More Than A Supporting Character: The Evolution Of Amiko Kobayashi

Within the world of comics, it’s common for well-known superheroes to have a supporting cast. They are the characters who provide insight into the personal life of a superhero and what drives them on a human level. Wolverine’s supporting cast is made up of many intriguing characters and one of the few who’ve received genuine development is Amiko Kobayashi. The adoptive daughter of Wolverine, Amiko has evolved from a background figure into a multifaceted badass with her own unique path.

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What Makes Sunfire A Symbol For Post-WW2 Japan?

Japan features some of the most distinctive superheroes in the world, particularly in the Marvel Universe. The most famous is Sunfire, a mutant who stirs the same national pride as Captain America does in the USA. Shiro Yoshida has been a part of the X-Men, Avengers and Big Hero 6, highlighting his prominence. The character’s backstory has turned him into a symbol for post-WW2 Japan and I’m looking into Sunfire’s history to see what makes him so important.

The History Of Big Hero 6 And Their Quest To Protect Japan

Superhero teams can be found all over the world, especially in the Marvel Universe. America is known for The Avengers, England has Excalibur and Canada has Alpha Flight. With its technological prowess and booming economy, you’d think Japan would have a superhero team, and you’d be right. Japan’s Big Hero 6 protects the nation from outside and inside threats. The team was featured prominently in a 2014 film of the same name, though Big Hero 6 got its start in Marvel.

The original comic team was made up of Silver Samurai, Sunfire, Hiro Takachiho, Honey Lemon, Baymax and Go-Go Tomago. I’m looking into the history of the group to see how it was formed and what brought each member onto the team.

How Does Silver Samurai Break The Mould For Traditional Japanese Imagery?

Samurai are traditionally depicted as brave warriors who value honour and duty. They were known to serve their masters loyally, to lay down their lives and sacrifice everything in the pursuit of Bushido. Marvel has done a great job of emphasising Japanese culture, with the Silver Samurai representing a traditional image. The identity has been used by two characters, though it has been linked with dishonour, due to Kenuichio Harada starting off as a villain. Over time, Harada looked to regain his honour and The Comic Vault is looking into the history of the Silver Samurai to see how the identity contrasts with conventional Japanese imagery.

Old Man Logan: The Scarlet Samurai Review: An Emotional Story Of Lost Love In Japan

Wolverine is a character that has been continuously redefined over the years, with his link to Japanese culture being a major part of his backstory. Japan is a place of great love and tragedy for Wolverine, and Old Man Logan: The Scarlet Samurai, written by Ed Brisson, brings an older Wolverine back to the Land of The Rising Sun to face the past. Logan is forced to confront an old love, which makes for one of the most emotional graphic novels I’ve read for a while. I was hyped to read the story and I’m glad to say it didn’t disappoint.

The Role Of The Samurai In Contemporary Comics

Japanese culture has been popular in the west for years, with anime being woven into the fabric of pop culture. Westerners also visit Japan to learn about the country’s history and the samurai are an important part of it. The traditional view of samurai are noble, honourable warriors who dedicated their lives to a singular cause. It’s no surprise that samurai have been featured in comics. But how are they portrayed? Do mainstream comics like Marvel and DC remain faithful to what samurai stood for? The Comic Vault is looking into the history of samurai in comics and the kind of characters that are associated with the image.