Kung (DC)
Kung is a male comic villain who features in DC Comics.
Contents[hide] |
Biography
Origin
Thomas Morita was the son of Japanese immigrants who came to the United States of America where he born in the country alongside his sister Nancy Morita. (Wonder Woman v1 #238)
He received orders from the Emperor himself where Kung was to be dispatched to America. Whilst there, he was to track down and murder General Douglas MacArthur. (Wonder Woman v1 #237)
Post-Crisis
Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events.
Kung was next seen as a member of the Blood Soldiers, super powered assassins in pay to the Yakuza, when they attacked Judomaster at the Statue of Liberty at the behest of Avatar.
Some time later, Kung attacked the JSA's elder members Jay Garrick, Alan Scott and Wildcat, along with ancillary victoms Hourman and Liberty Belle. Kung demanded that the JSA pay for the sins of America allowing the bomb to drop. He was assisted by the angry ghosts of those that had died in the bombings. The five are transported back to the date that the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. The nanosecond before the bomb detonates, Alan Scott is able to use his ring again, protecting them- it was at this moment Japan's protection from the Holy Grail ran out.
The Spectre arrived after the bombing, with Damage, the Atom Smasher, the second Judomaster and Power Girl. Taking the form of the dragon god Ryujin, Kung grapples with the Spectre. Ultimately, the Spectre is able to tear the Ryujin asunder, and separates Kung from the other souls, as Alan encapsulates the souls in a Green Lantern energy coffin. As Kung explains that the deaths of the five heroes would have restored him to life, the Spectre asks him if he accepts his authority. He does not, and is banished for it. A piece of him resided in Stargirl, whom he had possessed earlier. The Spectre exorcises it and destroys it.
A new Kung battles Wonder Woman and Robin, He teams with Circe and other Wonder Woman villains, but is swiftly defeated by Wonder Woman.
Post-Flashpoint
Following the Flashpoint, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events.
Overview
Personality and attributes
Though his birth name was Thomas, he preferred to go by the name Kung. Such was his ability that he came to be known as the Assassin of a Thousand Claws. (Wonder Woman v1 #238) On some occasions, he was referred to only as the Assassin. (Wonder Woman v1 #237)
It was shown that he was proud of his Japanese heritage. (Wonder Woman v1 #238)
He was shown to yearn for testing his skills in combat where he was willing to fight to the death. (Wonder Woman v1 #237)
Their family was noted to had dreams and hopes but these died after Thomas's father passed away. (Wonder Woman v1 #238)
Thomas was noted to have had a sister named Nancy Morita who lived in the U.S. in Chinatown. (Wonder Woman v1 #238)
During a mission, he came to face off against Wonder Woman where he was ready to battle her to the death. In their fight, he came to admire his opponent and was saddened that war had made them enemies. Kung had claimed that had circumstances been different then perhaps the two could have been friends. However, despite liking Wonder Woman, he was determined to fulfil his duty. (Wonder Woman v1 #238)
Powers and abilities
Kung can transform himself into animal forms through concentration. His animal forms are larger than their normal counterparts and maintain his human mind. He is also a skilled samurai and martial artist.
Kung had travelled to Japan where he underwent training in the way of the samurai. It was noted that he had excelled his training which led to special attention being given to him. (Wonder Woman v1 #238)
He claimed that his ability to change forms was a minor art that was an outgrowth of certain honed disciplines. Kung had said that just like how a master of the martial arts assumed the postures of certain animals for purpose of concentration that he too by concentration could become those animals to use their abilities to kill his foes. (Wonder Woman v1 #237)
One of these forms was that of a humanoid green-skinned insectoid with large black eyes. (Wonder Woman v1 #237) In another instance, he came to change into a large big cat. When he needed more power, he could change into the form of a rhino to charge at a target. (Wonder Woman v1 #238)
He was noted to serve a group of spy masters known as the Hidden Ones. (Wonder Woman v1 #238)
Notes
- Kung was created by Gerry Conway and José Delbo where he made his first appearance in Wonder Woman v1 #237 (November, 1977).
Appearances
- Wonder Woman v1: (1977)
External Links
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