Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter #17

Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter #17 was published by DC Comics in 1977 during the peak of the 1970s martial arts craze in American pop culture. The series was created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Jim Berry, drawing heavy inspiration from the burgeoning interest in kung fu cinema and the novels of the era. The character, Richard Dragon, was designed as a gritty, street-level hero who possessed specialized combat skills rather than traditional superpowers, reflecting a departure from the typical superhero mold of the time.

This specific issue is notable for being part of the series' mid-run, where the character’s narratives were becoming increasingly complex under the direction of O'Neil. The series was well-regarded by critics for its grounded storytelling and its departure from DC's more cosmic or mythological tropes, though it struggled to maintain a broad audience. It remains a cult classic among fans of bronze-age comics, recognized for its contribution to the diversification of archetypes within the DC Universe.