N is for Ninja

The first half of an argument that splits nerds down the middle (for the other half, check out my "P" post on Thursday), Ninjas are the black-clad, mask wearing, martial arts masters that spawned out of feudal Japan. Sometimes seen as vigilante crime-fighters, and sometimes ruthless killers, ninjas are stealthy, dark and dangerous. And almost as cool as pirates 

Andrew and Andy, this one's for you . . . 

N is for Ninja 

Raizo (Ninja Assassin) – Raised to become the most lethal ninja assassin in the world, and the next in line to lead the Ozunu Clan, Raizo is trained to brutal perfection. However, when Lord Ozunu's actions become too barbarous, Raizo rejects the clan that brought him in and seeks revenge for their dark deeds.  

Rocky, Colt and Tum Tum (3 Ninjas) – One of my favorite movies as a little girl, the Douglas brother protagonists of 3 Ninjas were taught martial arts and Jujitsu at the hands of their Japanese grandfather, Mori. Taking on both kidnappers and an organized crime ring, there's nothing these three ninja brothers can't handle. [And a note to my friends Kalina, Shannon and Becky – I'm still glad they brought the cute Rocky back for the third movie. Why they switched for the second I'll never understand.]

Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) – The best ninjas ever created, the TMNT are the heroes of my childhood. These four brothers were once your garden variety reptiles, but after coming into contact with some toxic ooze, they were transformed into the spectacularly named Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Raised in the sewers and taught ninjutsu by their rat sensei Splinter, these turtles love nothing more than pizza, color-coordinated accessories, and fighting crime. [My favorite, by the way, is a two-way tie between Donatello and Rafael.]

Elektra (Marvel Comics) – The only female to make my list, Elektra is a deadly as she is beautiful. Trained by the Hand, an order of evil mercenary ninjas, to become a deadly assassin,  she eventually broke away from the order, but not before they damaged her already darkened soul. One of the most beloved Marvel characters, Elektra is a violent and seductive ninja. 

Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow (G. I. Joe) – Sword brothers, rivals . . . these two men are some of the most dangerous ninjas ever dreamed up. With a vow of silence and wearing head to toe black, Snake Eyes is my favorite of the Joes. And Storm Shadow, his white-clad foe. So conflicted, venturing back and forth between sides. But whether fighting with each other or against, these two frenemies kick some serious butt. 

And there you have it, my Top 5 favorite Ninjas. What are some of your favorites?

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This post is part of the Blogging A through Z Challenge 2013. My theme (in case you didn't already guess) is character types and tropes. Stay tuned for the rest of the alphabet, and if you’d like to check in on the other participants, simply click here.