Shang-Chi was created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin. He first appeared in Special Marvel Edition #15 (The Hands of Shang-Chi Master of Kung Fu). Later on, in the series, Paul Gulacy took over the visual art of Shang-Chi and left no doubt he was patterned after Bruce Lee. Martial arts was as popular in the 70s as it is today. Nowadays everyone loves the ultimate fighters and cage matches. But back in the day, most martial arts styles were separated by custom and nuance. All except one, Jeet Kune Do. This martial art was created by the late great Bruce Lee. His Jeet Kune Do was one of the first to combine other forms of fighting into a cohesive smart system. The mixed martial artists of today should know that Bruce Lee was the first true mixed arts practitioner. Shang-Chi has also studied many forms of martial arts. Can this old school martial artist (Shang-Chi) kick and punch his way to profit?

 

 

 

Special Marvel Edition #15

Marvel was originally trying to get the rights to do a Kung Fu comic based off the Kung Fu series on TV. But the studio would not release the rights. So instead Marvel purchased the rights to Fu Manchu an old villain very much stereotyped and out of style today. Marvel claimed that Shang-Chi was the son of this evildoer and eventually becomes a stand-alone hero. Shang-Chi is a great martial artist possibly one of the best in Marvel. But the thing that made him different was his use of chi in ways to surpass the abilities of normal human beings. In addition, he can dodge bullets and is able to deflect gunshots with his bracers. Shang-Chi can hold his own in a fight even against super-powered villains. He can "bring the pain" to be sure; but how about the profit? I was pleasantly surprised by the long-term results from the first appearance of the Master of Kung Fu.

 

 

 

Long-Term Returns:

  • Grade 9.8 $3400 FMV returns positive +135.6 %
  • Grade 9.2 $525 FMV returns positive +208%
  • Grade 8.0 $300 FMV returns positive +157.5%
  • Grade 6.5 $220 FMV returns positive +211.4%
  • Grade 5.0 $110 FMV returns positive +170.8

These numbers are like taking a spinning kick to the jaw; a total knock out! In reviewing these I realize I may need to upgrade my original assessment of this investment from a year ago or more. Back then I purchased a copy probably about an 8.0 grade for around $30 and I was glad to have it. Even then it was going up based on rumors but I wanted to get at least my tippy toe in on the action. Boy am I glad I did not ignore this one, it has one helluva kick.

Catalyst ta Boot!

There is also a serious catalyst coming eventually in the form of a movie. "In December 2018 Marvel Studios hired David Callaham to write a screenplay for a Shang-Chi film." Furthermore, "in March 2019 Destin Daniel Cretton was hired to direct" (Wikipedia and CBM). Ludi Lin from Aquaman is the potential leading man possibly rumored to play Shang-Chi; not a bad pick. I would have gone with the Korean singer Rain from Ninja Assasin. He was cool as heck and brings that special something that Bruce Lee had: believability. Finally, the old mentor is probably going to be played by none other than Donnie Yen. He was one of the fan favorites from Rogue One. This would be an awesome pairing and the Kung Fu would look real, not like the Iron Fist TV debacle (ahem). With these long-term profits, your Kung Fu is strong if you buy Special Marvel Edition #15  young Grasshopper.