When it comes to James Bond movies, to say that the endings are nothing short of satisfying, is definitely a disservice to the theatrics connected to it. The movies that Sean Connery starred in are probably some of the most iconic movies of all time. The style and flair that he brought to every scene is what has made the character so immortal. Even George Lazenby’s foray into the character, though only lasting one movie, was probably the best in the series. Three more actors would inhabit the role but the one that has always stood out in my mind is, Sir Roger Moore.

Moore was James Bond for a good part of the 1980s, the era when I fell in love with movies. His interpretation of the character brought what is fun about spy movies, and what The Kingsmen movies can’t help but steal in the best ways possible. His best Bond movie in my mind, Octopussy, which was both funny and action-packed but showed moviegoers how to build up a story to a satisfying big bang ending. In the final issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, we find Shang Chi as he confronts both his brother and father in a fight which may cost many including his, their lives.

We find Moving Shadow and Shang Chi facing off as Fu Manchu spectates in delight, as his two sons face off for the first time, testing if this fateful battle is his will. Meanwhile, Leiko, Blackjack and Clive, meetup with up Spetz and the Omega team, as they fight Fu Manchu’s men on their way off the island, as Spetz suffers his own death. Eventually, Leiko,Blackjack, Clive and what’s left of the Omega team neutralize the threat Fu Manchu was about to unleash.

Overall, the satisfying conclusion that gives diehard fans of this character what we expect from Doug Moench’s masterwork. The story by Moench is brilliant and amazing. The art by the creative team is mesmerizing. Altogether, a well-woven tale that feels as epic as the stories it was inspired from.

Story: Doug Moench
Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott
Story: 9.4 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Netflix’s venture with Marvel Studios is one of the most fruitful partnerships in modern entertainment. It’s true that DC has been making their own splash on television for a few years but comic book fans wanted more. They wanted shows that showcased more than the studios were offering. We mostly had to rely on movie offerings, from the two houses, and some offshoots like Image, i.e. Kick-Ass series.

The buzz radiated from when comic book fans first saw the television version of Matt Murdock. Then comic books fans got to see Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist onscreen soon after. It made fans more than happy. In the television version of the Avengers movies, The Defenders saw a team-up between these Heroes of New York culminating in a final big fight. In the fifth issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, we find Shang Chi and Leiko in the fight of their lives.

We catch-up with Spetz and his MI-6 Omega team as they reach the shores of Fu Manchu’s island, where they are met crossfire as soon as they arrive on the beach. Meanwhile, Blackjack and Clive, reach the other end of the island, to rescue Leiko and Shang, unknowing of what lies in their way. We also find Leiko and Shang finally finding their way out, as they help the Omega team get to Fu Manchu’s lair. By issue’s end, Shang fights his way to exactly where Moving Shadow is, as they begin their final fight.

Overall, the story ramps up on the action, giving fans the penultimate issue the story requires before a satisfying conclusion. The story by Doug Moench is wonderful and remarkable. The art by the creative team is spellbinding. Altogether, this issue is a callback to the best kung fu films of the 1980s. It’s enough to make you want to pull out your old VHS tapes of Kung Fu Theatre.

Story: Doug Moench
Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott
Story: 9.4 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Denzel Washington is known most for these days, his work with Antoine Fuqua, in Training Day and The Equalizer movies. One of my favorite movies by him was Out Of Time where he starred with Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan. In the film, an old flame reignites something in Washington’s character while a new obsession gets him in hot water. In the fourth issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, we find Shang Chi finding that his love for Leiko is still there which may lead to more trouble than he ever foresaw.

Leiko and Shang Chi are reliving their past for a short moment when Shang Chi regains some semblance of honor and gets Leiko to reveal what she found about the Mandarin’s plans. The Mandarin is in his hidden lair where we find out the full power of the weapon he created as it eviscerates everything in a nearby fishing village. Lieko’s husband is caught in the crossfire between a group of commandos that work for Reston and the Omega team. Spetz saves her husband only to imprison him. By issue’s end, Leiko and Shang reunite with Tarr and we find out exactly who Moving Shadow is.

Overall, the story gets even more exciting, giving readers a spirited tale, which keeps readers wanting more. The story by Doug Moench is delightful and impressive. The art by the creative team is entrancing. Altogether, a book that gives readers a deeper understanding of who this character is.

Story: Doug Moench
Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott
Story: 9.7 Art: 9.8 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy

Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy was quite ahead of this time. Movie critics rarely had heralded superhero movies up until the trilogy’s release, many did Nolan’s vision. The movies did something that adaptations struggle with. It satisfied the diehard comic book fan and the regular movie watcher. It pulled from the different stories already in canon while remembering that a good story must always be told.

One of the gifts that the movies gave audiences was the introduction of Ra’s Al Ghul, a storied character, who never saw his time onscreen until Nolan used him. As the character’s influence is evident not only those movies but the Gotham television show. In the third issue of Shang Chi: Master Of Kung Fu, we find Shang Chi’s father in an omnipotent position much like Ras Al Ghul, giving our heroes an intimidating adversary to face.

We find Leiko in the middle of who is behind the Hellfire Apocalypse, and it just so happens to be Shang Chi’s father, who faked his own death so no one would be the wiser. As Shang Chi enters the lair, he is able to reach Leiko and escape only to take on a hail of gunfire, as the truth is revealed about what his father had been up to, and where this doomsday weapon may be headed. As Leiko and Shang Chi look to escape the fortress, these two must fight their way out, through the failed experiments that his father created, where they were once humans but are mindless ravaged beasts who no wonder the compound. As the two are alone, Shang realizes he still feels some sort of way about Leiko, knowing that she is married only complicates his intentions. By issue’s end, the Omega team is getting closer, someone close to Leiko and Shang has other intentions and things between the two are reignited.

Overall, the story feels like a James Bond movie that more than tilts its hat at the famous spy. The story by Doug Moench is thrilling and commanding. The art by the creative team is enchanting. Altogether,  a story that maybe Shang’s big-screen debut may aspire to.

Story: Doug Moench
Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott
Story: 9.7 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.66 Recommendation: Buy