Black Dragon Society (Earth-616)
The **Black Dragon Society** was a Japanese terrorist organization that operated during World War II. Acting under orders from Imperial Japan, the group infiltrated the United States to secure oil supplies following the American trade embargo on Japan.
Using American businessman Howard Smith as their agent, the Black Dragon Society secretly purchased the Wild Cat oil well in Texas from oilman Ray Thompson. They built a covert pipeline from the well to the Pacific Ocean, pumping crude oil directly into a Japanese submarine for transport back to Japan. When Thompson discovered their plot, he was assassinated by one of their operatives.
The murder drew the attention of the android Human Torch and his partner Toro. Investigating the killing, the heroes uncovered the Society’s plan and followed their trail to Texas. The Black Dragons attempted to ambush the Torch and Toro on a train, but failed. A subsequent battle at the oil pipeline led to the destruction of much of the group. Their surviving members retreated to the Japanese submarine, but the Torch and Toro pursued and defeated them. The sub was forced to surrender to the U.S. Navy.
The fate of Howard Smith remains unknown, and it is unclear if the Black Dragon Society continued operations after this encounter.
- Name: Black Dragon Society
- **Type:** Terrorist organization
- **Affiliation:** Imperial Japan
- **Enemies:** Human Torch, Toro
- **Base of Operations:** Mobile; formerly Japan and the United States
- **Universe:** Earth-616 (Marvel Multiverse)
- **Publisher:** Timely/Marvel Comics
- **Creators:** Carl Burgos
- **First Appearance:** All Winners Comics #3 (December 1941)
- **Total Appearances:** 1
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