DC Database
No edit summary
Tag: sourceedit
No edit summary
(31 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
| Title = [[League of Assassins]]
 
| Title = [[League of Assassins]]
 
| OfficialName = The League of Assassins
 
| OfficialName = The League of Assassins
| Aliases = The League of Shadows, The Society of Assassins, The Society of Shadows
+
| Aliases = The League of Shadows, The Society of Assassins, The Society of Shadows, The Brotherhood of the Demon, Demonfang<ref>{{c|Justice League of America Vol 1 94}}</ref>
 
 
| Status = Active
 
| Status = Active
 
| Alignment = Bad
 
| Alignment = Bad
Line 12: Line 11:
   
 
| OrganizationLeaders = [[Ra's al Ghul (New Earth)|Ra's al Ghul]], [[Talia al Ghul (New Earth)|Talia al Ghul]], [[Nyssa Raatko (New Earth)|Nyssa Raatko]]
 
| OrganizationLeaders = [[Ra's al Ghul (New Earth)|Ra's al Ghul]], [[Talia al Ghul (New Earth)|Talia al Ghul]], [[Nyssa Raatko (New Earth)|Nyssa Raatko]]
| CurrentMembers = [[Alpha (New Earth)|Alpha]], [[Slade Wilson (New Earth)|Deathstroke]], [[Detonator (New Earth)|Detonator]], [[Otto Netz (New Earth)|Doctor Dedalus]], [[Ebeneezer Darrk (New Earth)|Ebeneezer Dark]], [[Tzin-Tzin (New Earth)|Doctor Tzin-Tzin]], [[Kitty Kumbata (New Earth)|Kitty Kumbata]], [[Kyle Abbot (New Earth)|Kyle Abbot]], [[Sandra Wu-San (New Earth)|Lady Shiva]], [[Mad Dog (New Earth)|Mad Dog]], [[Maduvu (New Earth)|Maduvu]], [[Merlyn (New Earth)|Merlyn]], [[Owens (New Earth)|Owens]], [[Prudence Wood (New Earth)|Pru]], [[Razorburn (New Earth)|Razorburn]], [[Sensei (New Earth)|The Sensei]], [[Shellcase (New Earth)|Shellcase]], [[Shrike III (New Earth)|Shrike I]], [[Boone (New Earth)|Shrike II]], [[Silver Monkey (New Earth)|Silver Monkey]], [[Expediter (New Earth)|The Expediter]], [[Hook (New Earth)|The Hook]], [[Tiger Moth (New Earth)|Tiger Moth]], [[Tigris (New Earth)|Tigris]], [[Ubu (New Earth)|Ubu]], [[Vial (New Earth)|Vial]], [[Wam Wam (New Earth)|Wam Wam]], [[Whip III (New Earth)|Whip]], [[Whisper A'Daire (New Earth)|Whisper A'Daire]], [[White Ghost]], [[White Willow (New Earth)|White Willow]], [[Zeddmore Washington (New Earth)|Z]]
+
| CurrentMembers = [[Alpha (New Earth)|Alpha]], [[Slade Wilson (New Earth)|Deathstroke]], [[Detonator (New Earth)|Detonator]], [[Otto Netz (New Earth)|Doctor Dedalus]], [[Ebenezer Darrk (New Earth)|Ebeneezer Dark]], [[Tzin-Tzin (New Earth)|Doctor Tzin-Tzin]], [[Kitty Kumbata (New Earth)|Kitty Kumbata]], [[Kyle Abbot (New Earth)|Kyle Abbot]], [[Sandra Wu-San (New Earth)|Lady Shiva]], [[Mad Dog (New Earth)|Mad Dog]], [[Maduvu (New Earth)|Maduvu]], [[Merlyn (New Earth)|Merlyn]], [[Owens (New Earth)|Owens]], [[Prudence Wood (New Earth)|Pru]], [[Razorburn (New Earth)|Razorburn]], [[Sensei (New Earth)|The Sensei]], [[Shellcase (New Earth)|Shellcase]], [[Shrike III (New Earth)|Shrike I]], [[Boone (New Earth)|Shrike II]], [[Silver Monkey (New Earth)|Silver Monkey]], [[Expediter (New Earth)|The Expediter]], [[Hook (New Earth)|The Hook]], [[Tiger Moth (New Earth)|Tiger Moth]], [[Tigris (New Earth)|Tigris]], [[Ubu (New Earth)|Ubu]], [[Vial (New Earth)|Vial]], [[Wam Wam (New Earth)|Wam Wam]], [[Whip III (New Earth)|Whip]], [[Whisper A'Daire (New Earth)|Whisper A'Daire]], [[White Ghost]], [[White Willow (New Earth)|White Willow]], [[Zeddmore Washington (New Earth)|Z]]
| FormerMembers = [[Bane (New Earth)|Bane]], [[Benjamin Turner (New Earth)|Bronze Tiger]], [[Cassandra Cain (New Earth)|Cassandra Cain]], [[Damian Wayne (Prime Earth)|Damian al Ghul]], [[David Cain (New Earth)|David Cain]], [[Onyx Adams (New Earth)|Onyx]], [[Viper (Earth-One)|Viper]]
+
| FormerMembers = [[Bane (New Earth)|Bane]], [[Benjamin Turner (New Earth)|Bronze Tiger]], [[Cassandra Cain (New Earth)|Cassandra Cain]], [[Damian Wayne (New Earth)|Damian al Ghul]], [[David Cain (New Earth)|David Cain]], [[Onyx Adams (New Earth)|Onyx]], [[Red Talon (New Earth)|Red Talon]], [[Viper (Earth-One)|Viper]]
 
| Allies = [[Leviathan Organization]]
 
| Allies = [[Leviathan Organization]]
| Enemies = The [[Batman Family]], [[Boston Brand (New Earth)|Deadman]], Industrial Civilization, [[Justice League of America (New Earth)|Justice League]]
+
| Enemies = [[Michael Lane (New Earth)|Azrael]], [[Cassandra Cain (New Earth)|Batgirl]], [[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]], [[Dinah Laurel Lance (New Earth)|Black Canary]], [[Jefferson Pierce (New Earth)|Black Lightning]], [[Selina Kyle (New Earth)|Catwoman]], [[Boston Brand (New Earth)|Deadman]], [[Guy Gardner (New Earth)|Green Lantern]], [[Justice League of America (New Earth)|Justice League]], [[Richard Grayson (New Earth)|Nightwing]], [[Patrick O'Brian (New Earth)|Plastic Man]], [[Timothy Drake (New Earth)|Red Robin]], [[Kara Zor-El (New Earth)|Supergirl]], [[Kal-El (New Earth)|Superman]]
 
 
| Origin =
 
| Origin =
 
| PlaceOfFormation =
 
| PlaceOfFormation =
Line 27: Line 25:
 
| Speaker =
 
| Speaker =
   
  +
| Overview =
 
The '''League of Assassins''' was a secret organization founded by [[Ra's al Ghul]] (exactly when is unknown) to be "the fang that protects the head".<ref>{{c|Batgirl #67}}</ref> The Members of the League were extremely skilled killers, who demonstrated willingness to die at a word from their leader, Ra's. They have included some of the most dangerous assassins in the world including [[Lady Shiva]], [[David Cain]], and master archer [[Merlyn]]. For much of its current history, any member to fail in an assassination was in turn targeted by the League. In more recent years, this policy has apparently relaxed somewhat.
 
| HistoryText =
 
| HistoryText =
   
 
===Doctor Ebeneezer Darrk===
 
===Doctor Ebeneezer Darrk===
 
Ebeneezer Darrk, aka [[Ebenezer Darrk (New Earth)|Doctor Darrk]], was the first known individual assigned to head the League of Assassins by Ra's al Ghul. Darrk himself was seconded by The [[Sensei]], a martial arts master from Hong Kong. Although many of the League's leaders over the years have been accomplished martial artists, Darrk himself did not depend on physical prowess. As an assassin, he instead relied upon careful planning, manipulation, ambushes and death traps, as well as a variety of cleverly concealed weapons and poisons. Although the League apparently had an inner circle of elite fighters as well as a large number of warriors trained in the martial arts, The League during Darrk's tenure as leader reflected his personal methodology.
The League of Assassins was founded by Ra's al Ghul (exactly when is unknown) to be "the fang that protects the head".<ref>{{c|Batgirl #67}}</ref> Members of the League demonstrated willingness to die at a word from Ra's. They have included some of the most dangerous assassins in the world including [[Lady Shiva]], [[David Cain]], and master archer [[Merlyn]]. For much of its current history, any member to fail in an assassination was in turn targeted by the League (and indeed, one of its most well known members, the master-archer Merlyn was eventually forced to flee from the League, fearing for his life, having failed to assassinate Batman). In more recent years, this policy has apparently relaxed somewhat.
 
   
  +
Under Darrk's leadership, the League started a large killing spree across Europe, which soon became target of investigation by the [[Interpol]]. When the pattern was clear, the Interpol warned [[Gotham City]]'s Police Commissioner [[James Gordon]] about the next target of the murder trail as a shipping magnate, then located in Gotham. Gordon tried to provide police protection, but when refused, he contacted [[Batman]], who thwarted the killing of the magnate and captured the assassin. It was during this case, that Batman first became aware of the League's existence and activities.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #405}}</ref> After this incident, Darrk tried to murder the next target personally, but Batman interfered, forcing Darrk to retreat, leaving his victim alive.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #406}}</ref> Following a "falling out" with Ra's, Darrk kidnapped Ra's daughter, [[Talia al Ghul]]. Batman rescued Talia and finally captured Darrk, but when he tried to kill Batman, he was shot and killed by Talia.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #411}}</ref>
Ebeneezer Darrk, aka [[Doctor Darrk]], was the first known individual assigned to head the League of Assassins by Ra's al Ghul. Darrk himself was seconded by The [[Sensei]], a martial arts master from Hong Kong. Although many of the League's leaders over the years have been accomplished martial artists, Darrk himself did not depend on physical prowess. As an assassin, he instead relied upon careful planning, manipulation, ambushes and death traps, as well as a variety of cleverly concealed weapons and poisons. Although the League apparently had an inner circle of elite fighters as well as a large number of warriors trained in the martial arts, The League during Darrk's tenure as leader reflected his personal methodology. Following a "falling out" with Ra's (the exact details of which were never made clear), Darrk kidnapped Ra's daughter, [[Talia al Ghul]]. Batman became involved in this matter while attempting to bring the League to justice for a number of recent killings. Although he had connected the League to several assassinations over the years, all previous attempts to investigate had met dead-ends. Batman rescued Talia (the first time the two would meet, laying the foundation for all their future interaction) and Darrk died while trying to kill them.
 
  +
  +
After Darrk's death, Ra's al Ghul took over the organization for a short time and he used the assassins to attack Batman in Gotham City, although they ultimately failed as the Dark Knight was assisted by the [[Jack Ryder (New Earth)|Creeper]] against them.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #448}}</ref>
   
 
===The Sensei===
 
===The Sensei===
  +
The Sensei was in command of a small faction of the League and during this time, he arranged an initiation process, where the operative known as the [[Hook]] was assigned to murder Boston Brand, who would become [[Deadman]] after his death.{{Cn}}
Under the direction of the organization's second known leader, the villainous Sensei, the League became more brutal and rebelled against Ra's' rule. Although the Sensei's methods closely resembled Darrk's, and the majority of the League's operatives showed little to no real skill in personal combat, the Sensei did show slightly more reliance on skilled martial artists. This version of the League is best known for two assassinations. As part of an initiation process, the operative known as the [[Hook]] was assigned to murder Boston Brand (who became [[Deadman]] after his death). Additionally, Professor Ojo successfully brainwashed Ben Turner (best friend and partner of [[Richard Dragon]]), creating an alternate personality dubbed the [[Bronze Tiger]], turning the master martial artist into a League operative. As the Bronze Tiger, Turner defeated Batman in personal combat while another League operative murdered [[Kathy Kane (Earth-One)|Kathy Kane]] (the secret identity of Batwoman in pre-[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]] continuity, and a close personal friend of Batman's post-Crisis). Eventually, Turner's training at the hands of the O-Sensei proved too strong for the League to fully break; when he refused to kill Batman, Turner was forced to flee the League. Not long afterwards, the insane Sensei - no longer motivated by anything but a desire to raise assassination to an art - attempted to cause an artificial earthquake in order to kill a number of diplomats gathered for peace talks. Batman traced Ben Turner to a hospital, foiling a League attempt to assassinate the man. Turner could not fully remember the actions of his alternate personality (although years later, as a member of the [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]], he would reveal that the League had used him to kill a number of people) but he was able to aid Batman in uncovering the Sensei's latest plot. Although Batman was unable to prevent the earthquake, ultimately it was only the Sensei himself that died in the disaster, and control of the League returned to Ra's.
 
  +
  +
After Darrk's death, the Sensei took control of the League after most of its members defected away from Ra's al Ghul's leadership. Under the Sensei's direction, the League became more brutal and although the majority of the League's operatives showed little to no real skill in personal combat, the Sensei did show slightly more reliance on skilled martial artists. Shortly after his crowning as leader of The League, Professor Ojo successfully brainwashed Ben Turner (best friend and partner of [[Richard Dragon]]), creating an alternate personality dubbed the [[Bronze Tiger]], turning the master martial artist into a League operative. As the Bronze Tiger, Turner defeated Batman in personal combat while another League operative murdered [[Kathy Kane (Earth-One)|Kathy Kane]].<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #485}}</ref>
  +
  +
Eventually, Turner's training at the hands of the O-Sensei proved too strong for the League to fully break; when he refused to kill Batman, Turner was forced to flee the League. Afterwards, small factions of the League started to get captured by Batman after the Sensei went into hiding in Gotham.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #486}}</ref> During this period, the League tried to retrieve a powerful formula that would help them defeat their enemies, but they were stopped by the combined efforts of Batman and Ra's al Ghul.<ref>{{c|The Brave and the Bold #159}}</ref>
  +
  +
Batman traced Ben Turner to a hospital, foiling a League attempt to assassinate the man. Turner could not fully remember the actions of his alternate personality (although years later, as a member of the [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]], he would reveal that the League had used him to kill a number of people) but he was able to aid Batman in uncovering the Sensei's latest plot.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #489}}</ref> The insane Sensei - no longer motivated by anything but a desire to raise assassination to an art - attempted to cause an artificial earthquake in order to kill a number of diplomats gathered for peace talks. Although Batman was unable to prevent the earthquake, Sensei was cornered and then challenged by Ra's al Ghul for the control of the League. Both adversaries apparently died in the earthquake of Sensei's making, leaving the League leaderless for a short time.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #490}}</ref> It was probably during this time that most of the members of the League became assassins for hire and once again, they were stopped by Batman.<ref>{{c|Batman #431}}</ref>
   
 
===Role in the Creation of Lady Shiva===
 
===Role in the Creation of Lady Shiva===
It was recently revealed that, prior to the betrayals of Doctor Darrk and the Sensei, Ra's had grown tired of the fickle loyalties of his warriors. Ra's assigned David Cain to create a perfect bodyguard ("The One Who Is All"). After early attempts to raise such a person resulted in hopelessly psychotic children, Cain decided that he needed a genetically-suited child and began searching for a possible mother. To this end, he assassinated Carolyn Woosan/Wu-San, one of two astonishingly talented martial artist sisters he had seen fighting in an exhibition. Carolyn's sister, Sandra, swore revenge and tracked Cain down, only to be subdued by the combined might of the League. Both intoxicated and frightened by the levels of skill she was attaining now that she was no longer holding back for her sister's sake, Sandra agreed to be the mother of Cain's child. In return, the League spared Sandra's life and assisted her in further training. By the time Sandra gave birth, she had surpassed the entire League in skill. She left immediately following the birth of her daughter, Cassandra Cain, rechristening herself Lady Shiva.
+
Prior to the betrayals of Doctor Darrk and the Sensei, Ra's had grown tired of the fickle loyalties of his warriors. Ra's assigned David Cain to create a perfect bodyguard ("The One Who Is All"). After early attempts to raise such a person resulted in hopelessly psychotic children, Cain decided that he needed a genetically-suited child and began searching for a possible mother. To this end, he assassinated Carolyn Woosan/Wu-San, one of two astonishingly talented martial artist sisters he had seen fighting in an exhibition. Carolyn's sister, Sandra, swore revenge and tracked Cain down, only to be subdued by the combined might of the League. Both intoxicated and frightened by the levels of skill she was attaining now that she was no longer holding back for her sister's sake, Sandra agreed to be the mother of Cain's child. In return, the League spared Sandra's life and assisted her in further training. By the time Sandra gave birth, she had surpassed the entire League in skill. She left immediately following the birth of her daughter, Cassandra Cain, rechristening herself Lady Shiva.
   
 
Other stories would suggest that at some points afterwords. Shiva worked as a member of the League. Eyewitness testimony from former League member [[Onyx Adams (New Earth)|Onyx]] indicates that she kept in contact with the League, although she apparently did not see her daughter. Although most of her appearances over the years show her working independently, she apparently had some degree of League membership and was called upon by Ra's to "rescue" Talia during the Hush storyline.
 
Other stories would suggest that at some points afterwords. Shiva worked as a member of the League. Eyewitness testimony from former League member [[Onyx Adams (New Earth)|Onyx]] indicates that she kept in contact with the League, although she apparently did not see her daughter. Although most of her appearances over the years show her working independently, she apparently had some degree of League membership and was called upon by Ra's to "rescue" Talia during the Hush storyline.
Line 54: Line 62:
 
Although many of its members had died or defected, the League survived the [[Infinite Crisis]], and was seen to play an important role in [[Secret Society of Super-Villains III|The Society]]'s world-wide prison break.<ref>{{c|Infinite Crisis Special: Villains United #1}}</ref> Throughout the aftermath, the League remained under the control of Nyssa until she was apparently killed in a car explosion. Cassandra Cain apparently took over the League as its new leader. All the members thus far seen in Cassandra's version of the League have been unnamed masked martial artists. There is debate as to whether or not Cassandra was really in charge, brainwashed by Deathstroke as she was, but she served as a powerful symbol. After she regained her senses and left the league, it splintered into several factions unsure of who to follow.
 
Although many of its members had died or defected, the League survived the [[Infinite Crisis]], and was seen to play an important role in [[Secret Society of Super-Villains III|The Society]]'s world-wide prison break.<ref>{{c|Infinite Crisis Special: Villains United #1}}</ref> Throughout the aftermath, the League remained under the control of Nyssa until she was apparently killed in a car explosion. Cassandra Cain apparently took over the League as its new leader. All the members thus far seen in Cassandra's version of the League have been unnamed masked martial artists. There is debate as to whether or not Cassandra was really in charge, brainwashed by Deathstroke as she was, but she served as a powerful symbol. After she regained her senses and left the league, it splintered into several factions unsure of who to follow.
   
With Ra's al Ghul gone, the leadership of the League was claimed by Talia and under her command, they started searching for Batman, who was captured by the [[Black Glove]]. Talia, her son [[Damian Wayne (Prime Earth)|Damian]] and a small faction of the League arrived a [[Wayne Manor]], where they disabled several traps, saving [[James Gordon (New Earth)|James Gordon]] in the process.<ref>{{c|Batman #680}}</ref>
+
With Ra's al Ghul gone, the leadership of the League was claimed by Talia and under her command, they started searching for Batman, who was captured by the [[Black Glove]]. Talia, her son [[Damian Wayne (New Earth)|Damian]] and a small faction of the League arrived a [[Wayne Manor]], where they disabled several traps, saving [[James Gordon (New Earth)|James Gordon]] in the process.<ref>{{c|Batman #680}}</ref>
   
 
===Return of Ra's Al Ghul===
 
===Return of Ra's Al Ghul===
Line 60: Line 68:
   
 
Under his leadership, Ra's commanded a small faction of the League to capture [[Richard Grayson (New Earth)|Nightwing]] and deliver him to his secret lair, but the assassins failed and Nightwing defeated them.<ref>{{c|Nightwing Vol 2 152}}</ref>
 
Under his leadership, Ra's commanded a small faction of the League to capture [[Richard Grayson (New Earth)|Nightwing]] and deliver him to his secret lair, but the assassins failed and Nightwing defeated them.<ref>{{c|Nightwing Vol 2 152}}</ref>
 
{{Continued in The New 52|League of Assassins (Prime Earth)|League of Assassins}}
 
   
 
| Equipment =
 
| Equipment =
Line 71: Line 77:
 
| Trivia =
 
| Trivia =
 
* [[Timothy Drake (New Earth)|Tim Drake]] has estimated, based on looking at their receipts as a business, that the League of Assassins kills about 100 people every month worldwide.<ref>{{c|Red Robin #6}}</ref>
 
* [[Timothy Drake (New Earth)|Tim Drake]] has estimated, based on looking at their receipts as a business, that the League of Assassins kills about 100 people every month worldwide.<ref>{{c|Red Robin #6}}</ref>
  +
* The League of Assassins bear striking resemblances to the Hashshashin, an medieval Islamic order of trained combatants and assassins, who were also lead by a mysterious "Old Man of the Mountain".
 
| Links =
 
| Links =
 
}}
 
}}
  +
   
 
{{Batman Villain}}
 
{{Batman Villain}}
{{Batman}}
+
{{Batgirl Villain}}
 
[[Category:Assassins]]
 
[[Category:Assassins]]
 
[[Category:Terrorists]]
 
[[Category:Terrorists]]
  +
[[Category:Articles Needing Citation]]
  +
[[Category:Clean Up]]

Revision as of 00:34, 29 June 2020

Ebeneezer Darrk, aka Doctor Darrk, was the first known individual assigned to head the League of Assassins by Ra's al Ghul. Darrk himself was seconded by The Sensei, a martial arts master from Hong Kong. Although many of the League's leaders over the years have bee

The League of Assassins was a secret organization founded by Ra's al Ghul (exactly when is unknown) to be "the fang that protects the head".[15] The Members of the League were extremely skilled killers, who demonstrated willingness to die at a word from their leader, Ra's. They have included some of the most dangerous assassins in the world including Lady Shiva, David Cain, and master archer Merlyn. For much of its current history, any member to fail in an assassination was in turn targeted by the League. In more recent years, this policy has apparently relaxed somewhat.

History

Doctor Ebeneezer Darrk

Ebeneezer Darrk, aka Doctor Darrk, was the first known individual assigned to head the League of Assassins by Ra's al Ghul. Darrk himself was seconded by The Sensei, a martial arts master from Hong Kong. Although many of the League's leaders over the years have been accomplished martial artists, Darrk himself did not depend on physical prowess. As an assassin, he instead relied upon careful planning, manipulation, ambushes and death traps, as well as a variety of cleverly concealed weapons and poisons. Although the League apparently had an inner circle of elite fighters as well as a large number of warriors trained in the martial arts, The League during Darrk's tenure as leader reflected his personal methodology.

Under Darrk's leadership, the League started a large killing spree across Europe, which soon became target of investigation by the Interpol. When the pattern was clear, the Interpol warned Gotham City's Police Commissioner James Gordon about the next target of the murder trail as a shipping magnate, then located in Gotham. Gordon tried to provide police protection, but when refused, he contacted Batman, who thwarted the killing of the magnate and captured the assassin. It was during this case, that Batman first became aware of the League's existence and activities.[1] After this incident, Darrk tried to murder the next target personally, but Batman interfered, forcing Darrk to retreat, leaving his victim alive.[2] Following a "falling out" with Ra's, Darrk kidnapped Ra's daughter, Talia al Ghul. Batman rescued Talia and finally captured Darrk, but when he tried to kill Batman, he was shot and killed by Talia.[3]

After Darrk's death, Ra's al Ghul took over the organization for a short time and he used the assassins to attack Batman in Gotham City, although they ultimately failed as the Dark Knight was assisted by the Creeper against them.[4]

The Sensei

The Sensei was in command of a small faction of the League and during this time, he arranged an initiation process, where the operative known as the Hook was assigned to murder Boston Brand, who would become Deadman after his death.[citation needed]

After Darrk's death, the Sensei took control of the League after most of its members defected away from Ra's al Ghul's leadership. Under the Sensei's direction, the League became more brutal and although the majority of the League's operatives showed little to no real skill in personal combat, the Sensei did show slightly more reliance on skilled martial artists. Shortly after his crowning as leader of The League, Professor Ojo successfully brainwashed Ben Turner (best friend and partner of Richard Dragon), creating an alternate personality dubbed the Bronze Tiger, turning the master martial artist into a League operative. As the Bronze Tiger, Turner defeated Batman in personal combat while another League operative murdered Kathy Kane.[5]

Eventually, Turner's training at the hands of the O-Sensei proved too strong for the League to fully break; when he refused to kill Batman, Turner was forced to flee the League. Afterwards, small factions of the League started to get captured by Batman after the Sensei went into hiding in Gotham.[6] During this period, the League tried to retrieve a powerful formula that would help them defeat their enemies, but they were stopped by the combined efforts of Batman and Ra's al Ghul.[7]

Batman traced Ben Turner to a hospital, foiling a League attempt to assassinate the man. Turner could not fully remember the actions of his alternate personality (although years later, as a member of the Suicide Squad, he would reveal that the League had used him to kill a number of people) but he was able to aid Batman in uncovering the Sensei's latest plot.[8] The insane Sensei - no longer motivated by anything but a desire to raise assassination to an art - attempted to cause an artificial earthquake in order to kill a number of diplomats gathered for peace talks. Although Batman was unable to prevent the earthquake, Sensei was cornered and then challenged by Ra's al Ghul for the control of the League. Both adversaries apparently died in the earthquake of Sensei's making, leaving the League leaderless for a short time.[9] It was probably during this time that most of the members of the League became assassins for hire and once again, they were stopped by Batman.[10]

Role in the Creation of Lady Shiva

Prior to the betrayals of Doctor Darrk and the Sensei, Ra's had grown tired of the fickle loyalties of his warriors. Ra's assigned David Cain to create a perfect bodyguard ("The One Who Is All"). After early attempts to raise such a person resulted in hopelessly psychotic children, Cain decided that he needed a genetically-suited child and began searching for a possible mother. To this end, he assassinated Carolyn Woosan/Wu-San, one of two astonishingly talented martial artist sisters he had seen fighting in an exhibition. Carolyn's sister, Sandra, swore revenge and tracked Cain down, only to be subdued by the combined might of the League. Both intoxicated and frightened by the levels of skill she was attaining now that she was no longer holding back for her sister's sake, Sandra agreed to be the mother of Cain's child. In return, the League spared Sandra's life and assisted her in further training. By the time Sandra gave birth, she had surpassed the entire League in skill. She left immediately following the birth of her daughter, Cassandra Cain, rechristening herself Lady Shiva.

Other stories would suggest that at some points afterwords. Shiva worked as a member of the League. Eyewitness testimony from former League member Onyx indicates that she kept in contact with the League, although she apparently did not see her daughter. Although most of her appearances over the years show her working independently, she apparently had some degree of League membership and was called upon by Ra's to "rescue" Talia during the Hush storyline.

In keeping with Ra's and Cain's plans, the League attempted to train Cassandra Cain from birth to be the ultimate assassin, unknowingly giving her the skills she would use as the hero Batgirl.

Nyssa al Ghul

After the death of Ra's, his daughter Nyssa formed a new League. Lady Shiva was recruited to serve as Sensei to this incarnation of the League with the intent that Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) would lead the warriors themselves.

Reflecting Shiva's emphasis for martial arts, the known members of Nyssa's League were all skilled in this area and included the warriors Shrike, Kitty Kumbata, Wam Wam, Joey N'Bobo, Tigris, Momotado, Krunk, White Willow, the twin warriors Los Gemelos, Ox, "Mad Dog" Cain, Alpha, and Cristos. The new League was present when Mr. Freeze's wife Nora Fries was brought back to life as the monstrous Lazara, and several members died in the resulting chaos.

Due to the conflict between their loyalty to Shiva and Nyssa and their near-worship of Batgirl as "The One Who is All," the League split at that point with Ox, White Willow, and Tigris pledging themselves to Cassandra. Several more members of the League (including all the defectors except Tigris) died when the insane "Mad Dog" went on a killing spree. It was revealed that the "Mad Dog" had been one of David Cain's early attempts to create Ra's' perfect warrior. The "Mad Dog" had been considered useless as a child since Cain's methods had driven him murderously insane, and Ra's had ordered the child be killed. However, Nyssa knew that the servant ordered to carry out this execution had instead released him into the wild, explaining how it was possible to recruit him. The "Mad Dog" was successful in killing Batgirl (who gave her life to protect the burqa-clad assassin Tigris). She was quickly restored to life in a Lazarus Pit by Shiva in order that the two could face each other in a final battle.

Cassandra Cain

Although many of its members had died or defected, the League survived the Infinite Crisis, and was seen to play an important role in The Society's world-wide prison break.[11] Throughout the aftermath, the League remained under the control of Nyssa until she was apparently killed in a car explosion. Cassandra Cain apparently took over the League as its new leader. All the members thus far seen in Cassandra's version of the League have been unnamed masked martial artists. There is debate as to whether or not Cassandra was really in charge, brainwashed by Deathstroke as she was, but she served as a powerful symbol. After she regained her senses and left the league, it splintered into several factions unsure of who to follow.

With Ra's al Ghul gone, the leadership of the League was claimed by Talia and under her command, they started searching for Batman, who was captured by the Black Glove. Talia, her son Damian and a small faction of the League arrived a Wayne Manor, where they disabled several traps, saving James Gordon in the process.[12]

Return of Ra's Al Ghul

When Ra's Al Ghul returned, the League of Assassins once more fell under his control.

Under his leadership, Ra's commanded a small faction of the League to capture Nightwing and deliver him to his secret lair, but the assassins failed and Nightwing defeated them.[13]

Paraphernalia

Equipment: * Lazarus Pit

Trivia

  • Tim Drake has estimated, based on looking at their receipts as a business, that the League of Assassins kills about 100 people every month worldwide.[16]
  • The League of Assassins bear striking resemblances to the Hashshashin, an medieval Islamic order of trained combatants and assassins, who were also lead by a mysterious "Old Man of the Mountain".

See Also

Links

  • None.

Footnotes


Batman Villains 0003
DC Rebirth Logo

Batman Villain(s)
This character, team or organization, has been primarily an enemy of the Batman, or the Batman Family as a whole. This template will categorize articles that include it into the category "Batman Villains."

Batgirl Vol 4 5 Textless
Batgirl Villain(s)
DC Rebirth Logo

This character, team, or organization, is or was primarily an enemy of Batgirl. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Batgirl Villains category."