Katana (DC Comics)
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Birds of Prey Justice League United | |
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Abilities |
Soultaker Sword grants:
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Katana (Tatsu Yamashiro (山城 タツ, Yamashiro Tatsu)) is a
In the 2010s, DC began to feature the character much more extensively in media adaptations of its comic books, including a recurring role in the animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold and a starring role in the series Beware the Batman. The character was portrayed by Rila Fukushima in the Arrowverse TV series Arrow and by Karen Fukuhara in the 2016 DC Extended Universe film Suicide Squad. Katana has also been featured in direct-to-video animated films and a number of DC Comics video games.
Publication history
Katana first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #200 (cover-dated July 1983)[2] and was created by writer Mike W. Barr and artist Jim Aparo. She is frequently a member of "team" publications such as Batman and the Outsiders, Birds of Prey (during the New 52 era), or even Suicide Squad (during the DC Rebirth era).
In February 2013, Katana received her own series written by Ann Nocenti and with art by Alex Sanchez. This book is considered by DC as part of the "Fourth Wave" of New 52 titles.[3] Katana lasted for ten issues. The final issue was released on December 11, 2013.[4]
Fictional character biography
Becoming Katana
Tatsu Yamashiro (山城 たつ) is an average Japanese girl, save for her proficiency in the martial arts, a trait encouraged by her parents.[5] Two brothers—Maseo and Takeo Yamashiro (from whom she gained her current surname)—both proclaim their love for her. While she likes both, she chooses Maseo as her husband. Enraged, Takeo refuses to attend the couple's wedding.[5] Maseo disowns his brother, who joined the yakuza and took their mark of a dragon tattoo across his chest. Tatsu and Maseo, mourning the deaths of Tatsu's parents, start a family of their own. Tatsu gives birth to twins, Yuki and Reiko. Meanwhile, Takeo rises through the yakuza ranks and indulges his "exotic tastes" for ancient weapons.[5] He is presented with a pair of matching swords by General Karnz (later henchman to Baron Bedlam), one of which Takeo favors for its mystical properties.[6]
Takeo spends days preparing himself before taking both swords to the Yamashiro residence, demanding his brother to duel for the "prize" of Tatsu.[5] During the course of the struggle, a fire is started, and—while Maseo is distracted by his children—Takeo kills his brother with the sword that later becomes known as "Soultaker". Tatsu arises just in time to see her husband die and engage Takeo, gaining the upper hand and disarming him. Attempting to save her children, she hears her husband's voice coming from the sword, telling her they are already lost. Escaping with her life, Tatsu begins training as a samurai under a master called Tadashi. After much time, she graduates from his tutorship and leaves for America where she intends to use her talents to fight for justice. She takes the codename Katana after the sword that she wields, possessed for some time by the soul of her husband.[5][7]
Becoming an Outsider
Eventually Tatsu journeys to Markovia, a small Baltic state, where she tracked down Karnz, and is successful in killing him, inadvertently implicating Black Lightning (coincidentally there with Batman) in her crime.[8] Attempting to rectify the misunderstanding by freeing Black Lightning, she encounters a young girl named Halo.[9] The two join up to rescue Black Lightning, Batman (himself captured due to a blunder by Halo), and Bruce Wayne's employee Lucius Fox from their captor, Baron Bedlam.[9]
Batman is himself in Markovia to rescue Lucius Fox, and having sought—and failed to gain—the help of the
At the same time, Takeo is still at large and follows Tatsu to Gotham City. He attacks her and Halo at their home, overpowers Tatsu and switches swords with her. He leaves for Tokyo with Tatsu on his tail. The Outsiders follow Tatsu and offer their help, despite her desire to leave them out of it. Takeo takes the sword to his master
At one point the Outsiders split from Batman's leadership and take up residence in Markovia where they are funded by the Markovian crown (Geo-Force is a prince of the royal family). They become the official agents of Markovia and move to the city of
Family debt
After various tragic events surrounding Geo-Force's parents and Markovia, the team disbands. Nonetheless the Outsiders are forced to defend Markovia against the Manhunters. During the fight, Halo is knocked into a coma, saving Katana's life. Bounded by giri-ninjo (a debt of honor even unto death), Tatsu leaves the team to tend to Halo's wounds. During that time, however, she is approached by a family member of her husband, who wishes her to accompany the
Returning to the Outsiders
Eventually, the Outsiders re-form and return to Markovia. Instead of a peaceful reunion, however, the team becomes trapped in a web of public relations that brand them outlaws. Although the charges are dropped eventually, the team is fractured. Halo dies from an assassin's blast but is reborn in a new body. This puts an immense strain on Tatsu's relationship with Halo. Katana joins a team with Geo-Force and
New Outsiders
Later Katana joins a new team of Outsiders after assisting them in defeating a more powerful Sabbac. That team consists of all new members, with the exception of Metamorpho who rejoins the team after Shift's demise. In Outsiders (vol. 3) #42, Katana dons a new costume, as she feels it inappropriate to wear a costume based on Japan's flag, since the country revoked her citizenship due to her membership with the controversial team. Later, Katana summons Sabbac to destroy Dr. Sivana's base with his Hellfire. Katana remains an active member of the Outsiders following the 2006 "One Year Later" continuity jump. Initially, the team is led by Nightwing, but later leadership transfers to Batman. Batman decides to 'test' Katana and the rest of the initial team to design a better team. Katana is Batman's first official recruit.
"Blackest Night"
While escorting Killer Croc to incarceration, the Outsiders' vehicle is demolished by Maseo, Yuki, and Reiko, who have all been revived as Black Lanterns. Katana, believing that she has been reunited with her lost family, lets her guard down, but is saved from death by her teammates. Realising the truth, she draws her sword, preparing to fight her undead husband.[15] When Katana stabs Maseo, Soultaker reveals to her the Black Lanterns' full intentions. Her attacks soon prove to be completely ineffectual against Maseo, who is instead destroyed by an outpouring of light from Halo, who also destroyed Katana's undead children.[16]
New 52
Katana | |
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Publication information | |
Publisher | DC Comics |
Schedule | Monthly |
Format | Ongoing |
Genre | Superhero |
Publication date | February 2013 – December 2013 |
No. of issues | 10 |
Creative team | |
Written by | Ann Nocenti |
Artist(s) | Alex Sanchez, Cristina Coronas, Bill Sienkiewicz |
The events of the 2011 "Flashpoint" storyline led to The New 52, a relaunch of all of DC Comics' monthly books, and a reboot to the DC Universe in-story continuity. In this new continuity, a newly healed Barbara Gordon returns to the Batgirl identity and takes a leave of absence from the Birds of Prey[17] and suggests that Katana take her place full-time on the team.
Katana joins
After a number of adventures with the Birds of Prey, Katana leaves the group to keep an eye on a cult of assassins known as the Daggers.
DC Rebirth
Amanda Waller recruits Katana to be a co-captain of the Suicide Squad. Later, she joins the latest iteration of The Outsiders.
Powers, abilities, and weapons
Katana is a highly proficient hand-to-hand combatant and swordswoman, having studied martial arts as a child and later being trained by the samurai Tadashi. From her time with the Outsiders and Batman, she develops strong tactical skills.
Katana's Soultaker sword, along with its non-powered twin, is forged in the 14th century by Muramasa, whose swords are said to be cursed and make those who are evil commit evil acts. It sometimes takes the souls of those it kills, storing them inside the sword, where they can engage in limited communication with whoever wields it. These souls and spirits can be freely reborn/reincarnated by the means of a sacred ritual, under which they serve their summoner, even if it is against their will. Its cutting edge is sharp enough to rend the Dilustel skin of Captain Atom and Major Force.[21] In The New 52, the Soultaker is established as being the 'Sword Totem' of the Outsiders, meaning like the other totems, it supposedly bestows immortality and enlightenment upon its wielder, although some like Green Arrow are skeptical of the literal truths of these statements.
In addition to the Soultaker, Katana often carries additional weaponry into battle.
Collected editions
Title | Material collected | Pages | Published date | ISBN |
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Katana Volume 1: Soul Taker | Katana #1-10 and Justice League Dark #23.1 The Creeper | 144 | August 26, 2014 | 978-1401244118 |
Suicide Squad: Katana: The Revenge of Kobra | Suicide Squad: Katana: The Revenge of Kobra #1–6 | 128 | July 9, 2019 | 9781401278311 |
Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Katana | The Katana portions from Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot and Katana #1–6 | 134 | September 20, 2016 | 978-1401264642 |
Other versions
- In an alternate timeline set in the "Flashpoint" storyline, Katana joins the Amazons' Furies.[22]
In other media
Television
Animation
- A character inspired by Katana named Tsukuri appears in the Injustice Gang in the former series and Gorilla Grodd's Secret Societyin the latter.
- A teenage Katana appears in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced initially by Vyvan Pham and later by Kim Mai Guest.[24] This version is a member of the Outsiders whose master Tadashi was killed by an evil samurai named Takeo. As a result, she rarely speaks in honor of his lessons in self-control.
- Katana appears in Beware the Batman,[25] voiced by Sumalee Montano.[26] This version is a CIA agent who infiltrated the League of Assassins under the codename Katana and faked her death to steal the Soultaker Sword from them. Through her godfather and friend of her father, Alfred Pennyworth, she becomes Bruce Wayne's bodyguard and partner in crime-fighting, and later a founding member of the Outsiders. According to producer Glen Murakami, she would have become the series' version of Nightwing if the series had been renewed for a second season.
- Katana makes non-speaking appearances in Young Justice: Outsiders,[citation needed] initially as a member of the Justice League before joining Batman, among other Leaguers, in resigning due to U.N. secretary general Lex Luthor's restrictions on the League's actions.
- Katana appears in the DC Super Hero Girls (2019) episode "#SoulSisters", voiced by Rina Hoshino.[24] This version is initially a ruthless vigilante who uses the Soultaker sword to steal criminals' souls instead of capturing them. In her civilian identity, she enrolls in Metropolis High and befriends Diana Prince before fighting her and the Super Hero Girls, believing that they are evil for wanting to help supervillains. Upon learning each others' identities, Katana and Prince argue over their respective methods until the latter sacrifices her soul to defend an innocent. Realizing the error of her ways, Katana releases the souls she had taken and vows to pursue justice properly.
- Katana makes a non-speaking appearance in the Harley Quinn episode "Harlivy" as a member of the Suicide Squad.[citation needed]
- Katana will appear in Suicide Squad Isekai, voiced by Chika Anzai.[27]
Live-action
- Tatsu and Maseo Yamashiro appears in Monitor while helping Queen prepare for an impending "Crisis".
- Tatsu's feudal Japan ancestor, Masako Yamashiro, appears in the Arrowverse spin-off series Legends of Tomorrow episode "Shogun", portrayed by Mei Melançon.[citation needed]
Film
- Katana makes a minor non-speaking appearance in Superman/Batman: Public Enemies.[24]
- An alternate universe version of Katana named Sai makes a non-speaking appearance in Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths as a minor member of the Crime Syndicate.[citation needed]
- Katana appears in Rick Flag's bodyguard who seeks to avenge her husband's death.[30]
- Katana appears in the DC Super Hero Girls spin-off films DC Super Hero Girls: Super Hero High, DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year, DC Super Hero Girls: Intergalactic Games, Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Brain Drain, Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High, and DC Super Hero Girls: Legends of Atlantis, voiced by Stephanie Sheh.[24]
- Katana appears in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One.[31]
Video games
- Katana appears as a playable DLC character in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes.[32]
- Katana appears as a playable DLC character in Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham.[citation needed]
- Katana appears as a playable character in Infinite Crisis, voiced by Kelly Hu.[citation needed]
- Katana appears as a playable character in Lego DC Super-Villains, voiced again by Sumalee Montano.[citation needed]
Miscellaneous
- Katana appears in Smallville Season 11 as a member of the Outsiders.[33]
- Katana appears in DC Super Hero Girls (2015), voiced by Stephanie Sheh.[24] This version is a student at Super Hero High.
- Katana appears in the Injustice 2 prequel comic as a member of the Suicide Squad.[34][35]
References
- ^ Stewart, D.G. (February 3, 2023). "Happy 40th anniversary, Batman and the Outsiders". World Comic Book Review. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
- ^ Nagorski, Alex (November 5, 2012). "MTV Announces New Justice League of America Books for February". Retrieved November 5, 2012.
- ^ Ching, Albert (October 15, 2013). "'Superman Unchained' Skips January; 'Vibe,' 'Katana' Ending". Comic Book Resources.
- ^ ISBN 1-4012-1546-7, pp. 319–325).
- ISBN 9780345501066.
- ^ "The Unofficial Katana Biography". DCU Guide.
- ^ Batman and the Outsiders #1 (August 1983), pp. 13–15.
- ^ a b Batman and the Outsiders #2 (September 1983), pp. 5–6.
- ^ Batman and the Outsiders #2 (Sept. 1983), p. 24.
- ^ Batman and the Outsiders #11 (June 1984), pp. 20–23.
- ^ "The Outsiders!". Archived from the original on 2006-08-13.
- ^ Adventures of the Outsiders #34 (June 1986)
- ^ Guy Gardner: Warrior #39 (February 1996)
- ^ Outsiders (vol. 4) #24
- ^ Outsiders (vol. 4) #25. DC Comics.
- ^ Birds of Prey (vol. 3) #1. DC Comics.
- ^ Birds of Prey (vol. 3) #2
- ^ Birds of Prey (vol. 3) #15. DC Comics.
- ^ Justice League of America (vol. 3) #1. DC Comics.
- ^ Superman/Batman #4
- ^ Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #2 (July 2011). DC Comics.
- ^ "Tsukuri Voice - Justice League (TV Show) - Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved September 16, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.
- ^ a b c d e "Katana Voices (DC Universe) - Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved September 16, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.
- ^ Harvey, James (4 October 2011). "'Beware The Batman' CGI Animated Series Coming For 2013, 'DC Nation' Updates". worldsfinestonline.com. Archived from the original on 7 November 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2013.
- ^ "Comic-Con: After 'TDKR,' a CG 'Beware the Batman' will rise". Hero Complex. Los Angeles Times. 13 July 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2013.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (February 8, 2024). "Suicide Squad Isekai Anime Reveals More Cast Members". Anime News Network. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ^ Abrams, Natalie (August 27, 2014). "'Arrow' casts 'Wolverine' actress to replace Devon Aoki". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
- ^ "Rila Fukushima Joins 'Arrow'; Riley Voelkel Cast In 'Point Of Honor'". Deadline Hollywood. August 27, 2014. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
- ^ Siegal, Lucas (July 31, 2016). "Suicide Squad's Karen Fukuhara Pitches Her Katana Spin-Off Idea". ComicBook.com.
- ^ Harvey, James (January 6, 2024). "Check out a selection of images provided by Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment from the upcoming "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part One." The animated movie arrives Jan. 9, 2024 on digital and Jan. 23 on physical". Twitter. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
- ^ Narcisse, Evan (22 May 2012). "Nightwing, Bizarro And Zatanna Playable With Lego Batman 2 Pre-Order DLC". Kotaku.
- ^ Smallville Season 11: Continuity #4 (May 2015)
- ^ Injustice 2 #1. DC Comics.
- ^ Injustice 2 #21. DC Comics.