As someone who has worked in some terrible organizations, it is still bewildering how oblivious people in power are.  As these workplaces often are insidious with fiefdoms and littered with sycophants. Rarely, do you see people who actually know or do their jobs. As one person I know pretty much scared everyone off from her department and is still in charge with only 2 people, vice where they had 14 people.

So it is always hopeful, when they have new leadership. As they come in with their on promises and what they feel is morally acceptable. This is often where idealistic meets pragmatic. In Deadly Hands of Kung Fu: Gang War #1, Shang Chi’s part in the city wide war forces his hand as the head of the Five Weapons Society.

We’re taken to a flashback 20 years ago, in China, when Zheng Zu, then Supreme Commander of the Five Weapons Society, teaches   Shang Chi, the importance of tactical strategy.  We are taken to present day, where Shang Chi wants to stay neutral in the gang war, which is until Lady Yulia and her vampires try to grab a piece of Chinatown, which forces  him to at least defend , with the help or distraction of Spider-Man. He has another run in with Mister Negative, a battle that would visibly wear him down. By the issue’s end, Shang chi used the perception of his injury to thwart out the traitors in his organization, ending their plans for a coup to an end.

Overall, Deadly Hands of Kung Fu: Gang War #1 is an excellent debut issue that shows why Shang Chi is such a beloved character in comics. The story by Greg Pak is brilliant. The art by the creative team is marvelous. Altogether, Deadly Hands of Kung Fu: Gang War #1 is a story that shows evil lurks in corners you do not necessarily see coming.

Story: Greg Pak Art: Caio Majado
Color: Jim Campbell Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

---

Purchase: Kindle