View source for Lady Shiva

{{short description|Fictional character}}
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|image=File:Lady_Shiva_002.png 
|converted = y
|caption= Lady Shiva, as depicted in ''Batgirl'' (vol. 6) #1 (2024). Art by Takeshi Miyazawa and Mike Spicer
|real_name=Wu Ming-Yue (birth name)<br>Sandra Wu-San (Woosan) (adoptive name)
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter]]'' #5 (December 1975)
|creators=[[Dennis O'Neil]] (writer)<br/>[[Ric Estrada]] (artist)
|species=[[Human]]
|alliances=The Brotherhood of the Fist<br/>[[League of Assassins]]<br/>[[Birds of Prey (team)|Birds of Prey]]<br/>[[Secret Society of Super Villains|Society]]<br/>[[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]]<br/>[[Justice League]]
|aliases=Jade Canary,<ref name=bop92>''Birds of Prey'' #92 (May 2006)</ref> The Paper Monkey, Tengu Mask, Master Woman, Agent Silver, Sandra Wu-San, Agent WooSan
|powers=
* Master martial artist, assassin, and swordswoman; mastery of virtually all known (and various unknown) martial disciplines and vast weaponry.
* Able to read body language to anticipate an opponents' actions and weaknesses.
|homeworld=[[China]]|partners=[[Richard Dragon]]<br>[[Bronze Tiger]]<br>[[Black Canary]]<br>[[Cassandra Cain]]}}
'''Lady Shiva,''' also known as '''Sandra Woosan''' or '''Sandra Wu-San''', is a fictional character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. The character was co-created by [[Dennis O'Neil]] and [[Ric Estrada]], and first appeared in ''[[Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter]]'' #5.<ref name="Guide">{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=172}}</ref> Throughout the character's history, she is consistently defined as one of DC Comic's most premier [[Martial arts|martial artists]] although her direction has changed over the course of her history, having served as both a hero and villain affiliated with the [[Birds of Prey (team)|Birds of Prey]], [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]], and [[League of Assassins]] respectively. Over time, she has also became associated with several heroes in the DC Universe, including [[Richard Dragon]], [[Batman]], [[Dick Grayson]], [[Question (character)|The Question]], and [[Cassandra Cain]], the last of whom served as the second superheroine to hold the [[Batgirl]] mantle, as well as being her biological daughter.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=The Tao of Lady Shiva |url=https://www.dc.com/blog/2022/05/30/the-tao-of-lady-shiva |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=DC |language=en-us}}</ref>

Shiva's origins and background have varied over time; in Black Canary (2007), she was depicted as originating from a village in China and later residing in [[Detroit]], where she and Carolyn, her older sister, would become martial artists.<ref name=":0">''Black Canary'' (vol. 3) #1 (September 2007)</ref> When her sister was seemingly killed by industrialist Guano Cravat, she was led to believe [[Richard Dragon]] was responsible, which made to her vow vengeance against him, before coming to realize that she had been deceived by the man who had actually killed her sister. This ultimately resulted in her becoming allies with Dragon and [[Bronze Tiger]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite book |last=O'Neil |first=Dennis |url=https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Dennis_O_Neil_Richard_Dragon_Kung_Fu_Fighter_Comin?id=DxMcEAAAQBAJ |title=Richard Dragon, Kung-Fu Fighter: Coming of the Dragon! |date=2021-02-16 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-77951-240-6 |language=en}}</ref> Later stories instead credit Carolyn's death to David Cain, a world-class assassin who manipulates and forces Shiva into producing a child [[Eugenics|due to her martial abilities]] in hopes of creating a perfect weapon.<ref name=":9">{{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><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Cassandra Cain {{!}} Official DC Character |url=https://www.dc.com/characters/cassandra-cain |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=DC |language=en-us}}</ref> The All-In Batgirl (2024) series revealed her birth name to be '''Wu Ming-Ye''', and owed her departure from China to the deaths of her parents at the hands her uncle, who leads a ninja clan. In the spirit of previous iterations of her backstory, Shiva and Carolyn (now Mei-Xing) fled to Detroit and became martial artists in the hopes of one day avenging their parents. During her training, she befriends Dragon and Tiger until her sister's death sets her to become the deadliest martial artist on Earth.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Bombal |first=Tate |title=Batgirl (2025) #8 |url=https://www.dc.com/comics/batgirl-2024/batgirl-8 |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=DC |language=en-us}}</ref>

Lady Shiva has been adapted in several media. She made her first live-action debut in the short-lived ''[[Birds of Prey (TV series)|Birds of Prey]]'', portrayed by [[Sung-Hi Lee]]. She also appears in various animated features such as ''[[Beware the Batman]]'', voiced by [[Finola Hughes]],<ref name="btva" /> and ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Gwendoline Yeo]].<ref name="btva" />

==Fictional character biography==

=== Pre-Crisis of Infinite Earths ===
Lady Shiva, originally introduced as Sandra Woosan, is the sister of Carolyn Woosan, the love interest of [[Richard Dragon]]. Renowned as one of the world's deadliest martial artists, she adopted the name Shiva, inspired by the Hindu god of destruction. Blaming Richard Dragon for her sister's death, Sandra challenges him to a deadly duel. Later, Dragon reveals that Guano Cravat, a corrupt industrialist who hired her, manipulated Sandra by falsely implicating him in Carolyn's death. Together, Shiva and Dragon defeat Cravat, with Dragon persuading her to spare his life. Subsequently, Shiva allies with Dragon and [[Bronze Tiger|Ben Turner]], assisting them in various missions under the leadership of [[spymaster]] Barney Ling, head of G.O.O.D., until Turner's disappearance and memory loss to pursue solo missions.<ref name=":7" />

=== Post-Crisis on Infinite Earths ===
Following the ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' storyline in 1985, aspects of Shiva's past was revealed and her history changed over time. Part of her origin first revealed she was raised in an unknown village in China (whose location and inhabitants remain purposely secretive) under the guidance of a cruel and strict woman only known as "Mother", with it unknown if she was simply her guardian or her true biological mother. The woman cruelly raised young Sandra as a fighter her with "Shiva" moniker, granted to the appointed guardian of the village. Shiva would also be known to reside in Detroit although the exact reason remain unknown.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Simone |first1=Gail |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ix6cAAAACAAJ |title=Perfect Pitch |last2=Siqueira |first2=Paulo |date=2007 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-4012-1191-2 |language=en}}</ref> In Detroit, she and her older sister Carolyn, practiced martial arts and the pair later became sensationalist martial artist duo with a deep bond although Sandra often held back against her older sister. Their skills are noticed by David Cain, a trainer for the League of Assassin who becomes enamored with Sandra, believing her a kindred spirit and capable of producing a child suited for the role of [[Ra's al Ghul]]'s bodyguard as well as his successor and assistant due to [[Eugenics|her high fighting abilities]].<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":2" /> She is later joins the [[League of Assassins]].<ref name=":2" />

During her assassin training,<ref name=":2" /> David murders Carolyn and in response, Sandra confronts him but is outsmarted and beaten by him. He allows her to live but only if she conceived a child with him, subsequentially allowing him to [[rape]] her. While she recounts later she allowed David Cain to live due to having inspired her and shown how Carolyn held her back in her abilities and claimed she was only previously driven by "petty revenge",<ref name=":9" /> Sandra's true desire for revenge drove her to greater heights of martial artistry<ref name=":2" /> and she eventually gives birth to future martial arts prodigy and hero, [[Cassandra Cain]].<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":2" />

====Newer exploits====
[[File:Lady Shiva (circa 1990s).png|thumb|Shiva, as she appeared throughout the 1990s. Art by [[Ron Frenz]].|left|230x230px]]In the 1987 ''Question'' series, Shiva is hired by corrupt adjunct to the mayor of [[Hub City (comics)|Hub City]], Reverend Hatch, to battle the crimefighter the [[Question (character)|Question]], an act she does so with ease. She witnesses Hatch's men brutalize him further. Witnessing a "passion for combat", she rescues him from near death and brings him to Richard Dragon to train and give him a chance to fulfill his potential. The pair meet shortly after and battle again, ending it swiftly but once more confirms her suspicions of his "warrior's passion" while Sage simply wanted to see what would happen if they fought before leaving him, not revealing why she saved him.<ref name=":13">{{Cite book |last1=O'Neil |first1=Dennis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b5HJzwEACAAJ |title=The Question Omnibus by Dennis O'Neil and Denys Cowan Vol. 2 |last2=Cowan |first2=Denys |date=2024-02-06 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-77952-304-4 |language=en}}</ref> The ordeal left her credited as the one to train Sage.<ref name=":2" />

Shiva eventually travels to [[Manchuria]] to visit with her godfather, [[O-Sensei (comics)|O-Sensei]], former instructor of [[Richard Dragon]] and [[Bronze Tiger]]. After living over 150 years, he has finally decided to die. He intends to keep a promise to his wife, and be buried alongside her, but his wife's family had hidden her remains to punish him for abandoning her. O-Sensei has Shiva select three warriors to aid him in the search for her remains: the Question, [[Green Arrow]], and [[Batman]]. Reluctant to acknowledge O-Sensei's death wish, Shiva expresses her ambivalence both verbally and physically, unnecessarily applying deadly force in battles with O-Sensei's assailants. Shiva and O-Sensei then travel to Hub City, meeting with the Question, who, in turn, brokered Shiva's first meeting with Batman. Compelled to test his skill, Shiva immediately fights the vigilante only to be stopped by O-Sensei. They do, however, convince Batman to aid them.<ref>''Detective Comics'' Annual #1 (1989)</ref> In their search for [[Green Arrow]], Shiva encounters slave traders, killing all except one, who successfully cuts her; she rewards him with a kiss on the forehead. After locating Green Arrow, she meets [[Black Canary]] for the first time, and spars with the hero. Although Canary does not know it at the time, the two had both studied under Sensei Otomo, though non-concurrently. After recruiting Green Arrow, Shiva returns to Hub City, and saves the Question from an attack by former employees of the now-dead Reverend Hatch. Shiva kills the men, who had been after a fortune in embezzled funds stored in Hatch's abandoned home, and sets fire to the money. Later, she nurses the Question's elderly friend Tot back to health. While the Question puzzles over her inscrutable and violent nature, she confesses that O-Sensei was "the one man I am certain I would not harm if he kissed me". When Batman discovers that the remains of O-Sensei's wife had been moved to a small island, Shiva, O-Sensei, Green Arrow, and the Question set out for the island, only to be caught in a storm. O-Sensei is lost overboard, but the group discovers that his wife's remains had likewise been mislaid, years earlier, while in transport, leaving O-Sensei's promise fulfilled.

In the 1991 "Robin: A Hero Reborn" storyline, she garners an interest in discovering techniques from defeated martial artist such as Koroshi, a master of karate, and seeks the one rumored to defeat him, [[King Snake]], and encounters [[Tim Drake]], the third person to hold the [[Robin (character)|Robin]] codename and battle Snake's Ghost Dragons criminal organization as part of his training. Seeing potential, she takes him as a student to train him for a few weeks in one weapon although she is critical of his choice in the non-lethal [[bō]] , the reason in which Robin chose the weapon. He manages to defeat her in a sparring match using a whistle to distracted her and is awarded with a collapsible [[bō]] . Later, they discover the Ghost Dragon's development of a plague and the pair ally with Clyde Rawlins to stop them from releasing. Dragon escapes with few canisters and is tracked to Hong Kong, where they defeat him although Rawlin dies in the conflict and Shiva simply watches. When Snake hangs from a ledge, she urges him to kill the man to signify his graduation and become her "weapon" When he refuses and leaves, Shiva throws Snake off the ledge herself although he survives.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Grant |first1=Alan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zx0UxQEACAAJ |title=Robin: A Hero Reborn |last2=Breyfogle |first2=Norm |last3=Miligan |first3=Peter |last4=Dixon |first4=Chuck |last5=Mitchell |first5=Steve |date=February 1998|publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-56389-029-1 |language=en}}</ref>

===Getting involved with Gotham===
After [[Bane (DC Comics)|Bane]] breaks Batman's back, Batman seeks training from Shiva to help him regain his skills and fighting spirit (see ''[[Batman: Knightfall|Batman: Knightfall: KnightsEnd]]''). Though she deems him unworthy of her efforts, she devises a training regimen, out of respect for what he had been before his injuries. As part of this training, Shiva kills the Armless Master, a sensei notable for training [[Catwoman]], while wearing a [[tengu]] mask, making sure that his death was both witnessed and relayed to his best students. Shiva then makes Batman wear the mask while performing training missions. He is then ambushed by the master's students, who mistake him for the "Tengu Mask warrior". He defeats all of them in turn, but Shiva attempts to complete Batman's training by manipulating him into killing an opponent using her fatal [[Leopard Blow]]. Batman simply feigns using the maneuver on an assailant to trick her into believing he used lethal force. Shiva later discovers the truth, but does not seek vengeance.

Later, she helps Batman fight Ra's al Ghul and his [[League of Assassins]], including Bane, when Ghul attempts to release a deadly virus called Ebola Gulf A that would have killed half the world's population (see ''[[Batman: Legacy]]''). The trail leads Batman to [[Kolkata|Calcutta]], [[India]]. Since their knowledge of the city is limited, [[Barbara Gordon|Oracle]] contacts Shiva, who agrees to help Batman. Together they defeat Ghul's men and prevent the virus from being released.<ref>''Batman'' #534 (September 1996)</ref>

Shiva later travels to an army base in Transbelvia to fight a young political rebel and martial artist named [[Dava (comics)|Dava Sbörsc]], who specializes in undefeatable "single-blow techniques" and wishes to learn Shiva's Leopard Blow. Instead, Dava's friend, her former pupil [[Tim Drake]], in his identity as Robin, jumps into the fray in her place. Granted superspeed by a drug Dava gave him, and unused to its effects, Robin unwittingly uses lethal force, killing Shiva in battle. He quickly administers [[CPR]], both reviving Shiva and dosing her with the drug. Thus enhanced, she kills attacking soldiers while Robin and Dava make their escape, vanishing immediately after.

During the "Brotherhood of the Fist" story arc, Shiva fights in the Brotherhood of the Monkey Fist's martial arts tournament under the alias "Paper Monkey".<ref>''Nightwing'' (vol. 2) #23 (August 1998)</ref><ref name=ga135>''Green Arrow'' (vol. 2) #135 (August 1998)</ref> In a final, close battle, she fights and defeats [[Green Arrow (Connor Hawke)|Connor Hawke]], the Green Arrow. As repayment for saving her life, Robin asks her to spare Connor. She relents, warning Robin that this use of her favor means she would challenge and kill him when he grew older.<ref name=ga135 />

Over the years, Shiva amasses groups of followers who worship her as an incarnation of [[Shiva]], the [[Hindu]] god of destruction. She pays them little attention, occasionally using them as lackeys or killing them when it suits her whims. Some of her followers have even created temples to honor her victories, one of which is in Gotham, which she later destroys.

===Shiva and Batgirl===
At age 8, Shiva's daughter Cassandra flees from David Cain, horrified after killing a man with her bare hands on her first assassination. She then wanders the world as a [[Muteness|mute]], and, seeking redemption, finds herself in Gotham City during the events of [[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]]. Seeing promise in Cassandra, Batman and former Batgirl, [[Barbara Gordon]], give Cassandra their blessings to take up the mantle of Batgirl.

Eventually, Batgirl's skills attract Shiva's attention. Without telling her of their relationship, Shiva challenges Batgirl to a battle to the death. To Shiva's disappointment, she defeats Batgirl soundly. Batgirl's body language fluency is newly impaired by a telepath's forcible inculcation of the ability to speak. Wanting to fight Batgirl at her peak, Shiva spares her life, and promises to retrain her on the condition that they have a rematch in one year. The secret to being undefeatable, Shiva explains, is to not fear death, even to seek it. Under Shiva's care, Batgirl soon regains her abilities.

Shiva reappears to fight Batgirl at the Forum of The Twelve Caesars, and kills her in combat. Realizing that Batgirl had not given her all, Shiva revives her. Batgirl admits to harboring a death wish ever since Cain first forced her to kill; her ability to perfectly read the agony of her victim had deeply traumatized her. Having overcome her death wish, Batgirl fights Shiva again, shattering her sword. In the midst of battle, Batgirl accuses Shiva of having a death wish herself, really only traveling and fighting in search of her own death. Batgirl thus defeats Shiva.

===A new Sensei===
In [[Gail Simone]]'s ''''[[Birds of Prey (team)|Birds of Prey]]'''' series, during a joint hunt with Black Canary for the murderer of a shared, beloved sensei, a sensei Shiva so respected that she has vowed to never use anything he taught her in a fight where her goal was the death of her opponent, Shiva is beaten and kidnapped by supervillain [[Cheshire (comics)|Cheshire]]. Cheshire ties up, gags and locks Shiva in the trunk of a car wired with explosives, so as to use a charred corpse in a plan to fake her death and flee the country after murdering a senator. Shiva is saved when Catwoman discovers her. After Cheshire confesses to murdering their sensei, Black Canary punches her out of a helicopter (using [[Wildcat (DC Comics)|Ted Grant]]'s Haymaker) to prevent Shiva from killing her in a vengeful rage. Shiva subsequently offers to share her knowledge with Black Canary, who takes her offer under consideration.<ref>''Birds of Prey'' #62-67 (February–July 2004)</ref>

Cassandra begins to suspect that Shiva is her mother, but cannot provoke Cain into an admission. She embarks on a search for Shiva, eventually finding her as the new sensei of the [[League of Assassins]] under the leadership of [[Nyssa Raatko]], Ra's al Ghul's eldest daughter. In battle, Cassandra sacrifices her life to save former League member Tigris from an attack by her own unsuccessful experimental predecessor, [[Mad Dog (DC Comics)|Mad Dog]]. Shiva decides to resurrect Cassandra in a Lazarus Pit to reveal the truth of her heritage, and fight her once more.

On reviving her, Shiva admits that the reason she agreed to give birth was that she hoped her child would be the one to kill her. In an evenly matched battle, Cassandra breaks Shiva's neck, paralyzing her. She appears ready to place Shiva in the Lazarus Pit, but Shiva pleads with her not to do so. In response, Cassandra impales Shiva on a hook hanging over the pit, apparently killing her. Although Cassandra's intent regarding this action is left ambiguous, whether to kill her or let her fall into the pit and be revived, it has been confirmed that Shiva is alive in ''[[One Year Later (comics)|One Year Later]]''. Cassandra then abandons the identity of Batgirl and returns to her life as a wanderer.

During the ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' storyline, Shiva later appears as a member of [[Alexander Luthor Jr.]]'s [[Secret Society of Super Villains]].

==="One Year Later"===
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 | caption1  = Shiva as the Jade Canary, from ''Birds of Prey'' #92 (May 2006). Art by Paulo Siqueira.
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In the 2006 "[[One Year Later (comics)|One Year Later]]" storyline, having switched places with Black Canary to allow them both to experience each other's life experiences, Shiva joins [[Barbara Gordon|Oracle]]'s covert team of female operatives known as the [[Birds of Prey (team)|Birds of Prey]] (with Canary hoping that spending time with them would soften Shiva), using the name "Jade Canary".<ref name=bop92 /> Shiva remains unchanged, however. Oracle semiseriously refers to Shiva as a sociopath, and refuses to call Shiva by the Jade Canary title, even though Shiva (as part of the deal with Canary) has taken to wearing Black Canary's boots and trademark fishnet stockings (though she hates wearing them).<ref>''Birds of Prey'' #94 (July 2006)</ref>

Shiva continues to perform solo work, and visits Robin to assist him (much to Robin's chagrin) in discovering the truth behind Batgirl's recent disappearance and recent upheaval within the League of Assassins. She refuses to allow herself or Oracle's team to be involved, and instead trusts her former pupil to handle the situation. It appears that she holds no ill-will towards Cassandra as she informs Tim that she hopes that her daughter is well.

During a recent mission, Oracle's team confronts the villain [[Prometheus (DC Comics)|Prometheus]], whose helmet allows him to copy the skills of 30 of the world's greatest martial artists, including Shiva herself. This had allowed him a victory against Batman in the past. Shiva believes that his files on her would be out of date, and that she would be able to defeat her "old self". She seems unconcerned about the skills of the other 29 fighters, and apparently decides to attack Prometheus head-on. Prometheus, however, has more up-to-date files than Shiva suspected, and in three seconds knocks her to the ground. After this defeat, Shiva vanishes, leaving a message for Black Canary: "Tell the Canary, I release her".<ref name="Prey 2006">''Birds of Prey'' #95 (August 2006)</ref>

Stripped of her chance to mold Black Canary in her own image, and stripped of [[Sin (DC Comics)|Sin]], the young girl who was next in line as her successor, Shiva is last seen talking to Bethany Thorne, daughter of the [[Crime Doctor (comics)|Crime Doctor]]. It appears that she is yet again hoping to train a new heir in the art of her lethal form of martial arts.<ref name="Prey 2006"/>

[[File:Lady Shiva (Birds of Prey 6 2010).png|left|thumb|224x224px|Lady Shiva as she appears in the cover of ''Birds of Prey'' (2010- 2011) #6.]]

Still, although Shiva is no longer an active member of the Birds of Prey, she continues to be protective of her former teammates. Such is the case when the Birds of Prey are being threatened by [[Spy Smasher#Katarina Armstrong|Spy Smasher]], who attempts to steal control away from Oracle. After a mission in Russia, Oracle and Spy Smasher fight against one another for control of the team. Although Oracle is unable to use her legs, she is victorious, although Spy Smasher attempts to go back on their deal. Unfortunately, she is confronted outside by every single living Birds of Prey Agent Oracle has ever recruited, who warn her against ever going after Oracle again; Lady Shiva is among them. When Barbara later asks the others who called Shiva, no one responds.<ref>''Birds of Prey'' #108 (September 2007)</ref>

==="Blackest Night"===
During the events of the "[[Blackest Night]]", Shiva tracks down [[Renee Montoya]], the new Question, and tells her she intends to test her in battle. The two women begin their duel, only to be interrupted when Victor Sage, now a reanimated [[Black Lantern]], arrives on the scene and attacks them. Using his new supernatural abilities, Sage effortlessly defeats Shiva and tries to kill her by tearing out her heart. However, Shiva realizes that the Black Lanterns feed on human emotion, and cuts herself off from all feeling through the use of meditation, rendering her invisible to Sage. After the others on the scene do the same, Victor angrily departs.<ref>''The Question'' #37 (February 2010)</ref>

==="Brightest Day"===
During the events of the "[[Brightest Day]]" crossover, a new martial artist known as the White Canary comes to Gotham and sets a plan into motion to ruin Black Canary's life by framing her for the murder of a European terrorist. When Black Canary first encounters the White Canary, she muses that the villain may be Shiva in disguise.<ref>''Birds of Prey'' (vol. 2) #1-2 (July–August 2010)</ref> but later White Canary pits Black Canary against Lady Shiva in an honor bound match to the death after breaking Black Canary's wrist, thereby making sure she would be killed. Both parties accept because White Canary dangles the life of Sin, Black Canary's adopted daughter, as her bait. However, [[Huntress (Helena Bertinelli)|Huntress]] challenges Shiva instead and even manages to knock her down, to everyone's surprise, even after receiving many blows. The death match is stopped when Black Canary rescues Sin herself and points out a technicality, they need not continue the battle to the death immediately and can pick it up at any time in the future.

===The New 52 onward===

Following the New 52 reboot in 2011, a new version of Lady Shiva debuted in 2012. This version of Shiva, de-aged and younger compared to her original counterpart, was said to be comparable in age to [[Dick Grayson]] (although she hints it is an intended misdirection) and was already a master assassin by the time she was a teenager. This version also bore a different costume, appearing in a teal kabuki-like garb and mask, in full gear she appears to have an extremely long, auburn braid with blades embedded in the hair that can be used offensively, but this is merely a wig connected to her mask.<ref name=":10">{{Cite book |last=Higgins |first=Kyle |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DYC9AQAAQBAJ |title=Nightwing Vol. 3: Death of the Family |date=2013-12-10 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-4012-4862-8 |language=en}}</ref> Some details of her past was revealed, having suffered from a childhood filled with trauma in which left a desire for vengeance and trained to become a martial artist and assassin-for-hire. She eventually joined the League of Assassins and named herself "Lady Shiva" after the Hindu god of destruction, serving as a trainer.<ref name=":11">{{Cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wJ4fjwEACAAJ |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |last2=Irvine |first2=Alexander C. |last3=Manning |first3=Matthew K. |last4=Korté |first4=Steve |last5=Wiacek |first5=Stephen |last6=Beatty |first6=Scott |last7=editor) |first7=Sven Wilson (Freelance |last8=Greenberger |first8=Robert |last9=Wallace |first9=Daniel |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |language=en}}</ref> She once had an encounter with [[Batman]] and [[Dick Grayson|Robin (Dick Grayson)]], the latter whose potential interest her. Among those she has trained included [[Bronze Tiger]] (whom she was said to have a long history with) and [[Red Hood]].<ref name=":11" />

In the 2014 "Nightwing: Death of a Family" storyline, Shiva returns to Gotham City several years later to kill another target and Dick Grayson, now Nightwing, sets out to stop her. He is surprised to see that she remembers him from their first encounter and even more so when she praises his progress since their last meeting. She repeats that he is squandering his natural talent by not learning from her. Shiva completes her mission by throwing an axe at the S.E.C building door (to intimidate into initiating lockdown) but quickly realises that Nightwing was already injured before their fight. To Dick Grayson's surprise she says that him fighting at a disadvantage shows more than he knows and that he has too much skill to kill without a concrete reason. It is later revealed that Penguin hired her and told Nightwing about her mission in the hopes that either he'd be saved from paying Shiva's high fees, or that she would kill Nightwing.<ref name=":10" /> Later, she fights alongside Bronze Tiger, Cheshire, December Graystone, Rictus, and Red Hood as the Untitled infiltrated the League of Assassin's secret city.<ref>{{Cite book |last=IV |first=James Tynion |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BqeGAwAAQBAJ |title=Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 4: League of Assassins |date=2014-06-17 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-4012-5294-6 |language=en}}</ref>

==== DC Rebirth ====
In ''[[DC Rebirth]]'', Shiva appears in the flesh at the end of ''Detective Comics'' #950, observing Cassandra Cain from a rooftop.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Detective Comics #950|publisher=DC Comics|year=2017|pages=23}}</ref> Batman later finds out from both Shiva herself and Ra's that she has separated from him and the League of Assassins, believing him to be too complacent with the wealthy and aiming for peace rather than destruction.<ref>''Detective Comics'' #954 & #956</ref> She had taken Ra's' secret League of Shadows with her, and was responsible for multiple attacks across the city and attacks on the anti-League military squad, the Colony.<ref>''Detective Comics'' #951-953</ref> After a duel with her daughter Cassandra, Ra's al Ghul appears and kills Shiva with the intent of later resurrecting her for questioning.<ref>''Detective Comics'' #956</ref>

=== DC All-In ===

==== Revised background ====
The character's origin is once more revise; now of Japanese and Chinese descent of the Wu family, in which is connected to the Blood, a ninja clan whose pact with dark spirits allows them to weaponize their blood. Her birth name is also revealed as Ming-Ye and both her and her older sister (Mei-Xing) had fled from their own at an early age due to an enmity from their uncle and eventually ended up in Detroit, where they adopted new identities (Sandra Wu-San and Caroyln Wu-San) respectively.<ref name=":12" />

This background is mixed in with similar adventures in previous earlier stories, becoming involved with O-Sensei as his goddaughters and establishing a close friendship with Richard Dragon and Bronze Tiger as well as Carolyn being a fellow martial artist, later killed by assassin trainer [[David Cain (character)|David Cain]] in a gambit to eventually [[Sexual assault|sexually coerce]] her as expressed in past storylines.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Brombal |first=Tate |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QftgEQAAQBAJ |title=Batgirl (2024-) #8 |date=2025-06-04 |publisher=DC Comics |language=en}}</ref> Another revelation includes her being the biological mother of the teenage [[Jade Tiger]], a martial artist whose protective father (Bronze Tiger) ensured the secrecy of his existence and only allowed Sandra to see him once every year on his birthday in an effort to avert an upbringing similar to Cassandra.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Brombal |first=Tate |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PIN1EQAAQBAJ |title=Batgirl (2024-) #9-11 |publisher=DC Comics |year=2025 |language=en}}</ref>

==== ''Batgirl (2025)'' and other appearances ====
{{Update|part=section|date=September 2025}}
In the first storyline of the 2025 ''Batgirl'' series, Shiva enlists the aid of Cassandra Cain in battling the enigmatic group, the Unburied.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Brombal |first=Tate |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xxp3EQAAQBAJ |title=Batgirl Vol. 1: Mother |date=2025-08-19 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-7995-1146-5 |language=en}}</ref>

== Characterization ==

=== Description and reputation ===
Lady Shiva's character is noted to be most dangerous martial artist in the [[DC Universe]],<ref name=":1" /> sometimes considered peerless in both hand-to-hand combat and with a sword.<ref name="Guide" /> Her abilities are often noted to surpass Batman's own skills in unarmed combat.<ref name="Guide" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=Lady Shiva {{!}} Official DC Character |url=https://www.dc.com/characters/lady-shiva |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=DC |language=en-us}}</ref> Several characters are said to rival her capabilities: [[Bronze Tiger]],<ref name=":5" /> [[Connor Hawke]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Green Arrow: Brotherhood of the Fist {{!}} DC Comics Collection |url=https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/collections/story-ga-brotherhoodfist |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=DC UNIVERSE INFINITE |language=en}}</ref> [[Black Canary]],<ref name="Birds of Prey: The Battle Within">{{Cite book |last1=Simone |first1=Gail |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g74cAAAACAAJ |title=Birds of Prey: The Battle Within |last2=Bennett |first2=Joe |date=2006 |publisher=Titan Books |isbn=978-1-84576-352-7 |language=en}}</ref> the Twelve Brothers in Silk,<ref name="Birds of Prey: The Battle Within"/> [[David Cain (character)|David Cain]],<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/book/batman-no-mans-land-secret-files-1999-1/57023541-f7f1-4c37-98af-0baedfd5fecb |title=Batman: No Man's Land Secret Files #1 |date=1999-10-13 |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Cassandra Cain]],<ref name=":4" /> and Richard Dragon although she has bested him.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Various |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s0-wzQEACAAJ |title=Who's Who Omnibus Vol. 1 |date=2021-04-13 |publisher=National Geographic Books |isbn=978-1-77950-599-6 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Personality and themes ===
Primarily, the character's motivation is seeking a worthy challenge to her as a martial artist, the reason contested.<ref name=":14" /> Originally, the character was considered a thrill-seeking daredevil and witty, often joking in regards to her feminine frailty before defeating her opponents.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":3" /> Later portrayals and appearances depict Shiva's interest in other heroes possessing great skills and potential, motivating her to aid them in order to make them more formidable.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":13" /><ref name=":10" /> Her motivation is also tied into vengeance against David Cain due to his role in her sister's death and sexual assault.<ref name=":2" />

Several characters have garnered her attention: most notable is her estranged daughter, Cassandra, whose complex relationship has caused Shiva to vest interest in her training and believes her capable of surpassing her.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shiva vs. Cain: DC's Best Mother-Daughter Rivalry |url=https://www.dc.com/blog/2023/05/15/shiva-vs-cain-dc-s-best-mother-daughter-rivalry |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=DC |language=en-us}}</ref> Often at odds with the [[Batman family]],<ref name="Guide" /> Shiva has noted [[Dick Grayson]],<ref name=":10"/> [[Duke Thomas (character)|Duke Thomas]],<ref name=":8">{{Cite book |last=Hill |first=Bryan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LZAfEAAAQBAJ |title=Batman & the Outsiders Vol. 3: The Demon's Fire |date=2021-03-02 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-77951-251-2 |language=en}}</ref> and [[Huntress (Helena Bertinelli)|Huntress]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Simone |first1=Gail |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mKzytgAACAAJ |title=Birds of Prey: End run |last2=Benes |first2=Ed |date=2011 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-0-85768-412-7 |language=en}}</ref> Shiva also developed a rivalry with [[Katana (DC Comics)|Katana]] due to the Soultaker and her abilities.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Barr |first=Mike |url=https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/book/outsiders-1993-1995-14/2abb0728-8227-4abb-93e5-0c8804a1c425 |title=Outsiders (1993-1995) #14 |date=1994-11-29 |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":8" />

==Powers and abilities==
Lady Shiva is a virtual master of every known and some forgotten martial arts disciplines;<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Jimenez |first=Phil |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gXdNNwAACAAJ |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2004 |publisher=DK Pub. |isbn=978-0-7566-0592-6 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last1=Beatty |first1=Scott |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QxWlLgAACAAJ |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |last2=Wallace |first2=Daniel |date=2008 |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |isbn=978-1-4053-2891-3 |language=en}}</ref> In unarmed combat, she blends many different martial arts disciplines that benefits her frame and size, some which includes: [[Judo]], [[Karate]], Kuroshi, [[Savate]], [[Capoeira]], and [[Chinese martial arts|Kung-Fu]].<ref name=":1" /> Her strength is enough to shatter bones and break armor.<ref name=":2" /> Shiva is also capable with weaponry historically used by both [[samurai]] and [[ninja]] alike.<ref name=":1" /> Due to constant training and being involved in many life-or-death situations, Shiva retains considerable prowess even as she ages.<ref name=":2" />

Alongside her martial abilities, Shiva is an expert at reading her opponent's body language to learn of weak points.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=DK |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3-sEEQAAQBAJ |title=DC Ultimate Character Guide New Edition |date=2024-11-05 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-593-96469-9 |language=en}}</ref> An expert assassin, her abilities and reputation makes her an intimidating figure in the criminal underworld and is skilled in deception enough to obscure her true age, background, and misdirect individuals.<ref name=":10"/> Shiva is also an expert in [[medicine]], despite not having a formal education mentioned, and known healing arts techniques.<ref name=":7" /> These abilities eventually extended into manipulation of [[qi]], allowing her to rapidly heal others.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Seeley |first1=Tim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7jelEAAAQBAJ |title=Batman: Urban Legends Vol. 4 |last2=Singelin |first2=Guillaume |last3=Porter |first3=Kenny |last4=Ward |first4=Christian |date=2023-01-17 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-77952-193-4 |language=en}}</ref>

==In other media==
===Television===
[[File: Lady Shiva in Birds of Prey.jpg|thumb|upright|Lady Shiva as she appears in ''[[Birds of Prey (TV series)|Birds of Prey.]]'']]
* Lady Shiva appears in a self-titled episode of ''[[Birds of Prey (TV series)|Birds of Prey]]'', portrayed by [[Sung-Hi Lee]]. This version is a freelance thief and former schoolmate of [[Huntress (Helena Wayne)|Helena Kyle]] who seeks vengeance on Barbara Gordon for the accidental death of her 15-year-old sister, who was killed years prior while Gordon as Batgirl was trying to apprehend Shiva.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/2532/987638-image1_super.jpg |title=Picture |access-date=March 15, 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713005622/http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/2532/987638-image1_super.jpg |archive-date=July 13, 2012}}</ref>
* Lady Shiva appears in ''[[Beware the Batman]]'',<ref>{{cite news|last=Truitt|first=Bryan|title='Beware' of new villains in new Batman cartoon|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2013/07/12/beware-the-batman-animated-series/2513533/|newspaper=USA Today|date=July 12, 2013}}</ref> voiced by [[Finola Hughes]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Lady Shiva Voices (Batman) |url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Batman/Lady-Shiva/ |access-date=July 14, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref> This version is an elite member of the League of Assassins and rival of [[Katana (DC Comics)|Katana]] and fellow League member [[Silver Monkey (comics)|Silver Monkey]], the latter of whom seeks to usurp her position.
* Lady Shiva appears in ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Gwendoline Yeo]].<ref name="btva" /> This version is a member of the League of Shadows and enforcer for the [[List of Young Justice characters#The Light|Light]].
* According to ''[[Arrow (TV series)|Arrow]]'' recurring guest star [[Katrina Law]], she believed that she was auditioning for Lady Shiva before being cast as [[Nyssa al Ghul (Arrowverse)|Nyssa al Ghul]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wew1pdOIYow#t=365 Arrow - Dragoncon 2014 - Interview]</ref>

===Film===
* Lady Shiva makes a cameo appearance in ''[[Superman/Batman: Public Enemies]]'', voiced by [[Rachael MacFarlane]].
* Lady Shiva appears in films set in the [[DC Animated Movie Universe]], voiced by Sachie Alessio.<ref name="btva" />
** Shiva makes a minor appearance in ''[[Batman: Hush (film)|Batman: Hush]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vejvoda |first=Jim |date=March 27, 2019 |title=Batman: Hush Movie - Exclusive First Look Photo and Voice Cast News |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/27/batman-hush-exclusive-first-look-photo-and-voice-cast-news |access-date=July 14, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
** Shiva appears in ''[[Justice League Dark: Apokolips War]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bernaschina |first=Michael |date=February 27, 2020 |title=Justice League Dark: Apokolips War's Massive Voice Cast Revealed |url=https://www.cbr.com/justice-league-dark-apokolips-war-voice-cast-revealed/ |access-date=July 14, 2024 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> Following [[Darkseid]]'s invasion of Earth two years prior, she serves as [[Damian Wayne]]'s right hand, assisting him and the League of Shadows in their efforts to defeat Darkseid by securing a boom tube generator in a [[LexCorp]] building until she is killed by a guard.<ref name="JLD:AW">{{cite web |last=Ayala |first=Nicolas |date=May 27, 2020 |title=Justice League Dark: All 32 Brutal Deaths In Apokolips War |url=https://screenrant.com/justice-league-dark-apokolips-war-character-deaths-brutal/ |access-date=July 14, 2024 |website=Screen Rant |language=en}}</ref>
* Lady Shiva appears in ''[[Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons: The Movie]]'', voiced by [[Panta Mosleh]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collinson |first=Gary |date=July 6, 2020 |title=Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons animated movie announced with trailer and cover art |url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/dc-animated-movie-deathstroke-knights-and-dragons-announced-with-trailer-and-cover-art/ |access-date=July 14, 2024 |website=Flickering Myth |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="btva" />
* Lady Shiva appears in ''[[Batman: Soul of the Dragon]]'', voiced by [[Kelly Hu]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=August 12, 2020 |title=1970s-Set 'Batman' Animated Movie Reveals Cast (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-soul-dragon-sets-voice-cast-1306722 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref name="btva" />

===Video games===
* Lady Shiva appears in ''[[DC Universe Online]]'', voiced by DB Cooper.
* Lady Shiva appears as a playable character in the portable version of ''[[Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes]]''.
* A young Lady Shiva appears in ''[[Batman: Arkham Origins]]'', voiced by Kelly Hu.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haas |first=Pete |date=October 21, 2013 |title=Batman: Arkham Origins Screenshots Confirm Lady Shiva, Killer Croc |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Batman-Arkham-Origins-Screenshots-Confirm-Lady-Shiva-Killer-Croc-60024.html |access-date=July 14, 2024 |website=Cinemablend |language=en}}</ref> After being hired by the [[Joker (character)|Joker]] to kill Batman, she tests the latter in a side mission to determine his worth to the League of Assassins. Additionally, she appears as the final boss of the "Initiation" DLC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=January 2, 2014 |title=Review: Batman: Arkham Origins: Initiation |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-batman-arkham-origins-initiation-268214.phtml |access-date=July 14, 2024 |website=Destructoid|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102084450/https://www.destructoid.com/review-batman-arkham-origins-initiation-268214.phtml |archive-date=2014-01-02 }}</ref>
* Lady Shiva appears as a character summon in ''[[Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=October 2, 2013 |title=DC Characters and Objects - ''Scribblenauts Unmasked'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects |access-date=July 14, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
* Lady Shiva appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego DC Super-Villains]]'', voiced by [[Sumalee Montano]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Michael |first1=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=July 14, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

===Miscellaneous===
* Lady Shiva appears in the ''[[Batman: Knightfall]]'' audio book, voiced by [[Lorelei King]].
* Lady Shiva appears in the audio drama ''Batman Legends of Robin'' (1996).
* Lady Shiva appears in ''[[DC Super Hero Girls]]'' and its tie-in films, voiced by [[Tania Gunadi]].<ref name="btva" />

==Reception==
{{Expand section|date=January 2011}}
In 2011, [[UGO Networks]] featured Lady Shiva on their list of 25 Hot Ninja Girls: "She's the type of woman who makes it obvious why Bruce Wayne never really found love - his type is all too capable of kicking his ass".<ref>[http://www.ugo.com/girls/hot-ninja-girls?page=2 Ninja Chicks are So Freakin' Hot] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110111180030/http://www.ugo.com/girls/hot-ninja-girls?page=2 |date=January 11, 2011}}, [[UGO.com]], January 5, 2011</ref> She was ranked No. 8 on the list of Top 10 Fictional Ninjas by Fandomania for being "one of the deadliest martial artists in the DC Comics universe".<ref>{{cite web|last=Dorough |first=Jason |url=http://fandomania.com/top-10-fictional-ninjas/ |title=Top 10 Fictional Ninjas |publisher=Fandomania |date=2009-12-04 |access-date=March 15, 2011}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#Lady Shiva|Lady Shiva}}
* [http://webspace.webring.com/people/na/apothenea/Shiva.htm Women of Gotham Biography: Lady Shiva]
* [http://www.canarynoir.com/ CanaryNoir]

{{Batman characters}}
{{Batgirl}}
{{Birds of Prey}}
{{Black Canary}}
{{The Outsiders}}
{{Robin}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shiva, Lady}}
[[Category:Batman characters]]
[[Category:Black Canary characters]]
[[Category:Characters created by Dennis O'Neil]]
[[Category:Characters created by Ric Estrada]]
[[Category:Chinese superheroes]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1975]]
[[Category:DC Comics female superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics female supervillains]]
[[Category:DC Comics martial artists]]
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[[Category:Fictional characters from Detroit]]
[[Category:Fictional female assassins]]
[[Category:Fictional female murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional female ninja]]
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