There are multiple versions of Lady Shiva's origins. In the original timeline, her sister Carolyn was a traveling companion of the martial artists Ben Turner and Richard Dragon. Their uncle Shiruto was killed by a spy known as the Swiss, who then kidnapped Carolyn. Carolyn died during a battle between Dragon and the Swiss. Sandra became Lady Shiva to avenge her sister.
These events were later shown differently. In the new timeline post CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, Carolyn and Sandra grew up in Detroit. They practiced martial arts constantly, and people would travel to watch them spar together. The assassin David Cain observed them, and noticed that Sandra was holding back out of love for her older sister. Cain brutally murdered Carolyn and left her body for Sandra to discover. This allowed Sandra to explore her true potential. Sandra sought out David Cain looking for revenge and tried to kill him. The League of Assassins defeated her, but she forgave Cain when she realized that he had set her free. Cain allowed Sandra to live if he would bear her a child. Sandra had a daughter, Cassandra Cain, and gave her up to David.
Featured in these Comics
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![Batman]()
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DC Comics1940 - 2011 -
![Batman and the Outsiders]()
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DC Comics2019 - Present -
![Birds of Prey]()
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DC Comics1999 - 2009 -
![DCeased: Unkillables]()
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DC Comics2020 -
![Deathstroke]()
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DC Comics2014 - 2016 -
![Detective Comics]()
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DC Comics2016 - Present
Character History
CREATORS: Denny O'Neil & Ric Estrada
FIRST APPEARANCE: Richard Dragon, Kung-Fu Fighter #5 (1976)