Following the uprising of Kung Fu popularity in the ’70s, many comic characters were created with expert skills in martial arts. One of the more famous African-American antiheroes during this time was particularly skilled in this form of combat. Do you know who he was?

Ben Turner, a/k/a the Bronze Tiger – created by Dennis O’Neil, Jim Berry, and Leo Duranona – made his first appearance in the novel, Dragon's Fists. His first appearance into the DC Universe came in the comic Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter. Turner was born and raised in an upper middle class neighborhood in the heart of Central City. When he was only 10 years old he managed to kill a burglar who was attempting to harm his parents. Initially, Turner tried to control the rage inside him by turning to the study of martial arts, before falling to a life of crime. After a while, Turner traveled to the far East to finally come to terms with his many demons.

While there he began studying under O-Sensei, along with another recruit, Richard Dragon. This meeting, between Turner and Dragon, serves as the start of the series Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter. Later on, the pair are approached by Barney Ling from the organization G.O.O.D. (Global Organization of Organized Defense). The Kung Fu Fighter series followed their reluctant service for Ling and his organization. In 1981, a flashback in DC Comics Presents #39 revealed that Turner was brainwashed into becoming the Bronze Tiger by supervillain Professor Ojo.

Eventually, Turner successfully rid himself of his demons by channeling them into the identity of the Bronze Tiger. Thereafter, the Bronze Tiger begins working as a masked assassin for the League of Assassins. Naturally. Over the years, both Turner and the Bronze Tiger have made numerous appearances across several comic book series, kicking butt and taking names.

One thing is for sure, you don't want to find yourself at odds with this masterful fighter.