Top 10 Samurais & Top 10 Ninjas in Fiction

Japan has spawned two of the most adored historical characters that fiction and pop culture love to romanticize: the samurais and the ninjas.  The samurais are archetyped as versatile warriors, faithfully living a life in accordance to a strict code of honor, who are graceful and adept katana-wielders, capable of drawing their swords with lightning fast swiftness and slashing opponents with deadly elegance.  Ninjas, on the other hand, are archetyped as stealthy, elite assassins who possess nigh superhuman agility and dexterity as well as exceptional mastery in concealment and misdirection, covert and silent movements and attacks, and a variety of unique and mysterious techniques and weapons.  It is not unusual for the two kinds of warriors to be pitted against each other. 

In this list, I would be listing respective 10s for samurais and ninjas (just as what I’ve did with my list on anime protagonists and antagonists).  And, yes, since samurais and ninjas are from Japan, a lot of those that made the list are from manga or anime.  But take note that to qualify on this list, the characters should have been explicitly introduced as samurais and ninjas and not just because they are samurai-esque or ninja-esque.  So no Deadpool here.  Moreover, Ronin (masterless samurais) characters are also considered during evaluation for the ten picks for samurais.

Let’s start with samurais…       

  

10.) GOEMON ISHIKAWA XIII

 

Goemon is the gifted samurai member of the gang of Lupin III, the charming master thief.  With his katana, Goemon is depicted as capable of cutting through anything, even metal.  He seemingly has near superhuman speed and reflexes, since he can catch an arrow with his bare hands and slice bullets shot at him in half!  Moreover, he is also proficient in several martial arts and is capable of staying a long time underwater without the help of an aqualung.   

  

9.) SILVER SAMURAI

The Silver Samurai is arguably the most famous samurai-themed comic book character in Western comics.  He has been both a villain and a hero, changing allegiance from time to time.  He is a mutant and is capable of charging anything with a so-called “tachyon field”; he usually charges his katana, allowing him to cut through almost anything.  He also has a ring that allows him to teleport.

8.) MIYAMOTU USAGI

Being a rabbit ronin, Usagi has the advantage of being simultaneously adorable and badass.  Thus, this cute but combat-competent critter easily makes the list.  The setting of Usagi’s adventures is during feudal Japan, where anthropomorphic animals instead of humans are living.  Usagi travels the land, freelancing as a samurai bodyguard.      

  

7.) SAMURAI JACK

 

Jack was a prince during feudal Japan.  He traveled the world and trained to become a legendary warrior with the aim of destroying the demon Aku, to avenge the destruction of his father’s kingdom at the hands of the demon.  Jack and Aku fought with Jack winning.  However, before Jack can deliver the killing strike, Aku created a time portal to send Jack to the future, with the intention of buying time to grow more powerful and defeat Jack once he arrives in the future.  Jack arrived in a dystopian future where Aku ruled the world.  Jack travelled the world, fighting Aku’s minions along the way, in search of a time portal to send him back to his own time so he can destroy Aku before the demon can conquer the world.          

6.)AFRO SAMURAI

Afro Samurai has an interesting premise.  The setting is a sci-fi feudal Japan in which whoever wears the Number 1 headband has the title of being the greatest warrior in the land.  Anyone who desire to become “Number 1” should first defeat the current holder of the headband in combat.  However, the only one who can challenge the “Number 1” is the one who holds the “Number 2” headband. Anybody can challenge the holder of the “Number 2” headband.  In the first series, Afro holds the “Number 2” headband and many challenged him for it for the right of fighting “Number 1”.  He was able to defeat all his challengers.  Afro’s own purpose in challenging the “Number 1”, Justice the gunslinger, is to avenge his father, the former “Number 1” who Justice (as “Number 2”) killed to obtain the title for himself.  Afro succeeded with this and becomes “Number 1” at the end of the series.  However, in the sequel, it was revealed that Afro refused to wear his “Number 1” headband, thus, a mysterious vengeful woman named Sio obtained it.  Sio forced Afro – by cloning his father’s corpse and threatening to torture the clone – to search for the “Number 2” headband so that he can challenge her.  To make things short, Afro got back his “Number 1” headband in the end. 

Being able to win the “Number 1” headband shows Afro’s excellence as a warrior: he is basically the strongest.  He is a powerful swordsman, and though he gets tired of killing, he has no hesitation in doing so when it’s required. Afro has an imaginary friend named “Ninja Ninja” who is the opposite of Afro in character and personality.

5.) MANJI

 

Manji is the protagonist of the manga Blade of the Immortal.  As what is implied by the title, Manji is an immortal samurai.  He obtained his immortality after being stuffed by an 800-year old nun with bloodworms to save him from certain death.  His notorious nicknames “The Hundred Man Killer” (for the amount of opponents he had killed) and “Mr. Twelve Blades” (for the number of weapons he has) just show how an awesome badass Manji is.

4.) NOBUNAGA HAZAMA

 

Nobunaga is a member of the ruthless and powerful criminal organization known as Phantom Troupe or “Genei Ryodan” (antagonists of Hunter X Hunter).  What makes him stand out from the rest of this list is he’s probably the quickest one here.  Whenever he uses his katana to attack, the smooth progression (Iaidō) of drawing, slashing, cleaning, and replacing the sword back to its scabbard is so extremely fast that the human eye can’t follow it.  Through the human eye, it’s as if the sword never left its scabbard at all.  Anyone who is within his attack range is sure to be cut.  Nobunaga’s full power, though, has not been revealed yet.

3.) SHISHIO MAKOTO

 

The top three spots in this list belong to characters of Samurai X, which is, not only the anime that features the most exciting samurai action I’ve ever seen, but one of the best anime series I’ve ever encountered.  Of the three, let’s start with Shishio, who’s a very menacing, intelligent, and compelling villain, making him one of the best anime antagonists there are.  Aside from his ruthlessness and fearlessness, what’s makes him a very dangerous swordsman is his sword that ignites during combat – because of the blade being soaked in the flesh and fat of all the victims he had killed through the years – and his ability to intelligently read his opponents, that he can neutralize their techniques after just seeing them just once.             

2.) SAITŌ HAJIME

Despite of not having the appearance of a samurai anymore, since he’s not wearing the stereotypical kimono of a samurai but a police officer uniform (since it’s now his profession), Saitō still carries the air of a samurai.  And wearing a police officer uniform actually adds dimension and charisma to the character.  Besides, when he was still a samurai and dressing like one, he probably has the best samurai look among those in this list:

“Badass” is the first thing that comes to mind if asked of what I think of Saitō.  The word is being thrown a lot these days but Saitō really possesses the quality.  He is extremely skilled, tough, and capable of being ruthless.  He’s indeed a very skillful swordsman since he was even able to fight in equal standing with the number one of this list at one time.  His best technique is unique for a samurai, since instead of slashing targets with his katana, as what is usual with a samurai, he instead thrusts it forward.  Even without a sword, Saitō is very dangerous with his bare hands since he has excellent boxing and close combat skills.

1.) HIMURA KENSHIN

Copied word for word from my entry on Kenshin in my “Top 10 Anime Protagonists” list:

Not only is he my most favorite samurai in fiction, but he’s my most favorite fictional character that wields a sword…  The way he fights is such a joy to watch, there’s a beautiful mix of grace and lethality in it… After being known as a legendary and dangerous assassin “Hitokiri Battosai” during the Meiji Revolution, he grew weary of killing and found appreciation of life, thus, he vowed never to kill again.  In his personal path for self-redemption, he now uses his skills to help those in need and fight for the weak that are oppressed by wicked people.  With the use of a “reverse-edged” sword, Kenshin manages to fight utilizing his awesome sword skills without having to break his vow of non-killing.

Because he doesn’t intend to kill his opponents, he’s not actually able to fight in his best form, that is, by projecting the infamous “Hitokiri Battosai” killing persona.  He consciously or subconsciously holds back.  Considering this, that he’s always on a disadvantage on his fight, it’s quite impressive that he still overcomes opponents – who, on the other hand, have no hesitation in killing him – without taking any life.  Such is the awesomeness of the titular Samurai X! 

* * *

And now, for the ninjas…

10.) NINJZZ

 

Those who were in contention for this tenth spot are Strider Hiryu and Gray Fox the Cyborg Ninja (of Metal Gearfame).  But what made me pick Ninjzz over such kickass characters?  Simple, I just believe Ninjzz is cooler.  Ninjzz is the only one among the Boyzz – robots created by the Botsmaster, Ziv “ZZ” Zulander – that is specifically designed for combat as ZZ encoded all of the world’s martial arts on Ninjzz’s programming.  Best ninja thing about Ninjzz though is his voice and speech pattern – perfectly ninja-like.  His preferred weapons are his sword and nunchucks but he’s also equipped with a laser gun. 

9.) PSYLOCKE

This X-Man used to be bland.  But after getting brainwashed by the Hand (criminal ninja organization in the Marvel Universe) and obtaining ninja training, she underwent a dramatic make-over, propelling her amongst the elite characters of the X-Men.  She had effectively combined her mutant psionic abilities with her ninja fighting skills, making her one of the X-Men’s most deadly fighters.   

8.) ELEKTRA

 

Another spot on this list is taken by another hot and dangerous kunoichi (which roughly means “female ninja”.  Side thought: why aren’t there any male ninja superheroes in Marvel and DC? Or if there are, it means they aren’t as awesome as Psylocke and Elektra since I have forgotten about them).  But unlike Psylocke, Elektra has no super powers at all.  Nonetheless, that’s exactly the reason why she’s ahead of Psylocke in this list: despite the fact that she has no powers at all, she can beat or at least hold her ground with the best superpowered individuals out there.  Elektra is a coldblooded assassin and the coolest user of the sai as a primary weapon (sorry Raphael but this is true).  She is best known as the most famous among Daredevil’s exes (that says a lot considering the amount of former flames that Matt Murdock had).  She is currently a member of the present Thunderbolts roster.    

6.) & 7.) SCORPION & SUB-ZERO

 

Definitely the top two most popular characters in Mortal Kombat are these two ninjas.    Both are terrifyingly competent martial artists and possess thrilling powers; ice abilities for Sub-Zero, and flame abilities and shooting out a kunai-tipped rope (originally thought to be a snake-like creature) out his palm for Scorpion.  In the MK storyline, the two are mortal enemies and hated each other with passion.  Though neither of the two is my most favorite character from the MK franchise – Johnny Cage is – the two of them follows Johnny.  I find Scorpion a little bit more interesting than Sub-Zero (so the former has the 6^th spot and the latter has the 7^th spot).

5.) LEONARDO

 

Almost everybody of my generation is familiar with and had loved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles during childhood.  But even though the turtles all shared the same appearances – just difference on the color themes – Leonardo stands out the most.  It definitely has something to do with Leonardo’s trademark weapons, his two katanas.  Katanas are preferred over sais, staffs, and nunchuks.  Katanas are the coolest.  When I was still a kid and playing some Ninja Turtles pretend with other kids, each one of us wanted to be Leonardo.  Nobody wanted to be Raphael, Michaelangelo, or Donatello.  Everybody wanted to wield the two katanas, even if it was just pretend.        

4.) UZUMAKI NARUTO

The manga/anime Naruto has greatly innovated the ninja epitome of pop culture.  The titular character wears a loud orange color scheme, which is kind of out of character for ninjas who make an effort to conceal their presence and movements (that’s why they are usually portrayed as wearing black).  But, as I’ve said, the anime is all about reinventing the ninja typecast.  Orange is lame and silly.  Still, with that against him, Naruto still managed to prove himself to be a very interesting ninja character.

His character development has been long but worth following.  He was first introduced as unremarkable and the least of his peers.  His childhood was spent as an outcast and looked down by others.  Nonetheless, in spite of all these, Naruto maintained a strong will and a bubbly nature, pursuing his goals with enthusiasm, cockiness, and a lot of heart.  As the story progressed, he would gain friends (some of them, his former adversaries) and admirers for his loyalty, optimism, resolve, and seeing and bringing out the best of those around him.  Moreover, he would also grow in power, knowledge, experience and skill as a shinobi, making him eventually one of his village’s strongest and most important ninjas.  He would even save his entire village from destruction and be celebrated as a hero (see Invasion of Pain Arc).  And it just keeps getting better with him and his manga.         

               

2.) & 3.) SNAKE EYES & STORM SHADOW

 

Both attended the same ninja school and had been former comrades – “sword brothers” – but after the murder of their master (by Zartan), of which Storm Shadow was implicated, they took separate paths and became bitter rivals.  Snake Eyes would join the G.I. Joe while Storm Shadow found himself with Cobra.  The two would clash many times, whenever the G.I.Joe and Cobra clash.  But after Storm Shadow learned the truth that Zartan was the one who killed his master, he would ally himself with Snake Eyes and the G.I. Joe.

There are several ninja characters in the G.I. Joe franchise, but Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow are the best and most iconic among them.  It can even be argued that the two of them are the best and most iconic above all other G.I. Joe characters.  Whether that is true or not, personally, they are my most favorite characters as a G.I. Joe fan.  In the comics (which have the best G.I. Joe stories) and the animated series, they superbly stand out.  They are even the best thing about the G.I. Joe movies.   

Both are awesome ninja characters but Snake Eyes slightly edges Storm Shadow in my personal ranking. Making the former number 2 and the latter number 3 in this list.  It all comes down to their initial allegiance (since Snake Eyes has been part of the good guys right from the start) and choice of weaponry.  While Storm Shadow has been portrayed as occasionally using a gun, the weapons he mainly carries are his katana and traditional ninja weapons (knives, shurikens, etc.).  Guns, however, are a staple of Snake Eyes’ arsenal along with his katana and knives.  Guns give an additional layer of kickassery on ninjas.         

  

1.) HATAKE KAKASHI

 

The top of this list goes to another one of my most favorite anime characters.  Naruto is an interesting ninja, but he’s not the most interesting character of his own manga/anime series.  Kakashi is.  Possessing a Sharingan and capable of limitedly accessing its powers, Kakashi is able to easily copy others’ techniques.  That’s why it was said he’s a ninja that has an arsenal of one thousand techniques.  He is both an intelligent pre-battle strategist and on-battle tactician.  He was a prodigy in childhood and had grown up into one of Konoha’s most powerful and legendary shinobis.  He’s currently next in line for the position of Hokage (top ninja).  Despite of his fame and superior abilities, Kakashi maintains a cool, patient, and humble attitude and puts emphasis on friendship and teamwork above anything else.   

* * *

BONUS: RONIN

 

I’ve mentioned a while ago that I find a lack of male ninja superheroes.  The closest to such is the Avenger, Ronin (the second one).  The word “ronin” means “masterless samurai.” But the superhero Ronin donned a ninja outfit instead of going with a samurai look.  Ronin has neither samurai nor ninja background at all, thus, the reason the character wasn’t included in the two lists.  Still, the character is quite fascinating. 

The first Ronin was Maya Lopez a.k.a Echo, who was first known as a former enemy and eventual ally of Matt Murdock a.k.a. Daredevil.  She is deaf but get by by reading lips.  She has the skill called “photographic reflexes” (the same ability as Taskmaster’s) which allows her to duplicate any physical movement or action after only witnessing it once, including fighting styles.       

The original intent by the writers was for Matt Murdock a.k.a. Daredevil to be Ronin when serving as an Avenger.  Matt Murdock was continually refusing Captain America whenever Cap attempts to recruit him to join the Avengers (though he would eventually join an Avenger team in the future).  It was the time when Daredevil was being portrayed with notoriety by the media and Matt thinks it would damage the Avengers’ image if he joins.  The solution would have been for Matt to adopt another superhero identity as an Avenger (as what suggested by Cap).  That would have been cool, Matt would be Daredevil whenever he’s going solo and he would be Ronin whenever he’s on a mission with the Avengers.  Unfortunately, the concept was in conflict with the storyline that the Daredevil series was doing that time.  Thus, it was decided for Echo to become Ronin (sent by Matt to aid the Avengers) – which everybody thought prior the revelation of the identity was Daredevil, as what was being hinted earlier.  Matt as Ronin would have been more awesome.  Bummer.

  

The second Ronin was Clint Barton a.k.a. Hawkeye, the archer with trick arrows and phenomenal accuracy.  There was a time he “retired” his Hawkeye persona and became Ronin for some time.  He would first wear the Ronin costume during the Avengers’ rescue mission for Echo (who has been captured by the Hand) since it’s the only costume available then.  After the mission, Clint offered to return the costume and identity to Maya but she rejected it (she went back to being “Echo” after her rescue and return to the Avengers), thus, Clint chose to continue carrying the Ronin identity, trading his bow and arrow for katanas and nunchucks.  

Clint is back to being Hawkeye now, but during his run as Ronin, he displayed his versatility, that he is a valuable superhero even without a bow.     

Read More

RE: Superior Spider-Man Part 2 (Or "I Admit That 'Superior' Has Been Actually Pretty Cool So Far, but I Still Prefer the Return of 'Amazing'")

In my last rant about the Superior Spider-Man, I had argued that what makes Spider-Man special is because of Peter Parker.   Spidey is a character that we, fans, can easily relate to, and because of that, any heroic or positive qualities of his have more impact on us.  He is an emphatic and charismatic fictional role model, and those qualities that make him such are derived from his alter ego, Peter Parker.  Therefore, for Spider-Man to have this significant connection with readers, it is necessary for Peter Parker to be the one behind that mask.     

That’s my main beef with Superior Spider-Man.  Because, technically, it is no longer Peter Parker that is wearing the Spidey mask. 

The Superior Spider-Man is Otto Octavius possessing Peter Parker’s body and memories. When I was still speculating who the Superior Spider-Man is going to be, one of my options was somebody using Doc Ock’s “body switching” technology (as what the villain had used in Amazing Spider-Man’s final storyline) to possess Peter’s body, but it’s NOT Doc Ock himself.  My exact words were “Marvel is being stupid with this Superior Spider-Man development, but I don’t think they’re that stupid to indeed settle with Doc Ock possessing Pete’s body as the Superior Spider-Man.”  Boy, was I wrong.    

So in Amazing’s last storyline, Otto Octavius successfully stole Spider-Man’s body for himself while concurrently trapping the hero on his own dying body.  All this time, it seemed Otto just wanted to live the life of Spider-Man (oh, really?!).  For his own selfish reasons, of course.  Spidey, in Otto’s failing body, made an attempt to take back his body but was unfortunately unsuccessful.  Defeated and helplessly expiring in Otto’s body, Spidey now realizing that getting his body and life back is now out of the question opted instead to insure that he won’t be leaving the legacy of Spider-Man to a villain.  As a desperate gambit to reform Otto Octavius, Spidey transferred all his memories to him.  And it worked.   This made Otto “live out” the life of Peter Parker, making the former empathetic to the latter’s experience and development.  This made Otto realize what being Spider-Man is all about – there is a tremendous responsibility that goes with the terrific power.  Peter Parker dies in Dr. Octopus’ body and Otto Octavius vowed to become a superior Spider-Man than Peter.        

A great amount of people were, of course, pissed.  Death threats were even made by some.     

I was also greatly pissed.   Doc Ock won?!  Peter Parker didn’t deserve this!  It made me sicker and madder than what I’ve felt after the horrible “One More Day” storyline.  It actually surprised me that I can feel this strongly about a fictional character.  That a development in fiction could draw out such amount of emotion in me.  Oh, fiction has moved me before many times, but not this much.  This kind of intensity was a first.  I didn’t make death threats, but I was upset enough to kind of nearly understand why some did. (Important note: it doesn’t mean I commend or empathize with those fans that made death threats.  In fact, I admonish the making of death threats.  It’s actually a sadder thing when death threats arise because of a disappointment on a work of fiction.  That’s ridiculous and terrible.)     

To be fair, if I try to calm down and look at it in an open-minded, broader viewpoint, I would find that this Superior Spider-Man twist is actually brilliant and beautiful.  Initially, it just seemed to be a gimmicky bad idea, but at a second thought, it starts to look striking and fresh.  I’ve never seen this stuff in comics before.  In fact, if this was not Spider-Man (a character I am so attached to) we’re talking about, I could have enthusiastically applauded this.  

We can look at the (supposedly) last issue of Amazing Spider-Man, issue 700, as a unique and moving superhero origin story for the Superior Spider-Man and a bittersweet and powerful “shining moment” for Peter Parker. 

A “heel-face turn” or a bad guy becoming a good guy is an impactful development in a work of fiction.  But in comics alone, we have already seen former villains leaving their former ways and choosing the path of becoming heroes many times before.  But in the case of Otto Octavius, his change of heart was unique.  It was “forced” upon Otto by Peter Parker after the former had already beaten the latter!  Here’s the bad buy winning against his mortal foe – the good guy – but it was through this victory that he had his change of heart.  That is unheard of.  Most of the time, the good guys needed to “break” the bad guys for them to see the error of their ways which would lead them to eventually decide to become heroes.  Moreover, this bad guy’s conversion to good was a result of literally becoming the good guy that he had been fighting as a bad guy.  If this was your usual “heel-face turn”, the supervillain Dr. Octopus would have just become the superhero Dr. Octopus.  But in this case, the bad guy Dr. Octopus had not only become just A “good guy” but had become THE good guy – Spider-Man himself!  That’s outrageous and original – a completely different use of the “heel-face turn.”

Peter Parker has a hero’s heart till the end.  He was defeated.  He was dying.  But still in the last moment of his life, he gave his all.  By giving all his memories to Otto, he gave Otto complete capability to live out the life of Peter Parker a.k.a. Spider-Man!  Peter gifted his enemy a “second lease in life” – a gift to start over as a good guy by living his life.  This is the same enemy who just stole his entire life away from him in the first place and imprisoned him in a diseased, dying body.  But Pete did it anyway.  All that matters to him in the last moment of life is he would leave the world a Spider-Man that would remain as a hero; it doesn’t matter if he’s letting the same person who took his life away from him get what he wanted.    It’s as if Peter just went, “so you want to be Spider-Man?  Fine, you be Spider-Man.  It sucks that you would be living my life now.  It’s not that I have any choice anyway.  But not so fast, buster.  Here are all my memories.  Understand the moral obligations of being Spider-Man!”  Peter Parker was spectacular till the end.  In a sense, it was still a victory for the Amazing Spider-Man in spite of getting defeated.    

As a Spider-Man fan, I hated ASM #700 and the fact Otto took over Pete’s body to become Superior Spider-Man.  Again, Pete doesn’t deserve this crap to happen to him!  But as a fiction fan, looking at it in the light I’ve mentioned previously, I have started to appreciate at least the concept.

Besides, I have to admit, the Superior Spider-Man has been, so far, kind of a kickass.  He has been significantly more efficient, calculative, and organized, albeit darker and colder.  He now has cybernetic goggles, spiderbots, retractable talons on his fingertips, and raptor-like claws under his feet – significant upgrades of Spider-Man hardware.    

The Superior Spider-Man has the feel of Batman.  But if you tell him this – despite the fact that comparing him to Batman was meant as a compliment – he would probably be insulted; and would then point out how flawed, substandard, and stupid Batman is compared to him.  That’s what this new Spider-Man is all about. 

In fact, despite being “brainwashed” into becoming a superhero, Otto still possessed his villainous qualities.  Scheming and cunning.  Has a massive superiority complex.  Conceited.  Arrogant.  Impatient.  A first class A-hole.  But a brilliant A-hole.  Will remind you of Dr. House.  And will charm you the same way Dr. House did.         

Anyway, in spite of his sincere desire for redemption and heroism, he is being a superhero in a Dr. Octopus way – ruthless, menacing, and self-seeking. 

HE EVEN KILLED!!!

And I don’t like it one bit.  Killing has never been Spider-Man’s thing.  He’s not the Punisher.  He’s Spider-Man.  And Spider-Man doesn’t kill!  

The creepiest thing about Otto occupying Pete’s body is he has the opportunity to take advantage of Mary Jane.

Fortunately, it was Otto himself who broke things off with MJ (in issue 2) after logically assessing the situation between them – the “Pete-MJ-Spidey” relationship – and concluded that being a couple won’t work within them.

(I don’t quite agree with Otto’s analysis.  But that’s okay.  As long as it’ll keep Otto away from MJ)

So here we have Otto living the life of Peter Parker and is seemingly living it out better than Pete did.  “Peter Parker” is now almost always on time with appointments since he can now balance his time well between being Spider-Man and Peter Parker.  As Spider-Man, he has become anti-heroic, more cunning, more intelligent, and operates and fights more efficiently – gone are the jokes and childish antics.  And as a fictional character, he displays magnificent depth and appeal because of the unique nature and concept of his persona.

Still, I would prefer Peter Parker back.  And, thank God, that in the last page of the very first issue of Superior Spider-Man, it was revealed that the “hope” element is part of Superior Spider-Man.

Pete is still around!  That is actually the reason that many Spidey fans still stuck around with Superior Spider-Man at this point. 

Of course, with Peter actually still existing inside his own body’s consciousness, a battle for Peter Parker’s body is inevitable between Pete and Otto (with regards to the implication of the last Superior issue as of writing). 

Yikes!

And, as what’s suggested by the previews of future issues, this battle would lead to another Spider-Man costume change, with Otto still in control in the end?!

Just have to wait and see.

So in summary: Superior Spider-Man is not as bad as I’ve thought it was going to be, BUT – a big BUT – I would still prefer for Peter Parker to win back his body and return as Spider-Man ASAP!   

More thoughts coming up as the Superior Spider-Man drama progresses.  

Read More

Sidekicks Reloaded

To tie-in with Joy Church once again hosting this year's Vacation Bible School (VBS) seminar for teachers, our team made a video recording of our own renditions of this year's VBS songs.  The theme of this year's VBS is "Sidekicks Reloaded" and features five songs.  

click here for more videos

Read More

Top 10 Androids

Those who don’t possess a bit of nerdy knowledge often mix up “androids” and “cyborgs” with each other.  Of course, the two are different.  In my top 10 cyborgs list, I’ve already explained what makes a cyborg: they are beings with both organic and mechanical parts.  Now, this time around, it’s the androids’ turn to be discussed.  Androids are synthetic organisms – usually robotic in nature – meticulously designed to be in the likeness of the human form; any appearance of “flesh” is synthetic in origin.  Also, androids usually possess advance levels of artificial intelligence that give them the capability of human-like free will, independent thought, cognitive processes and logical reasoning – with some even having mental abilities exceeding human capacity – and, sometimes, simulation of human  emotion.               

10.) BRAINIAC

Brainiac, a Coluan (an alien race) android, is one of Superman’s most famous and powerful archenemies.  As his name suggests, Brainiac is a super genius.  He has a so-called “12^th-level intellect” (humanity, in general, is only capable of up to “6^th-level intelligence”), giving him superhuman memory capability; superhuman calculative prowess; and extensive knowledge of theoretical and applied sciences, engineering, and technologies of different alien origins.  Aside from his mental powers, Brainiac had possessed various other powers and abilities as well (depending on the incarnation). 

9.) BISHOP (341-B)

Michael Fassbender earned some praise for playing the android character David in Prometheus (the semi-prequel to the Alien movie franchise).  David, they said, has been a charismatic character.  I, however, was unimpressed.  If you were able to see Aliens (second movie in the Alienmovie franchise), you can’t help but compare David with Aliens’ own android, Bishop, (played by Lance Henriksen) and then conclude that David greatly pales in comparison when compared to Bishop.  Bishop was designed to have the same appearance of his creator, Michael Weyland (who himself resembles his ancestor, Charles Bishop Weyland).  Despite of not being primarily programmed as a combatant, he has been programmed to keep humans from harm as best as he could and he displayed badassery and heroism in performing this function by aiding human survivors to escape the murderous Xenomorphs.   Moreover, this awesome knife scene is enough to immortalize Bishop:

8.) NAOMI ARMITAGE

 

Naomi Armitage is the protagonist of the terrific cyberpunk anime movie series, Armitage III.  The story is set in a futuristic Mars – made habitable by the help of “first type” robots – where humans and “second type” androids, improved versions of the “first type”, co-exist.  Armitage was introduced as a Martian cop working with a new partner, Ross Syllibus, who was from Earth, as they hunt the murderer of a famous country singer.  Because of the killing, this singer was revealed to be a never before seen “third type” android – a highly-advance model that is already very much human-like in function and appearance that no one can tell them apart from human beings.  The discovery of the existence of “third type” androids prompted human beings to hunt them down, who had been secretly living amongst humans.  Halfway through the story, it was revealed that Naomi is herself a “third type” android.  Later on, the already kickass gunslinging girl would undergo modifications – i.e. cybernetic wings and particle cannons – to become more kickass and dangerous.  Armitage is so much of an advance android that she is even capable of getting pregnant; she and Ross would raise a daughter named Yoko. 

7.) DATA

 

Spock is my favorite character in the original Star Trek. And Data is my favorite character in Star Trek: the Next Generation because he serves as the Spock figure there.  But due to being an advanced android, he is capable of advance mental calculations and is probably superior in practicing logic than Spock.  And in contrast with Spock who avoids emotion as much as possible (because of his Vulcan roots), Data is very much fascinated with it – hinting of his desire to achieve his own humanity or something close to it by experiencing this important aspect of humanity (i.e. emotion).         

6.) CELL

 

Cell is the main villain during the “Android Arc” of Dragon Ball Z.  Possessing genetic materials from different warriors in the Dragon Ball Z universe – including Goku, Piccolo, Vegeta, and Frieza – Cell was designed by his creator Dr. Gero to be the “perfect warrior” of the universe; thus, Cell possesses a wide range of powers, skills, techniques, abilities and traits.  Cell is an evolving android, and with each evolution, aside from getting more powerful and cunning, he also undergoes drastic personality changes – projecting traits and attitudes of those warriors his genetic make-up is derived.  He was able to achieve his ultimate form after absorbing Androids 17 and 18 (who are technically not androids at all, but cyborgs).  Because of his very versatile and developing nature, he is easily one of the most exciting characters in Dragon Ball Z (in fact, in my book, Buu is the only greater Dragon Ball Z villain).

5.) HUMAN TORCH

 

When we mention the name “Human Torch”, what comes to mind first is Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four.  Unbeknownst to most non-comic book enthusiasts, Johnny is not the first “Human Torch” in the Marvel Universe.  The original Human Torch was an android who took the civilian name of Jim Hammond and was one of Marvel Comics’ “Big 3” (the other two of the three being Captain America and Namor) during its early years, back when the company still goes by the name of Timely Comics.  Just like Johnny Storm, the original Human Torch – Jim Hammond – has the ability to envelop his entire body or portions of it with flames, shoot out flames, and fly.  While Johnny gained his powers the same way as the other members of the FF, that is via cosmic radiations, Jim’s flame powers are due to the photoelectric solar cells – his power source – that cover his entire body which ignites his epidermis into flames upon contact with oxygen. 

4.) VISION

 

The Vision is arguably Marvel Comics’ most popular android character.  Probably because of being a prominent Avenger for years.   The Vision is a synthezoid built by the robot villain Ultron (who himself is a creation of Hank Pym a.k.a. Ant-Man/Giant-Man/Yellowjacket/the Scientist Supreme) from the remains of a divergent Human Torch (see number 5) with neural processors similar to the brain patterns of Wonder Man.  Originally intended to be used against Avengers, the Vision was able to overcome his initial programming and instead aided the Avengers against his creator Ultron.  Since then, the Vision has been a loyal and valiant Avenger.  The Vision has an array of powers but his most iconic power is the ability to turn intangible and phase through solid objects.

3.) ROCKMAN

Rockman, also known as Megaman, is one of the most iconic video game characters in history.  I remember that I had greatly enjoyed playing my Mega Man game (can’t remember which game was it) in our FamCom.  And Rockman was one of my top choices for my team when I was playing Marvel vs. Capcom.  The character is sometimes erroneously identified as a cyborg, but he is not.  As what is clearly established by his origin story, he is 100% robot (with human appearance).  He was created by Dr. Light to serve as his lab assistant and was christened “Rock”.  To effectively carry out his intended function, Rock has a “Variable Tool System” that allows him to mimic any tool after observing how it had been used.  When Dr. Light’s envious nemesis, Dr. Wiley, reprogrammed Dr. Light’s robots to become his minions with intentions of world domination, Rock the lab assistant volunteered to be converted into a fighting robot to stop Wiley and his robots.  He then applies his ability to mimic tools in his crusade by copying the special weapons or abilities of the robots he defeats – making the character and the games’ concept unique and exciting.      

2.) MACHINE MAN (X-51)

I am not really sure why but at that time I picked up that old Machine Man comicbook (bought it along with other old comics surplus), he became my most favorite android superhero.  Maybe because of his X-Men-like struggle – just as the X-Men are being hated and feared by the world they protect for being mutants, Machine Man was being hated and feared by the world he protects for being a robot.  Or maybe because of his dramatic origin story (his predecessors – 50 past X-model robots – became dangerously delusional and psychotic due to insufficient programming.  His “father”, Dr. Able Stack, however, theorized that the only way a robot will function like a human is if it was raised as one, and this is what Dr. Stack did with X-51.  Of course, as typical of heroes of that time, there’s a need for a tragedy to occur to push him into becoming a hero.  In the case of X-51, his “father” Dr. Stack was killed when he removed an auto-destruct device from X-51 to save him from it.  X-51 vowed to usher in Dr. Stack’s dream of peaceful co-existence between AI robots and humans.  He would adopt the name of Aaron Stack, and as Machine Man, he became a superhero while blending in among humans and being a fugitive from the military).  Or maybe because of his cool Inspector Gadget-esque collection of robotic abilities, especially the telescopic limbs.  Or maybe because he is the connection between the Marvel Universe and the sci-fi classic 2001: A Space Odyssey (Seriously.  I kid you not).  Or just all of them put together.  Whatever reason/s, I just found myself drawn to the character of Aaron Stack a.k.a. Machine Man and I wish he would gain more popularity as a comic book character.  (Considering he already had been an Avenger before, I am surprised he is not included in the roster of the upcoming Avengers A.I.)           

1.) R. DANEEL OLIVAW

 

I really love Isaac Asimov’s Robot novels and Foundation novels, and it was awesome how he linked the two book series, along with the Empire novels, together.  And Daneel was the most identifiable connection.  In the early Robot novels (Caves of Steel and Naked Sun), we get to be first introduced to Daneel.  He is human in appearance but is actually a robot, as indicated with the “R.” in his name (with “R” meaning “robot”); and, just like other robots in Asimov’s Robot universe, is subject to the “Three Laws of Robotics”:

1.) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2.) A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3.) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
(If a robot violates or thinks it has violated any of the Laws, the robot’s positronic brain will self-destruct.)

Daneel was the first of the only two “humaniforms” (robots that have human appearances and are very indistinguishable from human beings, with regards to outward appearance) ever created.  He, in three of the four Robot novels, served as an invaluable partner to Elijah Baley – one of the most fascinating detectives in fiction – in his investigations of the novels’ respective murder mysteries.  Daneel possesses a special ability called “cerebroanalysis”, which allows him to read mental and emotional states of the humans he meets.  Later on, R. Giskard Reventlov would transfer his telepathic abilities to Daneel before his deactivation, enabling the latter to completely read human minds and influence their thoughts and emotions to carry out the Zeroth Law of Robotics – "A robot may not harm humanity, or through inaction, allow humanity to come to harm."  This Law, which supposedly transcends the original Three Laws of Robotics, was devised by Daneel and Giskard after discourses of the Three Laws’ limitations.  From that day onwards of the Zeroth Law’s inception, for millennia, Daneel would work behind the scenes of human history – including events in the Foundation and Empire novels – manipulating humanity into paths he believes would improve or preserve the human race.  It was through his machinations and pushing that would lead to Hari Seldon to create “psychohistory” – application of statistics to predict future historical events.  This was the same “psychohistory” or “Laws of Humanics” that Daneel and Giskard had theorized during their discourse which they believed would allow them to execute the Zeroth Law in a quantitative sense.             

Read More