Katana: Doomed Love to Superheroine

Tatsu Yamashiro, aka Katana, is a samurai warrior who uses a mystical sword that houses the soul of her deceased husband. Before becoming a superheroine, Tatsu was an average young woman who happened to be a talented martial artist.

Katana was introduced 40 years ago in The Brave and the Bold #200 (July 1983) by creators Mike W. Barr and Jim Aparo. Tatsu gained the attention of brothers Maseo and Takeo Yamashiro, both of whom professed their love for her. Though she liked both of them, Tatsu fell in love with Maseo, and the jealous Takeo refused to be a part of their life.

Tatsu and Maseo started a family, having twins Reiko and Yuki, while Takeo joined the Yakuza and rose through their ranks. Takeo came into possession of two swords with mystical properties and took them to Tatsu and Maseo’s house intending to kill his brother. A fire started during the fight and while Maseo was distracted, Takeo killed him with the sword known as Soultaker.

After seeing her husband’s murder, Tatsu fought Takeo, disarming him and taking possession of Soultaker. While she attempted to save her husband and children, Tatsu started hearing Maseo’s voice coming from the sword, telling her that they were already gone.

Overcome by grief, Tatsu left her old life and started training with samurai master Tadashi. Once she became an expert fighter, Tatsu traveled to the US and used the sword containing her husband’s soul, as the heroine Katana.