COLONEL SAKATA

Real Name: Sakata (first name unrevealed)

Identity/Class: Human (Japanese, World War II era)

Occupation: Propagandist, commanding officer

Group Membership: Imperial Japanese Army

Affiliations: His soldiers

Enemies: Ben Grimm, Leatherneck Raiders

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: A supply base on a Japanese-held island in the Pacific

First Appearance: Captain Savage and his Leatherneck Raiders#7 (October, 1968)

Powers/Abilities: Colonel Sakata was a shrewd manipulator and interrogator, and wielded a pistol and sword.

History: (Captain Savage and his Leatherneck Raiders#7 (fb) - BTS) - Colonel Sakata was an unpopular Japanese officer who was disliked even by the men under his command. He was transferred to a supply base island during World War II, and was responsible for making propaganda broadcasts from a radio station there. Sakata was determined to find a way to be promoted to general.

(Captain Savage and his Leatherneck Raiders#7) - When Lt. Ben Grimm was shot down over his island, Sakata saw to it that Grimm was captured alive. He then made a broadcast boasting of Grimm's capture, and declared that he would break Grimm, and have him admit to commiting atrocities on the air. He then had Grimm placed in a cell, and began torturing him.

As Sakata was preparing for the next broadcast, his island was invaded by the Leatherneck Raiders, and Captain Simon Savage fought Sakata in order to set Grimm free. During his struggle with Savage, Grimm came to Savage's aid by grabbing Sakata's pistol, and his hand was burned by the pistol. The Leathernecks escaped in one of Sakata's planes, and shot down all of the planes Sakata sent after them. Sakata vowed revenge, but when he learned that the high command wanted an explanation for Grimm's escape, he called for his sword, so that he could commit hari-kari.

Comments: Created by Archie Goodwin, Dick Ayers and Syd Shores.

Ben Grimm's presence in Captain Savage#7 is one of those Marvel-time problems for which there is no explanation as of yet. Given Grimm's references to his ever-lovin' Aunt Petunia, it's hard to rationalize this as an appearance by one of his ancestors. Perhaps Grimm was traveling through time?

by Prime Eternal

CLARIFICATIONS:
Colonel Sakata should not be confused with:


Images taken from:
Captain Savage#7, page 20, panel 3


Last updated: 05/21/05

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

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