It has been a minute since Iron Fist had his own solo series and he’s long overdue. Given Heart of the Dragon took some big swings, it’s also an exciting time for the character as Danny Rand has had to give up the mantle. Customary of moments like this in superhero comics, another must rise up to fill that void!
And that void is filled well by writer Alyssa Wong and artist Michael YG with Iron Fist #1. It’s hard to believe we’ve been waiting for this book since October, but it’s finally here this week. The book does a really good job explaining why an Iron Fist must always be at the ready as well as explaining how this new Iron Fist came to be. Given this character’s past–no spoilers, but you’ve seen him before–the new Iron Fist comes with some interesting back story that complicates his role as the Iron Fist, too.
Given the problematic nature of Danny Rand as Iron Fist–basically appropriating a culture to be a badass rich white dude who can fight–it’s cool to see the new Iron Fist’s connections to China. It also suits the kung-fu nature of the character and simply feels more natural.
Danny Rand plays a part in the book, and while he’s as surprised as we are to see a new Iron Fist, you can see he has a role to play here. He’s not just the ex-Iron Fist, but a guy with knowledge about fighting and harnessing the power. He’s not quite a mentor, yet, but Wong writes him in a way that makes it seem like a natural fit.
What’s up?
Credit: Marvel
YG draws a good book, pulling off strong full-page splashes, good action, and endearing character acting. The colors by Jay David Ramos are good too, especially with lighting and power effects. Costumes and clothing look spot-on as well. Layouts can feel a touch boxy, but the story moves well.
The back quarter of the book is a bit slow compared to the rest of the book, although Wong is doing work to detail the unique nature of the new Iron Fist. There’s a supernatural element, not only to the new Iron Fist’s past but how he relates to monsters and the like. He’s tethered to a whole other world that adds an interesting element to the Iron Fist so he’s not just a great fighter, but a potential protector against an entire corner of the Marvel universe.
Iron Fist #1 is a good start especially since it doesn’t play coy with the reader, but gives us the full rundown of who he is and how he connects to a supernatural world. It also lays the groundwork for Danny Rand to play a part in the series in a natural way. Given the rich history this new Iron Fist is built on, we’re in for a wild, fantasy-soaked fight comic series.
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