Shang-Chi leads the Five Weapons Society, but many are unhappy with his changes. Find out what sick plan his enemies have in mind in Shang-Chi: Master of the Ten Rings #1 by Marvel Comics!

SHANG-CHI: MASTER OF THE TEN RINGS #1

Writer: Gene Luen Yang
Artist: Michael Yg
Colorist: Erick Arciniega and Protobunker’s Fer Sifuentes-Sujo
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Editor: Darren Shan
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: January 4th, 2022 

Previously in Shang Chi: Shang-Chi is the Commander of the Five Weapons Society, an organization created by his father. He has turned the group into a force of good and out of his father’s evil legacy and has mastered the Ten Rings. With the help of his family, his girlfriend, and his martial arts training, Shang-Chi has continually helped save the world.

Shang-Chi: Master of the Ten Rings #1 begins with Shang-Chi hearing about an attempt to steal Zheng-Zu’s bones, who is Shang-Chi’s father. He leads the Five-Weapon Society to stop the ritual, but it is too late, and a portal to the past is opened, which Shang-Chi jumps through. The version of Zheng-Zu summoned was from the 1800s before he was corrupted. Shang-Chi decides to save his father as the portal closes behind him. In the past, Zheng Zu resisted the British Opium trade from Constable Yuan, and Shang-Chi saved him from arrest.

After talking to his father and uncle, Shang-Chi later helps Constable Yuen from being shot by British forces. Despite that, Constable Yuan tries to arrest Zheng Zu and Shang-Chi. Angered, Shang-Chi uses the Ten Rings and almost kills the Constable, but his father tells him to stop. Meanwhile, the Five Weapon Society reopens the portal, and Shang-Chi returns to his time. He then buries his father’s bones next to his uncle in a place of honor.

Shang-Chi has been a problematic character for me. As a Chinese-American, he should represent my culture, but some of his interpretations are plain racist. When Gene Luen Yang took over the character, he gave a new depth to Shang-Chi and began to repair some of the concerning writings of the past. Shang-Chi: Master of the Ten Rings #1 introduces us to the history of the Chinese people and provides a unique depth to Shang-Chi and his father. While the plot is straightforward, the understanding and inclusion of Chinese history were fundamental to my appreciation of this book.

The art style felt a little busy at times. Still, I can’t deny the extraordinary details used in buildings, floors, and architecture. I also noticed how the folds of people’s clothes were. The comic featured vibrant colors, and I liked the interpretation of the magic used within these issues. But sometimes, my eye was overwhelmed by the number of details. Overall, good work by the creative team.

Shang Chi: Master of the Ten Rings #1 is advertised as the end of Gene Luen Yang’s Shang-Chi Saga and is a satisfying conclusion. Shang-Chi feels like a well-rounded character and leader who deserves to be among the powerful forces of the Marvel Universe. With all that in mind and my particular connection to the character: this comic is a 4 out of 5 stars.