Kenuichio Harada

Last updated
Kenuichio Harada
Silver Samurai
Kenuichio Harada as silver Samurai (2019 design).webp
Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai
fighting Wolverine.
Textless variant cover of Powers of X #1
(July 2019).
Art by Mike Huddleston.
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Daredevil #111
(July 1974)
Created by Steve Gerber
Bob Brown
In-story information
Alter egoKenuichio Harada
Species Human mutant
Team affiliationsLegion Accursed
Clan Yashida
Big Hero 6
HYDRA
Partnerships Black Spectre
Mandrill
Viper
Notable aliases Silver Samurai
Silver Shogun
Abilities
  • Ability to generate a tachyon field capable of cutting through almost anything
  • Extensive knowledge of criminal organizations
  • Carries katana, shuriken and other weapons
  • Wears a lightweight steel alloy body armor
  • Master samurai and martial artist
  • Teleportation ring

Kenuichio Harada appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Bob Brown, the character first appeared in Daredevil #111 (July 1974). [1] Kenuichio Harada belongs to the subspecies of humans called mutants, who are born with superhuman abilities. He is a recurring antagonist of the superhero Wolverine. The character is known under the codename Silver Samurai. [2]

Contents

The character has appeared in several X-Men-related animated series and video games, as well as Hit-Monkey , voiced by Noshir Dalal. Kenuichio Harada made its live-action debut in the 2013 film The Wolverine , played by Will Yun Lee.

Publication history

Kenuichio Harada debuted in Daredevil #111 (July 1974), created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Bob Brown. [3] He appeared in the 1972 Marvel Team-Up series, [4] and in the 2021 Marvel's Voices: Identity one-shot. [5]

Fictional character biography

Kenuichio Harada is the illegitimate son of Shingen Yashida. A Japanese mutant who uses his powers to charge his katana, his samurai-style armor made of a silvery metal led to the Silver Samurai moniker.

He became a professional criminal and appeared to clash with Daredevil when he was hired by Mandrill and Black Spectre. [6]

Harada was the bodyguard for the international terrorist Viper, and was an occasional mercenary. While working for Viper, he fought Spider-Man and Black Widow. [7] After recovering Viper's teleportation ring, he fought Spider-Man again on the set of Saturday Night Live when Stan Lee appeared as a host and encountered the original (2nd season) Not-Ready-For-Prime-Time-Players. [8] He joined Viper and Boomerang in fighting Spider-Man, Nick Fury, Shang-Chi, and Black Widow on the original S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier. [9] Harada and Viper attempted to kidnap Michael Kramer and fought the original Spider-Woman. [10]

At some point during Hydra's attack on Japan, he killed police officer Kioshi Keishicho which led to Amatsu-Mikaboshi giving Koishi a deal that involved him turning Kioshi into the Ebon Samurai. [11]

Harada and Viper attempted a theft of cavourite crystal and battled the New Mutants. [12] They battled the X-Men and Yukio. [13] He attempted to possess the Black Blade and battled Wolverine, Lindsay McCabe and O'Donnell. He rescued Wolverine and Jessica Drew from cultists. [14]

He became the Oyabun (leader) of Clan Yashida after his half-sister Mariko Yashida died. [15] He attempted to pay off his clan's debts to the Yakuza and restore its honor.[ volume & issue needed ] Though once one of Wolverine's greatest enemies, Wolverine entrusted him with the care of Amiko Kobayashi.[ volume & issue needed ]

The Silver Samurai once helped Wolverine destroy "Doombringer"[ clarification needed ][ volume & issue needed ], and later helped Logan rescue Amiko and Yukio from their kidnappers. [16] During his time as a hero, the Silver Samurai became the leader of the first Japanese superhero team Big Hero 6. [17]

The Silver Samurai was brainwashed by Blindspot into forgetting his time as a hero, believing his redemption was just a result of Professor X's brainwashing.[ volume & issue needed ] As a result, he returned to his previous criminal activities.[ volume & issue needed ] Harada was operating as the chief security officer for the Prime Minister of Japan. [18]

The Silver Samurai was abducted, incarcerated in the Raft prison in America without trial, and official records stated he was dead. He was freed by Madame Hydra and the Hand who transported him back to Japan. They wanted him to lead the Hand and unite the Japanese criminal underworld, hoping he could take on shadowy figures controlling both HYDRA and S.H.I.E.L.D. that Madame Hydra was reluctant to name. Harada wasn't interested in a war and helped the Avengers defeat them. Afterward, he decided to try to earn his good name back by serving the people of Japan once again. [19]

Silver Samurai is one of the few mutants that retained their superhuman powers after M-Day. Wolverine made way to Japan in search of Harada and engaged him in battle. Wolverine's memories were recovered due to the events of House of M and asked Silver Samurai questions about the past during the course of their fight. Silver Samurai was able to run Wolverine through with one of his swords. Immediately afterward, Wolverine's claws severed Harada's hand at the wrist. When last seen, Silver Samurai was kneeling on the floor cradling the bloody stump where his hand once was. [20]

After the Skrull invasion, Viper left the Silver Samurai to rejoin Hydra. Viper later came with a new version of Madame Hydra to negotiate support to be given to Typhon (Hydra's production front) from the Yashidas. They took a mysterious box; the Yashidas claimed that those who opened the box never lived to see another day. [21] Some time later, warriors of Leviathan attacked the Silver Samurai to make him divulge the box's location. [22]

While defending his home from the Red Right Hand, the Silver Samurai was mortally wounded. With his last bit of power, he made his way to his half-sister's grave. [23] He later appeared in Hell blaming Wolverine for the recent deaths of people and was beheaded by Marduk Kurios's Soulcutter after speaking. [24]

The original Silver Samurai was revealed to be the father of Shingen "Shin" Harada. [25]

Silver Samurai was resurrected in Krakoa by the Five and became responsible for officiating combat at the Arena in the Quarry. [26]

Powers and abilities

Kenuichio Harada is a mutant with the ability to generate a tachyon field which he generally focuses through his katana. [27] He commonly uses his power on his sword, enabling it to cut through nearly anything, except substances as hard as adamantium. [28] When working with the Viper, Kenuichio possessed a teleportation ring, which allowed him to teleport from one location to another, granting him great mobility and stealth. As a self-styled samurai, he is a master of kenjutsu and other martial arts. Kenuichio specialized in edged weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and military tactics. He usually wears a suit of lightweight steel alloy body armor, modeled after traditional samurai armor, but made of modern protective materials. He carries a katana (long sword), shuriken (throwing stars), and other weaponry. Keniuchio has extensive knowledge of the operations of criminal organizations due to his shady past, which he used in the service of his government to combat such organizations. He is an expert in the history and customs of the samurai class (Bushido).

Reception

Tim Webber of Comic Book Resources named Silver Samurai one of Wolverine's most iconic villains. [29] Silver Samurai was the winner of a popularity contest held by Marvel Comics in 2023, which served to determine who would be a new character in Marvel Puzzle Quest . [30]

Other versions

Age of Apocalypse

In the "Age of Apocalypse" story, published in 2005 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Age of Apocalypse storyline, the Silver Samurai was a key member of the X-Men. He wore no helmet and had a red upside down Omega symbol tattooed on his forehead. He was one of the team's more visible members, rash yet strong. It was revealed that the Silver Samurai and Wolverine met each other in Japan, some time before Logan rescued Mariko from thugs. He was aware of the existence of Psylocke, a rare telepath, but how the Silver Samurai was convinced to join Magneto's X-Men in the first place was not explained. [31] He was much later reported by the Age of Apocalypse version of William Stryker to have been killed in action while defending the last human stronghold from the forces of the now crazed Age of Apocalypse version of Wolverine.[ volume & issue needed ]

Earth-6160

During the "Ultimate Invasion" storyline, Maker remade Earth-6160 into his own image. Silver Samurai is shown to wear full samurai armor and is a member of the Harada-Yoshida Alliance. He was and his fellow Harada-Yoshida Alliance members "Sun Emperor" Sunfire and Viper attended an event in The City at Latveria and are among those who engaged the clone army from the future. [32] While attending a gathering following the death of Obadiah Stane, it was mentioned in a discussion between Howard Stark and Emmanuel da Costa that Silver Samurai prevented Howard from interacting with Sun Emperor Sunfire. Emmanuel explains to Howard that "Sun Emperor" Sunfire does not speak when his mask is on and has Viper do the speaking for him. [33] Silver Samurai and the Harada-Yoshida Alliance are among the leaders that meet outside The City after it closed up with Maker, Kang the Conqueror, and Howard Stark still inside as they make plans to divide up Howard's territory. [34]

Exiles

In Exiles #83 (August 2006), another alternate version of the Silver Samurai was revealed. Originating from Earth-172, the Silver Samurai appeared to have a nice relationship between Mariko Yashida and that Earth's Wolverine who was a briefly seen member of the reality-hopping counterpart team of the Exiles called Weapon X. Wolverine had vanished out of their sight for months to join the said team, and was later killed in action and returned by the Exiles to his home world. The Silver Samurai and Mariko of that alternate world still don't fully know what happened to their version of Wolverine, but honored the man's death with a proper funeral by burning Logan's ashes via cremation.[ volume & issue needed ]

House of M

In the House of M , Kenuicho Harada was a powerful businessman and secretly the head of Clan Yashida, a powerful crime family. His daughter Mariko Harada was kidnapped by Madame Hydra who wanted to blackmail Harada into revealing his illegal businesses. [35]

Marvel Noir

In the Marvel Noir universe, Lieutenant Kenuichio Harada appeared as a Japanese policeman in the "X-Men Noir" sequel titled "Mark of Cain". [36]

Marvel Zombies

In Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness #4, the Silver Samurai and Sunfire are bitten and infected by Quicksilver. During the Silver Surfer's globe-spanning travels, they are seen attacking innocent civilians. [37]

What If?

In the What If story "What If Wolverine Had Married Mariko", Kenuichio Harada united with Mariko and Wolverine in their struggle against the Kingpin who had taken control of the Yakuza and engaged in a turf war with the Shingen clan for control. At that time, the Silver Samurai was secretly working for the Kingpin, and upon their final encounter, he assassinated Mariko, whereupon he was killed by Wolverine in retaliation. [38]

In other media

Television

Film

Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears in The Wolverine , portrayed by Will Yun Lee. [46] This version is a human archer, the leader of the Black Ninja Clan, which is sworn to protect the Yashida Clan, a former lover of Mariko Yashida's, and is not stated to be connected to Shingen Yashida. When the Yakuza attack Ichiro Yashida's apparent funeral to kidnap Mariko, Harada protects her, though he later leads the Black Ninja Clan in kidnapping Mariko for the mutant Viper and Ichiro. While fighting Logan, Harada realizes the error of his ways and attempts to stop Ichiro, only to be killed by him.

Video games

Merchandise

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wolverine (character)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Wolverine is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, often in association with the X-Men. He is a mutant with animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, a powerful regenerative ability known as a healing factor, a skeleton reinforced with the unbreakable fictional metal adamantium, and three retractable claws in each hand. In addition to the X-Men, Wolverine has been depicted as a member of X-Force, Alpha Flight, the Fantastic Four, and the Avengers. The common depiction of Wolverine is multifaceted; he is portrayed at once as a gruff loner, susceptible to animalistic “berserker rages” despite his best efforts, while simultaneously being an incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent polyglot, strategist, and martial artist, partially due to his extended lifespan and expansive lived experiences. He has been featured in comic books, films, and video games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sabretooth (character)</span> Comic book character

Sabretooth is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men, in particular as an enemy of the mutant Wolverine. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne, the character made his first appearance in Iron Fist #14. The original portrayal of Sabretooth was that of a non-powered serial killer, but was later written as a mutant possessing bestial superhuman abilities, most notably a rapid healing factor, razor-sharp fangs and claws, and superhuman senses. He is a vicious assassin, who was responsible for numerous deaths throughout history, both as a paid mercenary and for his personal pleasure. Accounts on how his enmity with Wolverine originated differs depending on different writers. One of the most common accounts is that Wolverine and Sabretooth were both participants of the Cold War supersoldier program Weapon X, and that Sabretooth saw Wolverine as competition and therefore antagonized him. While Wolverine is depicted as suppressing his more savage qualities, Sabretooth does the opposite and embraces them, until the events of the 2014 storyline "AXIS".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silver Fox (character)</span> Fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe

Silver Fox is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She works for the terrorist organization HYDRA and is also known as a former love interest for Wolverine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silver Samurai</span> Comics character

Silver Samurai is the name of two different supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, both acquaintances of Wolverine.

Lord Shingen Yashida is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted as an adversary of Wolverine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunfire (comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Sunfire is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Sunfire is a mutant and sometime member of the X-Men.

<i>Big Hero 6</i> (comics) Comic book superhero team

Big Hero 6 is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics and created by Man of Action.

The Principality of Madripoor or Madripoor is a fictional island appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The island is depicted as being located in maritime Southeast Asia, and has appeared mostly associated with stories from the X-Men series. Based on illustrations, it is in the southern portion of the Strait of Malacca between Singapore and Sumatra.

<i>Age of Apocalypse</i> (limited series)

X-Men: Age of Apocalypse is a 2005 Marvel Comics six-issue limited series which takes place a year after the last story in the X-Men: Age of Apocalypse one-shot, with Magneto's X-Men helping North America recover from Apocalypse's iron fist. The series was written by C. B. Cebulski under the pen name Akira Yoshida and pencilled by Chris Bachalo; the first two issues were inked solely by Tim Townsend, with other helping out with the rest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mariko Yashida</span> Comics character

Mariko Yashida is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character has been depicted as Wolverine's romantic interest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Hand (comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional group

The Hand is a supervillain organization appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Hand first appeared in Daredevil #174 and was created by writer/artist Frank Miller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feral (character)</span> Comics character

Feral is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza, the character first appeared in The New Mutants #99. Throughout her history, Feral has sometimes been a superhero and a supervillain. The character has also been a member of the New Hellions, and the Morlocks, and the X-Force at various points in her history. She is the sister of Thornn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viper (Madame Hydra)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Ophelia Sarkissian is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Jim Steranko, the character first appeared in Captain America #110. Ophelia Sarkissian is a foe of the X-Men and the Avengers. She has also been known as Viper and Madame Hydra at various point in her history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yukio (comics)</span> Fictional character in the Marvel Universe

Yukio (雪緒) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She is a female ninja of Japanese origin and a supporting character of the X-Men, particularly associated with Wolverine. Originally conceived of as a love interest of Storm, the characters' relationship was relegated to subtext after Marvel Comics' editor-in-chief Jim Shooter mandated that no same-gender couples could be depicted in comic books during his tenure at the company.

<i>Wolverine and the X-Men</i> (TV series) American animated superhero television series

Wolverine and the X-Men is a 2009 American animated series by Marvel Entertainment. It is the fourth of five animated adaptations of the X-Men characters, the other four being Pryde of the X-Men, X-Men: The Animated Series, X-Men: Evolution, and an anime adaptation known simply as X-Men. In the show, Wolverine attempts to reassemble the X-Men and becomes their new leader following a devastating incident that lead to the disappearances of both Jean Grey and Charles Xavier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gorgon (Tomi Shishido)</span> Fictional comic book character

The Gorgon is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ogun (comics)</span> Comics character

Ogun is a fictional character, a Japanese supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character has been depicted as a foe of Wolverine. His first appearance was in Kitty Pryde and Wolverine #2, and was scripted by Chris Claremont and drawn by Allen Milgrom.

<i>Marvel Anime</i> Japanese superhero anime series

Marvel Anime is an American-Japanese anthology collection of four anime superhero television series and two direct-to-video films produced in collaboration between Marvel Entertainment, Japanese animation studio Madhouse, and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan. The four twelve-episode series, based on Iron Man, Wolverine, X-Men, and Blade, aired in Japan on Animax between October 2010 and September 2011. An English-language version aired in North America on G4 between July 2011 and April 2012. Each of the series, guided by writer Warren Ellis, largely features Japan as the setting for the storyline.

<i>The Wolverine</i> (film) 2013 film by James Mangold

The Wolverine is a 2013 superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Wolverine. It is the sixth installment in the X-Men film series, the second installment in the trilogy of Wolverine films after X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), and a spin-off/sequel to X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). Directed by James Mangold from a screenplay written by Scott Frank and Mark Bomback, based on the 1982 limited series Wolverine by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, it stars Hugh Jackman as Logan / Wolverine, alongside Rila Fukushima, Tao Okamoto, Hiroyuki Sanada, Famke Janssen, and Will Yun Lee. Following the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, Logan travels to Japan, where he engages an old acquaintance in a struggle that has lasting consequences. Stripped of his healing powers, Wolverine must battle deadly samurai while struggling with guilt over Jean Grey's death.

References

  1. Rovin, Jeff (1987). The Encyclopedia of Supervillains. New York: Facts on File. pp. 316–317. ISBN   0-8160-1356-X.
  2. Avina, Anthony (January 26, 2020). "Marvel Comics: Ranking Every Member Of Big Hero 6 From Weakest To Most Powerful". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  3. Nolan, Liam (August 30, 2023). "MARVEL SNAP Explained: Who Is Silver Samurai?". Marvel.com . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  4. Cowsill, Alan; Manning, Matthew K. (2012). Spider-Man Chronicle: Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging. DK Publishing. p. 104. ISBN   978-0756692360.
  5. Zachary, Brandon (August 26, 2021). "X-Men: Silver Samurai Forges a Surprising Bond With a Young X-Man". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  6. Daredevil #111. Marvel Comics.
  7. Marvel Team-Up #57. Marvel Comics.
  8. Marvel Team-Up #74. Marvel Comics.
  9. Marvel Team-Up #83–85. Marvel Comics.
  10. Spider-Woman #42–43. Marvel Comics.
  11. Big Hero 6 #2. Marvel Comics.
  12. The New Mutants #5–6. Marvel Comics.
  13. X-Men #172–174. Marvel Comics.
  14. Wolverine vol. 2 #2–3. Marvel Comics.
  15. Cable #2
  16. Wolverine vol. 2 #140–143
  17. Sunfire and Big Hero 6 #1–3. Marvel Comics.
  18. Wolverine vol. 3 #36. Marvel Comics.
  19. The New Avengers #11–13. Marvel Comics.
  20. Wolverine vol. 3 #37. Marvel Comics.
  21. Secret Warriors #6. Marvel Comics.
  22. Secret Warriors #11. Marvel Comics.
  23. Wolverine vol. 4 #1. Marvel Comics.
  24. Wolverine vol. 4 #3. Marvel Comics.
  25. Wolverine vol. 4 #300. Marvel Comics.
  26. Cable vol. 4 #1. Marvel Comics.
  27. Vaux, Robert (November 21, 2021). "Every Marvel Comics Cameo in Hit-Monkey". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  28. Brueheim, Jackson (July 8, 2022). "The 15 Strongest Swordfighters In Marvel Comics, Ranked". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  29. Webber, Tim (February 26, 2017). "Logan's Zeroes: Wolverine's 15 Weirdest Foes". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  30. Dietsch, TJ (April 3, 2023). "Silver Samurai Takes Gold in MARVEL Puzzle Quest Poll". Marvel.com . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  31. X-Men: Age of Apocalypse #1–6. Marvel Comics.
  32. Ultimate Invasion #2. Marvel Comics.
  33. Ultimate Invasion #3. Marvel Comics.
  34. Ultimate Invasion #4. Marvel Comics.
  35. The Pulse: House of M. Marvel Comics.
  36. X-Men Noir: Mark of Cain #1–4. Marvel Comics.
  37. Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness #4. Marvel Comics.
  38. What If? vol. 2 #43 (1992). Marvel Comics.
  39. Sims, Chris (July 14, 2014). "The X-Men Episode Guide 4x12: 'Lotus And The Steel'". ComicsAlliance . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  40. "Voice Of Silver Samurai – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  41. Phillips, Dan (August 25, 2009). "Wolverine and the X-Men: "Code of Conduct" Review". IGN . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  42. "Voice Of Silver Samurai – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  43. Loo, Egan (2014-05-22). "T.M.Revolution Plays Silver Samurai in Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers – News". Anime News Network . Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  44. Robbins, Jason (December 1, 2021). "Which Marvel Characters Appear in 'Hit-Monkey'?". Collider . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  45. Chaudhry, Anubhav (October 16, 2023). "Marvel's Hit-Monkey Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Hulu". ComingSoon.net . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  46. Goldberg, Matt (July 10, 2013). "THE WOLVERINE Featurette for Harada/Silver Samurai. THE WOLVERINE Stars Will Yun Lee". Collider . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  47. Kurland, Daniel (October 3, 2023). "The Most Replayable X-Men Video Games, Ranked". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  48. "Voice Of Silver Samurai – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  49. "Voice Of Silver Samurai – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  50. "Voice Of Silver Samurai – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  51. "Voice Of Silver Samurai – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  52. Damore, Meagan (July 13, 2023). "Piecing Together MARVEL Puzzle Quest: Silver Samurai (Kenuichio Harada)". Marvel.com . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  53. Miller, Greg (2013-07-20). "LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Characters and Cast Revealed". IGN . Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  54. Baqery, Mohsen (December 2, 2023). "Marvel Snap: The Best Silver Samurai Deck". Game Rant . Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  55. Roberts, Tyler (October 23, 2020). "Marvel Comics Silver Samurai Joins the X-Men at Iron Studios". Bleeding Cool . Retrieved 2024-03-05.