The Dragon King was a high-ranking Japanese war criminal during World War II who has acted an enemy of the All-Star Squadron and the Star-Spangled Kid.
History
The Dragon King was once a brilliant scientist living in Imperial Japan. He joined the Black Dragon Society when World War II began, making him second only to the Emperor in power in his country. Dragon King was the scientist who created the specialized nerve gas K887.
World War II
More significantly, the Dragon King was personally responsible for defending Japan's entire empire against all attacks by the large number of super-powered enemy warriors who were serving the cause of the Allies. This he accomplished by black magic, combining the power of the Holy Grail itself with that of an artifact held by his ally, Hitler himself, the Spear of Destiny. Between them they created a field of arcane magic that shielded the Axis nations of Imperial Japan and Nazi-occupied Europe from any super-powered threats. This "Sphere of Influence" worked to supernaturally twist the loyalties of any super attacker, turning him or her against their own allies. This was probably the most important Axis victory of the entire war.
The All-Star Squadron still attempted to invade Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor though, and they went in along with various non powered heroes. Realizing the power of the Dragon King's magic shield, the All-Star Squadron attacked from afar and forced the villain into a hasty retreat.[1] The Dragon King continued to be a foe to the All-Star Squadron throughout World War II, and, after the war, he continued to be a threat to world peace.
In the 1950's, another evil plot of his was thwarted by the heroine Firebrand, who died in the process.
Modern Day
The Dragon King survived until modern times and moved to the United States, living in the small town of Blue Valley, Nebraska, with his daughter Cindy Burman, who herself became the supervillain Shiv. However Blue Valley was also home to former All-Star Squadron member Pat "Stripsey" Dugan and his step daughter Courtney Whitmore, who started operating as the new Star-Spangled Kid and S.T.R.I.P.E.. They went up against the war criminal with the help of Pat's old teammate the Shining Knight. Sir Justin was on the quest to find the missing Holy Grail. It was revealed that the Dragon King was responsible for the death of Firebrand all those years ago. He died during the battle, though the body was never located.[2]
Powers and Abilities
Abilities
Notes
- Although this character was originally introduced during DC's Earth-Two era of publication, their existence following the events of the 1985–86 limited series Crisis on Infinite Earths remains intact. However, some elements of the character's Pre-Crisis history may have been altered or removed for Post-Crisis New Earth continuity, and no longer apply.
Related
- 20 Appearances of Dragon King (New Earth)
- 4 Images featuring Dragon King (New Earth)
- Quotations by or about Dragon King (New Earth)
- Character Gallery: Dragon King (New Earth)
Footnotes