Introducing Matthew Cook, the brand-new Green Ranger, who makes his debut in BOOM! Studios' Power Rangers series as a hero on par with the original.
In a display of courage, Matthew confronts Rita Repulsa's torturous challenges and battles Lord Zedd head-on, even without any powers, to rescue the Power Rangers.
Matthew's journey is marked by revealing his true identity to the world, saving lives even before becoming a Ranger, and aiding in boosting the confidence of his Ranger compatriot, Rocky.
BOOM! Studios' Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series presented Matthew Cook, the new Green Ranger, who succeeded Tommy Oliver in wearing the esteemed mantle.
Following the events of Shattered Grid, where time and space were distorted, the comic series gained liberty to introduce unprecedented elements, unseen in the TV show. This liberty brought a non-Tommy Oliver Green Ranger into the Mighty Morphin team.
From Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #55 onwards, through the initial installments of the succeeding Mighty Morphin series, an enigma shrouds the identity of the new Green Ranger, recruited by the controversial leader, Grace Sterling. Later, this mysterious Ranger is uncovered to be Matthew Cook, a Rangers' friend and classmate, who holds a profound interest in their superheroic lives. An original comic character, Matthew might not be familiar to long-time viewers, but he earns his stripes as a hero even before becoming a Ranger. Once inducted, he justifies his worthiness for the Morpher.
10 Escaping from Rita Repulsa Go Go Power Rangers #7 by Ryan Parrott and Dan Mora
Introduced in the Go Go Power Rangers series, Matthew gets abducted by Rita Repulsa. She replaces him with her shapeshifting Putty on Earth while attempting to extract Ranger-related intelligence from him. Despite facing torture and starvation, Matthew stands firm. Meanwhile, the Rangers remain oblivious to their friend being an impostor. With no rescue in sight, Matthew decides to save himself, an impressive feat for one who's never received a power coin. As the Empress prepares to attack the Rangers on Homecoming night, Matthew ambushes Squatt, forcing him to send him back to Earth.
9 Surviving the Coinless World with No Powers.
Go Go Power Rangers #11 by Ryan Parrott and Dan Mora
It's surprisingly easy to overlook Matthew Cook's cameo during the Shattered Grid arc, given its fleeting nature, yet its impact is undeniable. In the Coinless realm of Go Go Power Rangers #11, Matthew makes a solitary appearance. Here, the resistance's newly appointed leader, Kimberly, stumbles upon a battered, one-armed Matthew in their medical unit. He had single-handedly faced an army of Lord Drakkon's Sentries to defend their refuge. Shortly after, he passes away with a smile. Although Matthew never gains powers in this realm, his unwavering resilience and盲目的 courage, fueled by his pure heart, remain intact.
8 Staring Down a Giant Zord Without Any Protective Gear or Zord
Go Go Power Rangers #10 by Ryan Parrott and Dan Mora
Speaking of Matthew's unwavering courage, it's evident at the climax of Go Go Power Rangers #10, spilling into the next issue. Having survived Rita's attack, Matthew is bent on unraveling why he's constantly entangled in the Rangers' adventures, unaware that it's due to his friendships with them. He confronts his doubts by thrusting himself into the heart of a Zord battle between the Dino Megazord and the Ranger Slayer's Megazord. Matthew's suspicions intensify when he hears the Ranger Slayer's voice emanating from her Zord - a sign that even under Drakkon's control, she recognizes her past - yet he shows no fear.
7 Uncovering the Rangers' True Identities
Go Go Power Rangers #12 by Ryan Parrott and Dan Mora
In this edition, Matthew ultimately uncovers the truth he's sought after, albeit at a heartbreaking price. Prior to her departure to her own timeline, the future, alternate Kimberly - liberated from the Ranger Slayer's mind control - pays a visit to Matthew, reconciling with her lifelong remorse of never confessing her Ranger identity to him. Frustrated that his compatriots allowed him to wander blindly in search of answers, Matthew leverages his newfound knowledge to insist that the current Rangers divulge the truth, threatening to sever ties with them indefinitely if they refuse. When met with silence, he departs from their midst, absent from the series till he emerges as the Green Ranger.
6 Rendering Lord Zedd Comatose in His Ranger Debut Featured in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #55 by Ryan Parrott and Moises Hidalgo
Lord Zedd's ambitions for global supremacy seem to have been realized. By exploiting the Green Chaos Crystal, he's transformed Rita Repulsa and her pets into the Dark Power Rangers, leaving the Mighty Morphin team on the brink of defeat. However, a new Green Ranger emerges, and although Matthew's identity remains concealed initially, he makes a lasting impression by engaging Zedd in a fierce battle and ultimately destroying the Crystal. The resulting explosion is so powerful that it sends the Power Rangers' arch-nemesis into a coma.
5 Introducing the Innovative Dragon Strike A highlight of Mighty Morphin #4 by Ryan Parrott and Marco RennaHaving taken on the mantle of the Green Ranger as the second person to do so, Matthew has the option to rely on the proven strategies that contributed to Tommy Oliver's renowned success. However, Matthew has chosen a different path. Following his training at Promethea, he has enriched his repertoire with innovative techniques. Notably, during a confrontation with a novel panda-themed monster aptly named Pandamonium, Matthew executed a stunning move called the Dragon Strike, which left even his Ranger compatriots amazed—a feat never demonstrated by Tommy. This illustrates Matthew's preference for introducing fresh tactics over relying on established ones.
4 Unveiling His True Identity to All Featured in Mighty Morphin #4 by Ryan Parrott and Marco Renna
While concealed identities form a cornerstone of the franchise, Matthew made an unconventional choice early in his Green Ranger journey. He decided to disclose his identity, not just to the readers, but to everyone around him. Revealing such a significant secret was a considerable sacrifice, motivated by a higher purpose. Amidst the public's fear caused by relentless monster attacks, this new Green Ranger sought to establish trust with the city he's sworn to protect by sharing his deepest secret. This act reflects Matthew's disdain for the secrecy and deception that preceded his Ranger days, indicating his determination to break that cycle.
3 Heroic Rescue Preceding His Ranger Days Narrated in Mighty Morphin #5 by Ryan Parrott and Marco RennaAcross the franchise's comic series, Matthew frequently attempts to emphasize to those around him that he is not a hero, despite his actions appearing to contradict this. Although Matthew Cook himself may never fully believe it, he has consistently demonstrated qualities worthy of being a Power Ranger. Following his public disclosure of identity, the succeeding issue unveils the commencement of Matthew's journey as a Ranger, elucidating the reasons for his selection and the rigors of his training. Throughout the narrative, he persistently claims a lack of bravery, yet his actions speak louder than words as he rushes to save a life even before acquiring a Morpher. Despite any fear he may feel, his courage to act is undeniable.
- Endowing Rocky with the Dragon Shield Featured in Mighty Morphin #20 by Mat Groom and Moises Hidalgo
Matthew isn't the sole newcomer Ranger who doubts his capabilities as a Power Ranger. Rocky, stepping into Jason's shoes as the new Red Ranger, finds himself in the co-captain role alongside Tommy before he's fully prepared. During a confrontation with King Aradon of the Automaton Dominion, adversaries of Zeo's Machine Empire, Rocky experiences a crisis of confidence. Matt extends support to Rocky, not only through encouraging words but also by handing over his Dragon Shield, bolstering Rocky's strength both physically and emotionally.
- Reclaiming Goodness After Rita's Manipulation Narrated in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #112 by Melissa Flores and Hendry Prasetya
In the aftermath of Rita's mind control, a choice arises for a character to realign with their inherent goodness. This decisive moment marks a turning point, demonstrating a resolve to overcome external influences and return to a path of righteousness.In the 102nd episode of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Matthew is kidnapped once again by Rita Repulsa, who this time calls herself Mistress Vile. She exploits his newly acquired Ranger status by turning him into her servant. However, when the Rangers break her spell in episode 109, Matthew feels too confused to return to their team, especially since he's furious that the Rangers allowed him to be captured a second time. He decides to rejoin Rita, almost repeating history and becoming the next Lord Drakkon. But thankfully, after a motivating conversation with Tommy, Matthew gains clarity. As the Green Ranger, he accomplishes what Tommy couldn't before he became Lord Drakkon: he rejoins the Power Rangers.