Shadowmasters

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The Shadowmasters are fictional characters in the Marvel Universe. They first appeared in Shadowmasters #1 (October 1989) and were created by Marcus McLaurin.

The Shadowmasters are a race of martial arts masters of ninjutsu native to the Iga province of Japan. Legend states that these warriors were half demon and half human, and possessed mystical talents. For centuries, they have served as protectors of Iga Province and its people in times of internal strife in Japan.

When Japan surrendered after World War II, U.S. Army Captain James Richards took command and oversaw the government of Iga Province. Shigeru Ezaki was one of the last Shadowmasters, and the mayor of a small town in Iga names Ueno. When Richards saved the life of Ezaki's son Salih, the two became friends. Over the years, Ezaki began training Richards's son Philip along with his own son Sojin and daughter Yuriko in the art of ninjutsu..

The Shadowmasters once came into conflict with the Punisher, but later joined forced with him and the Black Widow.