Richard Dragon
Richard Dragon (or simply Dragon) is the alias of two characters appearing in media published by DC Comics. Although both incarnations differ in alignment, they are both portrayed as extremely accomplished martial artists with connections to the League of Assassins.
| Richard Dragon | |
|---|---|
Richard Drakunovski as Richard Dragon in a promotional image to Richard Dragon (2004-2005) comic book series. Art by Scott McDaniel. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Richard Drakunovski: Dragon's Fists novel (1974) Ricardo Diaz, Jr.: Green Arrow #23 (October 2013) |
| Created by | Drakunovski: Dennis O'Neil (writer) Jim Berry (artist) Diaz Jr. : Jeff Lemire Andrea Sorrentino |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Richard Drakunovski Ricardo Diaz Jr. |
| Species | Human |
| Team affiliations | Richard Drakunovski: G.O.O.D. Ricardo Diaz Jr.: League of Assassins Longbow Hunters |
| Partnerships | Bronze Tiger Lady Shiva The Question Huntress Connor Hawke Oracle Batman Black Canary Nightwing |
| Abilities |
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The first incarnation, Richard Drakunovski, was created by Dennis O'Neil and James R. Berry in the novel Kung Fu Master, Richard Dragon: Dragon's Fists (1974) under the pseudonym "Jim Dennis". O'Neil later adapted the character for DC Comics in the comic book Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter. A thief who was trained in martial arts and decided to use his skills for good, the character is considered one of DC Comic's premier martial artists alongside peers such as Bronze Tiger, Lady Shiva, and Batman. In more recent continuities, the character himself is also depicted as a more benevolent member of the League of Assassins who met his demise by a former student.
In DC's New 52 continuity, a new villainous character who uses the alias is revealed to be the Green Arrow villain Ricardo Diaz Jr. Raised as son of a kingpin, the character would be prompted the seek revenge after witnessing Green Arrow kill his father. Eventually finding the League of Assassins, he was mentored by Richard Drakunvoski in martial arts but rejected his more peaceful philosophies and killed his master before adopting his moniker.
The Ricardo Diaz incarnation of the character appeared in the Arrowverse series Arrow in the sixth and seventh seasons, portrayed by Kirk Acevedo.