"9 Deaths of the Ninja" Theatrical Poster
Ninjas have long been part of Japanese folklore, in fact folktales surrounding ninja activity date back as far as the 14th century. Ninjas burst onto the scene in Western culture in the 1960’s thanks to James Bond movie You Only Live Twice. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular ninjas.
10. Miho from Sin City
Many film fanatics watched A Dame to Kill For especially for Miho’s return. It’s unclear whether she is actually a ninja, however, her tendency to rely on stealth, evasion, and counterattacks to outwit enemies suggests that she may be a female ninjutsu practitioner. Miho’s skills therefore can afford with the kunoichi title.
9. Grey Fox of Metal Gear Rising
There are several films based on the deviances of CIA but Metal Gear Sword is something special. Frank Jaeger, or Grey Fox as he’s better known is a child solider turned mercenary turned CIA experiment. A hard time on the battlefield, not to mention away from it, Fox’s dealings with the CIA end with him having several cybernetic enhancements, including a metal exoskeleton. The ninja meets a tragic end, shockingly at the hands of Solid Snake, whom he had a mixed relationship with.
8. Marvel’s Elektra
Like Miho, Elektra Natchios is a highly skilled ninja. The Frank Miller creation is a Greek assassin turned ninja after training from none other than Ninja Turtle Raphael. Although Miller may be a fan of ancient Japanese weaponry, Daredevil was pretty uninspiring, and definitely one of the poorer of the Marvel series. That said, the Netflix post-creation of Daredevil has been rather successful in comparison, Jennifer Garner Elektra puts on a pretty good display that the original Elektra would be proud of.
7. Storm Shadow from G.I. Joe
Storm Shadow’s involvement in assassin activities is inherited, his family have rich history in said industry. Shadow has been a member of the Cobra and G.I. Joe, however, he realised he warned to create his own Ninja Force and shunned their brainwashing tactics to pursue his own destiny.
6. Ruy Hayabusa of Ninja Gaiden
Ruy Haybusa’s story sits a bit deeper than the background of your average ninja. He’s on a mission to avenge his dead father. He is now an ultimate dragon warrior, not to be messed with having progressed from an old-school arcade game. Ninja Gaiden also has its fair of humor, as Hayabuda’s arch nemesis Yaiba Kamikaze’s potty mouth adds some light humour to the series.
5. Scorpion from Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat is undoubtedly a popular series and Scorpion can take the accolade of being the most popular fantasy ninja of such a series. The ninja turns into a bitter spectre hell-bent on revenge for those responsible on the downfall of his clan and the tragic death of his family.
4. Raven of Tekken
Whilst Raven may not be Japanese, that does not prevent him from possessing the skills required to be a top ninjutsu practitioner. The incredible skill and accuracy of Raven allows for perfect execution of his enemies. The way he wields his two kunai which is attached to a rope is a sight which is a joy to behold by fellow ninjas and ninja fanatics.
3. Jubei Kibagami from Ninja Scroll
Jubei Kibagami is a wandering ninja who is troubled by his past. The ninja, armed with a katana must battle his personal demons as well as inhuman monsters. Tough whilst a lot of ninja’s wish to defeat their enemies or seek vengeance, Kibagami just wishes to be left alone in peace.
2. Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto
Konohagkure’s very own hero, Naruto Uzumaki lets you know he is there and is dubbed the Noisy Ninja. His nine-tailed fox Kurama sealed inside his spirit not only gives him extra energy for his taijutsu or fighting techniques but also the edge over his rivals. Like foxes, Uzumaki is efficient, hunts his enemies and knows how to survive in tough environments.
1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
You guessed it, how can these guys not be our favorite? Even if you’re not into ninja type films or series, you more than likely grew up watching this loveable quarter. Their love for pizza and want for justice was so easy to relate to, for kids and adults alike. Trained in the sewers of New York City, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles started a revolution on the ninja scene. The 80s and 90s hit brought bo-staff, nunchaku, sai daggers and katana swords and embedded them into the ninjutsu world.
