The legacy of Iron Fist is one where cultural appropriation is its most predominate shadow. The character was created in a time when kung fu movies were everywhere and names like Shaw Brothers left the lips of kids as they do of Marvel now. As why the creators made the character, it was one of wish fulfillment. They got lost in the mythology and the beauty of martial arts that made the world.

So when the character came to the silver screen, the tone deafness that was mired in the character’s story was toxic on arrival. Naturally, the controversy came to the surface. The best thing is, now they look to make better steps, by rewriting canon. In the debut issue of Iron Fist, we find someone other than Danny Rand taking up the mantle.

We’re taken to Kun Lun, where Sparrow safeguard Shou –Lao, who has remained dormant since Danny Rand gave the Iron Fist. Meanwhile, back In New York City, Danny attempts to fight off some demons but unexpectedly is rescued by someone who seems to be the new Iron Fist., as we meet Lin Lie, who was once Sword Master, and also someone who has no idea what’s he is doing with the power. As we find out just how exactly he got his powers and it actually derives from the shards of what is left of the Sword of Fu Xi. By the issue’s end, Danny tries to reason with Lin but he eventually evades him, and returns to Kun Lun, where a far sinister secret lies in his inner circle.

Overall, Iron Fist #1 is an interesting entry into this character’s canon, one that looks to right a wrong. The story by Song is exciting. The art by creative team is beautiful. Altogether, a story that remixes the legend.

Story: Alyssa Wong Art: Michael Yg
Color: Jay David Ramos 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: comiXology/Kindle – TFAW

A new Iron Fist? Danny Rand gave up his role and power as Iron Fist to save the world and now there’s a mysterious new individual running around with similar powers and a costume that looks somewhat familiar. Iron Fist #1 delivers a whole new take on the character and it works, it works really well.

Written by Alyssa Wong, Iron Fist #1 is a comic split between old and new. Danny is still doing the superhero thing but with a bit less power. Then there’s the new mysterious Iron Fist and surprisingly, the mystery doesn’t last long. Instead of dragging things out, Wong delivers the goods with the first issue. By its end, we know who the new Iron Fist is, how they got their power, and who the “big bad” is. And it works, it works really well.

Why it works is that this doesn’t feel so much as a new derivative character out of the blue. Instead, this “new” Iron Fist is a character we already know and spins out of another recent comic. In other words, it’s a continuation of a story that’s been going on elsewhere, the latest chapter instead of a whole new one. That’s unexpected and very welcomed. While I read some of the early adventures of this new Iron Fist, the recent events mentioned I missed. These are all sure to be comics that are sought out after this first issue.

Wong also delivers a lot of humor in the action. There’s some solid fight scenes enhanced by Michael Yg‘s fantastic art but there’s just a levity about it all that makes you smile and relax. The seriousness that sometimes weighs on Iron Fist’s adventures and takes the joy out of the read isn’t there. Instead, there’s a youthful energy about it all befitting the new protagonist.

As I mentioned, Yg’s art is solid. Along with Jay David Ramos‘ colors and Travis Lanham‘s lettering, the art is great. The action is good though I’d have liked to see a bit more of the demons being fought. The designs of various costumes are beautiful and some of the scenes really give you pause to linger and look at the art. The comic’s look feels like it stays away from manga and kung fu comics visual tropes, delivering a look that’s a bit reserved in some ways but the design and everything is so good, it still pops.

Iron Fist #1 is a great debut honoring the old and new. It doesn’t feel like the “classic” is being shuffled out the door. Instead, this feels like a blend of the two but more importantly the continuation of two ongoing stories, Danny Rand’s as well as the new Iron Fist. By doing that we get twice the fine and a nice opportunity to do some things that are really interesting and new for both characters.

Story: Alyssa Wong Art: Michael Yg
Color: Jay David Ramos 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: comiXology/Kindle