Retro Comic Recap: Master of Kung Fu #62

 Hi everyone,

Today's topic is the sixty-second issue of Marvel's The Hands of Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. The cover showed Shang engaged in battle with a trio of knife-wielding opponents in a swamp. The story was called "Red Seas." The issue had a cover date of March 1978.

Shang-Chi was walking the streets of Hong Kong. His thoughts went back to a pair that he'd left behind in London: Leiko Wu and his Siamese cat. Shang was also reminded of his fight with Skullcrusher (last issue) and the note he'd read from Juliette, who he'd met at the same nightclub that he was now standing in front of.

He entered the club just as a hooded figure who went by Moonsong was busy loading up a van in the back of the building. Shang-Chi was surprised to see that Juliette was not the Jade Peacock's featured singer, and had no knowledge of what was transpiring on the other side of the club. Moonsong's workers loaded several crates into their van, but left one behind for the crew. 

After her performance, Shang-Chi asked the new singer Mei-Lin a few questions. She admitted that she'd only worked at the club for a short time, and that Juliette had left before she started her employment there. He was about to ask where Juliette had gone, when a bouncer intervened. The tall man didn't like a customer talking with the performers in the back area. Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of an explosion. 

Shang ran to the back of the club where the explosives contained in the crate left behind had detonated. The truck that it came from took off. Shang-Chi was able to follow it and eve nmanaged to hang on to the back of the moving vehicle before it took a sharp turn. Undeterred, he later clung to the back of a moving car who was going the truck's way.

Meanwhile, Leiko was knocking on Clive Reston's door. She arrived to apologize for her earlier behavior and to find out where Shang-Chi had gone. Reston had moved on with Melissa Greville, and informed Wu that Shang had gone to Hong Kong, the same place where he and Greville were on their way to. He told Leiko that she knew where to find the orchids before closing the door.

Back in Hong Kong, Shang hopped off the car just after the truck he'd been tailing reached its destination. They were at the wharf, where crates were being loaded onto one of the boats. Shang-Chi headed toward the vessel, and eventually managed to climb aboard after it had already taken off. A few of the crewmen attacked him, but they provided little resistance to Shang. The mysterious masked figure then took a swing at him, A swift punch knocked his opponent down, who was revealed to be Juliette herself.

Skullcrusher was busy reporting to his master that the Jade Peacock had been stripped, its shipment stolen and the club owner had been killed. He added that Mei Ling had identified Shang-Chi. The boss stated that was due to his lackey's failure to stop Shang in London before he could kill the club owner who was also his brother. The leader stepped out of the shadows, and we saw that it was Shen Kuei, aka the Cat. 

This issue was definitely a blast from the not too recent past. It was good to see Juliette and Kuei back in this comic once more. I was surprised to see how quickly Wu had a change of heart, especially after her former love Reston had found someone else. The only things missing were Black Jack Tarr and Sir Dennis Nayland Smith. 

Well, that's all for this article. Next up is the sixty-third issue of Master of Kung Fu. In that issue, we'll find out what the Cat and Juliette have been up to since their last appearances. There will also be the return of another popular character. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Master of Kung Fu #61

 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. 

Retro Comic Recap: Master of Kung Fu #60

 Good morning,

Today I'll discuss the sixtieth issue of The Hands of Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. The cover depicted Shang battling Razorfist and Pavane, as other foes from his past stood behind him on a giant chessboard, with Doctor Doom overseeing everything. The story was called "The Phoenix Gambit Part II: End-Game." The issue had a cover date of January 1978.

The tale began with Shang and Clive Reston flying to the tiny European nation of Latveria. As Reston flew the plane, he advised Shang-Chi to try and sleep off more of the drug that was still in his system (which had been administered by a drugged Reston last issue). Shang's thoughts soon turned to his father, Fu Manchu. He saw himself and his father walking in a melted polar ice cap, watching dragon eggs hatch.

One of the hatchlings quickly grew into a full-sized adult dragon. Manchu was saying that he could not die, but he would continue to have new sons to kill the old ones. Just then, the large dragon breathed flames at Shang-Chi, which awoke him from his dream. The burning fire from the dragon was just the fever from his illness. 

Shang had woken up just minutes before the plane landed a safe distance from Doom's castle. He and Reston had no sooner debarked when they were attacked by Shaka Kharn, Manchu's reincarnated ancestor. Shang-Chi knew that this had to be a trick, remembering that he had slain Kharn in battle. After a brief conflict, he realized that both Kharn and Reston were robots.

Shang-Chi continued on toward Doctor Doom's residence. An armored knight on horseback rode to meet him as he reached the open drawbridge. Shang grabbed the knight's electrified lance and threw the rider from its mount. The knight turned out to be his old enemy, Shockwave, who was yet another robot.

Shang's anger grew as he ventured further inside the castle. He fought more foes who were standing behind him, and continued to fight as he walked up a staircase where his former foe and sometimes ally, Shadow Stalker, was waiting for him. After defeating his rival, a wall panel slid back to expose the Prime Mover and Doom, who had been engaged in their own contest.

Doctor Doom declared that Shadow Stalker was no robot and that Shang-Chi had taken a life. Doom explained that this was a game, and that his intended opponent was Shang's father, who had since been taken off the playing field (after escaping in deep space in issue #50). The walls in front of the Latverian monarch then closed, and Shang-Chi found himself in a chamber where his old opponents Shockwave, Pavane, Razorfist, Shaka Kharn, Shadow Stalker, and the killer robot of Mordillo entered.

During the conflict that ensued, Shang learned that the first Shadow Stalker dispatched by Doom was a robot and that he had killed no one. After his victory, Shang-Chi squared off against Doom, who was also a robot. Electronic feedback assaulted the Prime Mover, who was, in actuality, a brainwashed Reston. 

Shang-Chi grabbed his companion, and the pair jumped from the tower moments before it blasted off into space. After splashing down, Shang realized that they were in the River Thames and had never left London. He was able to knock some sense into Clive, and the duo recuperated later at a nearby hospital. Leiko Wu and Black Jack Tarr visited them, as they tried to piece together what was real and what wasn't from their encounter.

Wu reported that Doom had bought the Twickenham estate in Sussex, where Shang-Chi and Reston had just been. Tarr added that MI-6 agents had confirmed what Shang saw, but that the robots were missing, as was the tower rocket, which may already have returned to Latveria. The quartet was then interrupted by the arrival of a nurse who brought a get-well present.

Shang-Chi opened the box to find a small chess set. The chess pieces were of Shang and some of his friends and foes. The figure of Doctor Doom stood over the figure of Shang-Chi and laughed at his victory. While Shang and Reston puzzled over this, the Prime Mover complained about Doom's substitution of Reston, a move that assured his victory between them. 

This was a fun two-part epic. It kept the readers guessing as to what parts were fantasy and what parts were real. Even though Shang-Chi didn't face off against the real Doctor Doom, at least he understood the threat that the Latverian ruler posed to the world. I truly enjoyed this issue. It was also a nice introduction to readers who might not have been familiar with Shang's more notable rivals.

Well, that's all for now. Next up is the sixty-first issue of Marvel's Master of Kung Fu. Jim Craig returns to join forces with writer Doug Moench on a new tale. We'll check in on Sir Dennis Nayland Smith's assistant, Miss Grevill,e on her road to recovery, and meet a new villain. We'll also see Shang tempted by someone from his past. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Master of Kung Fu #59

 Good afternoon,

Today's topic is the fifty-ninth issue of Marvel Comics' monthly The Hands of Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu title. The cover showed Shang trying to evade a seemingly demonic apparition as his colleagues Black Jack Tarr and Sir Dennis Nayland Smith looked on in horror. The story was called "The Phoenix Gambit Part I: The Temples of Time." The issue had a cover date of December 1977.

Shang-Chi appeared to be lost inside a dream. He found himself in the African veldt, where it was cold and snowing. He came across a black woman who was watching over elephants, giraffes, and lions who had succumbed to the cold weather. After Shang approached and asked her what was happening, she pointed to a set of nearby pyramids that appeared to be man-made. 

The young warrior walked toward the pyramids and soon found a portal in the floor. As he descended the staircase, he saw several men working feverishly at complicated machines. One of them explained that they were rebuilding the gateway. The gateway was a circular platform around which several others kneeled and prayed. A switch was pulled, and Shang-Chi's old enemy, Razorfist, miraculously appeared before his eyes.

Shang was incredulous, knowing that his former foe had expired in battle (in issue #31). Nonetheless, he was the one whom the others around him had been praying for to return. Razorfist promised Shang-Chi to give him the sweet blessing of death before lunging at him. Just then, everything went black. 

When Shang-Chi came to, he found Leiko Wu and a British policeman standing before him. He'd apparently walked in front of a taxi cab on a busy street before passing out. As a doctor came from the middle of the crowd to assess the situation, Shang thought that the doctor was Razorfist, and instinctively moved to protect Wu before striking at his attacker. He defeated his opponent, who looked just like his long-dead rival. 

Afterward, Wu took Shang to her home. She advised him to rest on her couch. Minutes later, Shang-Chi saw London covered in ice and snow. It was indeed a puzzlement for himself, as well as for his comrades Tarr and Smith. Smith said that Earth seemed to be tilted sideways, and the planet's glaciers were moving away from the North and South Poles. 

Shang-Chi lashed out at Smith, declaring that he was responsible for this mess. Smith tried to reassure his friend while he made plans for an expedition to the North Pole. Shortly after their arrival, Smith, Tarr, and Shang came across another mysterious pyramid. They explored its interior, and Tarr located an anti-gravity chamber that took the three of them down to yet another portal.

This time, the portal opened to bring forth a flaming apparition that called itself Amar-Tu. Its very presence had a calming effect on our heroes, who were filled with love before they drew nearer to it. However, their embrace with the spirit soon turned deadly.

Shang-Chi woke up again. It was just another dream. He got up to look for Leiko, only to find Pavane waiting for him. She tossed her whip at him, and a swift kick revealed that she was nothing more than a robot. Just then, Wu returned from her shopping trip. She informed Shang that the person he'd thought was Razorfist was identified as a robot, much like the one he'd just battled.

Moments later, a window shattered from gunfire, as another familiar face entered the fray. This time, it was the infamous robot with gun turrets where a human's eye sockets would be. Shang-Chi startled his attacker by throwing a bedsheet over him, before knocking him to the ground with a powerful kick.

Shang-Chi and Leiko started to reason their way through possible reasons for the attacks. They quickly ruled out the since-deceased Carlton Velcro and Mordillo, but found that their friend Clive Reston was a common link. The "robot" then lifted its mask to reveal that it was actually Reston himself.

Clive confessed that he'd been drugged earlier that day and was forced to drug Shang on the street corner. He remembered that the person who had drugged him was from the small Eastern European nation of Latveria. Meanwhile, that nation's monarch, Doctor Doom, was engaged in a game of chess with the Prime Mover, with Shang and his friends and foes as the players on their chessboard. 

The few glimpses we had earlier in the story of the match between these powerful individuals gave a few clues as to the people behind the machinations in this issue. Doctor Doom is undoubtedly Marvel's most popular villain, and I was happy to see him featured in this comic book. I was also impressed by Mike Zeck's artwork, particularly the second page, whose panels were done in an outline of the African continent. 

Well, that's all for now. Tomorrow, I'll recap the sixtieth issue of Master of Kung Fu. That issue wraps up this two-part story. We'll see more people from Shang-Chi's past, and learn which powerful player wins the match. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Master of Kung Fu #58

Good morning, everyone,

Today's focus is the fifty-eighth issue of Marvel's The Hands of Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. The cover showed the titular character battling War-Yore, with imprisoned Leiko Wu looking on behind him. The tale was called "The Saga of War-Yore Part IV: The Final Faces." The issue had a cover date of November 1977.

The story began as Shang and War-Yore (real name = Eric Slaughter) stood at the bottom of a staircase. Two men holding the unconscious Wu with them ordered their agent to stop. Shang-Chi knew that he couldn't move without endangering the woman he loved, but wondered what had happened to his companion, Black Jack Tarr. 

Tarr was busy watching a helicopter land and was stunned to see his former boss, Sir Dennis Nayland Smith, emerge from it. Meanwhile, Clive Reston kept an eye on Shang-Chi, Leiko, and their opponents as Smith and other MI-6 agents entered the room below him. He assumed that his ex-leader was behind the plot to assassinate his former agents.

Smith was shocked to see Shang and Wu in trouble. He made his outrage known by demanding Wu's release. The men around him thought that Smith was involved in the shady dealings that he knew nothing about, and a few of them aimed their guns at the MI-6 director. 

Tarr and Reston leapt to their ex-leader's defense. Amidst the confusion, the man holding Leiko was shot. She fell into the hands of Slaughter in his Saint George personal. Shang-Chi followed the villain as he raced up the staircase. 

Reston, Tarr, and Smith eventually made their way outside toward Reston's car. Meanwhile, Shang found himself in a chamber full of impressive-looking weapons. Slaughter entered another room and set Wu down carefully. He then opened a chest and adorned clothing from the Dark Raider, Saint George, Robin Hood, Shira-Kawa's savior, the Viking Hrolf Kraki, the Red Baron, and Attila the Hun to create his final alter-ego, War-Yore. 

Leiko felt sorry for the misguided man in front of her. She was making some headway getting through to him when a spike tossed by Shang-Chi interrupted their conversation. At the same time, MI-6 helicopters were arriving on the scene, not long before Smith realized that Tarr and Shang's other friends had some valid reasons for leaving the service earlier.

As Shang battled the man with multiple personalities, his opponent seemed to shift at times from one persona to another during the encounter. Wu pleaded with Shang-Chi to stop the fighting, since she had made progress by talking with Slaughter. The conflict eventually ended with Slaughter's death by a well-placed bullet fired from Reston's gun after he located his companions. 

Afterward, Smith hoped the ordeal was enough to convince his former employees that such a dastardly plot could not have been carried out by him. Reston was still tired of the subterfuge. Smith swore his innocence once more, and Tarr led him to one of the helicopters to return home. 

Leiko confronted her former lovers. She was angry with Shang for fighting War-Yore despite her protests and with Reston for killing a man who was obviously in need of help. Wu declared that she wasn't anyone's woman and didn't want to be then, walking away and leaving her companions behind, unable to come up with anything to say in response. 

This was an interesting end to the War-Yore saga. The only things that I felt were missing were explanations as to who was really behind the whole affair and more of the motivations for keeping Slaughter involved in his multiple personas. Unfortunately, he was killed in action. He could have been either a worthy ally or a continued threat to Shang and company. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll recap the fifty-ninth issue of Master of Kung Fu. Mike Zeck takes over the pencilling chores, as he and writer Doug Moench begin a new storyline. This one involves the return of a few of Shang's acquaintances from the past, and a plot involving an unlikely guest star. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Master of Kung Fu #57

 Good morning,

Today, I'll discuss the fifty-seventh issue of Marvel's The Hands of Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. The cover showed the titular character fighting off a pilot in a World War I-era plane. The story was called: "The Saga of War-Yore III: Call It Thunder!' The issue had a cover date of October 1977.

The tale began on a night in London, where Shang-Chi, Clive Reston, and Black Jack Tarr found themselves under attack by a biplane from decades past. However, this plane had a significant weapons upgrade. It fired laser beams at its opponents on the ground.

As the plane took a downward lunge toward its targets on the ground, Shang jumped on. He made his way to the cockpit and confronted the pilot, who looked like the reincarnation of the Red Baron himself, except for the fact that he used laser weapons. The pilot drew a laser pistol, which Shang-Chi forced him to fire at the wing, bringing the craft crashing down to Earth.

Shang leapt free before the explosion and soon rejoined his friends. They then traveled to Whitechapel (MI-6 Headquarters) and entered what used to be an old storage area. Tarr led the way, stating that the records they were looking for were on the third floor. He was amazed when they entered a massive war room. 

The room had electronic maps and lots of equipment. The trio had just begun to explore it when a guard entered. He spoke only a few words before being shot from behind by a silenced weapon. A firefight ensued until Reston realized that they were fighting MI-6 agents. Tarr wondered if some of their foes were double agents. No matter what, they had undoubtedly tripped silent alarms and had to accomplish their goals quickly.

Meanwhile, at War-Yore's stronghold, Leiko Wu heard Eric Slaughter, in his persona as the Red Baron, approaching. Fearing that she could be sought be the Kaiser, he freed her, only to be swiftly attacked by the now-former prisoner. Wu descended down a circular staircase looking for a way out, as a pair of operatives remarked about her captivity in Slaughter's dungeon. Slaughter then ran into the two men, exlaiming that he had to find Saint George (another one of his multiple personalities). 

Back at MI-6, Reston located files on Slaughter, aka War-Yore. He noted that Slaughter was a British agent. Shang-Chi was well accustomed to games of deceit and death. His only focus was on finding and freeing Leiko, who was still trying to find her way out of the massive castle, which Tarr, Reston, and Shang soon made their way to.

As they got out of their car, Reston noticed a female figure in a window high above them. That person was Wu, who jumped down to join her comrades below. Standing between Leiko and her friends was Slaughter in the guise of Saint George. Armed with an electrified sword and laser-firing lance, Saint George stood prepared to defend his domain from the new intruders.

Shang-Chi jumped to the drawbridge to take on their foe. Slaughter's weapons were rather ineffectual against the martial arts master. Their battle was interrupted by the sounds of an incoming helicopter. Tarr and Reston soon saw Wu captured once more by the men who had doubted Slaughter's sanity. We soon saw that one of the helicopter's passengers was Sir Dennis Nayland Smith, our heroes' former boss. 

Some readers may think that penciler Jim Craig's artwork mimiced that of his predecessor Paul Gulacy. I saw some similarities, but I think that Craig also put his own unique spin on Shang-Chi and company. It's just a shame his tenure on this book was rather brief. I felt like he captured the essences of Slaughter's multiple personalities quite well. 

Well, that's all for now. Tomorrow, I'll recap the fifty-eighth issue of Master of Kung Fu. Craig joins writer Doug Moench in crafting the final piece of the War-Yore saga. We'll see Slaughter's last personality, and find out what happens to Shang and his friends during a climactic battle. There will also be a turning point in some of their relationship's in Craig's last issue as regular penciler of this comic book. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Master of Kung Fu #56

 Hi everyone,

Today's topic is the fifty-sixth issue of Marvel's The Hands of Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. The cover showed an anonymous villain preparing to swoop down upon Shang. The story was called "Of Heroes Past and Battles Present!" The issue had a cover date of September 1977.

The tale began in Leiko Wu's apartment. Shang-Chi had returned there after battling a mystery opponent claiming to be Attila the Hun, only to find that he and Wu had disappeared afterward. He shared his encounter with Black Jack Tarr and Clive Reston. Reston had a similar experience with a Robin Hood-esque foe earlier that evening. The two attackers might have been related somehow.

Reston suggested that the attackers may have ties to Shang's late father, Fu Manchu, although his son was not totally convinced that his father was deceased. Reston ruled out Mordillo, who was definitely dead. The trio left Leiko's apartment in search of clues, wondering who the next attacker would be.

Little did they know that the same man who assaulted them in different guises was now adorned in his newest identity as Saint George, and that he was keeping Wu prisoner. Leiko woke up in her cell, initially confused before realizing that her captor really believed that he was the slayer of Saurians. The man who was born Eric Slaughter found himself questioning his own identity before realizing who he really was. Wu felt compassion for the man who was obviously battling with his multiple personalities. He was about to free her before returning to the Saint George identity and leaving to resume his mission.

Back at MI-6 headquarters, Sir Dennis Nayland Smith regretted snubbing Wu and Shang-Chi at the hospital. He was wondering if they would ever return to work for him again when his assistant, Miss Carstairs, entered the room. She reported that Miss Greville was in stable condition and had a dossier for his eyes only. Carstairs added that Tarr had supplied them with his updated address and a standing order to try daily contact. 

While Shang-Chi, Reston, and Tarr were continuing to debate how to proceed with the information that they'd shared, a masked assassin had made his way to Tarr's hotel. He made his presence known after tossing an explosive at the room door. Reston realized that their attacker had an electronic homing device moments before Tarr tossed his gun at another explosive. Shang soon squared off against their foe and asked him where Leiko was.

The mystery man proved to be no match for Shang-Chi. He lapsed into unconsciousness before he would provide any further information, but the trio realized that he was the same person who'd attacked each of them earlier, even though the fighting styles were quite different. Tarr was impressed by the technology he'd used, but before they could find out more, they saw that their foe had disappeared. Tarr admitted that Smith was the only other person who knew where he'd been staying.

Minutes later, Slaughter returned to his headquarters. He greeted his men before assuming another identity, which this time was that of the legendary Red Baron. His men had been ready for three days, and now it was finally time to depart.

Tarr, Reston, and Shang knew they couldn't stay at the hotel any longer. Reston and Tarr drove on through the night, discussing their options. Tarr suggested going to MI-6 to "borrow" their files on the matter. Shang-Chi stayed silent in the back seat. He only cared about Leiko, who we soon saw was still alive and well at Slaughter's headquarters. She was noticed by a stranger, who soon relayed her captor to his superiors.

The three heroes had finally gotten some sleep when the roar of a World War I plane filled the air. As the man who spotted Leiko was transmitting his report, his higher-ups were most displeased by her capture. It could mean altering their plans. The men who talked about those plans had no clue that Slaughter was flying a biplane that fired deadly laser bolts at Wu's companions in their car. 

Modern Marvelites know the Sentry/the Void, but I'm sure that very few know about War-Yore. He was one of the company's first characters with multiple personalities. I was amazed by how quickly Slaughter changed from one identity to another, and the lethal weaponry that he was equipped with. Jim Craig's artwork continued to carry over from the legacy that Paul Gulacy left. I felt that he worked with writer Doug Moench on another fun epic storyline, albeit one with a bit less stress than the last Fu Manchu series. 

Well, that's all for now. Next up is the fifty-seventh issue of Master of Kung Fu. We'll find out what danger this new persona has in store for Shang-Chi and company. The battle will lead to a significant confrontation at Slaughter's base, which involves most of the supporting cast. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.