Shang-Chi

Shang-Chi (Chinese: 上氣; pinyin: shàng qì; literally: "rising of the spirit") is a fictional character, often called the "Master of Kung Fu", appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin. Shang-Chi has no special superpowers, but does exhibit extraordinary mastery of numerous unarmed and weaponry-based wushu-styles, including the gun, nunchaku and jian.

Publication history

The character was conceived in late 1972, the publisher wished to acquire the rights to adapt the Kung Fu television program. Failing to get permission from Time Warner, owner of DC Comics. The publisher acquired the comic book rights to Sax Rohmer's pulp novel villain Dr. Fu Manchu. The result was Shang-Chi, a master of kung fu, who was introduced as the previously unheard of son of Fu Manchu. Though an original character himself, many of Shang-Chi's supporting characters (most notably Fu Manchu and Sir Denis Nayland Smith) were Rohmer creations. No characters from the Kung Fu television series carried over into the comic series, though the character Lu Sung, in an early issue, bears a strong resemblance to Kwai Chang Caine with the addition of a moustache.