Shang-Chi [2021] #3 - Marvel Comics

SHANG-CHI No. 3, September 2021

Providing an interesting balance between top tier close combat action and the disconcertingly dark evil-doings of some within the Five Weapons Society, this particular twenty-page periodical’s plot probably pleased most within this ongoing series’ fanbase. But whilst Issue Three of “Shang-Chi” most definitely depicts a fascinating fracas between its titular character and the hugely-popular X-Man, Wolverine, it is arguably hard not to shake the impression that James Howlett’s limited involvement in this narrative is something of a wasted opportunity, and should have consisted of something a bit more believable than the mutant suddenly appearing on the shore of Muckross Lake in Ireland simply to thwart the prejudicial protestations of some dim-witted demonstrators; “It’s your birth right to come with me to the island of Krakoa. No one will hunt you there.”

Mercifully though, so off-putting an observation can easily be set aside considering just how intriguing Gene Luen Yang’s storyline involving another half-sibling the titular character “never knew he had” actually is. Indeed, the shadowy background to Zhilan of the House of the Deadly Staff genuinely seems set to shake up the already somewhat precarious status quo of Shang-Chi being the supreme commander of his dead father’s cult-like criminal organisation, with the initial determination of both Brother Sabre and Sister Dagger to kill “the Lake Witch” simply because she’s a mutant far from boding well.

Likewise, the American author’s ability to produce an emotional response from the reader is repeatedly proved with his penmanship during this story. Whether it be the absolute disgust at a truly ungrateful tourist’s reaction to post an encounter with a deep sea monster on social media despite being asked not to by her saviour, or the sheer shock at Esme’s derogatory choice of words to describe Wolverine’s people, there’s plenty of dislikeable behaviour on show within this publication to stir the sensibilities of any perusing bibliophile.

Ultimately however, this book’s success depends upon the inclusion of X-Force’s field leader and once the brown-costumed super-hero shows up, things really start to sizzle. Feisty, angry and unwillingly to listen to reason before rushing in with his deadly claws, Yang’s version of Len Wein’s co-creation simply bristles with his infamous hostility, and resultantly proves irresistible to the eye when he soon engages Shang-Chi in a battle of stomach-wrenching blows.

The regular cover art of "SHANG-CHI" #3 by Leinil Frances Yu & Sunny Gho