Hadley Jagger was a WWII hero in the Pacific that became skilled in the martial arts, chief among them being judo.
History
Origin
Hadley “Rip” Jagger started out his road to heroism by studying boxing under the tutelage of coach “Pop” McKeon at the . After graduation, World War II broke out and Jagger enlisted in the military. He quickly rose to the ranks as sergeant. While serving in the Pacific, Jagger saved a young girl from a Japanese sniper when he was leading a group of soldiers on a small .
Jagger then learned the island was made up of Japanese natives that were subjugated by the commando forces of Major Yoku. He confronted those forces and was knocked unconscious. When he awoke, Jagger learned his company had been wiped out, but he alone was saved by the islanders. It seemed the girl Jagger saved was the granddaughter of the islander’s leader. As compensation the leader, named Sensei, offered to teach Jagger the secrets of the martial arts. Jagger agreed and immersed himself in the physical and spiritual studies of Judo. He became an expert in a relatively short time and was rewarded with a colorful outfit. Jagger took the outfit and became a symbolic leader to the guerrilla forces that came together to rid the and his troops.
As Judomaster, it wasn’t long before Jagger and the guerrilla forces freed the island. Afterwords, Jagger returned the nearby Army base where he was assigned a new company. He continued to use the Judomaster persona on covert missions and would later reveal his alias to the base commander, General Hawkins. From that point on, Jagger became a one-man task force and was sent on deadly missions throughout the Pacific.
During this time a young Japanese orphan became enamored by the heroics of the Judomaster. The young boy, Tiger, stowed away on an army transport and was ultimately adopted as the official mascot of Jagger’s company. Despite his young age, the boy impressed the Sensei with his martial arts skill and was deemed worthy to become Judomaster’s partner. The team of Judomaster and Tiger became renowned throughout the Pacific.
All-Star Squadron
During his WWII exploits he would come in contact with and work alongside ’s other costumed heroes, the war-time All-Star Squadron. We also learn after the War, that Jagger could not return to the States with Tiger. Instead he takes Tiger with him in search for the lost secrets of the martial arts. As years continue to past, Jagger hears about the hidden city of and is determine to find it. Tiger on the other hand, sick of constantly moving from place to place, confronts Jagger and ultimately runs away. Jagger attempts to find Tiger, but to no avail. He continues the search for the hidden city and eventually finds it.
Over fifty years had past as Jagger lived in complete tranquility and happiness. Recently however, Jagger was summoned by the guardian of Nanda Parbat, Rama Kushna, and was told of a great evil approaching. Jagger, himself, was responsible for this and was escorted out of the city in order to correct the wrong he committed. Once back out into the “World of Men”, Jagger finds himself joining the L.A.W. to combat the evil Avatar. Jagger allows himself to be captured by Avatar to confirm his suspicions that the villain is really his former partner Tiger. As the two of them are locked in battle, Jagger manages to place a blow to Avatar’s chest, stopping his heart. However, Jagger remembered a promise he made to his former partner about never letting harm come to him, so he revives Avatar. In the end the L.A.W. thwarts Avatar’s plans and he retreats. Jagger promises to find the Avatar and make peace with him.
Infinite Crisis
During the Infinite Crisis that engulfed the DCU, Jagger is among the many heroes defending Metropolis against an army of super-villains. Jagger dies unexpectedly by Bane, who breaks his back in battle. Revelations that Jagger sired a son appear as Thomas Jagger becomes the White King’s Knight of a restructured Checkmate.
Powers and Abilities
- Master Martial Artist: Martial artist specializing in Judo.