Hi everyone,
Today I'll be recapping the sixty-first issue of Marvel's The Hands of Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. The cover depicted Shang battling an unknown foe who wielded a massive wrecking ball affixed to a chain. The tale was titled "Glass Orchids." The issue had a cover date of February 1978.
The story began in the hospital, where Sir Dennis Nayland Smith's assistant, Miss Greville, was appreciating the dozen roses that her employer had just gifted her. She was preparing to leave soon, after the proper release paperwork had been signed. Clive Reston was going to pick her up. Meanwhile, Leiko Wu was listening to a Fleetwood Mac album in her apartment as Shang's Siamese cat watched her.
Shang-Chi was spending time with Black Jack Tarr. Tarr was on his way to meet Smith and Greville at the hospital. Shang's thoughts were with Leiko, and her harsh but true words that were uttered (after their parting in issue #58). Tarr stopped en route to enjoy a Frazetta painting at a nearby art gallery, while Clive Reston found time to appreciate the flowers in his greenhouse, and a new character entered the fray.
After listening to music, Shang decided to venture out. Meanwhile, Smith, Tarr, and Reston met at the hospital. Smith admitted to Reston that he was exploring his options, some of which might include leaving MI-6. Shang soon met the mystery man, who'd already defeated a vagrant and was lying in wait for him.
While Reston and Melissa Greville were making dinner plans, the villain who called himself the Skullcrusher was embroiled in a battle with the titular character. He admitted during the conflict that he'd been paid to eliminate Shang-Chi. His new opponent's skills with the ball and chain weapon were impressive, but Shang matched him move for move.
After being cooped up in her room, Wu finally opted to leave for a while. She made her way to Reston's residence, but found that he was about to leave for dinner with Melissa. She'd arrived too late for them to reconcile their former flame. The screeching tires of Reston's automobile could be heard after Skullcrusher fled their battle.
Shang-Chi was surprised by his enemy's retreat, but he decided to return to his hotel afterward. Tarr met him when he arrived and handed his friend a note. The message was written by Juliette, whom Shang-Chi had not seen in quite some time. It explained the reason for his battle earlier that evening, but also left a few questions yet to be answered.
It's obvious that this story was developed before the last two issues, but was probably not ready for publication at the time. This issue left several new possibilities for Shang-Chi and several of his supporting characters, and it brought back a character that I thought was forgotten and never to be seen again. I'm glad that Smith and his former employees no longer have any animosity.
Well, that's all for now. The story continues in Master of Kung Fu #62. We'll find out what happened to Juliette since her last appearance in this comic book. We'll also see how Leiko really feels about Shang-Chi and who hired the Skullcrusher to attack him. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.
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