Hi all,
This article will focus on the Shang-Chi story from the first issue of Marvel Comics Presents, which debuted in September 1988. The series was famous for its series of Wolverine epics, particularly the Weapon X storyline. This issue had issues featuring Wolverine, the Man-Thing, Shang-Chi, and the Silver Surfer.
The Master of Kung Fu tale in this issue was called "Crossing Lines I: Ripples." It began with Shang's boat coming ashore. He made his way through a busy city street until he came across what his late colleague Laner would have termed a flophouse. Shang-Chi entered the decrepit abode, knowing full well that he was being followed.
Shang's followers soon sprang into attack mode. Had he been nothing more than an ordinary fisherman, Shang-Chi would have been ripe pickings for those opportunists. However, as fans of the character know, he was much more than that.
After a rather easy victory, Shang continued on foot. He came across a store with a sign that read Oriental Expediters Limited. He remembered how that name had been used as a front for terrorist activities in London in the past, but still decided to venture inside.
Making his way to the rear courtyard, he came across a pool, in which swam someone who was very familiar to Shang-Chi. It was none other than Leiko Wu who brought him close once more after being apart for quite some time. They then surfaced and left the pool to join their old comrade Black Jack Tarr and a few other gentlemen on another issue.
I'm glad that Doug Moench returned to Marvel to pen this series. He's the one writer who has the most experience with the main character and supporting cast, and I can't think of anyone else more fit for this role. Legendary X-Men artist Dave Cockrum's inks made penciler Tom Grindberg's work more serviceable in this story. I was glad to see Shang's return, and anticipated learning where the characters would go next.
I'm only going to cover the Shang-Chi stories in the first eight issues of Marvel Comics Presents, to continue my coverage of the Master of Kung Fu. You're free to read the remaining tales at your leisure in print or online. Next time, I'll write about the continuation of this storyline in the second issue of Marvel Comics Presents. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.
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