Some Random Thoughts Before the 2013 Elections

The election is less than a week away.  I’ve already done some evaluation on the candidates for Senate – through watching forums/debates and doing some research – to help me with my picks.  However, I won’t be analyzing the candidates here, nor list those I would vote for, as what I did last election (too many candidates).  But I have some random two cents’ worth of thoughts in regards to the election, which I would be sharing here.  Maybe you’ll find a thing or two that would be helpful when doing your own evaluations.   

ENTERTAINING

You know what’s the best thing about the elections?  The entertainment!  Now, the two best kinds of election-related entertainment are: a.) the emergence of nuisance candidates during filing of candidacies, whose show of batshit craziness and confidence easily creates comical segments on TV; and b.) when the qualified candidates make fools of themselves.  

Some of the instances where candidates make fools of themselves are on debates or forums – when occasional questions from moderators, opponents in candidacy, or members of the audience during an open forum force them to give answers that expose their hypocrisy and/or incompetence.  That’s just the tip of the iceberg though.  The most likely occasion you’ll be able to witness candidates making fools of themselves are during their campaign rallies.  Here, they would often participate on some dance numbers.  And these politicians’ dances are among the most ridiculous, most hilarious things I’ve ever seen.  First-rate comedy.  Guaranteed LOL-inducing entertainment.    

Kind of tells us the magnitude politicians are willing to undertake – even the expense of their own dignity – to get into power.  

To be honest, if a performance has the charm of the right quality of hilarity, I would give a minor “plus points” for my evaluation on that candidate.   

CHOOSING THE LESSER EVIL

I did find it hard completing my Twelve.  To be honest, I find faults in all the candidates and find it hard  to really trust any of them that I’ve just did some “choosing the lesser evil” evaluation when picking those I would vote for.  I considered the positives and negatives about each candidate, and if the positives outweighed the negative, then I decided to risk voting for him or her.  

“NO CHOICE VOTES”

Among my picks, those I’ve selected without hesitation after my evaluations – because the positives overwhelm the negatives – number less than five.  Most of my picks are just “no choice votes” – candidates that I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt, hoping they would actually do more good than harm

Some would argue that it’s better to forfeit some slots if one doesn’t have a complete 12 candidates he is most willing to vote for – that if he only has five candidates he really wants to vote for, then he should just vote for that five and forfeit the other six slots.  If this was a still a pen-and-paper election, I would have agreed.  I can just comfortably draw a line across those blank spots.  But now that elections are automated (which is, take note, generally superior), I don’t feel comfortable leaving some circles unshaded.  I am kind of paranoid that those unshaded parts would be shaded by other persons.  Of course, there are safeguards against that.  But I’m uncomfortable on risking such possibility.  Thus, I would rather make “no choice votes” – to fill all of the 12 spots for Senators – and pray that they won’t do anything that would make me regret voting for them.          

WHAT IF VOTING FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE THE SAME AS VOTING FOR BOARD MEMBERS OF A CORPORATION?

I often wondered if it’s better for the elections to have the same mechanics as how stockholders vote for members of the Board, in which the voter can distribute his votes.  Example: he can use all 12 votes on just candidate; or he can allocate his votes: give 3 votes to Candidate A, 1 vote for Candidate B, 2 votes for Candidate C, and 6 votes for Candidate D;  or vote for 12 candidates by giving one vote each… you get the idea.  At least with that system, then we avoid the “no choice votes” scenario.         

A THOUGHT EXPERIMENT REGARDING PREFERENCE

Here’s a question for you:  who will you pick over, A) the competent but “immoral” candidate or B) the “moral” but incompetent candidate?  When I say “immoral”, it doesn’t necessarily mean someone who is enriching himself by stealing public funds or worthlessly lazy in his job – because if a candidate is such, I won’t vote for him – but “immoral” in the sense that he has many vices or has committed adultery or is separated from his or her spouse.  Thus, what I mean by “moral” is in the sense of he has no vices or has no marital scandals.  So between the two choices, A and B, who’s your choice? 

For me, I’m actually more ready to vote for the candidate who has had a failed marriage and drinks and smokes BUT is greatly capable and productive when doing his job than the candidate who is in a steady marriage and doesn’t drink nor smoke BUT is completely clueless and inutile in his job.       

Remember that we are judging the candidates with regards to their capability as public officials, and not as a person.   

Nevertheless, I give exception to those who are inexperienced but are sincere, hardworking, and ready to learn.  I am willing to risk giving my votes to such candidates.        

NO COMMUNISTS!

Because I “choose the lesser evil”, I would not vote for Communist candidates.  Oh, I was tempted to vote because of their intelligence and have articulately delivered some fine thoughts.  But NO!  The negative aspect of being Communist scums greatly overwhelms any positive things they possess.  Thus, I won’t be giving votes to those candidates who have originated from party lists that have ties with the despicable New People’s Army.   

VOTE FOR THE “LITO LAPIDS”, NOT THE “BHONG REVILLAS”

Actors turned Senators Lito Lapid and Bhong Revilla aren’t running this election (having already won last 2010, thus, their term will expire on 2016).  So what do I mean by “Lito Lapids” over “Bhong Revillas”?  

Lito Lapid is being made fun of because he seems totally out of place in the Senate.  He is seemingly always clueless and can’t speak straight English during discussions or debates in the Senate.  But you know what?  Lapid is actually one of the more productive Senators in regards to passing laws.  And a significant amount of these laws, mind you, has “human consideration” factor – meaning it is sympathetic to the masses and is socially relevant.  “How is this possible?” you ask.  Well, it just means, no matter how intellectually lacking Lapid is, he, however, has one of the best staffs in the Senate. So sometimes we also have to put into consideration each candidate’s respective staff’s competence as much as the candidate’s.   

Morever, I never found Lito Lapid pretending what he is not.  He never pretended he’s a “brainy” individual.  If there’s something he doesn’t understand, he doesn’t pretend that he does. He’s just natural and down-to-earth.  Just being the common man in the Senate gives him the “masa” appeal.         

Bhong Revilla, on the other hand, never fails to annoy me whenever he opens his mouth during Senate discussions.  He gives an air of a know-it-all, acting as if he is in par with the most intelligent of Senators.  I could be wrong in my judgment of him, but that is what I feel.      

(Also, Lito Lapid had more enjoyable movies [in terms of the standards of Philippine entertainment] and had played more memorable characters.  On the other hand, I haven’t derived any drop of entertainment from any Bhong Revilla performances.  If there are any, I can’t remember.  So if you put into consideration their work in the movies when you are evaluating actors running for office, wouldn’t it be fair to choose that one whose movies had actually given you some entertainment?)     

This election, there are also “Lito Lapid”-types and “Bhong Revilla”-types (to name some of the latter kind: everyone in the Ang Kapatiran ticket).  Consider voting for the former, but never the latter.   

(And to answer your probable question – Yes.  I did vote for Lito Lapid last 2010)  

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY 

As a Christian, I acknowledge God’s sovereignty in all things.  This includes the people of authority.  Thus,  the winners of this election are those willed by God to be in power – whether they would do good or bad for our country.  We, however, can be sure that all things would ultimately work out to bring about the good end that God has purposed with his omniscient wisdom.  We can trust that God is good and that His plan is perfect.        

Since our leaders are God-ordained, we need to submit to their authority as long as it is not sinful or contrary to God’s commands.  And as the Supreme Authority, all authorities in this world are answerable to God.  Thus, if they do wrong or be unfaithful with their governance, they will be accountable before God.  But as subjects to our government and authority, as a general rule, we must remain patiently submissive and obedient to our leaders as what God wants us to be.  In the end, rewards or punishments are going to be given to the leaders and subjects with regards to how they had been faithful or unfaithful in carrying out the roles that God has given them.     

  

HOPE

I give attention to the elections with the same amount attention I have for sports.  I root for a preferred candidate with just the same kind of rooting I would do for a Miss Universe candidate.  I give importance to political topics with as much importance as I give to pop culture topics.     

It would look as if I’m apathetic, not treating voting as sacred, but that’s not the case.  I recognize the importance of suffrage and my responsibility as a voter, but it’s not at all part of the most vital, crucial things I have to deal with in my life.  This May 2013 Elections, politics, and everything in this world in general will pass away.  And important and significant as they might be in the present time, they are trivial in the perspective of eternal importance.

As a Christian, I know of my ultimate end and purpose.  I know that I should focus and invest on all things eternal.  But while still living in this world, I am still subject to its issues and responsibilities – like politics and voting.  And, thus, I should deal with them.  But as I deal with them, I should not devote my full focus on them.  I should not consider them as an ultimate end itself.  Rather, I should just consider them as petty tasks and matters I have to deal with while I’m still leaving in this world.  

Of course, I would love for our government to lead our country into economic and political supremacy.  If that happens, then great!  If it doesn’t happen, then so what?  The Philippines, its politics, and my Filipino citizenship are all temporary anyway.   But Heaven, my soul, and my citizenship in Heaven are for eternity.  And it is with these eternal things I derive my Ultimate Hope.  

I will do my part this upcoming election.  And I do always pray for this nation.  But my hope is not on this election nor is on the candidates I vote for.  My hope should not be invested on anything of this world.  My hope should be on God and on God alone.  

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Top 10 Reasons this 2012-13 NBA Season Has Been My Worst Season as an LA Lakers Fan Ever

I am an LA Lakers fan.  No matter how humbling and disappointing this past season turn out to be for Lakerdom, I proudly hold my head high to be identified as such.  

I have confidence that we’ll be back on top again someday.  It might take a few seasons.  But I have no doubt that it’s going to happen. 

Nonetheless, to say that this season isn’t heartbreaking would be a lie.  It has been.  But I guess it’s just goes with the territory of a fan investing much love on his favorite team.  I consider the start of the 1999-2000 Season as the beginning of my official die-hard Laker fandom, and since then, this season has been the worst I’ve ever experienced.  Here are the reasons why:

10.) LEBRON JAMES AND THE HEAT ARE ON THEIR WAY TO ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Of course, as a Kobe and Lakers fan, there’s a feeling of slight envy for LeBron and the Heat.  Kobe and the Lakers had a dreadful failed season while LeBron and the Heat are in the best position to win the a back-to-back championship.  Ugh.  To be honest, I root against the Heat harder than I root against the Celtics.  Just can’t help disliking that team.  If the Pacers can’t beat the Heat, I root for either the Warriors or Grizzlies (my bets after the elimination of the Lakers) to destroy them in the Finals.

Nonetheless, there’s no denying that LeBron is the hands down, unanimous choice for best player in the NBA right now.  His stats and game are out-of-this-world phenomenal.  It’s either: a) he’s juiced with performance enhancing drugs, or b) he’s just fate’s choice to be the King of Kings of Basketball.  As a Kobe fan, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth to see that this time had come: LeBron has overwhelmingly surpassed my hero Kobe Bryant.  Still, as a basketball fan, you have no choice but to be awed by LeBron James right now.  I will be rooting against him nonetheless.  Unless this happens next year…

9.) WINLESS PRE-SEASON

For the first time in franchise history, the Lakers didn’t win a single game during the pre-season.  Of course, pre-season records are meaningless but this is the Los Angeles Lakers we’re talking about!  Besides, no team in the history of the game has ever won a championship after being winless in the pre-season. 

The pre-season was a frightening premonition on what season was laid ahead for the Lakers.    

8.) NO CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Everyone knows the high expectations in Laker Nation.  Any season short of a championship is a failure.  That’s a cliché in Lakerdom.  But the “failure” of this season goes beyond that.  With having such a roster of All-Stars, everybody expected the Lakers to be in title contention.  However, the Lakers had spent the considerable amount of the season below .500 that to just make the playoffs became the new team objective instead of the championship. 

(For this item on the list, I choose to use a picture of Kobe and Pau after winning a championship.  Because I greatly miss those happy, glorious days.)    

7.) MIKE D’ANTONI OVER PHIL JACKSON

 

After leading the Lakers to the first ever winless pre-season in franchise history and a 1-4 start into the regular season, Mike Brown was rightfully fired.  Everybody was expecting the return of Phil Jackson as head coach.  The fans were excitedly waiting for the expected announcement of the hiring.  Even Phil thought the negotiations were going there.      

Then the hiring of Mike D’Antoni came out of nowhere.  And the Lakers management did it in such a way that was seemingly disrespectful to Jackson that any goodwill for possible future return is badly damaged, if not totally obliterated already.     

D’Antoni proved to be not much of an upgrade over Mike Brown.  He failed to create any form of effective team chemistry.  There was no efficient usage of personnel.  It seems he was stubbornly imposing his own system without taking into consideration the capabilities of his players.  He was uncompromising to necessary adjustments, as dictated by common sense.  He was emotional – his negative emotions doing harm than good.  And the Lakers continued to fall, even dropping to eight games below .500 at one time – a difficult hole to climb back to. 

Sure, D’Antoni was able to formulate a workable system (at least, on offense) later on.  Kobe Bryant as primary facilitator and ball handler (contrary to the initial Steve Nash) was a moderate success.  Lakers were able to claw themselves back to .500 and eventually into contention for a playoff spot.  But D’Antoni had to rely heavily on Kobe Bryant to drag the team there (which will have severe consequences later on). 

To be fair, D’Antoni had his moments.  Take for example:

This trick play he drafted was brilliant!  My favorite D’Antoni moment of the season.     

But overall, I am disappointed with him.  I never had the feeling that he was a good coach for the Lakers.  I felt no sympathy towards him during the awkward “We want Phil!” incident in Shaq’s number retirement ceremony.  If I was there, I would have chanted with the crowd myself.  

6.) THIS COULD PROBABLY BE KOBE AND PAU’S LAST SEASON TOGETHER

 

The Lakers’ Game 4 elimination at the hands of the Spurs could be Kobe and Pau’s last moment as Lakers teammates.  And, it sucks.  Heck, they weren’t even playing together (with Kobe injured and in street clothes)! 

Pau has emerged as one of my most favorite Lakers ever.  He was significantly instrumental in the Lakers’ return to glory (post-Shaq).  It was a lot of fun watching Kobe and Pau winning championships together.  The Kobe and Pau tandem has been thrilling and wonderful.  One of my best moments as a Laker fan. 

Pau remaining with the Lakers is unlikely.  The most logical move for the Lakers, businesswise and teamwise, is to trade Pau for valuable team pieces or cap relief (leaving room to acquire other pieces). That is, if Dwight Howard decides to re-sign with the Lakers. Of course, if D12 chooses to leave, the Lakers management would be fools if they still trade Pau.  It is also possible that the Lakers will choose to risk it for another season and still keep Pau even after D12 re-signs.  That possibility is just slight though.         

I would have wanted for Kobe and Pau’s last game to be an epic one – either it’s a championship clinching game or of them going down in a blaze of glory.  That game against the Spurs was not it.

I knew there would come a time when Kobe and Pau would have their last season together as teammates.  But not like this.  Considering that this was…

5.) PAU’S WORST SEASON IN HIS CAREER

Pau’s career stats:

Clearly, the past season’s – most notably, offensively – has been the most inferior.  He had career lows in FG% and points per game and he missed a lot of games due to injury.  And, thus, it’s one of the main reasons the Lakers have failed to become a dangerous, elite team this year. 

 

4.) SWEPT IN THE FIRST ROUND

 

The Lakers was one of the first two teams to make a playoff exit.  The Bucks is the other one.  Both of them got swept.  (As of writing, the Celtics and Rockets, however, have just emerged victorious from their Game 5 battles in their respective opponents’ home floor, extending their series to a Game 6 after falling to a 0-3 start!)      

This season marked the first time in my years as a Lakers fan that the LA Lakers got swept in the first round.    

I thought that the Lakers, even with no Kobe, were in good position in upsetting the Spurs.  But injuries overwhelming the Lakers’ already weak depth and Popovich outcoaching D’Antoni just destroyed all hope of it happening.      

Ah, injuries and D’Antoni – the two primary reasons of the Lakers’ downfall this season. 

3.) DEATH OF JERRY BUSS

The magnitude of this season’s failure is increased when we put into the mixture the fact that it was during this season that the great and legendary Dr. Jerry Buss passed away.  It feels like it’s dishonoring his memory that this season would end up becoming one of the worst in Lakers’ history (and the worst in my time as a Laker fan). 

Dr. Buss made the Lakers what it is today – the most premium property in the NBA.  He was a visionary.  He associated the Lakers with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.  He made sure that when you come into a Lakers game, you would have an unforgettable experience.  He made a Lakers game more than an NBA basketball game.  He also made it a Hollywood experience – celebrities, quality half time shows, Lakers girls, and an environment of first-class entertainment.  But more than these things, what’s more important is he shaped the Lakers into having the identity of champions.  Division banners are not hanged at all, only championship banners are worth hanging.  He doesn’t care how much money he spends as long as it brings the necessary talent in helping the team to win that championship.  Each season that’s how it goes.  Thus, the “any season without a championship is a failure” attitude of Lakerdom.      

With Dr. Buss’ death, there is reason for anxiety for the Lakers’ future.  Under Dr. Buss, Lakers fans trust that the owner would do all things necessary in his power to keep the Lakers winning.  With his passing, his unproven son, Jim, is now fully in charge.  Jim has big shoes to fill.  And I don’t trust him yet.  I can’t feel him having the same passion and vision as his father had.   However, I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt and will just wait and see in the next seasons.  But the only time my uneasy feeling towards him would entirely fade is if a championship team and reign happen during his time as Lakers owner.  

2.) IT HAD BEEN FRUSTRATINGLY, DISAPPOINTINGLY HUMILIATING

 

Every Laker fan was blown away when they were assembled during the off-season… Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard.  It was like the coming together of the Avengers (or Justice League).  Those names, on paper, make one of the strongest, if not strongest, Starting 5 in Lakers history!  Everyone has been an All-Star at least one time.  Two had been MVPs.  Two had been Defensive Player of the Year.  Four are probably future Hall of Famers.  The championship was almost already in the bag. 

Every Laker fan couldn’t wait for the season to start.  Lakerdom was feeling very, very high. 

Thus, the ensuing fall and crash from that high height have been tremendously hard.  Injuries and lack of chemistry destroyed the perception that this team would easily win the championship.  It’s as if for every game they win, they lose three.  The regular season’s presumed “walk-in-a-park” path to the championship became a “trench-warfare” crawl for a playoff spot.  The Lakers eventually managed to finish with an okay 45-37 record, enough for the 7^thplayoff spot in the West.  However, they weren’t able to win a single game in the post-season (See number 4).   

Great were the euphoria and boasting at the start; therefore, great were the disappointment and humiliation in the end.         

1.) KOBE’S ACHILLES INJURY

 

Bringing Steve Nash (and Dwight Howard) in should have made life easier for Kobe Bryant.  But what happened this season was quite the opposite.  D’Antoni’s system was not working.  Thus, instead of relying on Steve Nash to be the primarily ball handler and distributor, as what the logical thing should have been, Kobe Bryant was forced to assume this role to carry the Lakers.  Thus, even with Nash and Howard in the team, it’s the same old story with the Lakers: Kobe need to dominate the ball in order for them to win.    

And carried the team he did.  The Lakers was way behind for the last playoff spot, but Kobe guaranteed that the Lakers will make the playoffs.  With his legendary heart and will, Kobe played through.  Refusing to rest, even if his age requires it.  He played heavy minutes – and even the entire game during late in the season.  His offense – finding balance between facilitating and scoring – dragged the Lakers in making his guarantee happen. 

But at what cost? 

Through the years, Kobe Bryant has continually shown his amazing grit and will in pushing his body limits – even playing through injuries that would have sidelined many of his peers and juniors.  And it was almost a sure thing that a time would come when his body would finally give out on him and say, “I had enough” – forcing him into a much needed rest that his body has been wanting.  That is exactly what eventually happened this season.  And it’s one of the worst kinds, if not the worst, of injury that could happen – a torn Achilles. 

In their last game with the Warriors (which they have won), Kobe would get fouled and would tore his Achilles tendon.  Still, despite the pain, he sank his two free-throws first before being assisted off the court – walking!  Let me repeat that: a torn Achilles tendon, he still chose to do his free throws (which he made) before leaving the game, and then chose to wobbly walk to the lockers instead of opting for a wheel chair.  (probably because it would look demeaning if he did and his pride won’t allow it).  What a badass.  It was a heartbreaking and inspiring sight.  Fans felt a mixture of pride and sadness for the Black Mamba.  Here’s the man, who gave his all for his beloved team, the Lakers.  And they said Kobe is selfish, only thinking of himself. 

Rehabilitation from an Achilles injury would require six to nine months, or possibly even longer.  And no one who “recovered” from such an injury has been the same.  Those who had come back from it experienced a significant drop from the prior quality of their game.  Of course, this is Kobe we’re talking about – he’s not most athletes.  He might even come back better than ever.  Nonetheless, to worry that he would no longer play in an elite level when he returns is valid.  That is, if he returns at all.  Yes, the damage from this injury forcing Kobe into retirement is also a scary possibility.        

I was hoping that this injury would fuel and ignite his team to win the championship.  But this was wishful thinking in my part.  With no championship to show for it, Kobe’s injury has been more frustratingly pointless.

In the end, to nurture the bitter frustration in my heart won’t help me or Kobe or the Lakers.  Thus, what’s left for me to do is to continually pray for Kobe’s speedy recovery – a recovery that would bring him back better than ever, to lead the Lakers to another championship.  And that championship will definitely be sweeter because of all of these.               

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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.     

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