master of kung-fu

Among the myriad worlds unveiled in Marvel's Secret Wars this summer is one inspired by Tibetan mysticism, Chinese mythology, and Marvel's very own mysterious fictional enclave of martial artist, K'un-Lun. Master of Kung-Fu by W Haden Blackman and Dalibor Talajic offers a Shaw Brothers spin on the Marvel Universe, centered on Shang-Ch's fight with his evil wizard father, and introducing new versions of Kitty Pryde, Elektra, Iron Fist, and more. Marvel has provided us with an exclusive unlettered four-page preview.

The mysteries of Battleworld, the new merged world that forms the basis for Marvel's forthcoming Secret Wars event, are slowly trickling out in the form of various tie-in titles and mini-series announcements. Thus far most of what we know either relates to Marvel Universe characters like Magneto and Loki, or describes in broad terms the publisher's plans for the various "warzones." But today Marvel announced the first specific mini-series set in a Battleworld world; Master Of Kung-Fu. Written by Haden Blackman and illustrated by Dalibor Talajic, the series is set in the mystical land of K'un Lun and stars Shang-Chi in fight to dethrone his despotic father. Fans will know that Shang-Chi's father in old Marvel continuity was none other than Fu Manchu -- a character Marvel long ago lost the rights to. A recent retcon introduced a new identity for his father, an ancient sorcerer named Zu, and the new series looks set to cement that change.