Samurai (Toshio Eto) is a Japanese superhero in DC's Super Friends animated television series. He was one of the later additions to the team along with other ethnically diverse heroes in an effort for the show to promote cultural diversity. The character was designed by cartoonist Alex Toth and voiced by Jack Angel. Following sporadic guest appearances, Samurai becomes a prominent team member in the series' later seasons. Samurai is later introduced into the main comics continuity during Infinite Crisis.

Fictional character biography

Series

Toshio Eto is a history professor who gained his powers after being struck by a beam of light sent by the New Gods of New Genesis, who were trying to create superheroes to battle Darkseid. After the New Gods explain their motivations to him, Eto becomes a member of the Justice League as Samurai.

Comics

Samurai made DC comics appearances during the Justice League/Justice Society of America crossover featured in the Brightest Day event. Toshio appears as one of the heroes driven insane by Alan Scott's Starheart before being defeated by Jesse Quick and Congorilla. Prior to Samurai's appearance in Brightest Day, an alternate version of the character named Toshio appears in the Justice League of America 80-Page Giant one-shot. He is a samurai from 13th-century Japan who was granted mystical abilities by a sorceress. In Doomsday Clock, Samurai joins Japan's superhero team, Big Monster Action.

In other media

Television

Film

Merchandise