Ronin (Marvel Comics)


Ronin is an alias used by multiple characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It was first adopted by Maya Lopez in New Avengers #11 by Brian Michael Bendis and Joe Quesada. Following this, the Ronin mantle has been taken up by characters such as Clint Barton, Alexei Shostakov, Eric Brooks, and Bullseye.
Two incarnations of the character appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first incarnation, Clint Barton, portrayed by Jeremy Renner, appears in the film Avengers: Endgame, and the Disney+ series Hawkeye and Echo. The second incarnation, Maya Lopez, portrayed by Alaqua Cox also appears in Hawkeye and Echo.

Publication history

The persona of Ronin was created by Brian Michael Bendis and Joe Quesada. Bendis stated that the original intention was for Matt Murdock to be the true identity of Ronin, but this was changed due to a conflict with plans in the Daredevil comic book title.

Fictional character biography

Maya Lopez

The original iteration of Ronin first appeared in New Avengers #11 . Maya Lopez was the first person to take on the Ronin identity.

Clint Barton

The second iteration of Ronin first appeared in New Avengers #27. Clinton "Clint" Barton is the second person to have used the Ronin identity, after leaving behind his "Hawkeye" alias.

Alexei Shostakov

Writer Jim McCann revealed "We're going to learn that there is far more to the Ronin identity than anyone knew, pre-dating before . Why does Ronin exist? That's a central mystery we will tackle." Alexei Shostakov is the third individual who dons the Ronin identity.

Eric Brooks

A character is introduced in the Mighty Avengers and dons the Halloween-type Spider Hero costume during the Infinity storyline, and is supplied with the Ronin costume from a "big box of Clint Barton's old stuff" during the Inhumanity storyline. Before being revealed in canon, a leaked script revealed the fourth iteration's true identity to be Eric Brooks.

Bullseye

In the Hawkeye: Freefall storyline, Barton is Ronin once more to launch an attack on the Hood's criminal empire while the Hood eventually hires Bullseye to find out Ronin's true identity. After learning that Barton is Ronin, the Hood then orders Bullseye to commit crimes dressed in the Ronin costume to ruin Barton's reputation.

Other versions

Heroes Reborn

In the "Heroes Reborn" miniseries, T'Challa briefly uses the Ronin identity to break into the Squadron Supreme's headquarters and steal files, only to be driven off by Nighthawk.

Ultimate Marvel

The Ultimate Marvel equivalent of Ronin is an alternate personality of Marc Spector. In order to infiltrate the Kingpin's forces, Ronin proves himself by luring Spider-Man into a fight. The two engage in a brutal battle while Ronin and Moon Knight fight a concurrent battle in Spector's mind. Ronin knocks Spider-Man unconscious and apparently "kills" Moon Knight before taking the youth to the Kingpin for interrogation. However, the Kingpin attacks Ronin, revealing knowledge of Ronin's secret identity. Two of the Kingpin's henchmen take Ronin to a river and execute him. However, Ronin survives his near fatal injuries and goes to the police to provide evidence about the Kingpin's attempt to murder him. He is forced to reveal his identity, but the Kingpin is arrested and the media refer to Spector as a hero.

Ultimate Universe

In the Ultimate Universe, Ronin is a title used by numerous employees of Roxxon.

In other media

Television

An original incarnation of Ronin appears in Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers, voiced by Hideyuki Hori in the Japanese version and Keith Silverstein in the English dub. This version is Nozomu Akatsuki, father of Akira and Hikaru Akatsuki and co-developer of the DISKS before becoming Ronin.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Multiple incarnations of Ronin appear in media set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Video games

Toys