Karate Kid #14

Karate Kid #14 was published in 1978 as part of DC Comics' short-lived solo series featuring Val Armorr, a character originally introduced in the pages of Adventure Comics. Set within the futuristic world of the 30th-century Legion of Super-Heroes, the series sought to capitalize on the rising popularity of martial arts cinema in the mid-1970s. The comic was tasked with translating the high-octane physical choreography of kung fu films into the static, graphic medium of the Bronze Age.

The issue features the creative work of writer Bob Rozakis and artist Ric Estrada, who were responsible for fleshing out the martial artist's solo adventures. At the time of its release, the series faced the challenge of maintaining interest in a character whose powers were strictly non-supernatural in a universe defined by cosmic entities and alien abilities. While the series was cancelled shortly after this issue due to middling sales, it remains a notable example of the publisher's attempts to diversify their roster of heroes during that era.