Richard Dragon (or simply Dragon) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Dennis O'Neil and James R. Berry in the novel Kung Fu Master, Richard Dragon: Dragon's Fists (1974) under the shared pseudonym "Jim Dennis". O'Neil later adapted the character for DC Comics.[2] Since the character's creation, he is credited as one of the most premier martial artists in the DC Universe. Having varied backgrounds, Richard Drakunovski was originally a foreigner thief in Kyoto raised and trained in martial arts by instructor O-Sensei and alongside long-time friend Bronze Tiger. As adults, the pair used their skills as vigilantes and special agents alongside Lady Shiva to fight for good and justice. An alternate background depicts him as poor youth from Detroit whose encounter with Ben Turner allowed him to take him in as a student, becoming a master in his own right and a trainer to various heroes. Recent stories takes aspects of histories, making him a hero, instructor, and having been affiliated with the League of Assassins as a benevolent figure until he is killed by one of his former students, who succeeds him and takes his name. Richard Dragon has been adapted in media, making his first animated appearance in Batman: Soul of the Dragon, voiced by Mark Dacascos and is visually inspired by Bruce Lee. His successor, Richard Diaz Jr., appears in Arrow, portrayed by Kirk Acevedo.