TOM

TOM's tenure as the host of Toonami has been the longest on record. He has undergone four different incarnations in his nearly eight years at the helm of the block. He has become the face of Toonami. Short for Toonami Operations Module, TOM is the custodian of the Absolution. He became the custodian after Moltar saw TOM's heroic actions in the Intruder online comic. TOM's primary responsibilities include ensuring the ship is properly maintained as well as broadcasting the Toonami signal to the world.

TOM is a sardonic, wisecracking robot, frequently throwing out one-liners and, like Moltar, give sage advice to viewers about moral issues like bravery and standing up for what's right. Infrequently, he'll pass along game reviews, people interviews, and other various commentary.

TOM has undergone several physical changes since his introduction, but in all incarnations he is powered by a nuclear reactor and his attitude remains the same.

During his many game reviews, TOM has shown an interest in adventure and shooter/FPS games. He usually gives fighting games a low grade (6s mainly) due to lack of storyline. After Toonami got canceled, after more than 2 years Cartoon Network brought back TOM as a character in FusionFall.

TOM v.1
The original version of TOM was a small, pudgy robot with his feet, hands, and head connected to his body by thin black joints. TOM made his broadcast debut on Saturday, July 10, 1999, five minutes before the first Midnight Run episode at approx. 11:55 pm. After ascending to the bridge of the Absolution he made his first speech:

“So it's a brand new Toonami, but the mission objectives remain the same. My name is TOM. I'm the new Moltar. Welcome aboard the Ghost Planet Space Ship Absolution, Cartoon Network's first and only interstellar broadcast and exploration vehicle. I'll give you the tour later. From this day forward she is completely responsible for all Toonami transmissions. I'm takin' you guys into the new millennium! No big changes now, same show, same attitude; new place to do it, new guy to do it with. I'm not going to waste any more time, let's get back into it. Later.”

After more than a year as host of Toonami, the original version of TOM met his end in the September 2000 event The Intruder, when a mysterious red blob invaded the Absolution. When TOM went to investigate, the blob sent him flying out into deep space. After returning back to the ship, TOM attempted to destroy the blob, but his laser blaster was ineffective against it. Ultimately, the blob engulfed TOM inside an elevator and destroyed him.

This incarnation of TOM was voiced by Sonny Strait, a voice artist and producer at FUNimation Productions who also provided the voice of Krillin in the second English dub of Dragon Ball Z.

Hosting Period: July 10, 1999-September 22, 2000

TOM v.2
After TOM's sacrificial act in The Intruder, Sara, the AI aboard the Absolution, downloaded TOM's memory matrix (which included all his memories, thoughts, and persona) into a new chassis and activated the unit aboard the Absolution. Dubbed TOM 2, this version of TOM was a taller, leaner model with the larger hands and feet, and a sleeker head unit. Overall, TOM 2 looked to be a more battle-hardened version than his predecessor, and this quality was immediately put to the test when Sara informed TOM 2 he would have to go out and plant explosive charges on the starboard engine to save the Absolution.

TOM 2 assumed the duties previously carried out by his former self, including the broadcast of Toonami from the Absolution. In the September 2001 event Lockdown, Tom demonstrated his ability to keep the Absolution up and running by single handedly getting the ship's nuclear reactor and conduit systems back online. In the September 2002 event Trapped in Hyperspace, TOM again took on the role of Absolution’s defender when the ship became infected with a virus shortly after entering hyperspace. TOM was able to get the ship's essential operation systems back online before crashing with Earth, and ultimately saved Sara from the virus, earning TOM a moment of affection from Sara.

TOM 2 met his end in March 2003 after a space pirate named Orcelot Rex broke into the Absolution to steal Sara. After attempting to protect the Absolution TOM abandoned the ship, which was later destroyed, to pursue Sara's abductor, but in his second confrontation with the robot his body was destroyed.

TOM 2 (and all further incarnations of the character from this point out) was voiced by veteran voice artist Steve Blum.

Hosting Period: September 23, 2000-March 14, 2003

TOM v.3
When the remains of TOM 2 were thrown into a discard pile, TOM encountered a number of friendly robots who rebuilt his body. This rebuilt TOM, dubbed TOM 3, succeeded in saving Sara and took command of a newly-built space ship, which he dubbed Absolution Mark II. Unlike his previous incarnations, TOM 3 had a very muscular look, almost like a body builder. This was also the first TOM to have five fingers on each hand. His nuclear reactor was located in his upper chest.

This version of TOM remained in service for four years, from March 17, 2003 until March 10, 2007 at which point it just mysteriously disappeared. His demise has yet to be disclosed on-air and on-line. In the opening of his version, TOM 3.0 is coming back to the Absolution in a fighter pilot. It lands there. Here was the conversation:

“SARA: You've only got 55 seconds to get in here.

TOM 3.0: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

SARA: TOM?,

TOM 3.0: I'm coming already.

SARA: You better get in here.

TOM 3.0: I Heard you the first time.

SARA: We're starting without you.

TOM 3.0: Just open the back door.

SARA: Why are you always late?

TOM 3.0: (lands the fighter pilot) 45 Seconds is plenty of time!

” He then runs through a hall with two cartoon viewers. He gets into the elevator and then you can hear SARA say: “Every day, the same thing.”

Then TOM 3.0 gets out of the elevator. He runs into three Clyde 52's with surprised, maybe mad faces when TOM was saying "Look out, comin' through". He then enters a dark room with graphic features. You can see three tubes on the window. TOM then says "Its gonna be close". He sits down in a chair with buttons on the sides. TOM then presses one side 3 times and on one of the tubes, the 2003-2004 "Toonami" is shown and the intro ends. This was the 2003 version. The 2004 version showed Clyde 53s' drilling red lasers into the surface of a desert planet. They then shoot blue lasers back to the ship and the ones on board put some card in a machine. Then a white, full-bodied version of SARA appears and says, "Alright TOM, we're ready." Then TOM 3.0 sitting in his usual chair presses the buttons and begins the broadcast saying, "I love this job." The Ship then fires a white ray blast and a different Toonami logo appears and that intro ends.

Hosting Period: March 17, 2003 - March 10, 2007

TOM v.4
The fourth, and final incarnation (until May 26, 2012) of TOM is perhaps the most controversial according to longtime fans of the block. This incarnation has a much smaller body than his predecessor and has a frame with rusted metal and peeling body paint. No longer a visored robot, this is the first and only TOM to have facial features. Creators wanted the new TOM without the helmet, as well as look more organic compared to his past incarnations.

At the start of the tenth year, TOM's hosting responsibilities were scaled back considerably. He was seen only during the opening and continuity promotions, while his new assistants Flash and T direct the broadcast process. In addition, this is the first TOM unit to not have custody of any version of the spaceship Absolution, which had been the base of operations for the block since July 1999.

This incarnation has been criticized very negatively because this TOM doesn't have the same design or a back story like the others. Also, as of May 2008, there hasn't been any online nor on-air explanation about the change in appearance of TOM, though some have made guesses.

On March 17, 2007, a new "Jungle Planet" environment was introduced for the Toonami block. With the new location also came Flash and T, a pair of new assistants to TOM.

Flash serves as an assistant to TOM, helping broadcast the block as well as occasionally give reviews. This robot has a long, swept-back head and painted in an orange-and-blue fiery "hot-rod" design, similar to the Grunts in the Halo series.

His fellow operator is T. This larger, wider robot has a deep, gravelly voice and sardonic attitude reminiscent of Moltar, who also performed the duties of manning the controls.

There were two versions of the intro. Both intros do this:

In the beginning, the camera is in space but then zooms down to the Flowus 3 and TOM says "You guys ready to make the magic happen?". He goes to Flash and talks. The same thing happens with a Clyde 54 in the way. Then he talks to T and says "Deck is cued, first break in 6 minutes,". Then Flash is shown singing "Da da da da da da da da dat." starting up Toonami, then TOM says "We are going in 5, 4, 3, 2..." and the intro ends.

TOM4 was the TOM that ended the Toonami block. T and Flash are seen readying Flowus 3 for permanent shutdown, and TOM thanks the viewers, flies away, and says "bang.", a reference to voice actor Steve Blum's previous role as Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop. The speech was as follows:

"Well, this is the end, beautiful friends. After more than eleven years, this is Toonami's final broadcast. It's been a lot of fun. We'd like to thank each and every one of you who made this journey with us. Toonami wouldn't have been anything without you. Hopefully we've left you with some good memories. So, until we meet again, stay gold. Bang."

Most consider this the most saddest moment in the block's history, as Toonami was the only block on Cartoon Network that aired many fan favorites such as Dragon Ball Z, Samurai Jack, etc. Many blame the late night Adult Swim block for Toonami's demise as the block begun airing anime on Saturday nights shortly after Toonami ended, beginning on September 27, 2008. On the same day, Cartoon Network stated that Adult Swim would be its "main source for anime".

Around the time the fourth version of TOM was introduced, many fans notice that this was after the resignation of longtime Cartoon Network president, Jim Samples so many believe this change was something that Stuart Snyder requested.

Hosting Period: March 17, 2007 - September 20, 2008.

TOM v.3.5 (HD Model)
The fifth incarnation of TOM was revealed on May 23, 2012 to the public via an Adult Swim commercial. Well many thought that this was TOM V3, this is, in fact, a new TOM as his suit is a bit different. He is also the very first incarnation to speak profanity. His back story has yet to be revealed as he has only been onscreen during commercial breaks for short periods of time to say, "Toonami is back, Bitches." which, at the moment, is all he usually says. He returned with an array of all new content including speeches, game reviews, bumpers, promos, and more. The intro is very short. The Absolution is also very identical to the original, but is not completely upgraded due to Toonami having a tight budget.

It's also reveiled that the TOM 4.0 model and this one are 2 different models, as proven in this conversation:

TOM 3.5: So, what you guys been up to? Enjoying your time off?

TOM 4.0: Static

TOM 3.5: Ha Ha, I know right? You wouldn't believe the trouble I get into when trapped in my own devices.

TOM 4.0: Still Static

TOM 3.5: Aw yeah. Look, I know you said to keep it between us, we might have to tell that story one day

TOM 4.0: Okay kid, whatever you think is best for us, take care of yourself, it's all up to you now.

TOM 3.5: Alright man, take her easy