Warning: Spoilers for Ranger Academy #8!One of the strongest Rangers in Power Rangers history just returned for some unexpected character development. Every fan of the franchise has their favorite Yellow Ranger, ranging from those ranked worst to best, but only one stands tall as the physically strongest of them all, as super strength was their de-morphed superpower.

Ranger Academy #8 – written by Maria Ingrande Mora, with art by Jo Mi-Gyeong – features the return of Katie Walker, the Yellow Ranger of Power Rangers Time Force, who finds herself back in her Ranger gear, as an instructor of the next generation of Rangers.. Katie had first returned for a brief cameo some issues prior, but this is the first issue where she’s back in her classic costume.

Katie Walker resurfacing as a mentor and teacher to the next generation of Power Rangers gives her a new narrative purpose, offering character development beyond that which the TV series could offer.

Katie Walker From “Time Force“ Returns As A “Rangers Academy” Professor

Ranger Academy #8 – Written By Maria Ingrande Mora; Art By Jo Mi-Gyeong, Joana LaFuente, & Ed Dukeshire

As the Year 3000’s Time Force Police Officer, Katie Walker was the Yellow Ranger of Power Rangers Time Force. When she wasn’t morphed, she had the power of super strength, potentially developed through means of genetic engineering. As such, she was depicted lifting heavy amounts of weight throughout the series, including giant mounds of rubble, and winning arm wrestling contests. Despite being largely defined as a character by her superpowers, she was portrayed as notably compassionate and kindhearted, often being naturally protective toward those she cared about most.

Those character traits are emphasized in her latest role, as the professor of the Yellow Campus at Ranger Academy. Set in the distant future, the series has been an exciting evolution of Power Rangers, with many throwbacks and references to classic Rangers lore. Katie Walker was first seen in the opening pages of Ranger Academy #4, where she escorted her students to Chromia for their first trial. Now, in Ranger Academy #8, she has a stand-out moment, morphing into her Time Force outfit when students Sage, Tula, and Lindy are attacked in the simulation room by the real Dark Specter.

An Iconic Yellow Ranger Proves She Has More To Offer Than Just Strength

Katie Walker Is Among The Franchise’s Greatest Leaders

Because Katie Walker never had a major focus on Power Rangers Time Force compared to lead characters like Jen or Wes, it’s easy to define her solely by her super strength. However, Ranger Academy manages to provide Katie more of a spotlight, proving as a professor that she can be just as resourceful with her brains as her brawn. In Ranger Academy, Katie’s part in the story continues to expand. Combined with the context of her journey on the show, her role in the series helps add new layers to Katie and her overall Power Rangers journey.