Rising Sun (comics)

Rising Sun
Rising Sun, artist Andy Smith
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Super Friends #8, (November 1977)
Created by	Nelson Bridwell (writer) Ramona Fradon (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Izumi Yasunari
Team affiliations	Big Science Action Global Guardians
Abilities	Absorption of solar energy; Heat, light, and flame projection; Flight

Rising Sun is a fictional Japanese superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared solo in Super Friends #8 (November 1977), and as a member of the Global Guardians in DC Comics Presents #46, (June 1982). He was created by E. Nelson Bridwell and Ramona Fradon.

Izumi Yasunari is a Japanese solar physicist who is a longtime member of the Global Guardians. His grandparents were survivors of the atom bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, by the U.S. in 1945, which brought World War II to an end. Both of them later developed cancer and died. The same happened to Yasunari's mother, who also developed cancer but recovered with chemotherapy. A horrified Yasunari and his brother, Wataru became doctors specializing in cancer research. Their troubled sister, Kaori, joined a religious cult. Rising Sun is a founding member of the Japanese equivalent of the Justice League of America, a team called Big Science Action which came together to defend the hero Ultimon from the Monster Army.

His first known mission was helping Atom dismantle a bomb in Japan. He later helps Robin defeat a villain. Spurred on by Doctor Mist, he helps Superman find a piece of ancient armor and soon after, he and his Guardians assist Superman in a battle against ancient sorcerers who are casting a spell amid the Moai (Statues) of Easter Island. He helps save Japan in the Crisis on Infinite Earths, and helps Artemis save her parents, Huntress and Sportsmaster with the help of Infinity Inc.. The Japanese hero volunteers to help the Queen Bee but was brainwashed by her forces and technology. Under her influence he destroys a Neo-Nazi stronghold in Germany, killing many of the people inside. When Justice League members Power Girl and Rocket Red arrive, he attacks them also, believing them to be Nazi loyalists. When defeated, he falls into a coma, all part of a plan.