The 1970s were the height of popularity for martial arts action and heroes. Of course, characters adept in melee combat had existed prior to the decade. However, following the films of Bruce Lee and the wave of Kung Fu cinema he championed, there were numerous attempts in film, television, and comic books to capitalize on the trend.
As a result, Shang-Chi and Iron Fist are two of Marvel's most exemplary characters to come out of the Kung Fu era. Pulling from shows and movies like Kung Fu and The Big Boss, both heroes bleed pure '70s high flying martial arts action.
10 They Both Were Regulars In The Deadly Hands Of Kung Fu
The Deadly Hands of Kung Fu was an anthology series that began in 1974. It showcased hard-hitting action for both real-life and fictional martial arts characters and celebrities. Created by Magazine Management – a sister company to Marvel Comics – the series often featured characters from the House of Ideas in its pages. Shang-Chi and Iron Fist were constant regulars in the series, which ran for 33 issues until its cancellation in 1977. Thankfully, both characters survived long after the series, including in their own solo titles and with many supporting and team-up roles across the Marvel Universe.
9 They First Meet In Master Of Kung Fu Annual #1
The two heroes first crossed paths in 1976's Master of Kung Fu Annual #1 by Shang-Chi writer Doug Moench and artist Keith Pollard. Danny Rand, the Immortal Iron Fist, protector of K'un-Lun, and sworn enemy of the Hand, is seen desperately searching for his longtime ally Colleen Wing after she's kidnapped in Marvel Premier #25. This was the anthology Danny starred in before he gained his own solo series in 1975 with Iron Fist #1 by industry titans Chris Claremont and John Byrne, both of which are famous for their work on X-Men and Fantastic Four.
8 They Acted Like Adults When They Met
Comic book fans have seen it a thousand times. Before the heroes can get their heads out of their well-defined backsides and save the day, they first have to settle a juvenile schoolyard brawl to see who's the best. These fights almost always end in a tie before the two realize they've been duped by an evil mastermind.
Thankfully, Master of Kung Fu Annual #1 adeptly avoids this trope by having Danny Rand approach Shang-Chi himself and ask for his help in locating Colleen Wing. While some fans might be disappointed they didn't get to see the two trade blows, Iron Fist and Shang-Chi come off as more mature than their colorfully clad counterparts.
7 Shang-Chi Knew Danny Was The Iron Fist
Iron Fist's origins are complicated. So, upon showing up to the Master of Kung Fu's door to ask for his assistance, it makes sense that he'd feel the need to explain his lovingly '70s get up and mystical powers. Once again proving how mature and intelligent he is, Shang-Chi reveals he already knows about the legacy of the Iron Fist, including the fact Danny bore the title. Ironically, it's not because of his bright green and yellow costume and overpowering collar, but because of his innate energy and training.
6 They're Both Members Of Heroes For Hire
The classic image of the Heroes for Hire is the larger-than-life Luke Cage towering over his lean friend, Iron Fist. Despite that, Marvel's financially minded team has had dozens of characters join their ranks.
Shang-Chi joined the team's ranks during the Civil War event in Heroes for Hire #1 from 2006 by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti. He shows his empathetic side as he repeatedly gives Humbug, who had betrayed the team, the benefit of the doubt. That is until Humbug declares how he's willing to torture small-time villain Tarantula. Shang-Chi snaps Humbug's neck and leaves the Spider-Man villain traumatized in the process.
5 They Both Became Gross Spider-Men
During one of the heights of Dan Slott's run on the Wall-Crawler, Iron Fist and Shang-Chi both get mixed up in a battle of human-spider-hybrids. The 2011 event, Spider-Island, pits Shang-Chi against the Bride of Nine Spiders in an attempt to save his longtime ally, Danny Rand.
This event also sees both heroes turned into grotesque Spider-Men through the machinations of the infamous Jackal, (well known for tanking Spidey comics in the 1990s). Thankfully, both heroes and all of Manhattan are restored once the threat is dealt with.
4 Iron Fist Thinks Shang-Chi Is The Best
Shang-Chi and Iron Fist have always shown mutual respect for one another. They're either displayed as equals or with Danny as a close second to Shang-Chi. When they're not around one another, this respect continues. For example, in Marvel Knights #11 by Chuck Dixon and Ed Barreto, Luke Cage mentions having heard about the Master of Kung Fu from his Heroes for Hire alumni. He says that Danny always referred to Shang-Chi as the best between the two and in general. Shang-Chi thanks the high praise before he and Luke go off on their own adventure.
3 Shang-Chi Thinks Iron Fist Is The Best
Feelings being mutual, Shang-Chi has shown a great deal of deference to the Immortal Iron Fist. During Heroes for Hire #19 by John Ostrander and Pasquel Ferry, the team is betrayed by Shang-Chi's on-again-off-again nemesis the Cat. As shown in The Hands of Shang-Chi Master of Kung Fu #39 with art by Paul Gulacy and written by the preeminent expert on Shang-Chi, Doug Moench, the Cat is by all accounts the hero's equal in martial prowess. However, during the events of Heroes for Hire, Shang-Chi leaves a battle with his equal in the competent hands of Iron Fist. Knowing the Cat wouldn't stand a chance against Danny Rand, this shows Shang-Chi's respect for him.
2 He Killed The Iron Fist Master In Secret Wars
To further blur the line between who'd win in a one-on-one battle, Shang-Chi actually killed Lord Tuan – the master of the Iron Fist school – in the wuxia-inspired section of Battleworld during 2015's Secret Wars. Like all tie-ins for the massive event, the series mixes together mythology from several Marvel characters to play out a grand What If...? style story. While any achievements in this version of Shang-Chi aren't concrete evidence of his superiority to his Iron Fist ally, it showcases an exciting tale that reaches the core of Shang-Chi's character.
1 They Have Some Cover Controversy
Danny Rand, the Immortal Iron Fist, protector of K'un-Lun, and sworn enemy of the Hand, first made his debut in Marvel Premiere #15 by Roy Thomas and Gil Kane. Not long after, the UK edition of The Avengers showed a noticeably similar cover for issue #61. As elaborated by the Rusty Staples Comic Blog, the second cover was adapted by Arvell Jones to match the need for a Shang-Chi appearance. This was due to Marvel UK not producing original content until 1976 with Captain Britain Weekly by Chris Claremont and Herb Trimpe.