Demons are looking to take over K’un-Lun by stealing a powerful sword. It will take the deadly force of the brand new Iron Fist and their predecessor, Danny Rand to stop them.
Danny Rand is no longer the Iron Fist. The former protector of K’un-Lun gave up his abilities to save the world. Now that the mystical city is without its champion, the citizens are awaiting Shou-Lao the Undying next rebirth. This is so that a worthy opponent can defeat and inherit the dragon’s chi. However, this tradition is broken as a mysterious teenager comes into contact with Shou-Lao. They are granted the abilities of the Iron Fist but have more responsibilities to carry out. Let’s find out who has been given those powers and what they are all about.
Several months ago in K’un-Lun students were continuing their training. Obviously being for the fight of their lives. As this happens, we see Sparrow, the guardian of the spiritual city speaking upon the dragon egg. Once more, awaiting the arrival of the creature. Yet, the egg has already hatched, surprising Sparrow and her peer.
Currently, in New York, Danny is fighting an unknown demon. He is also on the phone with Luke Cage as the two and more have plans for lunch. The fight continues as Luke tells Danny to wrap up the scuffle. As Danny is about to be devoured, the new Iron Fist makes their debut. The glowing green jabs continue as Danny now has backup against the creatures. Danny is also critiquing the new hero as they fight. As he references the chi, the hero uses it for the first time. This ends the fight as the new Iron Fist runs off.
We are then treated to the origin story of Lin Lie. While on a rooftop, he reflects on how he got these powers. A demon named Kumiho was set free after Doctor Strange was killed. Lin and his friend, White Fox fought to stop the demon. As Kumiho tried killing White Fox, Lin uses his family’s divine weapon to stop her. The divine weapon, the sword of Fu Xi is destroyed and the young man falls into the water. The sword was meant to be unbreakable and was previously used to prevent God of War, Chiyou from consuming the world.
The weapon is in pieces and Lin has died crashing into the water. However, Shou-Lao resurrects Lin, imbuing him with the Iron fist. He was brought to shore near K’un Lun and his hands hurt. The cause of his pain is due to some of the shards being implanted into his hands from the crash. He then explains that the Chiyou is in three tombs with the divine weapons keeping the god down. Despite this, Lin’s father removed the sword, which released some dark power into the world. The crack may or not be sealed again.
Danny then interrupts, trying to figure out who Lin is. He invites him to lunch with him, Luke, and others to talk about the situation. However, Lin tries leaving as Danny becomes increasingly nosy. He even mentions the shards in Iron Fist’s hands and takes a piece of the sword. This enrages Lin as he fights for the shard. Danny asks for his name during the fight, with Lin only answering his hometown, Shanghai. Danny defeats his successor in combat, but Lin has the shard.
Lin jumps from the building as Danny chases after him. They run through the subway as Lin exits through a portal. Danny tries following him, but the door closes. Lin has arrived at K’un-Lun and is greeted by Mei Min, the person that saved him. Lin apologizes for Chiyou’s demons, but Mei already handled them.
As the pair walk to Mei’s home, they talk about Shou-Lao’s chi and how he obtained it. Mei also talks about how she wants to be like Sparrow. The duo arrives home as her parents have prepared dinner. Lin is grateful for the hospitality. The pair then talk about Lin’s brother and father, also the battered divine weapon. He has it in a box that was gifted to him by Doctor Strange. Only Lin can open it.
At dinner, the young warriors continue their talk about the shards and Chiyou. Mei’s mother even contributes her help by feeding Lin to prevent his chi from being imbalanced. The shards in his hands are causing this and leaking spiritual energy everywhere.
Then, Mei’s father goes to Lin’s box. Mei tells Lin that the imbalance of chi could kill him. Mei’s mom calls for her dad. He responds with the tea almost finishing its brew. As this happens, Mei’s father turns into a demon. This is possibly due to the divide weapon.
Alyssa Wong did a solid job with the story’s writing. The author made me enjoy the presence of this new character. Lin Lie had a great story to tell and an even better origin story! I also liked Danny’s involvement in the issue. He is annoying but is trying to look out for his successor. It is nice to see their dynamic together. I am hoping to see more of that in the future.
As for art, it was nothing but beautiful! Michael Yg’s drawings had nice details. Seeing Danny fighting the demons was some of the issue’s best highlights. The illustrations were great to look at, especially with Jay David Ramos’s coloring. The colors made almost every page pop. From seeing the Shou-Lao to the fighting sequences, it was once more beautiful.
My favorite piece of art was the one-shot of Lin’s Iron Fist. The design of the character is fresh and reminiscent of Danny’s suit. Personally, Lin has the better suit! I also loved how his hands also glowed green. The color itself represents balance, nature, rebirth, freshness, and progress. Lin needs to balance his abilities to stay alive. He was brought back to life with these powers. He is taking Danny’s place as K’un-Lun protector, but he is not perfect at the job.
He has much to learn. Not to mention, he also has to deal with a god because of his dad. There was a great use of the color here. Finally, Ramos and Jim Cheung did a great job with the cover! It truly felt like a new chapter in Iron Fist’s story. It gets you excited for the future of heroes, especially him!
Want to discuss things further? Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. And for more film, gaming, anime, and TV news, trailers, and updates make sure to keep it locked right here at The Nerdy Basement. While you’re here, please consider supporting us on Patreon! It’s an easy way of supporting us so we can keep providing you with your Nerdy News!