Rai

Creation & Design

Rai was created by Jim Shooter and artist Bob Layton in 1992 as part of the Valiant Universe. The character was designed to embody the themes of honor and duty in a futuristic setting.

Early Years

Rai debuted in the early 1990s and quickly became a central figure in the Valiant Universe, representing the future of humanity and the struggles against oppressive forces.

Character Development

Over the years, Rai has evolved from a simple hero into a complex character grappling with his identity, the nature of humanity, and the responsibilities that come with power.

Cultural Reception

Rai has been well-received by critics and fans alike, praised for its unique storytelling and rich world-building.

Character Details

Real Name:
Raijin
Aliases:
Rai, Rai of the Future
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
The Future Force, Unity
Abilities:
Superhuman strength, Telepathy, Energy manipulation
Equipment:
Rai armor, Energy sword
Weight:
180lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
brown
Hair Color:
black

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Key Facts

Preview appearance of Rai on a trading card

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1st full appearance of the first Rai, the first original Valiant character

1st appearance of Grandmother, a futuristic sentient robot that protects Japan and is protected by Rai

Valiant ⋅ 1992

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1st full appearance and origin of Bloodshot

1st appearance and origin of the second Rai

Critical issue that connected stories within the Valiant Universe

Error ⋅ Valiant ⋅ 1992

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Error variant printed without black ink, extremely rare

Sold on eBay for $1,146 (Oct 2018)

Valiant ⋅ 2014

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1st appearance of Rai X, the 10th Rai spirit guardian of Japan

1st appearance of Momo, a human-like robot slave

1st appearance of Lula Lee, teenage ally to Rai

1st appearance of Spylocke, in the VEI Universe, a spy whose main motivation is the perseverance of Japan

1st team appearance of the Raddies, a violent, anti-technology group driven to destroy Father

Valiant ⋅ 2015

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1st appearance of Sai, a female who formerly served as Rai

1st appearance of Reiko, son of Sai and Aboto who both served as Rai

1:250 ⋅ Valiant ⋅ 2019

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Variant glass cover art by Doug Braithwaite

Rai #1

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Valiant ⋅ 2019

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Solicitation: welcome to the 41st century - new worlds, new characters, new adventures

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