A few weeks ago, JEFusion received a copy of the Power Rangers Super Samurai Vol 01 Memory Short graphic novel, and we decided to review it. In this review, we got a quick recap about the series, while having some new content on the side.
This is the first time I read a Papercutz graphic novel even if I keep on seeing their products on a local bookstore with their Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys and Zorro graphic novels.
I'm not sure if all their graphic novels follow this format but I say, I am quite impressed that they actually dedicated some pages that talks about the Samurai Rangers and their enemies. It makes people who rarely watch Samurai have an idea on our heroes and their enemies without getting spoiled much just in case they decide to watch the series after reading this comic.
The art of this graphic novel is really impressive. Heck, the Rangers comic book counterparts looked fantastic to be honest. The artist captured the spirit of each Ranger while adding his own elements into it.
Another thing to note about it is that unlike the Power Rangers comic books I grew up reading back in the 90's, the bodies of the Rangers are properly toned and not overly muscular, something that I was disappointed with the old comic books.
One thing to note about the art is that the artist didn't restrain himself with the limitations of the rubber suits of the original TV show, rather than he gave the monster of the week, Oblivitor some really fun facial expressions.
The plot of this graphic novel is about the Rangers enjoying a rock concert when suddenly, Oblivitor attacks the concert and while he is fighting the Rangers, he suddenly dries up and with one desperate move, he cast this spell to make Jayden, the Red Ranger lose his memories!
First thing to praise about the plot is that it didn't adapt an episode arc from Power Rangers Super Samurai or the show where it gets its footage and some of its plot elements, Samurai Sentai Shinkenger. The fact that the plot of the graphic novel is something original intrigued me for starters.
As I keep on reading the comic, it feels like while our Rangers are fighting some of the Moogers, some of the Rangers are talking about the plot elements from the show where the graphic novel was based upon that is, Power Rangers Samurai and later, Super Samurai.
I say, the artist did a good job in re-interpreting the details about the overview of the series, from the details of ancient Japan till the current battle to the present. This leads me to this, the art for all the battles in the graphic novel are really great, same case with the giant battles.
Finally, the writing in this graphic novel, my complaint about the writing in Power Rangers Samurai and later, Super Samurai is the amount of unnecessary puns. In the case of the graphic novel, they kept the puns and jokes to a minimum level that you might not even noticed it on your first reading.
Most of the humor is concentrated with the monster of the week and his problem with the Furrywarts. Speaking of humor, the writer really concentrated more on the action in this graphic novel as I noticed the lack of Bulk and Spike in this issue. Oh well, at least they were able to do proper humor without the need of these two.
Before ending this review, here are some things I noticed in this graphic novel. First is the misspelling of Master Xandred's name, instead of Xandred we have Zandred. It was then corrected on the final published copies.
Instead of "Samurai Symbols of Power" or simply, "Symbol Power" the writer used the term "Kanji Symbol", something I rarely hear in the original Power Rangers Samurai TV series. But considering the target of this graphic novel that is kids, I guess they might not notice all these technicalities as they are more into the fight scenes in this graphic novel.
The first issue of the Power Rangers Super Samurai graphic novel is one enjoyable read for both older and new fans of the Power Rangers franchise. The graphic novel gives new fans an idea about Power Rangers Samurai and later, Super Samurai's story that might get the kid interested on watching once he finishes reading the graphic novel.
Power Rangers Super Samurai Vol 01 Memory Short graphic novel costs $6.99. You can order your copies via Amazon and get a FREE SHIPPING.