Katana (comics)
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Katana () is a
superheroine A superhero or superheroine is a stock character that typically possesses ''superpowers'', abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and fits the role of the hero, typically using his or her powers to help the world become a better place, ...
appearing in
American comic book An American comic book is a thin periodical originating in the United States, on average 32 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publication of ''Action Comics'' ...
s published by DC Comics. First appearing in 1983, Katana is a samurai warrior whose skill with a sword allows her to fight for justice as a superheroine. Her tragic backstory includes the death of her husband, Maseo, whose soul becomes trapped in her blade, the Soultaker. Katana has been part of various DC Comics superhero teams, including the Justice League and Birds of Prey, but is most commonly associated with the
Outsiders Outsider(s) may refer to: Film * Outsider (1997 film), ''Outsider'' (1997 film), a 1997 Slovene-language film * Outsider (2012 film), ''Outsider'' (2012 film), a Malayalam-language Indian film * Outsiders (1980 film), ''Outsiders'' (1980 film), a ...
, a team of heroes hand-picked by
Batman Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on ...
to act as his personal black ops team, handling riskier missions. In the 2010s, DC began to feature the character much more extensively in media adaptations of its comic books, including a recurring role in the animated series '' Batman: The Brave and the Bold'' and then a starring role in the series ''
Beware the Batman ''Beware the Batman'' is an American computer-animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. The series premiered in the United States on Cartoon Network on July 13, 2013, as part of their DC Nation block, replacing ''Batman: ...
''. The character was adapted for live action in 2014, portrayed by Rila Fukushima during the third and fourth seasons of the Arrowverse series ''
Arrow An arrow is a fin-stabilized projectile launched by a bow. A typical arrow usually consists of a long, stiff, straight shaft with a weighty (and usually sharp and pointed) arrowhead attached to the front end, multiple fin-like stabilizers c ...
'', and returned in the final season. The character made her feature film debut in the 2016 film '' Suicide Squad'', portrayed by Karen Fukuhara, which is part of the DC Extended Universe. The character has also been featured in direct-to-video animated films and a number of DC Comics video games.


Publication history

Katana first appeared in ''
The Brave and the Bold ''The Brave and the Bold'' is a comic book series published by DC Comics as an ongoing series from 1955 to 1983. It was followed by two mini-series in 1991 and 1999, and was revived as an ongoing title in 2007. The focus of the series has varied ...
'' #200 (cover-dated July 1983) and was created by writer
Mike W. Barr Mike W. Barr (born May 30, 1952) is an American writer of comic books, mystery novels, and science fiction novels. Barr has written for every one of the first four incarnations of ''Star Trek: Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek ...
and artist Jim Aparo. She is frequently a member of "team" publications such as ''Batman and the Outsiders'', ''Birds of Prey'' (during the New 52 era), or even ''Suicide Squad'' (during the DC Rebirth era). In February 2013, Katana received her own series written by Ann Nocenti and with art by Alex Sanchez. This book is considered by DC as part of the "Fourth Wave" of New 52 titles. ''Katana'' lasted for ten issues. The final issue was released on December 11, 2013.


Fictional character biography


Becoming Katana

is an average Japanese girl, save for her proficiency in the martial arts, a trait encouraged by her parents.''Batman and the Outsiders'' #12 (July 1984), pp. 9–15. Reprinted in '' Showcase Presents: Batman and the Outsiders, Vol. 1'' ( DC Comics, Sept. 2007, , pp. 319–325). Two brothers—Maseo and Takeo Yamashiro—both proclaim their love for her. While she likes both, she chooses Maseo as her husband. Enraged, Takeo refuses to attend the couple's wedding. Maseo disowns his brother, who joined the Yakuza and took their mark of a dragon tattoo across his chest. Tatsu and Maseo, mourning the deaths of Tatsu's parents, start a family of their own. Tatsu gives birth to twins, Yuki and Reiko. Meanwhile, Takeo rises through the Yakuza's ranks and indulges his "exotic tastes" for ancient weapons. He is presented with a pair of matching swords by General Karnz (later henchman to
Baron Bedlam Baron Bedlam (Baron Frederick DeLamb) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''Batman and the Outsiders'' #1 (August 1983). Fictional character biography Baron Bedlam is reall ...
), one of which Takeo favors for its mystical properties. Takeo spends days preparing himself before taking both swords to the Yamashiro residence, demanding his brother to duel for the "prize" of Tatsu. During the course of the struggle, a fire is started, and—while Maseo is distracted by his children—Takeo kills his brother with the sword that later becomes known as "Soultaker". Tatsu arises just in time to see her husband die and engage Takeo, gaining the upper hand and disarming him. Attempting to save her children, she hears her husband's voice coming from the sword, telling her they are already lost. Escaping with her life, Tatsu begins training as a samurai under a master called Tadashi. After much time, she graduates from his tutorship and leaves for America where she intends to use her talents to fight for justice. She takes the codename Katana after the sword that she wields, possessed for some time by the soul of her husband.


Becoming an Outsider

Eventually Tatsu journeys to Markovia, a small
Baltic Baltic may refer to: Peoples and languages * Baltic languages, a subfamily of Indo-European languages, including Lithuanian, Latvian and extinct Old Prussian *Balts (or Baltic peoples), ethnic groups speaking the Baltic languages and/or originati ...
state, where she tracked down Karnz, and is successful in killing him, inadvertently implicating Black Lightning (coincidentally there with
Batman Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on ...
) in her crime. Attempting to rectify the misunderstanding by freeing Black Lightning, she encounters a young girl named Halo.''Batman and the Outsiders'' #2 (September 1983), pp. 5–6. The two join up to rescue Black Lightning, Batman (himself captured due to a blunder by Halo), and Bruce Wayne's employee
Lucius Fox Lucius Fox is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Bruce Wayne / Batman. He is Bruce Wayne's business manager at Wayne Enterprises who runs the business interests that s ...
from their captor,
Baron Bedlam Baron Bedlam (Baron Frederick DeLamb) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''Batman and the Outsiders'' #1 (August 1983). Fictional character biography Baron Bedlam is reall ...
. Batman is himself in Markovia to rescue Lucius Fox, and having sought—and failed to gain—the help of the Justice League of America, resigned his membership in the Justice League. Inspired by the teamwork he encounters between Black Lightning, Katana, Halo, Geo-Force (Prince Brion of Markovia), and Metamorpho (also coincidentally present), Batman decides to form the
Outsiders Outsider(s) may refer to: Film * Outsider (1997 film), ''Outsider'' (1997 film), a 1997 Slovene-language film * Outsider (2012 film), ''Outsider'' (2012 film), a Malayalam-language Indian film * Outsiders (1980 film), ''Outsiders'' (1980 film), a ...
. The team manages to end the Baron's tyranny in Markovia and moves to Gotham City, where they set up their headquarters (a former penthouse of Bruce Wayne, secretly the Batman). Tatsu becomes Halo's guardian and the two move into the penthouse. At the same time, Takeo is still at large and follows Tatsu to Gotham City. He attacks her and Halo at their home, overpowers Tatsu and switchs swords with her. He leaves for Tokyo with Tatsu on his tail. The Outsiders follow Tatsu and offer their help, despite her desire to leave them out of it. Takeo takes the sword to his master
Oyabun , also known as , are members of transnational organized crime syndicates originating in Japan. The Japanese police and media, by request of the police, call them , while the ''yakuza'' call themselves . The English equivalent for the term ...
, the godfather of the Yakuza. Performing a specific ritual, the Oyabun and Takeo call forth the souls that inhabit the sword and give them corporeal form.''Batman and the Outsiders'' #11 (June 1984), pp. 20–23. Among them are legendary mercenaries and assassins, but also Maseo, who is now a slave to the Oyabun. Katana— and the Outsiders— have to fight them all, but she is ultimately able to reclaim the Soultaker from Maseo. She is forced to kill her husband, and then take the opportunity to kill Takeo, finally putting some of her ghosts to rest. Maseo and those killed a second time by the Soultaker pass on to their eternal rewards, leaving Takeo trapped in the sword in his place. At one point the Outsiders split from Batman's leadership and take up residence in Markovia where they are funded by the Markovian crown (Geo-Force is a prince of the royal family). They become the official agents of Markovia and move to the city of Los Angeles and make their headquarters in the Markovian embassy, while retaining another secret HQ just off the shore. Although Tatsu left her past behind, the Oyabun return and send a tengu after her, with which he captures her. This mischievous spirit possesses her, and the Obayun is able to use her as an assassin. Her teammates Halo and Looker are able to save her using other tengu and the tengu leader, who aids them in battle.


Family debt

After various tragic events surrounding Geo-Force's parents and Markovia, the team disbands. Nonetheless the Outsiders are forced to defend Markovia against the Manhunters. During the fight, Halo is knocked into a coma, saving Katana's life. Bounded by ''giri-ninjo'' (a debt of honor even unto death), Tatsu leaves the team to tend to Halo's wounds. During that time, however, she is approached by a family member of her husband, who wishes her to accompany the Suicide Squad on a mission to destroy a large hoard of weapons that is about to be sold to the Yakuza. She declines on the basis of her ''giri-ninjo'', but is willing to help if the need is truly desperate. That family member is later killed, and she goes after the killer, the Daichi-Doku's Oyabun (of which her relative is a member), who does not wish to see the weapons destroyed and tries to stop the Suicide Squad. During that adventure, she saves the life of
Bronze Tiger Bronze Tiger is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Dennis O'Neil, Leopoldo Dirampma, and Jim Berry, he first appeared in ''Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter'' #1 (May 1975). The character's re ...
and Manhunter (Mark Shaw), making them honor-bound to her by ''giri-ninjo''. Mark Shaw then assists her in taking down the Daichi-Doku's Oyabun. The Oyabun commits ritual suicide and Katana stands by as his "second", ready to help with a blade strike so he can keep his honor.


Returning to the Outsiders

Eventually, the Outsiders re-form and return to Markovia. Instead of a peaceful reunion, however, the team becomes trapped in a web of public relations that brand them outlaws. Although the charges are dropped eventually, the team is fractured. Halo dies from an assassin's blast but is reborn in a new body. This puts an immense strain on Tatsu's relationship with Halo. Katana joins a team with Geo-Force and Technocrat, taking the lead. She develops a mild romantic relationship with Joey Hong, an Asian associate of Guy Gardner. During a lone mission, her old mentor Tadashi sends Lady Shiva to claim Katana's Soultaker sword. Shiva confronts Katana, who is battling a gang of drug dealers. Katana slays many of them, but refuses to kill the youngest member, something Shiva insults her for. Shiva, renowned as the world's greatest assassin and fighter, kills Katana with her own sword. Katana returns to life after a trial by combat within her sword, which includes confronting many of the souls of the people she killed. Afterwards, she finds her old mentor and takes his life. The two splinter teams eventually reunite to take on more supernatural threats focused around the new team member
Sebastian Faust Sebastian Faust (known as simply Faust) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, created by Mike Barr and Paul Pelletier. He was introduced in the 1993 ''Outsiders (comics), Outsiders'' comic book series ...
. Katana and her friends suffer through the mental and physical tortures that Faust's father,
Felix Felix may refer to: * Felix (name), people and fictional characters with the name Places * Arabia Felix is the ancient Latin name of Yemen * Felix, Spain, a municipality of the province Almería, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, ...
, put them through. Halo eventually frees them by destroying several of Felix's items of power. Soon after, the group breaks apart. After disbanding, Tatsu keeps her association with her old allies among the Outsiders (such as Black Lightning, Geo-Force, and Halo), and although they do not operate as an official team, they are always together during major crises. Her close ties to Batman also see her fighting by his side, several times, notably during the Imperiex crisis and the Day of Judgment incident when Hell invaded Earth. The main battle against the villain, the rogue angel Asmodel, with the power of the Spectre, takes place in New York. Katana personally protects
Madame Xanadu Madame Xanadu is a comic book mysticism, mystic published by DC Comics. The character is identified with Lady of the Lake, Nimue, the magician (fantasy), sorceress from Arthurian mythology made popular by Thomas Malory, Sir Thomas Malory's ''Le Mo ...
who guards the rest of Asmodel's power with a mystical shield. Katana's protection of Xanadu is assisted by
Doctor Occult Doctor Occult (sometimes dubbed the Ghost Detective, one time referred to as Doctor Mystic) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (known commonly as the creator ...
, Phantom Stranger, and Alan Scott. Later, Katana assists Batman when he and
Superman Superman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and debuted in the comic book ''Action Comics'' #1 (cover-dated June 1938 and publi ...
are declared outlaws. Katana is also called upon by
Black Canary The Black Canary is the name of two superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics: Dinah Drake and her daughter Dinah Laurel Lance. The original version was created by the writer-artist team of Robert Kanigher and ...
, together with other female mercenaries, to rescue
Oracle An oracle is a person or agency considered to provide wise and insightful counsel or prophetic predictions, most notably including precognition of the future, inspired by deities. As such, it is a form of divination. Description The word '' ...
from Senator Pullman. After Oracle is saved, Katana receives a card, together with the promise of a favor if required. Katana later returns to aid Oracle in issue #108 alongside dozens of other agents.


New Outsiders

Later Katana joins a new team of Outsiders after assisting them in defeating a more powerful
Sabbac Sabbac is the name of three American comic book supervillains appearing in DC Comics. The original Sabbac debuted in '' Captain Marvel Jr.'' #4 (February 1943), and was created by Otto Binder and Al Carreno as an enemy of Captain Marvel Jr., whi ...
. That team consists of all new members, with the exception of Metamorpho who rejoins the team after Shift's demise. In ''Outsiders'' (vol. 3) #42, Katana dons a new costume, as she feels it inappropriate to wear a costume based on Japan's flag, since the country revoked her citizenship due to her membership with the controversial team. Later, Katana summons Sabbac to destroy Dr. Sivana's base with his Hellfire. Katana remains an active member of the Outsiders following the 2006 " One Year Later" continuity jump. Initially, the team is led by
Nightwing Nightwing is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character has appeared in various incarnations; the identity was adopted by Dick Grayson when he left his role as Batman's vigilante partner Robin. Although ...
, but later leadership transfers to Batman. Batman decides to 'test' Katana and the rest of the initial team to design a better team. Katana is Batman's first official recruit.


"Blackest Night"

While escorting
Killer Croc Killer Croc is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman. The character belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up Batman's rogues gallery. Originally a ...
to incarceration, the Outsiders' vehicle is demolished by Maseo, Yuki, and Reiko, who have all been revived as
Black Lanterns The Black Lantern Corps is a fictional organization of corporeal revenants (resembling intelligent zombies or jiangshi) appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, related to the emotional spectrum. The group is composed of deceased fictiona ...
. Katana, believing that she has been reunited with her lost family, lets her guard down, but is saved from death by her teammates. Realising the truth, she draws her sword, preparing to fight her undead husband. When Katana stabs Maseo, Soultaker reveals to her the Black Lanterns' full intentions. Her attacks soon prove to be completely ineffectual against Maseo, who is instead destroyed by an outpouring of light from Halo, who also destroyed Katana's undead children.


New 52

The events of the 2011 " Flashpoint" storyline led to The New 52, a relaunch of all of DC Comics' monthly books, and a reboot to the DC Universe in-story continuity. In this new continuity, a newly healed
Barbara Gordon Barbara Gordon is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Gardne ...
returns to the
Batgirl Batgirl is the name of several superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies to the superhero Batman. Although the character Betty Kane was introduced into publication in ...
identity and takes a leave of absence from the Birds of Prey and suggests that Katana take her place full-time on the team. Katana joins
Black Canary The Black Canary is the name of two superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics: Dinah Drake and her daughter Dinah Laurel Lance. The original version was created by the writer-artist team of Robert Kanigher and ...
and Starling as the third member of the Birds of Prey. Katana is described as a lethal fighter who has spent the last year waging war on the Yakuza clan that is responsible for the death of her husband. She is rumored to be mentally unstable due to her belief that her husband's soul, whom she often converses with in Japanese, resides in her sword. After a number of adventures with the Birds of Prey, Katana leaves the group to keep an eye on a cult of assassins known as the Daggers. She later accepts membership in Amanda Waller's new Justice League of America in exchange for information on her husband's murderers. When DC launched ''Justice League of America'', they also launched the solo series ''Katana'', focusing on Tatsu's abiding mission to track down her husband's killer. The series lasted 10 issues. After this, Katana made an appearance in ''Green Arrow'' (vol. 5) #27 (2014), where she is told by the mysterious blind man Magus that the death of her husband relates to the Outsiders, the society formed of various weapon clans and connected to Green Arrow's new origin story. The Soultaker is worked into the Green Arrow mythology as the totem of the Sword Clan, which has parallels in the Fist, Mask, Shield, Axe, Arrow, and Spear Clans. Representatives from each of these clans make up the Outsiders, a secret society dedicated towards ending global corruption, but which is itself largely corrupt. Katana joins the Outsiders. In ''Green Arrow: Futures End'' #1 (2014), set five years later in one possible future, Tatsu is shown to still be a member of the Outsiders, which has developed a grudging relationship with Green Arrow, who rejected leadership of the Arrow Clan in the main ''Green Arrow'' series five years before.


DC Rebirth

Amanda Waller recruits Katana to be a co-captain of the Suicide Squad. Later, she joins the latest iteration of The Outsiders.


Powers, abilities, and weapons

Katana is a highly proficient hand-to-hand combatant and swordswoman, having studied martial arts as a child and later being trained by the samurai Tadashi. From her time with the Outsiders and Batman, she develops strong tactical skills. Katana's Soultaker sword, along with its non-powered twin, is forged in the 14th century by Muramasa, whose swords are said to be cursed and make those who are evil commit evil acts. It sometimes takes the souls of those it kills, storing them inside the sword, where they can engage in limited communication with whoever wields it. These souls and spirits can be freely reborn/reincarnated by the means of a sacred ritual, under which they serve their summoner, even if it is against their will. Its cutting edge is sharp enough to rend the Dilustel skin of Captain Atom and
Major Force Major Force (Clifford Zmeck) is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Major Force is the evil counterpart of the superhero Captain Atom. Publication history Major Force first appeared in ''Captain Atom'' (vol. 3) #12 ( ...
. In The New 52, the Soultaker is established as being the 'Sword Totem' of the Outsiders, meaning like the other totems, it supposedly bestows immortality and enlightenment upon its wielder, although some like Green Arrow are skeptical of the literal truths of these statements. In addition to the Soultaker, Katana often carries additional weaponry into battle.


Other versions

* In the alternate timeline of the 2011 " Flashpoint" storyline, Katana joins with the
Amazons In Greek mythology, the Amazons (Ancient Greek: Ἀμαζόνες ''Amazónes'', singular Ἀμαζών ''Amazōn'', via Latin ''Amāzon, -ŏnis'') are portrayed in a number of ancient epic poems and legends, such as the Labours of Hercules, ...
' Furies. * Katana is featured in the '' Smallville Season 11'' digital comic based on the
TV series A television show – or simply TV show – is any content produced for viewing on a television set which can be broadcast via over-the-air, satellite, or cable, excluding breaking news, advertisements, or trailers that are typically placed betw ...
. She is a member of the Outsiders. * In the prequel comic to '' Injustice 2'', Katana is shown to be a member of this universe's Suicide Squad. However, like Harley Quinn, she too despises Ra's al Ghul and an impostor Batman for their cowardly actions on killing the civilians including the original Blue Beetle, Ted Kord to lure Batman's Insurgency and the remaining peace conference governments to surrender. She is later spared and flees from the battle as Harley covers her presence.


In other media


Television


Animation

* A character inspired by Katana named Tsukuri appears in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU) series '' Justice League'' and '' Justice League Unlimited'', voiced by Karen Maruyama. She appears as a member of
Aresia Fury is the codename shared by three DC Comics superheroes, two of whom are mother and daughter, both of whom are directly connected with the Erinyes, Furies of mythology, and the third who is an altogether different character. Fictional charact ...
's Injustice Gang in the former series and
Gorilla Grodd Gorilla Grodd is a supervillain character appearing in American comic books and other media published by DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of The Flash. The character was created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, and first appeared in ''Th ...
's
Secret Society A secret society is a club or an organization whose activities, events, inner functioning, or membership are concealed. The society may or may not attempt to conceal its existence. The term usually excludes covert groups, such as intelligence a ...
in the latter. * A teenage Katana appears in the '' Batman: The Brave and the Bold'', voiced initially by Vyvan Pham and later by
Kim Mai Guest Kim Mai Guest is an American voice actress of European and Vietnamese descent who is known to speak fluent French and Italian. She is best known for her role as Mei Ling in ''Metal Gear''. Selected filmography Voice roles of Animation Anime ...
. This version is a member of the
Outsiders Outsider(s) may refer to: Film * Outsider (1997 film), ''Outsider'' (1997 film), a 1997 Slovene-language film * Outsider (2012 film), ''Outsider'' (2012 film), a Malayalam-language Indian film * Outsiders (1980 film), ''Outsiders'' (1980 film), a ...
whose master Tadashi was killed by an evil samurai named Takeo. As a result, she rarely speaks in honor of the former's lessons in self-control. * Katana appears in ''
Beware the Batman ''Beware the Batman'' is an American computer-animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. The series premiered in the United States on Cartoon Network on July 13, 2013, as part of their DC Nation block, replacing ''Batman: ...
'', voiced by
Sumalee Montano Sumalee Montano (born August 3, 1972) is an American actress who worked as an investment bank analyst in New York City and Hong Kong before starting her acting career. For TV and film, Sumalee has appeared on '' Close to Home'', '' Days of Ou ...
. This version is a
CIA The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA ), known informally as the Agency and historically as the Company, is a civilian intelligence agency, foreign intelligence service of the federal government of the United States, officially tasked with gat ...
agent who infiltrated the League of Assassins under the codename "Katana" and faked her death to remove the Soultaker sword from their possession. Through her godfather and friend of her father, Alfred Pennyworth, she becomes Bruce Wayne's bodyguard while Pennyworth recovers, Batman's partner in crime-fighting, and later a founding member of the Outsiders. According to producer Glen Murakami, she would have become the series' version of
Nightwing Nightwing is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character has appeared in various incarnations; the identity was adopted by Dick Grayson when he left his role as Batman's vigilante partner Robin. Although ...
if season two were made. * Katana makes non-speaking appearances in '' Young Justice: Outsiders''. This version is initially a member of the Justice League before joining Batman, among other Leaguers, in resigning due to U.N. secretary general Lex Luthor's restrictions on the League's actions. * Katana appears in the ''
DC Super Hero Girls ''DC Super Hero Girls'' or ''DC Superhero Girls'' (in various countries) is an American superhero web series and franchise Produced by Warner Bros. Animation for Cartoon Network based on characters from DC Entertainment that launched in the thi ...
'' episode "#SoulSisters", voiced by
Rina Hoshino Rina or RINA may refer to: __NOTOC__ People and fictional characters * Rina (given name), a list of people and fictional characters * Kento Rina, Indian politician * Mahfuza Rahman Rina, Bangladeshi politician * Tongam Rina (born 1979), Indian journ ...
. This version is initially a ruthless vigilante who uses the Soultaker sword to steal criminals' souls instead of capturing them. In her civilian identity, she enrolls in Metropolis High and befriends
Diana Prince Diana Prince is a fictional character appearing regularly in stories published by DC Comics, as the secret identity of the Amazonian superhero Wonder Woman, who bought the credentials and identity from a United States Army nurse named Diana Pri ...
before fighting her and the Super Hero Girls, believing that they are evil for wanting to help supervillains. Upon learning each others' identities, Katana and Prince argue over their respective methods until the latter sacrifices her soul to defend an innocent. Realizing the error of her ways, Katana releases the souls she had taken and vows to pursue justice properly.


Live-action

* Tatsu Yamashiro appears in The CW / Arrowverse series ''
Arrow An arrow is a fin-stabilized projectile launched by a bow. A typical arrow usually consists of a long, stiff, straight shaft with a weighty (and usually sharp and pointed) arrowhead attached to the front end, multiple fin-like stabilizers c ...
'', portrayed by Rila Fukushima. This version is married to Maseo Yamashiro, with whom she has a son named Akio. In flashbacks depicted in the third season, she encountered
Oliver Queen Green Arrow is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and designed by George Papp, he first appeared in ''More Fun Comics'' #73 in November 1941. His secret identity, real name is Olive ...
while he was working for Amanda Waller in Hong Kong. Initially distrusting him, Queen eventually gained Katana's trust after saving her and her family from China White, though he was unable to save Akio from the Alpha Omega virus. Due to this, she went into self-imposed seclusion while Maseo joined the League of Assassins. In the present, the Yamashiros save Queen following his fight with Ra's al Ghul before Tatsu joins Queen in stopping Ra's from releasing the Alpha Omega virus on Starling City. In the process, she battles Maseo in the hopes of convincing him to leave the League, but is forced to kill him. Afterwards, she returns to Japan, joins the Crescent Order, and is tasked with guarding the lotus elixir as of the fourth season episode " Unchained", though
Nyssa al Ghul Nyssa Raatko ( ar, نيسا رعتكو), also known as Nyssa al Ghul, is a supervillainess in DC Comics. Nyssa Raatko was created by Greg Rucka and Klaus Janson for the Batman series of comic books. She is an enemy of Batman. She is the daughter ...
convinces Tatsu to let her use it to save Thea Queen's life. As of the season eight episode "
Welcome to Hong Kong "Welcome to Hong Kong" is the second episode of the eighth season of the American television series ''Arrow'', based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow, revolving around billionaire playboy Oliver Queen as he returns to Starling City (later ...
", Tatsu reveals she was excommunicated from the Crescent Order for failing to protect the lotus elixir while helping Queen prepare for an impending Crisis. * An ancestor of Tatsu's from feudal Japan named Masako Yamashiro appears in the Arrowverse spin-off series '' Legends of Tomorrow'' episode "Shogun", portrayed by
Mei Melançon Meiling "Mei" Melançon ( ja, 明依) (born March 3, 1980) is an American actress, screenwriter and former fashion model. She has appeared in major feature films as well as indie productions, television shows, and more than 100 commercials as ...
.


Film

* Katana makes a minor non-speaking appearance in '' Superman/Batman: Public Enemies''. * An alternate universe version of Katana named Sai appears in '' Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths'' as a minor member of the
Crime Syndicate Organized crime (or organised crime) is a category of transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals to engage in illegal activity, most commonly for profit. While organized crime is generally th ...
. * Katana appears in '' Suicide Squad'', portrayed by Karen Fukuhara. This version is
Rick Flag Rick may refer to: People *Rick (given name), a list of people with the given name *Alan Rick (born 1976), Brazilian politician, journalist, pastor and television personality *Johannes Rick (1869–1946), Austrian-born Brazilian priest and mycol ...
's bodyguard who seeks to avenge her husband's death. Fukuhara has stated that she wants to explore Katana's backstory in a sequel or spin-off film. * Katana appears in '' DC Super Hero Girls: Super Hero High'', voiced by Stephanie Sheh. * Katana appears in '' DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year'', voiced again by Stephanie Sheh. * Katana appears in '' DC Super Hero Girls: Intergalactic Games''. * Katana appears in '' Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Brain Drain''. * Katana appears in '' Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High''. * Katana appears in '' DC Super Hero Girls: Legends of Atlantis''.


Video games

* Katana appears as a playable character in '' Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes'' via DLC.Narcisse, Evan (22 May 2012)
"Nightwing, Bizarro And Zatanna Playable With Lego Batman 2 Pre-Order DLC"
Kotaku ''Kotaku'' is a video game website and blog that was originally launched in 2004 as part of the Gawker Media network. Notable former contributors to the site include Luke Smith, Cecilia D'Anastasio, Tim Rogers, and Jason Schreier. History ...
.
* Katana appears as a playable character in '' Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham'' via DLC. * Katana appears as a playable character in '' Infinite Crisis'', voiced by Kelly Hu. * Katana appears as a playable character in '' Lego DC Super-Villains'', voiced again by
Sumalee Montano Sumalee Montano (born August 3, 1972) is an American actress who worked as an investment bank analyst in New York City and Hong Kong before starting her acting career. For TV and film, Sumalee has appeared on '' Close to Home'', '' Days of Ou ...
.


Miscellaneous

Katana appears in ''
DC Super Hero Girls ''DC Super Hero Girls'' or ''DC Superhero Girls'' (in various countries) is an American superhero web series and franchise Produced by Warner Bros. Animation for Cartoon Network based on characters from DC Entertainment that launched in the thi ...
'', voiced by Stephanie Sheh. This version is a student at Super Hero High.


References


External links


Cosmic Teams: Katana
{{The New 52 Characters created by Jim Aparo Characters created by Mike W. Barr Comics characters introduced in 1983 DC Comics female superheroes DC Comics film characters DC Comics television characters DC Comics martial artists Japanese superheroes Fictional Japanese people Fictional bodyguards Fictional chauffeurs Fictional immigrants to the United States Fictional female martial artists Fictional samurai Fictional ninja Fictional soul collectors Fictional swordfighters in comics Fictional women soldiers and warriors Suicide Squad members