Kenuichio Harada
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Kenuichio Harada Silver Samurai | |
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HYDRA | |
Partnerships | Black Spectre Mandrill Viper |
Notable aliases | Silver Samurai Silver Shogun |
Abilities |
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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]
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
At some point during Hydra's attack on Japan, he killed police officer Kioshi Keishicho which led to
Harada and Viper attempted a theft of cavourite crystal and battled the
He became the
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
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 "
Exiles
In
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
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 Wolverine killed him in retaliation.[38]
In other media
Television
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears in the X-Men: The Animated Series episode "The Lotus and the Steel",[39] voiced by Denis Akiyama.[40] This version is a gang leader who uses thugs to terrorize villages for tributes to him. Wolverine encounters him while gathering timber and is warned not to interfere, but Jubilee helps the villagers stand their ground while Wolverine defeats Silver Samurai in single combat.
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears in the Wolverine and the X-Men episode "Code of Conduct",[42] voiced by Keone Young.[40] This version is Mariko Yashida's power-hungry husband and a member of the Yakuza who previously fought Wolverine over Mariko and was defeated by him. In the present, Harada seeks a rematch with Wolverine to redeem himself of the defeat and become the Yakuza's head. Following an unsanctioned attack on Wolverine and the X-Men however, Harada's leader calls for a duel between Wolverine and Harada without their mutant abilities per samurai code. The following night, the duel takes place, with Harada taunting Wolverine with the claim that the former only married Mariko to keep her away from him. Despite this, Wolverine defeats Harada once more. Angered, Harada attempts to cheat by using his powers, but is knocked out by the attending members of the Yakuza, who forfeits the duel on his behalf and take him away. Mariko later tells Wolverine that Harada will be driven out from the Yakuza in shame and that he will never be admitted again.
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears in Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers, voiced by Takanori Nishikawa.[43][40] This version is an old enemy of Iron Man.
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears in Hit-Monkey,[44] voiced by Noshir Dalal.[45] This version is conceited and known as Japan's biggest hero.
Film
Kenuichio Harada appears in
Video games
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears as a playable character in X-Men: Children of the Atom,[47] voiced by Yasushi Ikeda.[40] This version wields giant shurikens and possesses the ability to empower his katana with elemental properties instead of his comics' abilities.
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears as a playable character in Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, voiced again by Yasushi Ikeda.[40]
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears as a boss in X-Men: The Official Game, voiced by Keone Young.[40] This version is the head of HYDRA and the mentor of Lady Deathstrike. Additionally, he and HYDRA collaborated with William Stryker on Master Mold and the Sentinels years before Weapon X would do so. Following Stryker's death, HYDRA is sent to remove all Sentinel equipment and files while Jason Strykeractivates Master Mold. Wolverine infiltrates HYDRA's headquarters and duels Silver Samurai for information on how to stop Master Mold and the Sentinels before eventually emerging victorious.
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears in Pinball FX 2, voiced by Matthew Mercer.[40]
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears as a playable character in Marvel Puzzle Quest.[48]
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears as an unlockable playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes,[49] voiced by Andrew Kishino.[citation needed]
- Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai appears as a playable card in Marvel Snap.[50]
Merchandise
In 2020, Iron Studios released a Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai action figure.[51]
References
- ISBN 0-8160-1356-X.
- ^ 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.
- Marvel.com. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ISBN 978-0756692360.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Daredevil #111. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Marvel Team-Up #57. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Marvel Team-Up #74. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Marvel Team-Up #83–85. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Spider-Woman #42–43. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Big Hero 6 #2. Marvel Comics.
- ^ The New Mutants #5–6. Marvel Comics.
- ^ X-Men #172–174. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Wolverine vol. 2 #2–3. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Cable #2
- ^ Wolverine vol. 2 #140–143
- ^ Sunfire and Big Hero 6 #1–3. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Wolverine vol. 3 #36. Marvel Comics.
- ^ The New Avengers #11–13. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Wolverine vol. 3 #37. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Secret Warriors #6. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Secret Warriors #11. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Wolverine vol. 4 #1. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Wolverine vol. 4 #3. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Wolverine vol. 4 #300. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Cable vol. 4 #1. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Vaux, Robert (November 21, 2021). "Every Marvel Comics Cameo in Hit-Monkey". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Brueheim, Jackson (July 8, 2022). "The 15 Strongest Swordfighters In Marvel Comics, Ranked". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Webber, Tim (February 26, 2017). "Logan's Zeroes: Wolverine's 15 Weirdest Foes". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- Marvel.com. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ X-Men: Age of Apocalypse #1–6. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Ultimate Invasion #2. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Ultimate Invasion #3. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Ultimate Invasion #4. Marvel Comics.
- ^ The Pulse: House of M. Marvel Comics.
- ^ X-Men Noir: Mark of Cain #1–4. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness #4. Marvel Comics.
- ^ What If? vol. 2 #43 (1992). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Sims, Chris (July 14, 2014). "The X-Men Episode Guide 4x12: 'Lotus And The Steel'". ComicsAlliance. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Voice Of Silver Samurai – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
- ^ Jennings, Collier (May 2, 2024). "Each of Those Cameo Appearances in 'X-Men '97's Latest Episode, Explained". Collider. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ Phillips, Dan (August 25, 2009). "Wolverine and the X-Men: "Code of Conduct" Review". IGN. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Robbins, Jason (December 1, 2021). "Which Marvel Characters Appear in 'Hit-Monkey'?". Collider. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ComingSoon.net. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Goldberg, Matt (July 10, 2013). "THE WOLVERINE Featurette for Harada/Silver Samurai. THE WOLVERINE Stars Will Yun Lee". Collider. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Kurland, Daniel (October 3, 2023). "The Most Replayable X-Men Video Games, Ranked". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- Marvel.com. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2013-07-20). "LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Characters and Cast Revealed". IGN. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
- Game Rant. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Roberts, Tyler (October 23, 2020). "Marvel Comics Silver Samurai Joins the X-Men at Iron Studios". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
External links
- Silver Samurai at the Marvel Universe wiki
- Silver Samurai of Earth-616 at Marvel Wiki
- Silver Samurai of Earth-295 at Marvel Wiki
- Silver Samurai I at Comic Vine
- UncannyXmen.net Spotlight On Silver Samurai