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{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|image=[[Image:BronzeTigerCM7.jpg|225px]]
|caption=Bronze Tiger as depicted on the cover to ''[[Checkmate (comics)|Checkmate]]'' (vol. 2) #7 (December 2006). Art by
|character_name=Bronze Tiger
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
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|supports =
|powers=
*
*Skilled strategist, tactician, and manipulator
*Chi manipulation enabling sensing and accelerated healing.
*Mystic talisman allows him to transform into a
}}
'''Bronze Tiger''' ('''Benjamin''' "'''Ben'''" '''Turner''') is a character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. Created by [[Dennis O'Neil]], Leopoldo Durañona, and [[Jim Berry (cartoonist)|Jim Berry]], he first appeared in ''Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter'' #1 (May 1975)
The character is often portrayed as an [[Antihero|anti-hero]] or [[villain]] and is commonly depicted as an [[African Americans|African-American]] [[Grandmaster (martial arts)|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 (comics)|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 (TV series)|Arrow]]'', portrayed by [[Michael Jai White]], who also provided the character's voice in other animated adaptations.
==Publication history==
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===Early years===
Born as Benjamin Turner, Ben comes from an upper-middle-class black neighborhood in [[Central City (DC Comics)|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.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Greenberger |first1=Robert |title=The Essential Batman Encyclopedia |date=2008 |publisher=Del Rey |isbn=978-0-345-50106-6 |pages=65–66}}</ref> 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.<ref name="SS38">As all revealed in ''Suicide Squad'' #38 (1990), written by [[John Ostrander]] (plot) and [[RGreenberger]] (script).</ref> There, he meets the
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.
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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 [[DC Comics Bonus Book|Bonus Book]] in ''Suicide Squad'' #21 (December 1988).<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/45449/ ''Suicide Squad'' #21] at the [[Grand Comics Database]]</ref>
The nigh-corrupting nature of the Squad eventually leads to
Turner is eventually confronted by his superiors about his actions, and in the ensuing meeting, Turner's mind snaps.<ref name=":0">''Suicide Squad'' #38 (February 1990)</ref> He flees, traveling back to the East (leaving Vixen in the process), where he spends some time as a [[janissary]].
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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.<ref>''Suicide Squad'' #65 (1992), written by [[John Ostrander]] and [[Kim Yale]]</ref>
Shortly after leaving the Squad, Turner is part of Bruce Wayne's search for [[Jack Drake
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
===World War III and beyond===
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- ''Nunzio DeFilippis'' [http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=3868482&postcount=13 Comic Book Resources Forums, October 24 2006]</ref>). 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 (comics)|Countdown]]'' #39, Bronze Tiger is among the Suicide Squad members trying to bring in [[Pied Piper (
In
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
===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.<ref name=":3" />
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.<ref name=":4" />
Bronze Tiger also appears in the ''[[Grayson (comic book)|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.<ref name="DC Comics">{{Cite book |last1=King |first1=Tom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CLIDDQAAQBAJ |title=Grayson Vol. 4: A Ghost in the Tomb |last2=Seeley |first2=Tim |date=2016-10-06 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-4012-7270-8 |language=en}}</ref>
== 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.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite book |last=Scott |first=Melanie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HAzZvAEACAAJ |title=DC Comics Ultimate Character Guide |date=2019-03-04 |publisher=Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Incorporated |isbn=978-0-241-36137-5 |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, the character has been depicted<ref>{{Cite book |last=O'Neil |first=Dennis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h8vVDwAAQBAJ |title=Batman: Tales of the Demon |date=2020-03-17 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-4012-9944-6 |language=en}}</ref> and acknowledged to surpass Batman in the realm of hand-to-hand combat.<ref name=":6" /> 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|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".<ref name=":4" />
* '''[[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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=King |first=Tom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=98p3DgAAQBAJ |title=Batman Vol. 2: I Am Suicide |date=2017-04-18 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-4012-7705-5 |language=en}}</ref>
* '''[[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.<ref name=":5" /> 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".<ref name="DC Comics"/>
* [[Cheshire (comics)|'''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.<ref name=":3" />
=== 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".<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Dixon |first=Chuck |title=Richard Dragon #1-12 |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |year=2005}}</ref>
* '''[[Gypsy (comics)|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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Waid |first=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=owAoDwAAQBAJ |title=Justice League Task Force (1993-) #0 |date=2012-04-11 |publisher=DC Comics |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Jason Todd|'''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.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Tynion |first=James IV |title=Red Hood and the Outlaws. Vol. 4, League of Assassins |date=2014 |others=Julius M. Gopez |isbn=978-1-4012-4636-5 |___location=New York |oclc=881386360}}</ref>
* '''[[Cassandra Cain|Batgirl (Cassandra Cain)]]:''' Bronze Tiger was one of Cassandra's numerous trainers prior to her becoming Batgirl.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Gabrych |first1=Andersen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ie7QAAAACAAJ |title=Destruction's Daughter |last2=Garza |first2=Alé |last3=Kuhn |first3=Andy |last4=Mhan |first4=Pop |date=September 2006 |publisher=Titan Books Limited |isbn=978-1-84576-327-5 |language=en}}</ref>
==Powers and abilities==
In addition to his combat skills, Bronze Tiger is recognized as an effective field leader === 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.<ref name=":3" />
* '''[[Tekkō|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.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Daniel |first=Tony |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=03iPEAAAQBAJ |title=Deathstroke Vol. 1: Gods of Wars (The New 52) |date=2015-06-23 |publisher=National Geographic Books |isbn=978-1-4012-5471-1 |language=en}}</ref>
==Other versions==
===Amalgam Comics===
{{Main|List of Amalgam Comics characters}}
In ''[[Amalgam Comics]]'',
==In other media==
===Television===
[[File:Michael_Jai_White_as_Bronze_Tiger_in_the_CW's_"Arrow".jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[Michael Jai White]] as Bronze Tiger in the CW's ''[[Arrow (TV series)|Arrow]]'']]
* Bronze Tiger appears in ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'', voiced by [[Gary Anthony Sturgis]].<ref name="btva">{{
* [[Ben Turner (Arrowverse)|Ben Turner / Bronze Tiger]] appears in ''[[Arrow (TV series)|Arrow]]'', portrayed by [[Michael Jai White]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/18439-sdcc-13-marvel-studios-thor-cap-more-live.html|title = Newsarama | GamesRadar+| date=August 2023 }}</ref>
===Films===
* An [[Multiverse (DC Comics)|alternate universe]] incarnation of Bronze Tiger, with elements of the [[Cheetah (character)|Cheetah]], appears in ''[[Justice League: Gods and Monsters]]'', voiced by Arif S. Kinchen.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}
* Bronze Tiger appears in ''[[Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay]]'', voiced by [[Billy Brown (actor)|Billy Brown]].<ref>{{
* Bronze Tiger appears in ''[[Batman: Soul of the Dragon]]'',
===Video games===
* Bronze Tiger appears as a boss in ''[[Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate]]'', voiced again by
* Bronze Tiger appears as a character summon in ''[[Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=October 4, 2013 |title=DC Characters and Objects - ''Scribblenauts Unmasked'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=IGN}}</ref>
* Bronze Tiger appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego
* Bronze Tiger appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego DC Super-Villains]]'', voiced by Kane Jungbluth-Murry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Jon |last2=Veness |first2=John |date=November 2, 2018 |title=Characters - ''LEGO DC Super-Villains'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-dc-super-villains/Characters |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> This version is a member of the [[Legion of Doom]].
* Ben Turner appears in ''[[Batman: Arkham Shadow]]'', voiced by [[Zeno Robinson]].<ref name="btva" />
===Merchandise===
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===Miscellaneous===
* Bronze Tiger appears in ''[[The Batman Adventures]]'' as a member of [[Black Mask (character)|Black Mask]]'s gang.
* Bronze Tiger makes a cameo appearance in a flashback in
* The [[Arrowverse]] incarnation of Bronze Tiger appears in the non-canonical digital comic ''[[Arrow (TV series)|Arrow]]: Season 2.5''. He and the Suicide Squad are tasked with eliminating the extremist sect, [[Onslaught (DC Comics)|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 (comics)|Injustice: Gods Among Us]]'' prequel comic.
* Bronze Tiger appears in ''[[Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons]]'', voiced by Delbert Hunt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flook |first=Ray |date=October 6, 2019 |title="Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons" – Do People Still Think It's Smart to Double-Cross Slade Wilson? [TRAILER] |url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2019/10/06/deathstroke-knights-dragons-do-people-still-think-its-smart-to-double-cross-slade-wilson-trailer/
==References==
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{{Suicide Squad}}
{{Batman characters}}
[[Category:Batman characters]]
[[Category:Characters created by Dennis O'Neil]]▼
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1975]]
[[Category:DC Comics martial artists]]
[[Category:DC Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics male supervillains]]
▲[[Category:Fictional African-American people]]
[[Category:Fictional assassins in comics]]
[[Category:
[[Category:Fictional
▲[[Category:Characters created by Dennis O'Neil]]
▲[[Category:Batman characters]]
[[Category:Suicide Squad members]]
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