‘Shang-Chi #1’ (review)

Written by Gene Luen Yang 
Art by Dike Ruan and Phillip Tan
Published by Marvel Comics

With a new movie on it’s way, it makes sense that Marvel Comics would put out a new Shang-Chi comic book.

The character hasn’t had too many memorable runs since the 1970’s.

Luckily, Marvel has enlisted writer Gene Luen Yang to write this series. It is good thing because you can see how perfect a fit that is from the very first page.

The book starts off with the reader seeing that Shang-Chi has relocated to Chinatown in New York City. He wants to settle into a more simple life than what he is used to.

We know that this isn’t going to last long and sure enough, it doesn’t. The book almost jumps right into things and I was one hundred percent all for it.

We are introduced to the Five Warriors Society.

This is an organization that was founded by Shang-Chi’s corrupt father. They have protected China for centuries. We get to see a little bit of the history behind them. Yang really seems interested in making a solid world for Shang-Chi to exist in here.

Then, we get to see Sister Hammer making a play to take control of the Five Warriors Society. Of course, Shang-Chi is reluctantly drawn back into action. He has to stop Sister Hammer. He also has to resolve some feelings for his father as well as come to terms with this relationship with the Five Warriors Society.

Yang writes a great script. It is smart, funny and incisive. The art is traded back and forth by Phillip Tan and Dike Ruan. Both artists do a great job. Ruan especially does a killer job on the action scenes.

Overall, this is a good book with some great artwork. I look forward to seeing where this is headed.

RATING: A-