Bronze Tiger

Bronze Tiger (Benjamin "Ben" Turner) is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Dennis O'Neil, Leopoldo Durañona, and Jim Berry, he first appeared in ''Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter'' #1 (May 1975) during the Bronze Age of Comics.

The character is often portrayed as an anti-hero or villain and is commonly depicted as an African-American grandmaster martial artist within the DC Universe alongside related characters, Richard Dragon and Lady Shiva. Turner has gained recognition as one of the premier martial artists, assassins, and spies on Earth. Over time, he has developed close associations with Batman, the League of Assassins, and various other titles and characters in the DC Universe. Notably, he has been involved with the Suicide Squad and served as a love interest for the superheroine Vixen.

The character has made appearances in various forms of media, including animated features like '' Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay'' and '' Batman: The Brave and the Bold''. Notably, Bronze Tiger became a recurring character in the television series ''Arrow'', portrayed by Michael Jai White, who also provided the character's voice in other animated adaptations.

Publication history

Bronze Tiger first appeared in ''Dragon's Fists'', a novel by Dennis O'Neil and Jim Berry which starred Richard Dragon.

Bronze Tiger's first DC Comics appearance was in ''Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter'' #1 (April/May 1975).

Fictional character biography

Early years

Born as Benjamin Turner, Ben comes from an upper-middle-class black neighborhood in Central City. When he was only 10 years old, he saw a burglar attacking his parents, and he proceeded to kill the man with a kitchen knife. In an effort to control the rage inside him, Turner turns to martial arts (and eventually, crime). After some time, Turner decides to travel to the far East to finally come to terms with his demons.As all revealed in ''Suicide Squad'' #38 (1990), written by John Ostrander (plot) and RGreenberger (script). There, he meets the O-Sensei, and studies under him, together with later recruit Richard Dragon. The meeting between Turner and Dragon starts the series ''Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter''. Sometime after, they are approached by Barney Ling, from the organization known as G.O.O.D. (Global Organization of Organized Defense), and their (reluctant) working for Ling served as the basis for the ''Kung Fu Fighter'' series.

A flashback in ''DC Comics Presents'' #39 (1981) shows Richard Dragon discovering that Turner has been brainwashed into becoming the Bronze Tiger by Professor Ojo, then used by Barney Ling (who turns out to be a traitor). Dragon and Turner prove to be equals in the fight, which only ends when Ling is accidentally knocked out a window.

League of Assassins

Later, in ''Suicide Squad'' #38, Turner's further career is shown, wherein he and Dragon are hired by King Faraday to work for the C.B.I. (Central Bureau of Intelligence). Assigned to take down the League of Assassins, Dragon and Turner are discovered by the League, who kill Turner's fiancée, Myoshi, and proceed to brainwash Turner. Turner was rid of his demons by channeling them into the identity of the Bronze Tiger, a masked assassin working for the League.

During this time, he also trains the assassin David Cain's daughter, Cassandra, together with other members of the League. As the Bronze Tiger, Turner developed a fearsome reputation in the world, his identity remaining a secret to everyone but the League.

As the Bronze Tiger, Ben was feared worldwide, and the Sensei was smart enough to ensure that Ben hardly ever took off the mask, sending him on a new mission as soon as he finished another. For a time, his identity was secret, and he became one of the most wanted criminals, the Bronze Tiger being a professional assassin, killing on three continents.

Learning of Bronze Tiger's true identity, King Faraday set up a rescue squad of Rick Flag and Nightshade. They retrieved the Tiger, and he was deprogrammed by Amanda Waller, who would later run the Suicide Squad.

''Suicide Squad''

Waller recruits Turner for the Suicide Squad, setting him up to become the team's leader. Still, he ends up the team's second-in-command under Rick Flag. On the team's first mission, the Tiger faces Ravan, whom he cripples but refuses to kill. Turner develops a relationship with Vixen while a member of the Squad's support crew, Flo Crawley, nurses a crush on him. Meeting Ravan again later, Turner convinces him to join the Squad, and the two become an effective fighting duo.

The ''Suicide Squad'' was mostly populated by villains, but the Tiger is one of the Squad's 'good' members, meant to balance out the cast of characters. He often enforces Waller's rules, such as forcing various Squad members to wear devices designed to force good behavior. A Bronze Tiger solo story appeared as a Bonus Book in ''Suicide Squad'' #21 (December 1988).

The nigh-corrupting nature of the Squad eventually leads to Flag's departure and seeming death in a nuclear explosion. Turner becomes the leader of the team, a role in which he excels, often disobeying direct orders to save the lives of his team (even if they were "expendable"). The Squad member Duchess, in reality, the Apokoliptian soldier Lashina, betrays the team and takes many, including Flo, to Apokolips. Flo does not survive the kidnapping.

Turner is eventually confronted by his superiors about his actions, and in the ensuing meeting, Turner's mind snaps.''Suicide Squad'' #38 (February 1990) He flees, traveling back to the East (leaving Vixen in the process), where he spends some time as a janissary.

Eventually, Amanda Waller reforms the Squad and again recruits Turner. In the interim, Turner has become a deeply troubled man, one who distances himself from Vixen and was constantly egging on Ravan to confront him. In a mission shortly after the team had reformed, Vixen is hurt, which unlocks Turner's feelings for her once more. He mostly returns to his old state of mind. Vixen later leaves the team, telling Turner she no longer loves him but wishes him well.

In the team's last mission, the Squad struggles to free a small island nation from the tyranny of its seemingly immortal ruler. The team must pass through a forest known for causing hallucinations. While the others experience their own mind trips, Bronze Tiger faces himself. Defeating himself and thereby exorcising his demons, Turner once again becomes a complete person. The tyrant is later defeated by Waller.

Shortly after leaving the Squad, Turner is part of Bruce Wayne's search for Jack Drake and Shondra Kinsolving, who had been kidnapped. He teams up with Green Arrow and Gypsy, a member of Justice League Task Force. Gypsy becomes romantically involved with Tiger. He later becomes her mentor in martial arts.

In a story arc of the ''Batgirl'' title in 2005, Cassandra Cain begins a search for her birth mother, who she believes is Lady Shiva. She tracks down Turner in Detroit, where he has opened the "Tiger Dojo". Both come to terms with Turner's involvement in Cassandra's training, and he expresses his pride in her becoming a hero. Bronze Tiger meets with Batman shortly afterward. He has to stop a group of villains and avenge his master.

World War III and beyond

In the ''World War III'' event, Bronze Tiger is shown to have retired but is coaxed back into action by Amanda Waller.

In ''Checkmate'' (vol. 2) Bronze Tiger rescues Rick Flag from a secret Quraci prison, where Flag had been imprisoned for four years. Notably, he is seen wearing a variant of his costume while with the League of Assassins, complete with a tiger head mask (according to writer Nunzio DeFilippis he wears the mask to prove it no longer has any power over him). Afterward, Amanda Waller appears at the Tiger Dojo, revealing to Ben that she leaked the information about Flag's whereabouts. She then enlists their aid in tracking down a supposedly rogue Suicide Squad team, a team which, in reality, was being run by Flag and Turner at Waller's behest.

In '' Countdown'' #39, Bronze Tiger is among the Suicide Squad members trying to bring in Pied Piper and the Trickster.

In '' Gotham Underground'', Bronze Tiger is among the members of the Suicide Squad arresting Two-Face, Mad Hatter, Hugo Strange, and Scarecrow. While frisking Scarecrow, he is gassed by the escaping villain, revealing a previously undiscovered fear of insects.

Bronze Tiger appears in a '' Blackest Night''-related one-shot entitled ''Blackest Night: Suicide Squad'' #67 (part of a series of one-shots operating as extra issues to long-since canceled ongoing series). He works with fellow Suicide Squad members Count Vertigo and Rick Flag to bring down a Mexican drug lord. When the Secret Six attempt to break into Belle Reve, Bronze Tiger squares off with Catman to see who is the superior feline-themed martial artist.

The New 52

In the New 52 reboot, Bronze Tiger is a high-ranking grandmaster within the League of Assassins. Alongside other assassins like Lady Shiva, Cheshire, Rictus, and December Graystone, he kidnaps Jason from the Outlaws. on account Talia al Ghul revealed to him years ago that Jason is the only one capable of stopping the Untitled, who seek the powerful Well of Sins in the League's sacred city. Bronze Tiger and the assassins battle Arsenal, who has been deceived by the Untitled, granting them entry. Although they are initially defeated, Ra's al Ghul absorbs their powers through the Well of Sins, becoming a powerful entity. Bronze Tiger allows Cheshire to aid the Outlaws due to her feelings for Arsenal, and when Ra's is depowered by Red Hood, he advises him to retreat.

Bronze Tiger also features prominently as a major antagonist in the 2014 ''Deathstroke'' comic book series. In the "Gods of War" storyline, it is revealed that Bronze Tiger shares a close friendship with the revised version of Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke. He is an ally of the covert team known as the Dead Bastards, composed of intelligence operatives believed to be deceased. The team carries out black ops missions for Interpol and the CIA, particularly those deemed ethically challenging. Within the storyline, Bronze Tiger assumes the role of a deep-cover sleeper agent, pledging his loyalty to a man who identifies himself as Odysseus. This individual is revealed to be Slade Wilson's metahuman father, who employs his powers to seize control of the League of Assassins. Alongside Shiva, Bronze Tiger serves as one of Odysseus' trusted lieutenants. Their objective is to locate Jericho and merge his powers with Odysseus', thereby granting him the ability to manipulate entire populations to his will. Ultimately, Odysseus is killed by his own son, Slade Wilson, and Bronze Tiger is freed from the mind control and sleeper agent programming that had influenced his actions.

Bronze Tiger also appears in the '' Grayson'' comic book series, where the character is a member of the Syndicate. The Syndicate is a clandestine group composed of the world's most skilled spies, dedicated to maintaining order among various intelligence agencies. In the series, Dick Grayson, known as Agent 37, is framed for the murder of Nemesis, and suspicions arise regarding Spyral's activities under the leadership of Helena Bertinelli, also known as Matron. The Syndicate intervenes to prevent a conflict between intelligence agencies. However, when Helena is left with no other choice when she believes that Grayson and Tiger (Agent 1 of Spyral and their top spy) have betrayed her, she forcibly enlists their aid. Consequently, the Syndicate hunts them down while working to prevent the resurrection of Otto Netz, the dangerous spymaster known as the original Agent Zero. As the Syndicate clashes with Grayson and Tiger at Spyral's headquarters, the true culprit behind Nemesis' murder is revealed to be Maxwell Lord and Checkmate. Lord had utilized double agents Alia (Agent Seven of Spyral) and Tiger to eliminate Nemesis, inciting a conflict that would eliminate Spyral. Lord also sought to obtain Spyral's Minos file, which contained the secret identities of Justice League members. Ultimately, the Syndicate is defeated by Midnighter.

Characterization

The character is widely regarded as one of the most highly skilled martial artists in the DC Universe. Within this fictional universe, Bronze Tiger's combat abilities are stated to be on par with esteemed martial artists such as Lady Shiva and Richard Dragon. Additionally, the character has been depicted and acknowledged to surpass Batman in the realm of hand-to-hand combat. Within various storylines throughout his publication history, the character has prevailed or contended against various other adversaries of renown martial prowess, including Deathstroke, Black Canary, and Rick Flag Jr.

Allies and friends

Having collaborated with heroes and villains alike, Bronze Tiger has cultivated a network of allies spanning both sides of the alignment spectrum:

* Deathstroke: Initially, the characters were portrayed as adversaries when Ben was a member of Task Force X. However, following the events of Flashpoint, it is indicated that Slade and Ben developed a friendship in the past prior to him becoming a more infamous assassin. Bronze Tiger affectionately refers to Slade as his "drinking buddy", and Slade often addresses him as "Tiggs".
* Batman: In their initial encounters, Bronze Tiger found himself in conflict with Batman as he was brainwashed under the control of the League of Assassins. Their battles ensued, and Bronze Tiger held the upper hand in both instances. He was also responsible for the initial disappearance of Batwoman. However, as their interactions progressed, a profound respect developed between Batman and Bronze Tiger. They became sparring partners and friends, with Ben being aware of Batman's true identity. Batman affectionately refers to him as "Big Cat" and recognizes Bronze Tiger as a superior and swifter fighter during their training sessions.
* Dick Grayson: Before the events of Flashpoint, Richard Dragon indicated that Ben had a familiarity with Nightwing. He spoke highly of Nightwing's combat abilities and vouched for his assistance in combating the Circle of Six. In subsequent appearances within the new continuity, the characters crossed paths again when Grayson was operating undercover as Agent 37 in Spyral. During this time, Ben found Grayson somewhat irritating due to his insistence on referring to him as "Bronze Tony the Tiger".
* Cheshire: One of the most renowned assassins globally, the character was subordinate to Bronze Tiger in their respective histories within the League of Assassins following the New 52 reboot. Ben developed a sense of concern for Jade, which led him to allow her to covertly aid the Outlaws after she developed feelings for one of their members, Arsenal. Despite Jade's betrayal, which put her at odds with Ra's al Ghul and the League of Assassins, Ben's care for her persisted.

Bronze Tiger's students

As a premier martial artist, Bronze Tiger has trained several other fighters in the DC Universe:

* Richard Dragon: In the 2004 ''Richard Dragon'' series, an alternative portrayal depicts Richard as Bronze Tiger's martial arts student during his formative years. They shared a close friendship, and it is suggested that Ben played a role in bestowing upon Richard the moniker of "Richard Dragon" and "The Dragon".
* Cynthia Reynolds: Before the events of Flashpoint, Cynthia was a heroic figure known by her codename "Gypsy". She received martial arts training from Bronze Tiger and, over time, their relationship evolved into a romantic one.
* Red Hood (Jason Todd): Bronze Tiger played a role as one of Jason's instructors during his training within the League of Assassins, alongside Lady Shiva. He imparted martial arts techniques and skills suitable for a mercenary to Jason. In contrast to Shiva, Jason expressed a deeper connection, considering himself not only a teacher but also his friend.
* Batgirl (Cassandra Cain): Bronze Tiger was one of Cassandra's numerous trainers prior to her becoming Batgirl.

Powers and abilities

Bronze Tiger does not possess any inherent superhuman abilities but is highly proficient in various martial arts styles, renowned for his lightning-fast reflexes. Throughout his training, he has studied under esteemed martial arts masters such as Kirigi, O-Sensei, and Sensei. While specializing in Taekwondo, he has attained expertise in a diverse range of disciplines, including Boxing, Hapkido, Jeet Kune Do, Silat, Jujutsu, Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, and Vale Tudo. It is also worth noting that he has developed defensive techniques for each style, showcasing his comprehensive understanding of martial arts principles. Bronze Tiger also possesses knowledge in harnessing his own qi energy, which allows him to accelerate his healing process.

In addition to his combat skills, Bronze Tiger is recognized as an effective field leader within the Suicide Squad. He has the ability to gather and utilize available resources to his advantage, displaying his leadership prowess. Moreover, Bronze Tiger is regarded as an expert spy, having been a member of the Syndicate, a council composed of renowned spies. He serves as a valuable informant in the mercenary community, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience in espionage.

Equipment

* Magic talisman: In the New 52 and subsequent iterations, the character possesses a magical talisman that grants him the ability to transform into a humanoid tiger.
* Tekkō-kagi'':'' In the New 52 and subsequent iterations, Bronze Tiger is occasionally depicted wielding clawed gauntlets. These gauntlets serve a dual purpose, enabling him to both attack and defend. With natural hand motions, he can slash and block opponents, utilizing them for offensive and defensive maneuvers. Furthermore, when employed skillfully, the gauntlets can be used to ensnare and disarm weapons.

Other versions

Amalgam Comics

In ''Amalgam Comics'', Bronze Tiger is combined with Marvel's Black Panther to form B'Nchalla / Bronze Panther.

In other media

Television

* Bronze Tiger appears in '' Batman: The Brave and the Bold'', voiced by Gary Anthony Sturgis. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information. This version was a student of Wong Fei and protector of a small village who displays pride as a martial artist. In his most notable appearance in the episode "Return of the Fearsome Fangs!", he forms a reluctant partnership with Batman to battle the Terrible Trio after the three kill their Sensei. Following the fight, Bronze Tiger reopens Wong Fei's school.
* Ben Turner / Bronze Tiger appears in ''Arrow'', portrayed by Michael Jai White. This version has a son named Connor Hawke. He later joins the Suicide Squad, reforms, and becomes an ally of Green Arrow.

Films

* An alternate universe incarnation of Bronze Tiger, with elements of the Cheetah, appears in '' Justice League: Gods and Monsters'', voiced by Arif S. Kinchen.
* Bronze Tiger appears in '' Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay'', voiced by Billy Brown. This version was a former CIA agent who became a vigilante after his fiancée was murdered by a former member of the League of Assassins and vowed never to take an innocent life. After being recruited by Amanda Waller's Task Force X program and tasked with retrieving a mystical "Get Out of Hell Free" card, Turner develops animosity towards the group's leader and assassin Deadshot. When the latter abandons the team to see his daughter, Waller appoints Turner as the squad's new leader. However, he is severely injured by an explosive trap set up by Professor Zoom. The squad drops off Turner at the hospital before Deadshot reassumes leadership and leads them in continuing the mission without him. Despite his injuries, Turner returns during the squad's final confrontation with Zoom, sacrificing himself to distract the speedster long enough for Deadshot to kill him. Before dying, Turner makes peace with Deadshot, who gives him the "Get Out of Hell Free" card in return.
* Bronze Tiger appears in '' Batman: Soul of the Dragon'', voiced by Michael Jai White. This version is a student of O-Sensei.

Video games

* Bronze Tiger appears as a boss in '' Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate'', voiced again by Gary Anthony Sturgis. This version is the champion of prison fights held in the titular prison. In a post-credits scene, Amanda Waller and Rick Flag recruit Bronze Tiger and Deadshot into the Suicide Squad.
* Bronze Tiger appears as a character summon in '' Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure''.
* Bronze Tiger appears as a playable character in '' Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham'', voiced by Ike Amadi.
* Bronze Tiger appears as a playable character in '' Lego DC Super-Villains'', voiced by Kane Jungbluth-Murry. This version is a member of the Legion of Doom.
* Ben Turner appears in '' Batman: Arkham Shadow'', voiced by Zeno Robinson.

Merchandise

* Bronze Tiger received a figure in wave 18 of the DC Universe Classics line.

Miscellaneous

* Bronze Tiger appears in ''The Batman Adventures'' as a member of Black Mask's gang.
* Bronze Tiger makes a cameo appearance in a flashback in '' Batman: Arkham Unhinged''.
* The Arrowverse incarnation of Bronze Tiger appears in the non-canonical digital comic ''Arrow: Season 2.5''. He and the Suicide Squad are tasked with eliminating the extremist sect, Onslaught. While fighting the group in Kahndaq, the squad captures one of the extremists and tortures them for information on Onslaught's leader, Khem-Adam. Once they get the information, the squad storm Khem-Adam's stronghold, though Bronze Tiger is killed by the Onslaught leader. Deadshot carries Bronze Tiger's body away to bury him in his home country.
* Bronze Tiger makes a minor appearance in the '' Injustice: Gods Among Us'' prequel comic.
* Bronze Tiger appears in '' Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons'', voiced by Delbert Hunt. This version is an amoral mercenary who works for H.I.V.E. under the command of fellow mercenary Jackal.

References

External links

Unofficial Guide to DC Comics entry

{{Batman characters
African-American characters in comics
African-American characters in television
Batman characters
Characters created by Dennis O'Neil
Comics characters introduced in 1975
DC Comics martial artists
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DC Comics male supervillains
Fictional assassins in comics
Fictional spies
Fictional werecats
Suicide Squad members