Aliases : 'Dragon', Richard 'Richie' Drakunovski.
Base of Operations : Dragon and Tiger Dojo, Gotham City, NJ.
Tag : richard dragon
Important Plots : None.
Journal(s) : jla_extras, uncommon_sensei
Status : Played

Powers and Abilities : One of the world's greatest martial artists, Richard Dragon has few peers amongst fighters. His years of fighting experience and disciplined training in virtually every combat style on Earth is a significant advantage in a confrontation. In addition, his ability to adapt to changing circumstances and fight on instinct alone makes him an unpredictable foe. Finally, this version of Dragon possesses a limited ability to sense the flow of chi or life energy, giving him insight as to how best to combat an opponent.

History : Richard Dragon got his start as a thief from a young age, but was captured by Ben Turner, the student of master martial artist, O-Sensei. O-Sensei taught both young men martial arts, and the two grew up regarding each other as close to brothers. Dragon came to the attention of the League of Assassins, who manipulated a young Sandra Woo-san to try and kill him. She ultimately was unable to complete the task - instead becoming Dragon's cohort and on-again, off-again lover.

Through the years, Dragon drifted and lost contact with his old friends. During this period, he trained many of the world's greatest martial artists. He blamed himself for Sandra's turn towards darkness as Lady Shiva, and Turner's brainwashing by the League of Assassins. Feeling the unbalance in his personal chi, he began to explore the darker side of the world of fighting, engaging in underground combat for prize money. During this period, he was contacted by the demon Neron, who wanted Shiva as his personal pet. In exchange for Neron healing a young boy of Dragon's acquaintance, Dragon simply had to deliver Shiva into Neron's hands - by killing her.

Dragon fought his way to the top in one of Shiva's tournaments, ultimately facing off against her in the ring - and if not for the interference of her worshippers, he would have slain her there. Instead, the interruption allowed Shiva to gain the upper hand, killing Dragon. Neron was incensed at this turn of events, and believing that no other warrior would be capable of delivering Shiva to him, resurrected Richard Dragon, demanding that he try again. Since the terms of the bargain had been fulfilled, Dragon was content to simply walk away into anonymity, believed dead by the world at large.

The cloak of anonymity would not last long, however, as efforts to help his friends and former students once more brought him into the light - revealing to the world that Richard Dragon had beaten death itself - and in so doing, finally achieved the balance he had been seeking.

Richard currently operates the Dragon and Tiger Dojo in Gotham City, along with his brother-in-arms, Ben Turner (Bronze Tiger).

Other Sources :

• Richard Dragon at the DC Database Project
• Richard Dragon at Wikipedia

Divergences : Watchtower's Dragon incorporates all of his appearances prior to 52, excepting parts of the twelve-issue 'Richard Dragon' series by Chuck Dixon. Most of the Richard Dragon series is incorporated, except where it contradicts other continuity. His 'Birds of Prey' appearance was adapted and expanded in a Watchtower plot.

Disclaimer - unless otherwise noted, all characters are property of DC Comics, used here only for roleplaying purposes.