Red Ronin
The Red Ronin is a robot mecha that features in Marvel Comics.
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History
The SJ3RX was a project by Japanese engineers and scientists Tamara Hashioka and Yuriko Takiguchi with the assistance of Stark International. The purpose was to create a giant piloted mecha that would be used by S.H.I.E.L.D. for use against the monster Godzilla. (Godzilla v1 #7)
Takaguchi's 12-year-old grandson came to steal the mecha and piloted it after imprinting his brain patterns onto its neural defense system. This act meant that only he could operate it from that point onwards. Renaming the robot 'Red Ronin', Rob went on a rampage that caused substantial property damage. This initial usage was a display of accidental power and unauthorized control rather than a strategic fight against a monster, and the events culminated with the Wasp being guided by one of the scientists to deactivate the towering machine. (Godzilla v1 #6) As Godzilla rampaged through a San Diego military base, moving dangerously close to a nuclear missile stockpile, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Godzilla Squad scrambled to find a solution. Meanwhile, in Detroit, the scientists discovered young Rob Takiguchi was missing and the Red Ronin had activated again, seemingly rampaging towards a fuel tank. Jimmy Woo was lifted to the cockpit where he found Rob unconscious; removing the boy from the control helmet stopped the robot's movement. However, when other S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel attempted to pilot the machine, it remained unresponsive to their commands, confirming that the neural interface system had uniquely bonded with Rob's brain patterns. Rob, upon awakening and hearing the call to use the Red Ronin against Godzilla, secretly re-entered the mecha. Finding that it responded perfectly to his mental commands, he piloted it himself, flying it to San Diego. Red Ronin arrived on the scene, positioning itself as the only thing standing between the rampaging Godzilla and the military's nuclear weapons. (Godzilla v1 #7) With young Robert "Rob" Takiguchi back in the cockpit and the mecha finally operational, Red Ronin engaged Godzilla in a fierce battle near a San Diego military base's nuclear stockpile. Rob, initially wrestling with the moral dilemma of having to potentially kill the creature he admired, attacked with the Red Ronin's formidable arsenal to keep Godzilla at bay and away from the dangerous weapons. As the battle raged and the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier prepared to launch its own attack on the giant monster, Rob had a change of heart. Instead of fighting to kill, he used the Red Ronin's built-in "Magneclamp cables" to ensnare Godzilla. He then activated the robot's flight capability, physically lifting and dragging the massive creature away from the populated area and the nuclear threat. Though Godzilla eventually broke free and continued its rampage along the coastline, Rob used the Red Ronin's weapons to keep S.H.I.E.L.D. from intervening, and pointed the monster towards the open sea, which Godzilla understood and swam away. Ultimately, Rob came to form a unique relationship with the mighty Godzilla. (Godzilla v1 #8)
The old Red Ronin was said to had been seen as a relic to be decommissioned years ago with a newer more human scale model being created by Fujikawa Industries that was named the UJ1-DX. (The Loners v1 #6) Remaining within the Fujikawa Lab, she remained within a container until she was released where she took the name Namie but lacked any memories of her past. She attended a group of superheroes that were having a group therapy session when they were attacked by Nekra. Namie was instrumental in saving them from the villain whereupon she requested their aid in learning more about her past. (The Loners v1 #5)
Going on a rampage in Manhattan, Osborn and the Dark Avengers were at the scene to fight the giant robot. This was until the Fantastic Four arrived at the scene with the Red Ronin being destroyed by the Human Torch after which a clean-up operation was conducted at the scene. (Dark Reign: Zodiac v1 #3)
Overview
In appearance, the Red Ronin was a giant humanoid mecha that was as tall as skyscrapers. In its head was the main control area for the prime operator to pilot it. (Godzilla v1 #7) Despite its large frame, it was noted to be faster than it looked allowing it to fight superpowered individuals. (Dark Reign: Zodiac v1 #3)
It was equipped with a solar blade with the mecha storing the sun's energy until tremendous heat levels were built-up. It could then ignite this as a blade that was capable of cutting through anything. (Godzilla v1 #7)
Its weaponry included an ultraviolet laser gatling gun in its right arm's shield, and it used Magneclamp cables from its boots to grapple and move giant monsters. (Godzilla v1 #8)
A newer more human scale Red Ronin was created UJ1-DX which was referred to as a cyborg that appeared completely human. (The Loners v1 #6) his form could generate energy blades from the wrist for use in battle. (The Loners v1 #5)
Notes
- The Red Ronin was created by Doug Moench and Herb Trimpe where it made its first appearance in Godzilla, King of the Monsters v1 #6 (January, 1978).
Alternate Versions
Appearances
- Godzilla, King of the Monsters v1: (1978)
- The Loners v1: (2007)
- Dark Reign: Zodiac v1: (2009)
External Links
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