Over the years, the Valiant Universe has evolved and expanded to become the home to a plethora of interesting characters. The very first original hero created by Valiant had its humble beginning as a flip-book back-up feature in Magnus Robot Fighter in 1991, before earning its own ongoing series. Do you know who this is?
In his original incarnation, created by Jim Shooter and Paul Creddick, Rai was the spirit guardian that protects the futuristic nation of New Japan in the year 4000 AD. This mantle was passed down through the generations. The process grants the chosen Rai enhanced healing, speed, strength, agility, reflexes, durability, and endurance. Each Rai also possesses a mastery of martial arts, hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship, and armed combat.
The initial series ran nine issues, concluding in November 1992 with Rai #0. This series introduced 4001 Japan with a massive machine, known as the Host, holding 50 million residents dwelling inside. Rai is the defender of the Host and draws weapons from his own body to protect the people of Japan and his creator the sentient artificial intelligence – Grandmother. In this version, the line of Rai was created by Grandmother in the image of the 20th century hero Bloodshot in an effort to inspire her people.
Subsequent series saw the 41st century Japan consumed by industrialization, leading the nation to detach from Earth entirely and orbit the planet. Governed by the artificial intelligence named Father, Japan is divided into various sectors, with many sectors also directly affirming residents social ranking. Standing solitary guard over the nation as the lead enforcer of Father’s justice is Rai.
Takao Konishi is perhaps the most memorable of the Rai’s introduced in the original series. Konishi was a Harbinger with the potential to receive the “Blood of Heroes” – the same blood that ran through Bloodshot. Together with Magnus Robot Fighter, this Rai led a revolt against the Malev Emperor and her legion in the 43rd century. The current Rai, Rai X, was working with Lula Lee, Spylocke, and more cautiously Doctor Silk, to overthrow Father. Knowing their plans, Father sent an immensely powerful robot called Rai XI, or X-Eye to defeat them. Ultimately, Rai managed to destroy Father and prepared to rebuild Japan’s society on the surface of the Earth.
Now, Dan Abnett and Juan José Ryp are leading Rai in a new ongoing series. Launching November 2019, this series blends action, sci-fi, and a little horror in a journey that will introduce new worlds, new characters, and gripping adventures. Read more about RAI #1 here on Scoop.