Shang-Chi is heading back to the pages of Marvel Comics. As first reported by the New York Times, Marvel is giving the Master of Kung Fu a brand new solo series. Eisner-winning writer Gene Luen Yang is set to pen the series, with Dike Ruan (Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man) and Phillip Tan (Black Order) providing art.
“I mean, it’s Shang-Chi,” Yang Said. “He’s probably the most prominent Asian—I guess he’s Asian-American now since he’s moved over here—Asian-American Super Hero.”
“The basic idea that his father is a Super Villain is still there,” Yang said. “Zheng Zhu has been around a very long time. He has other kids besides Shang-Chi, so we’re going to explore some of those sibling relationships.”
Here’s the official synopsis for Shang-Chi.
“In this new series, Shang-Chi’s fight for justice will collide with his past. When the hero finds himself pulled back into the fold, no one will be ready for what will be unleashed. With a target on his back after the revitalization of his father’s secret society, the balance of power will shift in an epic tale of succession, family, and betrayal.”
This comes as production is currently under way on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the film adaptation of the character that was announced last year by Marvel Studios at San Diego Comic-Con as part of the studio’s massive Phase 4 plans. It is scheduled to hit theaters in February 2021. Simu Liu is on board to play the titular hero. Taking to Twitter, Yang expressed his enthusiasm for the book, while also joking about wanting Liu to play a character he wrote.
For so long, I've dreamed of @simuliu playing a character from a comic I wrote. Kenan Kong hasn't worked out (yet) so I had no choice but to sign up to write the new Shang-Chi mini-series from @Marvel!https://t.co/DKOVBWltAy
— Gene Luen Yang (@geneluenyang) March 12, 2020
“For so long, I’ve dreamed of Simu Liu playing a character from a comic I wrote. Kenan Kong hasn’t worked out (yet) so I had no choice but to sign up to write the new Shang-Chi mini-series from “Marvel!” Yang said.
Shang-Chi has a long history with Marvel, as the character originally debuted in Marvel Special Edition #15 in December 1973. He will be getting a massive profile boost next year when the film arrives. Much like Guardians of the Galaxy before it, few people in the mainstream are as familiar with this property. With that, the timing of this new miniseries seems perfect, as it will give fans something to explore ahead of the movie’s release.
Shang-Chi #1 is set to hit stands in June.
So what do you think? Are you excited for this new series? Will you be picking it up when it comes out? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
