Power Rangers Officially Announces Tommy Oliver's New Codename
Iconic Green Power Ranger Tommy Oliver has returned to the Power Rangers franchise, sporting a new codename that redefines his purpose.
Tommy Oliver debuted in 1993, portrayed by the late Jason David Frank. A fan-favorite character, Oliver was quickly brainwashed by Rita Repulsa, becoming her dark ranger. While he was quickly cured, he kept the reputation as the franchise's ultimate lone wolf.
Now, Power Rangers is bringing the character back in his own dedicated continuity - one where Tommy Olvier is living a very different life to his original adventures in Angel Grove.
Tommy Oliver Is 'The Last Ranger'
Today sees the debut of Power Rangers: Green, from the creative team of Pallie Paul Allor, Gustaffo Vargas and Ed Dukeshire. Set in a far future where the Power Rangers are no more, Tommy Oliver is depicted as a retired hero living in the remains of his Dragonzord, in a den referred to as "the Dragon's Grave."
Living in peace with Alpha 5 and his "downcycle progeny" Mirella Vex, Tommy is given the codename of "the Last Ranger," seemingly as the last surviving member of the original team. However, when old enemy Goldar arrives seeking help, Tommy is forced to reclaim his Green Ranger identity and return to battle.
It's a fascinating reinvention for the character, and one that embraces his 'lone wolf' persona. So far, Tommy is depicted without the ability to morph, fighting evil using a staff and a makeshift costume patterned after his old Green Ranger suit. Sadly, as the 'Last Ranger,' he has to make do with what he can get.
There's Another Bombshell Waiting for the Former Green Ranger
The issue sets up the idea of a fallen world struggling back to its feet - one that is seemingly ruled over by the villainous Unmade and her 'Red Censer' - a robot which seeks out and kills any being touched by magic. These will be Tommy Oliver's challenges as he reclaims the Ranger mantle, with the Unmade using her copious resources to act as an anti-magic despot to the desperate denizens of the planet.
While the Unmade appears to be a villain very much in Rita Repulsa's mold, the Red Censer is the true mystery. In a brief argument between Goldar and Alpha 5, it's hinted that the Red Censer has a hidden identity that's being kept from Tommy. The obvious conclusion is some kind of imprisoned Ranger - perhaps, given the 'Red' in the name, old teammate Jason Lee Scott, but the mystery has yet to be fully explained.
Power Rangers: Green is reinventing Tommy Oliver, depicting him as an older, retired warrior dragged back into one final battle. However, in a fallen world where the Power Rangers are history, Tommy Oliver must fight alone as the 'Last Ranger' against a threat with dark ties to his heroic past.
Power Rangers: Green #1 is available now from BOOM! Studios.