Merchant (Resident Evil): Difference between revisions

| voice = '''Original'''<br/>[[Paul Mercier (actor)|Paul Mercier]]<br/>'''Remake'''{{Vgrelease|'''[[JapaneseEnglish language|JPEN]]:''' |[[ShigeruMichael ChibaAdamthwaite]]|'''[[EnglishJapanese language|ENJA]]:''' |[[MichaelShigeru AdamthwaiteChiba]]<ref name="RemakeVO">{{cite web |title=Merchant Voice (Resident Evil) - Behind The Voice Actors |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Resident-Evil/Merchant/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=Behind The Voice Actors |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422082426/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Resident-Evil/Merchant/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Green |first=Jack |date=March 24, 2023 |title=''Resident Evil 4'' remakeRemake voiceVoice actorsActors listList, castCast and whoWho voicesVoices eachEach characterCharacter |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-voice-actors-9336 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |archive-date=May 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509100729/https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-voice-actors-9336 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}

The '''Merchant''' is a character in the 2005''[[Resident Evil]]'' [[survival horror]] video game series created by the Japanese company [[Capcom]]. Introduced in the 2005 video game ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' and returning for its 2023 [[Resident Evil 4 (2023 video game)|remake]]., he Actingacts as an [[Non-player character|NPC]] who sells weapons and other items, he assists [[Leon S. Kennedy]] in his mission to rescue [[Ashley Graham (Resident Evil)|Ashley Graham]] from the evil cult [[Los Illuminados]]. A mysterious man with glowing eyes wearing a hooded black [[trench coat]] lined with weapons and a purple [[bandanna]] that hides most of his face, he is seemingly allowed to pass unhindered by the game's enemies, the [[Ganados]].

Critics have called the Merchant an iconic character in the series, as well as one of the most recognizable video game NPCs ever, due to his unique appearance and often-repeated lines, including "WhaddyaWhat're ya buyin'?" Reception to the character has been positive, citing his good-naturedness in the face of adversity. In the original game, he is played by voice actor [[Paul Mercier (actor)|Paul Mercier]], who also voiced Leon, while in the remake, he was voiced by [[Shigeru Chiba]] in Japanese and [[Michael Adamthwaite]] in English.

The Merchant was one of several characters created by artist Masaki Yamanaka for the game ''Resident Evil 4'', in a design process he called "unique" due to the lack of restrictions on scenario or setting, and only basic guidelines to follow.<ref name="creator">{{Cite tweet |first=Masaki |last=Yamanaka |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705235255/https://twitter.com/PG_yamanaka/status/1626594754673930241 |archivedate=2023-07-05 |user=PG_yamanaka |number=1626594754673930241 |script-title=ja: ''RE4''を心待ちにしてるんだけど、もうどこかで話すこともないだろうから、ちょっと思い出しながら旧バイオ４のことを書いてみる。自分は主にキャラ担当だったので、そこら辺で覚えていることを。ただし記憶はかなり曖昧なんで間違ってるところもあるかも。なんせもう20年ぐらい前の話なので... |trans-title=I'm looking forward to ''RE4'', but I don't think I'll be talking about it anywhere else, so I'll try to remember a little bit about the old ''Biohazard 4''. I was mainly in charge of the characters, so I'll write about what I remember from that point on. However, my memory is quite vague, so there may be some mistakes. It was about 20 years ago, after all...|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |first=Masaki |last=Yamanaka |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705235653/https://twitter.com/PG_yamanaka/status/1626594943044308994 |archivedate=2023-07-05|user=PG_yamanaka |number=1626594943044308994 |script-title=ja: 旧バイオ４のデザイン工程は特殊で、シナリオや設定などの縛りは無く「NO.1～5ぐらいで人間型ボスを考えて～」みたいなオーダーだった気がする...すごい自由過ぎるスタートだ。|trans-title=The design process for the original ''Biohazard 4'' was unique; there were no restrictions on scenario or setting, and I think the order was something like "Come up with a human-type boss for numbers 1 to 5..." It was an incredibly free start. |language=Japanese}}</ref> The Merchant, who goes nameless besides his title, was created late in ''[[Resident Evil 4]]''<nowiki/>'s development, and is meant to be the living embodiment of his shop. By doing this they were able to place a shop anywhere in the game's world.<ref name="Kotaku"/>

His hooded black trench coat, which holds a majority of his items in its interior, was inspired by the cloak worn by ''[[Kinnikuman]]'' series character [[Neptuneman]]. Neptuneman was a villain who adorned his cloak with masks stolen from defeated fighters,<ref>{{cite comic |title=[[Kinnikuman]] |issue=224 |publisher=[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]] |date=April 1985}}</ref> something that shocked Yamanaka as a child.<ref>{{Cite tweet |first=Masaki |last=Yamanaka |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705235912/https://twitter.com/PG_yamanaka/status/1626597068512051203 |archivedate=2023-07-05|user=PG_yamanaka |number=1626597068512051203 |script-title=ja: 武器商人：SHOPを作らなくても、MAPのどこにでも置くだけで成立する全身SHOP人間みたいなのを考えた。もっとリュックがバカデカいほうが良かったなぁ...と発売後に思った。子供のころに衝撃を受けたネプチューンマンのマントに発想を得たのは言うまでもない。 |trans-title=Weapon Dealer: I thought of a full-body SHOP human that could be placed anywhere on the map without having to create a SHOP. I wish the backpack was bigger... I thought after the release. Needless to say, I was inspired by Neptune Man's cape, which shocked me as a child.|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name="Kotaku">{{Cite web |last=ZweizenZwiezen |first=Zack |date=2023-03-15 |title=The Merchant From ''Resident Evil 4'' Is Great |url=https://kotaku.com/the-merchant-from-resident-evil-4-is-great-1832676842 |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=[[Kotaku]] |languagearchive-date=en2023-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422065313/https://kotaku.com/the-merchant-from-resident-evil-4-is-great-1832676842 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Merchant covers half of his face with a purple [[bandannabandana]], and carries a large tan rucksack.<ref>{{cite book |title=Resident Evil Archives II |publisher=[[BradyGames]] |page=125 |last=Denick |first=Thom |isbn=978-0744013214 |date=December 2011}}</ref> His eyes glow similarly to antagonists infected by the mind-controlling [[Las Plagas]] [[Parasites in fiction|parasites]] (the Ganados); however, he is completely non-hostile, and, according to ''Resident Evil 4 Digital Archives'' will "do business with anyone as long as the price is right".<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Bunce |first=Nick |date=2023-03-06 |title=Whaddya buyinBuyin'? They've changedChanged the voiceVoice of the merchantMerchant in ''Resident Evil 4'' and I'm heartbroken |language=en-gbHeartbroken |work=[[Eurogamer]] |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/whaddya-buyin-theyve-changed-the-voice-of-the-merchant-in-resident-evil-4-and-im-heartbroken |access-date=2023-04-22 |archive-date=2023-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422065315/https://www.eurogamer.net/whaddya-buyin-theyve-changed-the-voice-of-the-merchant-in-resident-evil-4-and-im-heartbroken |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Merchant |magazine=Resident Evil 4 Digital Archives |publisher=[[Capcom]] |page=38 |date=February 2014}}</ref> When the character was brought back in ''[[Resident Evil 4 (2023 video game)|Resident Evil 4]]'' remake, he received minimal changes to his design.<ref name="Kotaku"/>

Several unused concepts related or similar to the character also exist, such as another Merchant in ''[[Resident Evil 5]]'' that would have run a stationary shop through a barred door.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=January 22, 2021 |title= ''Resident Evil Village'' Merchant: Is it the Same Character From ''Resident Evil 4''? |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/resident-evil-village-merchant-resident-evil-4/ |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=[[Den of Geek]] |languagearchive-date=enMay 12, 2023 |archive-USurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512230418/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/resident-evil-village-merchant-resident-evil-4/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the artbook for ''[[Resident Evil 6]]'', the Merchant was considered as part of an unused alternate costume for series character [[Leon Kennedy]], with him in a sitting position and strapped to his back. This version of the character was shown to be notably shorter, wearing yellow gloves and boots with his coat held open, while Leon's outfit resembled his default ''Resident Evil 4'' attire. The design was ultimately cut due to how many technical issues arose from trying to implement it.<ref>{{cite book |title=Resident Evil 6 Artworks |publisher=[[Capcom]] |date=September 2014 |isbn=9784862333858 |pages=28–29}}</ref>

The Merchant was first introduced in the 2005 video game, ''Resident Evil 4'' as one of the few non-hostile characters protagonist Leon encounters. First appearing at a window, the Merchant speaks in a pseudo-Australian accent and encourages Leon to follow him behind the building where Leon will find him standing near a flaming [[Sconce (light fixture)|sconce]].<ref name="IGN"/><ref>{{cite book |title=Itchy, Tasty: An Unofficial History of Resident Evil |author=Aniel, Alex |date=2021 |publisher=Unbound |isbn=9781783529490}}</ref> Once approached, the Merchant opens one side of his coat to reveal a vast assortment of ammunition and firearms, encouraging Leon to purchase from him with phrases such as "WhaddyaWhat're ya buyin'?" Afterwards the Merchant will re-appear at various points throughout the game, the locations marked by similar sconces. He sells weapons and items and purchases valuable antiques and gems that Leon discovers for [[Spanish peseta|pesetas]]. He also rewards Leon prizes for good [[marksmanship]] using his [[shooting range]] as well as shooting blue medallions scattered throughout the game's levels.<ref>{{cite book|first=Stephen|last=Stratton|chapter=Weapons and Items|title=''Resident Evil 4'' (Wii version): ''Prima Official Game Guide''|publisher=Prima Games|year=2007|isbn=978-0-7615-5701-2}}</ref> The Merchant instantly dies if harmed in any way, but will still appear at any of his other locations in the game.<ref>{{cite web |website=[[Kotaku]] |title=Sorry Sickos, ''Resident Evil 4'' Remake Won't Let You Kill The Merchant |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |accessdate=2023-05-13 |date=2023-03-23 |url=https://kotaku.com/re4-resident-evil-4-remake-remaster-merchant-changes-1850258950 |archive-date=2023-05-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513233222/https://kotaku.com/re4-resident-evil-4-remake-remaster-merchant-changes-1850258950 |url-status=live }}</ref>

When ''Resident Evil 4'' was remade in 2023 the character returned, but with some changes. He now cannot be harmed or killed, and any attempts by the player to aim at him will cause Leon to lower his gun.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Victoria |date=2023-03-24 |title=''Resident Evil 4'' Remake's merchantMerchant is hardierHardier thanThan heHe usedUsed toTo be |language=en-gbNe |work=[[Eurogamer]] |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remakes-merchant |access-date=2023-04-22 |archive-date=2023-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422065313/https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remakes-merchant |url-status=live }}</ref> The Merchant now also provides quests for Leon to do. AdditionallyAdditional characterization was provided, with the medallions now described as religious charms hung up by game's villains that the Merchant wishes to destroy, and he has an array of new dialogue. However, some instances, such as himthe Merchant becoming impatient if his shop is browsed for too long proved divisive to fans, and resulted in a [[Video game modding|mod]] called "Patient Merchant" to remove the extra lines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heaton |first=Andrew |date=2023-04-13 |title=''Resident Evil 4''{{'}}s Merchant Maybe Talks a Little Too Much |url=https://gamerant.com/resident-evil-4-mod-merchant-speak-less/ |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=[[Game Rant]]|archive-date=2023-04-22 |languagearchive-url=enhttps://web.archive.org/web/20230422084124/https://gamerant.com/resident-evil-4-mod-merchant-speak-less/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Outside of ''Resident Evil 4'', the Merchant also appears in [[GungHo Online Entertainment]]'s mobile game ''[[TEPPEN]]'', a card-based battling game featuring various Capcom franchise characters. In this title he acts as an in-game vendor, the weapons and ammo in his coat replaced with [[compact discs]].<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[TEPPEN]] |publisher=GungHo Online Entertainment |developer=GungHo Online Entertainment, Capcom |scene=Store |date=2019-04-07 |platform=[[Android (operating system)|Android]]}}</ref> In printed trading card media, he appears in the [[Bandai]] produced game ''Resident Evil: The Deck Building Game''.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916200445/http://www.bandaicg.com/residentevil/ |title=Resident Evil [Deck Building Game] |url=http://www.bandaicg.com/residentevil/ |website=Bandai Card Games |accessdate=2023-05-14 |archivedate=2011-09-16}}</ref> The 2020 video game ''[[Resident Evil: Resistance]]'' includes a "spray" cosmetic item players can apply walls featuring the game's [[raccoon]] mascot [[cosplay]]ing as the Merchant.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[Resident Evil: Resistance]] |developer=Capcom |date=2020-04-03 |scene=Sprays - Stickers Category |platform=[[Xbox One]]}}</ref> In ''[[Resident Evil Village]]'', the Duke, a character that serves a similar function as the Merchant within the game, will sometimes say one of the character's introduction lines complete with a faux accent, and then laughingly mention it was something "an old friend of mine used to say".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=ZweizenZwiezen |first=Zack |date=2021-04-25 |title=''Resident Evil Village''{{'}}s Demo Contains A Small Nod To The Merchant From ''Resident Evil 4'' |url=https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-villages-demo-contains-a-small-nod-to-the-1846759698 |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=Kotaku |languagearchive-date=en2023-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422070319/https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-villages-demo-contains-a-small-nod-to-the-1846759698 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2006, Augusta Entertainment released a series of [[model figure|figures]] for ''Resident Evil 4'', which included a figure for the Merchant.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.agatsuma-toys.com/gods/index.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607085312/http://www.agatsuma-toys.com/gods/index.html |archivedate=2007-06-07 |script-title=ja: バイオハザード４ コレクションフィギュア２ |trans-title=''Resident Evil 4'' Collection Figure 2 |publisher=agatsuma-toys.com|language=Japanese|accessdate=2023-05-14}}</ref> The stationary figure was packaged with [[chewing gum]], and was based on his concept art appearance.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0604/07/news077.html |script-title=ja: 「バイオハザード4」キャラクターフィギュア同梱の食玩第2弾が登場 |trans-title=The Second Series of Candy Toys Containing "''Resident Evil 4''" Character Figures is Now Available |language=Japanese |publisher=IT Media |date=2006-04-07 |accessdate=2023-05-13 |archive-date=2023-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514171544/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0604/07/news077.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The company Numskull later released a [[rubber duck]] toy cosplaying as the character as part of their "TUBBZ" line of toys for the ''Resident Evil'' series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://numskull.com/resident-evil-merchant-tubbz-cosplaying-duck-collectible |website=Numskull |accessdate=2023-05-14 |title=Resident Evil Merchant TUBBZ Cosplaying Duck Collectible |archive-date=2023-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514171543/https://numskull.com/resident-evil-merchant-tubbz-cosplaying-duck-collectible |url-status=live }}</ref>

Critical reception of the Merchant has been positive, calling him both memorable and helpful despite his menacing appearance. In 2006, ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' described the Merchant's quote as "permanently ingrained in the gaming lexicon" despite not placing on the Best New Characters list.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 2006 |title=Best New Character |urlissn=https://archive.org/details/nintendo 1041-power-issue-201-march-2006/page/72/mode/2up9551 |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |issue=201 |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> Zack ZweizenZwiezen of ''[[Kotaku]]'' referred to him as "the real star" of the original 2005 game, calling him "chill and focused on business" despite possibly being infected with the Plaga parasite. Describing the Merchant as a "man of no allegiance" who may also be selling the villagers their weapons, he lamented the fact that the Merchant had not yet appeared in other ''Resident Evil'' titles, citing the Merchant character in ''[[Resident Evil: Degeneration]]'' as a "copy" and not the "real deal".<ref name="Kotaku" /> Comparing the Merchant to the Duke, he called the Merchant slightly more mysterious, but said that the Duke provided better services, such as cooking. He cited the Merchant returning after the player killed him as evidence he had "multiple clones".<ref name="The Duke">{{Cite web |last=ZweizenZwiezen |first=Zack |date=2021-06-03 |title=''Resident Evil Village'' Vs. ''Resident Evil 4'': The Best Merchant |url=https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-village-vs-resident-evil-4-the-best-merc-1847028135 |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=[[Kotaku]] |languagearchive-date=en2023-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422065313/https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-village-vs-resident-evil-4-the-best-merc-1847028135 |url-status=live }}</ref> Alan Wheeler of ''[[IGN]]'' called Merchant as the most iconic NPC ever.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Altano |first=Brian |date=2017-04-08 |title=Is ''Resident Evil 4''{{'}}s Weapons Merchant the Most Iconic NPC Ever? - Never Played Ep. 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/videos/is-resident-evil-4s-weapons-merchant-the-most-iconic-npc-ever-never-played-ep-2 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=[[IGN]] |languagearchive-date=en2023-US05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502040052/https://www.ign.com/videos/is-resident-evil-4s-weapons-merchant-the-most-iconic-npc-ever-never-played-ep-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the release of the remake of ''Resident Evil 4'', fans wanted a Merchant type character in the possible ''Resident Evil 5'' remake.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Troughton |first=James |date=April 27, 2023 |title= Resident Evil Fans Want A Merchant Type Character In 5 Remake |url=https://www.thegamer.com/resident-evil-5-remake-4-merchcant-reddit/ |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=[[TheGamer]] |languagearchive-date=enMay 12, 2023 |archive-USurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512231040/https://www.thegamer.com/resident-evil-5-remake-4-merchcant-reddit/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Wireframe'' described him as "genuinely bizarre" due to how out of place he felt in the world, but praised that aspect at the same time, calling him "utterly fantastic, and a constant reminder that the game he's in isn't entirely serious and should be played with a big old smile on your face."<ref>{{cite magazine |date= February 4, 2022|urlissn=https://archive.org/details/Wireframe59/page/40/mode/2up?q=%22the+merchant%22+%22Resident+Evil+4%222631-6730 |title=20 Memorable NPC Performances |magazine= Wireframe|issue=59 |page=40 |access-date=May 15, 2023}}</ref>

Max Scoville of ''IGN'' called the Merchant absurd, but also stated that the character exemplified the game's great aspects. Saying that he has "all the subtle salesmanship of a [[crack dealer]] in a 1980s anti-drug [[Public service announcement|PSA]]", he characterized the Merchant as both menacing and goofy. Scoville described the Merchant's design as combining "[[fantasy]] [[Role-playing video game|RPG]]" aesthetics with "slick futuristic stuff", the player's view of the character changing when he opens his coat to reveal the weapons he has for sale. Commenting on the Merchant's unusual penchant for buying antiques in exchange for weapons, Scoville states that the game "flaunts" its [[ludonarrative dissonance]] rather than trying to hide it. Mentioning a fan theory that the Merchant might be multiple individuals who dress and speak the same way, Scoville said that it only made the Merchant more ridiculous if true, like a "scary [[mall Santa]]".<ref name="IGN">{{Cite web |last=Scoville |first=Max |date=2023-04-12 |title=The ''RE4'' Merchant Exemplifies Everything Great About the Game |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-merchant-capcom |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=[[IGN]] |languagearchive-date=en2023-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422013654/https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-merchant-capcom |url-status=live }}</ref> Nick Bunce of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' stated that the Merchant's signature "Whaddya buyin'?" line was "eternally etched into [his] psyche", calling the character a "walking enigma". Saying that despite the Merchant's glowing eyes, he was seemingly unaffected by the mind-controlling Plaga parasite, Bunce described him as a "well-stocked ally" who "brought a unique warmth" to the hostile environment around him, claiming that his voice created "a neural connection" that meant both safety and a material advantage. Bunce said he was "bitterly disappointed" that the Merchant's original voice actor did not reprise his role in the remake.<ref name=":0" />

The Merchant appeared in a skit by [[parody]] group [[Mega64]], who acted as him towards unassuming passerby while wearing a [[cosplay]] of the character.<ref name=":1" /> Another parody featuring the Merchant allows players to take the role of [[Ashley Graham (Resident Evil)|Ashley]] and date him alongside other characters in the format of an [[otome game]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Alistair |date=2017-04-08 |title=Date The Merchant From ''Resident Evil 4'' In This Otome Visual Novel |url=https://www.siliconera.com/date-merchant-resident-evil-4-otome-visual-novel/ |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=[[Siliconera]] |languagearchive-date=en2023-US04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422070319/https://www.siliconera.com/date-merchant-resident-evil-4-otome-visual-novel/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, [[indie game]] developer Fractal Projects announced ''Save Room – The Merchant'', a sequel to their ''[[Save Room – Organization Puzzle|Save Room]]'' item management video game that adds a female character inspired by the Merchant.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/resident-evil-save-room-game |website=PCGamesN |last=Smith |first=Ed |title=New Resident Evil saveSave roomRoom gameGame seesSees the returnReturn of ''RE4''{{'}}s Merchant |date=June 28, 2023 |accessdate=June 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628114541/https://www.pcgamesn.com/resident-evil-save-room-game |url-status=live }}</ref>