Lady Shiva made her first appearance in "Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter" #1 in 1975 and was created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Jim Aparo. She is one of the deadliest assassins in the DC Universe and a formidable opponent of several heroes and anti-heroes, including Batman and Green Arrow. Over the years, her character has evolved from a mere villain into a more nuanced anti-hero with complex motivations, often driven by her code of honor and desire for the ultimate challenge in martial arts. Though initially introduced as a secondary character, her popularity grew leading to significant roles in various story arcs, notably within the Batman and Green Arrow narratives. As a martial artist, she is unmatched, often depicted as having trained many of the DC Universe's best fighters, including Cassandra Cain. Lady Shiva has appeared in various media, including animated series and video games, where her fierce demeanor and relentless fighting style were effectively portrayed, solidifying her status as a cultural icon within the DC franchise.