With Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings coming to theaters in a few weeks, we think it is a great time to get caught up on the Master of Kung Fu himself, Shang-Chi. Below are a few of our favorites including the Shang-Chi 1-5 by Gene Luen Yang and Dike Ruan that will be the graphic novel collection for our giveaway in anticipation of the movie coming soon to our YouTube channel so subscribe and ring that bell to get noticed when the giveaway starts and check out all our other videos also: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWNb296QpxKjS9ArTSHWbXA
The original 1974-1983 run (Special Marvel Edition #15-16, Master of Kung Fu #17-125, Giant-Size Master of Kung Fu #1-4, Master of Kung Fu Annual #1) introduced Shang-Chi into the Marvel universe. The first several issues were written by Englehart (with Starlin on artwork), and Doug Moench takes over the writing duties by Master of Kung Fu #20. Moench would write all the way until #125. Shang-Chi emerges as a charming and badass protagonist who never wavers from his purpose. For those who just want to read the origin, the first issue (Special Marvel Edition #15) is all you need to read. This run also introduces characters that will feature in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings including the multiple Razor Fists (Master of Kung Fu #29 and 105) and Death-Dealer (Master of Kung Fu #115). Many other of Shang-Chi’s rogues and allies are also first introduced in this run including Shadow-Stalker, Midnight Sun, Cursed Lotus, Darkstrider, Shadow Slasher, Ghost Maker, Clive Reston, Leiko Wu, Black Jack Tarr and many more.
There are a fair amount of racial slurs in this series that would not be acceptable under modern standards, so fair warning for those who choose to read this series.
Secret Avengers #6-10 (2010) by Ed Brubaker and Mike Deodato. These issues correspond to the “Eyes of the Dragon” arc where Shang-Chi joins the Secret Avengers to take down his resurrected father.During this arc, Shang-Chi’s father is now called Zheng Zu. This retcon is handled in-text by mentioning that Zheng Zu is just one of many names taken by him over history, though the real reason is that Marvel lost the rights to Fu Manchu and the other Sax Rohmer characters.
Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #1-4 (2014) by Mike Benson and Tan Eng Huat. Miniseries reintroducing Shang-Chi in a more modern setting and features the Daughters of the Dragon.
Shang-Chi #1-5 (2020) by Gene Luen Yang and Dike Ruan. This modern series reintroduces Shang-Chi as a leader of kung fu clan, the House of the Deadly Hand. After the death of the Supreme Commander of the Five Weapons Society, a power vacuum arises causing conflict between the Five Houses. Highly recommend this series, and it does an effective job at establishing the character of Shang-Chi.
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