan himself.
This first issue is a masterclass in setting up a compelling, long-form narrative for our community at Comic Book Addicts. It balances character development with high-stakes action and universe-shattering reveals. The VR Troopers #1 comic is not just a nostalgic trip; it’s a bold new direction that promises to push its heroes to their absolute limits.What did you think of the big reveals in this issue? Head over to our Twitter page and let us know your theories! We can’t wait to see what happens next.
