New Mighty Morphin Power Ranger Revealed

11/30/2016 02:54 pm EST

-- SPOILER WARNING: The below story contains spoilers for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #9 put out by BOOM! Comics. --

The new Mighty Morphin Power Rangers ongoing series by Kyle Higgins & Hendry Prasetya has been an illuminating look into the further adventures of everyone's favorite teen heroes. Full of twist and turns the book invokes the heart of the original TV series while adding to canon a major way...especially today. Courtsey of Higgins & Prasetya, fans are introduced to the very first new Mighty Morphin Power Ranger created in the comic.

ComicBook.com had the chance to talk to Higgins about the reveal, what his intentions are and what plans he might have as the series progresses.

Introducing a new ranger to canon has to be daunting - what was the process like to come up with his debut and then to plan his ongoing story?

As a kid, every time a new Ranger showed up it felt like a huge deal—especially a "dark" Ranger. For the same reason that characters like Darth Vader resonate, I've always found the idea of a character who started heroic but changed (or was never good in the first place, but is similar to the heroes) really compelling and a wonderful opportunity for world building. Essentially, by playing the dark mirror angle, you're showing an alternate angle on the concept of a Power Ranger. Who is this person? What happened to them? How did they get their powers? What do they believe in? A character like this really comes down to backstory and motivation for me. That's the most daunting aspect of introducing a new Ranger—especially as a nemesis—and it's something I spent a lot of time developing.

Beyond that, the other thing I find super exciting is what this says about the book—at no point was my intention to play things safe, executing a '90s nostalgia piece that operates in between established continuity and cannon. That's not interesting to me. What's interesting to me is taking the concept and the characters and doing new things—things the show never could have done. This new Ranger, and the world he calls home, firmly cements us in that territory. And, let me say right now—this is just the beginning. Seriously. It only gets bigger and crazier from here.

It looks like we'll get some great interplay between him and Rita but I can't imagine it's all going to be sunshine and rainbows. Are they keeping each other at arms length or is this a match made in heaven?

That's a great question. As far as our Rita and this mysterious Ranger goes, if you look at the past issues, as well as the conversation he has with Rita through her orb, I think it's pretty clear that she doesn't know who he is. Which means… she doesn't know that she's been speaking to a Ranger this whole time. So why is he keeping his true identity a secret? And why has he been offering to help Rita in the first place?

What do Rita's minions think of this new ally?

Goldar's not a fan. For sure. He doesn't trust this guy. And remember, up until this point, Goldar and the minions have all thought the Black Dragon was the new "ally." So now, to learn that the Black Dragon was being controlled by someone else… well, yeah. I think that raises some questions in their minds. At least, in Goldar's.

Obviously when the Rangers see someone wearing a similar costume they're going to freak out. Will we see this new Ranger and try to redeem them?

Well, you're assuming this person can be redeemed…

Is this someone Zordon had on his radar? If not - can you tease his reaction?

Well, the Rangers would have to successfully find Zordon before any of us can learn his reaction!

What can you tell us about this new ranger going forward? Is he a hotdog or hamburger guy? Plain or peanut m&ms?

He's kind of a "world-domination-with-a-side-of-worship" sorta guy. Hold the mayo.

Is there a "holy sh*t" moment coming up that you're excited for fans to read?

Yeah. Pretty much all of issue 12!

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So what do you think ComicBook.com readers? Are you excited to learn more about this mystery Ranger? Check out the big reveal and designs by cover artist Jamal Campbell.

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