Power Rangersfrequently struggles to complete its story arcs. Narrative threads fall to the cutting room floor with wild abandon, leaving several engaging elements unfinished. The franchise must move on consistently, regardless of where it leaves an ostensibly finished tale. Writers often find details they wish they’d shared before their series ended. Unanswered questions can linger for decades, but some fans remain excited to know the truth. The Phantom Ranger remains one of the most fascinating mysteries in the franchise.
Those who only remember theMighty Morphin Power Rangersfrom the 90s might be shocked by how many Rangers have left and joined the teams since. Dozens of teens have donned familiar colorsor invented new ones, almost always tricked out in various unique settings or timelines. From cops to ninjas,Power Rangershave done it all. A few auxiliary Rangers typically invade the sidelines beyond each series' central team.
Who is the Phantom Ranger?
The Phantom Ranger is an alien warrior from a planet called Eltar. Eltar was also Zordon’s home, a world known for its costumedprecursors to the Power Rangers. His spaceship arrived on Earth near Angel Grove, where he began fighting the forces of the evil Divatox. His first appearance featured him fighting Divatox’s space pirate brother, Elgar, to stop him from stealing gold. After his initial outing, the Phantom Ranger becomes a figure similar to Racer X fromSpeed Raceror Red X fromTeen Titans. Though the other Power Rangers can’t identify the Phantom Ranger, they grow to trust and respect him as an ally. He helps the Turbo Rangers out of several dangerous scrapes, forging unusual relationships with the team members. Pink Ranger Cassie Chan develops a romantic fascination with the masked alien, though the feeling is not identifiably mutual. He enjoyed sparse appearances in the second and third seasons ofMighty Morphin Power Rangersand a couple of special pop-ins in later outings. His speech is generally direct and efficient, with lines like this:
I’ll go after Zordon. You are needed on Earth. This disk controls the Delta Megaship. It’s a mighty weapon. You’ll need it. You must retrieve it immediately. It is completely unprotected.
The Phantom Ranger’s identity is kept secret inPower Rangers.HisSentaiequivalent is an alien called VRV Master fromGekisou Sentai Carranger. Known as the “Lone Wolf of Space,” VRV Master is a similar figure who appears threatening while offering aid. He resembles the alien fromMac & Mewhen unmasked.Power Rangersnever unveils the character’s name or identity. Writer Judd Lynn stated he would’ve wanted the Phantom Ranger to be the original Blue Ranger, Billy Cranston. His ideal storyline would’ve seen Cranston invent the evil Ecliptor and then develop the Phantom Ranger persona to atone for his mistake. The 2021Power Rangers Universecomic series by Boom! Studios developed a new backstory for the character. He was an alien called the Morphinaut who served as a proto-Zordon to an early group of heroes called the Squadron Rangers. He gave them their powers and guided their questsbefore Zordon emerged. He then became a standalone Ranger who could carry out tasks for the leader.
What are the Phantom Ranger’s powers and abilities?
The Phantom Ranger fought with the skill and might of a Power Ranger. His most notable unique ability was invisibility. He entered and exited almost every scene by disappearing from sight. He’s frequently comparedto the Yautja from thePredatorfranchise. The effectPower Rangerschose to make him vanish even uses the tell-tale shimmer that allows astute viewers to catch glimpses of the alien hunter. The Phantom Ranger is armed with a Phantom Laser, an energy-based projectile weapon that dispatches most foes quickly and efficiently. His unique abilities come from the Power Ruby he wields, which he is severely weakened without.
What happens to the Phantom Ranger?
The Phantom Ranger’s most notable accomplishment was providing the Turbo Rangerstheir Rescue Megazordafter Divatox destroyed their earlier robots. Though he seemed to leave Earth after gifting them new mechs, he returned as needed for the next year or two. His final contiguous appearance came in “Countdown to Destruction: Part Two.” He watched on from captivity as Zordon’s power defeated the enemy’s empire in one fell swoop. The Phantom Ranger next popped up in the somehow canonicalLegacy Wars - Street Fighter Showdown. This crossover YouTube project by the iconic Bat in the Sun team behindSuper Power Beat Downpits Rangers against iconsfrom Capcom’s fighting game franchise. Lionsgate and Capcom produced the short to promotePower Rangers: Legacy Wars. Finally, the Phantom Ranger is one of several kidnapped heroes reduced to action figures to power Rita Repulsa’s weapon inMighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always. He escapes with his allies and hasn’t been seen since.
The Phantom Ranger is a fun character who could pop up anywhere in thePower Rangersfranchise. His unique ability and questionable intentions keep him engaging. Therearen’t many anti-heroesamong the black-and-white morality ofMighty Morphin Power Rangers. The Phantom Ranger could occupy a unique space in the franchise.
