We’re only four months away from The Maker returning, which means serious firepower needs to be recruited for the Ultimates. Enter Shang-Chi in The Ultimates #15, out today. Given Bruce Banner utilizes the power of the Iron Fist, you can imagine fighting fire with fire is a good thing, but not if Shang-Chi, known as Shen Qi, is dead! In yet another revealing chapter in the series, Deniz Camp plays with what we know of the 616 versions of characters and puts a spin on it.
The Ultimates #15 opens with the introduction of Shen Q, the miraculous eighth wielder of the Iron Fist. The opening sequence is set about 10,000 years ago, revealing a character with incredible power and fighting ability becoming a pacifist, or at least as long as they can before the gods demand he fight to the death. It’s an opening that reminds us that the greater good can be done without hurting or ruling over others.
From there, the issue picks up with Iron Lad, She-Hulk, Hank Pym, and Danny Rand. They’re on a mission to find the wielder of the Iron Fist abilities, but can they beat Hulk’s henchman in time? The answer is no, in an exciting bit of action as the team attempts to thwart a Hulked-out monster.
Cool battle scene!
Credit: Marvel
Drawn by Von Randal, the art has a decidedly darker look thanks to heavy ink work and generally a darker hue in the colors. At times, the art can look a bit wonky, with characters cast in shadow seemingly to avoid detail, and some poses looking awkward. When the fight kicks into gear, Randal draws some incredible scenes with energy effects looking quite cool. She-Hulk takes the cake in this scene, coming out stronger than we thought she was.
The opening seven-page backstory on the Iron Fist is the best part of the issue, suggesting the Iron Fist has lain dormant right in time for The Maker’s return. Camp writes this section as if it were a fairy tale, and infuses it with a meaningful twist on the Iron Fist idea in this universe.
With much of the rest of the issue resorting to being a fight comic, there isn’t a ton there for character development. Pym stands out a touch, and She-Hulk using her rage to gain an edge is interesting, but the rest of the team mostly stand around.
The Ultimates #15 delivers thrilling action and a standout Iron Fist origin sequence, though it leans heavily on combat at the expense of deeper character moments. Still, Deniz Camp’s inventive spins on Marvel mythos and She-Hulk’s big moments make it worth the read, especially for fans eager to see the chessboard set before The Maker’s return.
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