Retro Comic Recap: Master of Kung Fu #69

 Hi everyone,

Today, I'm recapping the sixty-ninth issue of Marvel's monthly The Hands of Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu comic book. The cover showed Shang evading the ball and chain attack from his old enemy, Skullcrusher. The story was called "Stairway to Rage!" The issue had a cover date of October 1978.

The tale began right where the last issue left off. Clive Reston, Melissa Greville, Leiko Wu, and Black Jack Tarr were about to depart on a boat to begin their journey home to London. Shang-Chi and Juliette were about to set sail in a second boat, heading toward her safehouse in Hong Kong. 

After reaching their destination, Juliette informed Shang that his nemesis, Skullcrusher, left her a message stating that he would be waiting for Shang-Chi at the Po Lin monastery just outside of Hong Kong. He claimed that he would be the new master of the monastery after his old foe passed his tests.

Shang had no wish to endure any tests, but still made the trek by himself to the monastery. Outside the front gate, he was met by several monks. They told Shang-Chi that they could not return to their monastery until it had been returned to them, adding that Skullcrusher had evicted them, but that he could not touch the true master's spirit that lived inside the dwelling. 

Shang-Chi then entered to face the three tests. The first test was a man armed with a cane. He proved to be no match for Shang. The second test awaited him at the top of a series of steps. A pair of men were playing music on pan flutes, before using those instruments as blowdart guns. The third test was at the top of the temple, in the form of a trio of scythe-wielding warriors.

None of his opponents was able to defeat Shang-Chi. The final enemy was none other than Skullcrusher himself. It was a pitched battle, but one that Shang emerged from victorious. Afterward, Juliette appeared to console the fallen foe. Shang-Chi then left the monastery and everything it contained. The monks were free to return to their longtime home.

I understand how the flashbacks involving Shang and Juliette could be seen as a bit confusing when compared to the overall storyline. Sometimes it could be difficult to understand their meaning. I don't think that I grasped their relevance until the story's end. I was a bit surprised to see Juliette's concern for an enemy, but I guess the heart wants what the heart wants. 

Well, that's it for this article. Next time, I'll recap the seventieth issue of Master of Kung Fu. Guest artist Pat Broderick teams up with writer Doug Moench on a new story. Shang and Black Jack Tarr travel to New York to return to part of Tarr's past. Unfortunately, it isn't a friendly reunion. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.