What do you think?
Rate this book
Shang-Chi by Gene Luen Yang
Shang-Chi, Vol. 2: Shang-Chi vs. The Marvel Universe
Shang-Chi vs. the Marvel Universe! The martial arts master and his family are back — and this time, they’re colliding head-to-head with Earth’s biggest and best heroes! Shang-Chi has finally taken his place as the leader of the Five Weapons Society. But using a secret evil organization as a force for good won’t be easy. And it’s about to get a lot harder when Shang-Chi’s fellow super heroes — including the amazing Spider-Man — start to see him as the bad guy! Gene Luen Yang and Dike Ruan return to bring you the next chapter in the story of a true Marvel legend!
COLLECTING: Shang-Chi (2021) 1-6
COLLECTING: Shang-Chi (2021) 1-6
136 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2022
19 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Gene Luen Yang
364 books3,391 followersGene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. His most recent books are Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 7, 2022
"Welcome to the Iron Eighty-Eight Casino, treasured guests! I am Lady Iron Fan, your host! We have made every effort to make you feel as comfortable as possible! In that spirit, we have complimentary stain remover and body bags on hand . . . " -- Lady Iron Fan, welcoming criminals to her illegal weapons bazaar / auction with the swanky flair of a Bond villain
Well, hell - color me pleasantly surprised and even a little bit impressed, too! I thought Shang-Chi, Vol. 1: Brothers & Sisters was nothing too special when I read it six months ago. It's almost as if the writing / editing staff listened to my complaint (yeah, right!), because the follow-up volume Shang-Chi vs. The Marvel Universe was a joy to read with its nimble mix of effective humor, involving drama, and intense action. Seriously, it's as if someone jammed a paramedic's charged-up EKG shock paddles to the prior dreary storyline and/or title character established in that first book. This second volume was instead a lively romp, and even benefitted from the numerous superhero guest stars - Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and Thor - all of whom, instead of seeming like some sort of cheap gimmick, actually enhanced the narrative. Whether it was the non-stop laughs in the initial two chapters (courtesy once again of plucky and sharp-tongued kid sister Esme and - who would've guessed? - the guest star super-villain M.O.D.O.K. with his off-kilter dialogue and temper) or the familial melodrama that was brewing by the conclusion, I was very pleased that this new series rebounded and did not fall victim to the dreaded 'sophomore slump.'
Well, hell - color me pleasantly surprised and even a little bit impressed, too! I thought Shang-Chi, Vol. 1: Brothers & Sisters was nothing too special when I read it six months ago. It's almost as if the writing / editing staff listened to my complaint (yeah, right!), because the follow-up volume Shang-Chi vs. The Marvel Universe was a joy to read with its nimble mix of effective humor, involving drama, and intense action. Seriously, it's as if someone jammed a paramedic's charged-up EKG shock paddles to the prior dreary storyline and/or title character established in that first book. This second volume was instead a lively romp, and even benefitted from the numerous superhero guest stars - Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and Thor - all of whom, instead of seeming like some sort of cheap gimmick, actually enhanced the narrative. Whether it was the non-stop laughs in the initial two chapters (courtesy once again of plucky and sharp-tongued kid sister Esme and - who would've guessed? - the guest star super-villain M.O.D.O.K. with his off-kilter dialogue and temper) or the familial melodrama that was brewing by the conclusion, I was very pleased that this new series rebounded and did not fall victim to the dreaded 'sophomore slump.'
December 26, 2022
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. The storyline was very good, I really prefer the artwork in this volume to last one and the action picked up in the later chapters/issues.
Shang-Chi has taken over the family business from his father. Can a criminal organisation be used for good? Shang reputation puts him at odds with his former friends/allies, his current clients who were his former enemies, and his family.
At first I was expecting a lot more action from the master of Kung Fu, but as I thought about it Kung Fu and martial arts also have the mental component of strategy and quick thinking which Shang definitely demonstrates. Also the fughrs are better in the later chapters/issues in the book.
A good all round book. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to see the next she that is next for the Five Weapon Society. The might be a revolution coming. I would actually have rated this 4.5 stars, but as I enjoyed it so much, it did deserve a round up rather than down. Each chapter/issue ends with a thumbnail page of the variant covers.
Shang-Chi has taken over the family business from his father. Can a criminal organisation be used for good? Shang reputation puts him at odds with his former friends/allies, his current clients who were his former enemies, and his family.
At first I was expecting a lot more action from the master of Kung Fu, but as I thought about it Kung Fu and martial arts also have the mental component of strategy and quick thinking which Shang definitely demonstrates. Also the fughrs are better in the later chapters/issues in the book.
A good all round book. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to see the next she that is next for the Five Weapon Society. The might be a revolution coming. I would actually have rated this 4.5 stars, but as I enjoyed it so much, it did deserve a round up rather than down. Each chapter/issue ends with a thumbnail page of the variant covers.
March 6, 2022
Man, this was a lot of fun. Shang taking over his father’s organization, Five Weapon Society, has put his relationships with the Avengers and co in a strain. At the same time, him trying to change the way the Society operates has put a strain on his relationships with his fellow brothers within said society. All while a mysterious figure moves in the background putting together a group to take out the Five Weapon Society once and for all. Great stuff.
April 12, 2022
Shang-Chi and Co. make the rounds of a whole series the more famous and enduring characters of the Marvel 616 universe to have his loyalties as a Super Hero and identity as the Five Weapons Society Supreme Commander tested at every turn.
Sure it felt a little contrived but at the same time it helped contextualize Shang and his Kung-Fu Fighting Family within the greater world and served up some fun rock 'em sock 'em conflicts along the way.
Sure it felt a little contrived but at the same time it helped contextualize Shang and his Kung-Fu Fighting Family within the greater world and served up some fun rock 'em sock 'em conflicts along the way.
January 8, 2022
The second volume of Shang-Chi's latest adventures, collecting the first five issues of his new ongoing series (because comics!) sees him take position as the leader of the Five Weapons Society. His new position brings him into conflict with heroes he's familiar with, who aren't all as pleased as he is with the new power this brings.
It's a clever idea to involve guest stars in each issue to help build traction for the now-ongoing series, and Gene Luen Yang makes their inclusions feel organic. They're not all straight up punch-a-thons either, with some being antagonistic and others more of a proper team-up. Each of the individual stories lays the groundwork for the bigger story yet to come, and culminates in a collision with the Avengers that manages to show why no one should underestimate Shang-Chi without making it seem like the team are just jobbing for the sake of jobbing.
The artwork from Dike Ruan is reliably solid, but does lack detail at points - some of his faces are a bit squiggly, especially in group shots. But he choreographs the action stuff well, which is what a kung-fu comic like this lives and dies on.
Shang-Chi's here to stay, and he's making his mark on the world one hero at a time - mostly by hitting it, but that's as good a way as any.
It's a clever idea to involve guest stars in each issue to help build traction for the now-ongoing series, and Gene Luen Yang makes their inclusions feel organic. They're not all straight up punch-a-thons either, with some being antagonistic and others more of a proper team-up. Each of the individual stories lays the groundwork for the bigger story yet to come, and culminates in a collision with the Avengers that manages to show why no one should underestimate Shang-Chi without making it seem like the team are just jobbing for the sake of jobbing.
The artwork from Dike Ruan is reliably solid, but does lack detail at points - some of his faces are a bit squiggly, especially in group shots. But he choreographs the action stuff well, which is what a kung-fu comic like this lives and dies on.
Shang-Chi's here to stay, and he's making his mark on the world one hero at a time - mostly by hitting it, but that's as good a way as any.
May 21, 2022
Shang-Chi has taken over his father's criminal organization with an eye to reforming it, but the heroes of Marvel Universe wonder if they can still trust him as they come sniffing around and butting heads with Shang-Chi and his newfound half-siblings.
The first volume was interesting for integrating Chinese history, but this one does some unwanted juvenile course correction by becoming a full-on team-up adventure with big hitters like Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Iron Man, and the Fantastic Four dropping in every chapter. It then reaches for the highest levels of ridiculousness as Shang-Chi holds his own head-to-head and toe-to-toe against Marvel's mightiest in mandatory hero vs. hero smackdowns.
I'll still check out the next volume, but I'm hoping they dial down the superheroics significantly.
The first volume was interesting for integrating Chinese history, but this one does some unwanted juvenile course correction by becoming a full-on team-up adventure with big hitters like Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Iron Man, and the Fantastic Four dropping in every chapter. It then reaches for the highest levels of ridiculousness as Shang-Chi holds his own head-to-head and toe-to-toe against Marvel's mightiest in mandatory hero vs. hero smackdowns.
I'll still check out the next volume, but I'm hoping they dial down the superheroics significantly.
December 12, 2022
Shang-Chi vs. The Marvel Universe is a solid follow-up to Brothers & Sisters even though it mysteriously resets to "Volume 1". Shang-Chi is now the leader of the villainous Five Weapons Society, but he'd like it to be just a little less villainous, please.
Unfortunately, his Society-member siblings are less eager to join Team Good and Shang-Chi's efforts to Be Good keep getting disrupted. Notably, a new Marvel hero arrives in each issue to bump up against Shang-Chi's efforts. It's stagey (of course a new hero shows up each issue - the volume's title can't lie!), but fortunately never awkward through Gene Luen Yang's skilled writing. The meetings set up a big battle at the end that leaves Shang-Chi with tough decisions to make. Shang-Chi vs. The Marvel Universe offers superb action and smart storytelling - I'm really excited for this series now.
Unfortunately, his Society-member siblings are less eager to join Team Good and Shang-Chi's efforts to Be Good keep getting disrupted. Notably, a new Marvel hero arrives in each issue to bump up against Shang-Chi's efforts. It's stagey (of course a new hero shows up each issue - the volume's title can't lie!), but fortunately never awkward through Gene Luen Yang's skilled writing. The meetings set up a big battle at the end that leaves Shang-Chi with tough decisions to make. Shang-Chi vs. The Marvel Universe offers superb action and smart storytelling - I'm really excited for this series now.
May 27, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of Shang-Chi's journey of trying to make a new name for himself as the Commander of his father's crime organization. Shang-Chi is trying to use his new power and influence to do good things, but this is difficult for his siblings to believe and follow, as well as other superheroes who are confused as to why Shang-Chi is suddenly head of a crime organization.
I loved seeing so many other Marvel superheroes in this installment and also how Shang-Chi stands up for what he believes in regardless of how it might look to others. He has faith that they will believe him and follow him and just do good things in the end.
I can't wait to read the third and last installment of this series!
I loved seeing so many other Marvel superheroes in this installment and also how Shang-Chi stands up for what he believes in regardless of how it might look to others. He has faith that they will believe him and follow him and just do good things in the end.
I can't wait to read the third and last installment of this series!
July 23, 2022
Shang-Chi der Reformer
Fazit: Ein actionreicher Auftakt mit Verbesserungspotenzial. Wie ein weiser Mann einst sagte: "We will watch your career with great interest". Gesamt: 3/5
Inhalt: In Gene Luen Yangs "Shang-Chi gegen das Marvel-Universum" schildert der Autor auf 140 Seiten die erste Zeit Shang-Chis als neuer Anführer des Bundes der fünf Waffen. Als solcher hat er sich strikte Reformen vorgenommen, die die Zeit unter der diktatorischen Führung seines Vaters beenden sollen. Doch dieses Unterfangen ist leichter gesagt als getan - alte Gewohnheiten sind schwierig zu ändern und viele haben von den illegalen Aktivitäten der Vergangenheit profitiert. Auch Bruder Säbel und Schwester Dolch sind dabei keine Ausnahme. Seit den Geschehnissen von "Tödlicher Drache" stehen sie an der Seite von Shang-Chi. Doch seine Änderungen missfallen auch ihnen. Zu allem Überfluss muss sich das neue Oberhaupt auch seiner Außenwirkung bewusst werden. Die anderen Superhelden kennen Shang-Chi und vertrauen ihrem Freund. Dem Bund der Fünf Waffen hingegen können sie nur Feindseligkeit gegenüberbringen. Wer weiß schon, ob sich nicht auch Verbündete ändern können?...
Bewertung: Mit "Shang-Chi gegen das Marvel-Universum" liefert der Autor eine in großen Teilen überzeugende Handlung über den Meister des Kung-Fu ab. Anknüpfend an die Ereignisse von "Tödlicher Drache" muss sich Shang-Chi als neuer Anführer des Bundes der Fünf Waffen beweisen. Hierbei kommen deutliche seine Gutherzigkeit und sein Idealismus zum Vorschein. Die Fehler des despotischen Vaters sollen wiedergutgemacht werden. Wie zu erwarten, erfährt der Kampfkünstler für diese Ziele nicht nur Gegenliebe. Yang porträtiert in den Reaktionen der Umwelt des neuen Oberhauptes gekonnt die Wirklichkeit und übt Gesellschaftskritik. Gewohnheiten und Eigensucht hindern die Menschen an notwendigen und guten Veränderungen. Diese Systemkritik bezieht sich auch auf die außenstehenden Superhelden. Sie verurteilen Shang-Chi voreilig und sehen daraufhin in allen seinen Tätigkeiten potenzielle Gefahren. Statt auf Vertrauen und Offenheit zu setzen, preschen sie in die Offensive. Gekonnt differenziert der Autor hier zwischen den einzelnen Figuren und baut bereits vorhandene Charaktereigenschaften weiter aus. Während Spiderman zurückhaltend bleibt und versucht das Gute zu sehen, zieht Iron Man übereilte Schlüsse. Die Auslöser für die Verdächtigungen sind in nahezu allen Fällen Missverständnisse. Dies ist auch der große Kritikpunkt an "Shang-Chi gegen das Marvel-Universum": Es ist zwar nachvollziehbar, dass die Superhelden urteilen, wie sie es tun, es ist aber nicht nachvollziehbar, dass es überhaupt soweit kommen musste. Fast jede Situation hätte durch eine entsprechende Erklärung von Shang-Chi aufgelöst werden können. Dass er sich dafür selbst in ruhigen Momenten keine Zeit nahm, ist wenig überzeugend und passt nicht zu seinem Charakter. Dieser Umstand stört die Handlung deutlich. Die Umgebung hingegen ist gut getroffen und der Zeichenstil ist wie schon in "Tödlicher Drache" detailliert. Die Strukturen sind klar und die Charaktere erhalten rundum gelungene Designs. Grafisch wird die Handlung stets kongruent zur emotionale Situation eingefangen.
Fazit: Ein actionreicher Auftakt mit Verbesserungspotenzial. Wie ein weiser Mann einst sagte: "We will watch your career with great interest". Gesamt: 3/5
March 21, 2022
An excellent outing for Shang-Chi! Really love the way the character has come back into the spotlight after the release of his film in the MCU. The amazing dynamic and opposition between family vs heroism is one of the topics that Gene Luen Yang can write about often, so the artistry with which it is done here is fantastic.
Highlights:
- A drug/weapon ring is active in New York and with Shang chasing drugs and Spider-Man chasing weapons, a team up was bound to happen. Both are the fault of the Five Weapons Society, and with Shang as its head, he is still working hard to right the wrongs of his father's criminal dealings.
- The Iron Eighty-Eight has acquired the Cosmic Cube and Shang goes to the auction, representing his clan, but is able to summon Captain America to put the cube back in the hands of heroes. Deadly Sabre, because of his love for Lady Iron Fan, is able to trick Cap into thinking he has the Cube, but he has kept it for himself and the clan.
- One of the mystical forces of the Five Weapons Society is supposed to be Sister Staff. But when Shang goes to ask for her help, Wolverine interferes stating that she is also a mutant and should come back to Krakoa. She chooses to go with Shang, but having a mutant around goes against tradition again... Sabre and Dagger are starting to question Shang-Chi's loyalty.
- Shang is dreaming of a woman who is trapped in the Negative Zone. Asking for Reed Richards help, which he doesn't get, Shang takes one of the Fantastic Four's ships to rescue the woman, who turns out to be his mother, long thought dead.
- The Red Dot Collective comes to do business with the Five Weapons Society, and tries to sell them an Iron Man armor. When Shang refuses to buy, Iron Man interjects. There is some confusion yet again, but Shang sides with heroes over family and gives Iron Man back his property. However, in this regard, Tony was testing Shang to see his loyalties, knowing that the Five Weapons Society has the Cosmic Cube.
- The whole story comes to a head when the misunderstanding becomes battle! Avengers vs Five Weapons Society, with Shang using a special blade that gives him the powers of the Chinese God of Thunder, holding his own against Thor! The confusion is temporarily eased when Shang puts all the pieces together and turns both the Cube and Sabre over to the Avengers.
- But trouble is brewing.... a faction of people wants to see Shang-Chi's reign end...
Really looking forward to next Volume! Excellent story!
Recommend!
Highlights:
- A drug/weapon ring is active in New York and with Shang chasing drugs and Spider-Man chasing weapons, a team up was bound to happen. Both are the fault of the Five Weapons Society, and with Shang as its head, he is still working hard to right the wrongs of his father's criminal dealings.
- The Iron Eighty-Eight has acquired the Cosmic Cube and Shang goes to the auction, representing his clan, but is able to summon Captain America to put the cube back in the hands of heroes. Deadly Sabre, because of his love for Lady Iron Fan, is able to trick Cap into thinking he has the Cube, but he has kept it for himself and the clan.
- One of the mystical forces of the Five Weapons Society is supposed to be Sister Staff. But when Shang goes to ask for her help, Wolverine interferes stating that she is also a mutant and should come back to Krakoa. She chooses to go with Shang, but having a mutant around goes against tradition again... Sabre and Dagger are starting to question Shang-Chi's loyalty.
- Shang is dreaming of a woman who is trapped in the Negative Zone. Asking for Reed Richards help, which he doesn't get, Shang takes one of the Fantastic Four's ships to rescue the woman, who turns out to be his mother, long thought dead.
- The Red Dot Collective comes to do business with the Five Weapons Society, and tries to sell them an Iron Man armor. When Shang refuses to buy, Iron Man interjects. There is some confusion yet again, but Shang sides with heroes over family and gives Iron Man back his property. However, in this regard, Tony was testing Shang to see his loyalties, knowing that the Five Weapons Society has the Cosmic Cube.
- The whole story comes to a head when the misunderstanding becomes battle! Avengers vs Five Weapons Society, with Shang using a special blade that gives him the powers of the Chinese God of Thunder, holding his own against Thor! The confusion is temporarily eased when Shang puts all the pieces together and turns both the Cube and Sabre over to the Avengers.
- But trouble is brewing.... a faction of people wants to see Shang-Chi's reign end...
Really looking forward to next Volume! Excellent story!
Recommend!
March 29, 2022
This is clearly not the Shang-Chi from the classic days. This is a watered-down and diluted version of the character. Very disappointing. I understand that Marvel is trying to move the character in a direction to more align with the way he’s presented in the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse, but this is nothing like the character used to be portrayed.
June 10, 2022
This is essentially the same issue six times. We see him take on five different superheroes in an attempt to redefine his family structure, but what we get is the same exact structure in each issue.
It’s a solid issue with really dynamic, expressive art, but even that isn’t enough to save this series.
It’s a solid issue with really dynamic, expressive art, but even that isn’t enough to save this series.
June 24, 2022
I tried to read and like this over 8 times, and eventually I realized I would rather re-read Duggan and Noto's "Cable" books than waste my time with this generic dross.
Sorry you failed to capture that Chinese market, Disney!
Sorry you failed to capture that Chinese market, Disney!
December 29, 2025
Not my favorite. Shang chi is just too overpowered and I don't understand why. Theres no good reason he should be able to overpower the thing and iron man with punches and kicks. He also didn't really fight Captain America. Each fight is quick and the title feels like click bait in a way.
May 1, 2022
A treat to see Byrne’s FF Negative Zone travel pod once again.
February 25, 2024
I liked this, I really like Gene Luen Yang’s version of Shang-Chi.
October 10, 2022
When Marvel announced another Shang-Chi soft reboot/ retooling I was a bit concerned because the 2020 series was pretty decent.
However this series is just as good so my caution was unwarranted. This series picks up directly after the previous but is still easy to follow. The ‘guest star of the week’ stuff works for the most part but by issue 6 was getting a bit tedious. It also felt as if Marvel were trying to boost the sales by putting more established characters on the covers.
Overall this is a fun and easy read that would’ve benefited from a little more action.
3/5.
However this series is just as good so my caution was unwarranted. This series picks up directly after the previous but is still easy to follow. The ‘guest star of the week’ stuff works for the most part but by issue 6 was getting a bit tedious. It also felt as if Marvel were trying to boost the sales by putting more established characters on the covers.
Overall this is a fun and easy read that would’ve benefited from a little more action.
3/5.
February 19, 2022
< img src="http://www.multiversitycomics.com/wp-..." / >
I'm pretty sure this is the best line MODOK has ever uttered. If it isn't, its definitely on the list.
I really enjoyed Yang's modernization of Shang-Chi's character and mythos, and now that all the hard work is done? It's time to play.
Yang takes us on a brief tour of the Marvel universe to show how such a drastic change in leadership of the 5 Weapon Society affects everyone, from your local neighborhoods to the wealthy elites, and it's so much fun.
Campy spy-themed weapon auctions, street level brawls, space-faring trips to the Negative Zone, duels between lightning gods, it's tough to make all of this fun and feel like it all belongs in the same book, but Volume 2 pulls it off by keeping a consistent tone and artstyle (which, by the way, is all incredible thanks to Dike Ruan)!
The book isn't devoid of substance though either. Yang continues to offer some great social commentary as Shang continues to steer the 5 Weapon Society in a more righteous direction, ripping out the racist ideologies of his father, and bringing old family members back into the fold. Yang even addresses the fact that not every member of a criminal empire is going to be a fan of their organization going in a more legal direction. It makes for some great drama in-between all the action and I'm genuinely looking forward to what happens next! I really needed a mood booster after the month I've had, and this book more than provided that. Can't recommend this series enough.
I'm pretty sure this is the best line MODOK has ever uttered. If it isn't, its definitely on the list.
I really enjoyed Yang's modernization of Shang-Chi's character and mythos, and now that all the hard work is done? It's time to play.
Yang takes us on a brief tour of the Marvel universe to show how such a drastic change in leadership of the 5 Weapon Society affects everyone, from your local neighborhoods to the wealthy elites, and it's so much fun.
Campy spy-themed weapon auctions, street level brawls, space-faring trips to the Negative Zone, duels between lightning gods, it's tough to make all of this fun and feel like it all belongs in the same book, but Volume 2 pulls it off by keeping a consistent tone and artstyle (which, by the way, is all incredible thanks to Dike Ruan)!
The book isn't devoid of substance though either. Yang continues to offer some great social commentary as Shang continues to steer the 5 Weapon Society in a more righteous direction, ripping out the racist ideologies of his father, and bringing old family members back into the fold. Yang even addresses the fact that not every member of a criminal empire is going to be a fan of their organization going in a more legal direction. It makes for some great drama in-between all the action and I'm genuinely looking forward to what happens next! I really needed a mood booster after the month I've had, and this book more than provided that. Can't recommend this series enough.
August 29, 2023
Really loved seeing Shang-Chi figuring out how to handle his father's organisation, his life as a hero, and how the Avengers view him now!
TW for cults, hints at child abuse, violence, body horror, murder, death, xenophobic actions, mental health issues.
TW for cults, hints at child abuse, violence, body horror, murder, death, xenophobic actions, mental health issues.
December 29, 2021
I thought this was an improvement on the last volume. The action was great in this one and leave us something to look forward too. I'm glad Marvel is putting out a fresh line of Shang-Chi comics.
May 16, 2022
Shang-Chi has taken over his father's evil empire, the Five Weapons Society. He wants to reform it into a force for good. He trades on its reputation to get close to a lot of villains (better to take them down), making him look like a bad guy to the other Marvel heroes. He also recruits four other champions, his half-siblings, to help him lead the society in a new direction. They are less committed to transforming into good guys, making Shang-Chi's plans a lot harder to execute. He has run-ins with Spider-man, various Avengers, and the Fantastic Four, with some very mixed results. If that wasn't bad enough, some mysterious villain is gathering Shang-Chi's defeated foes for some undefined vengeful purpose.
The book has the classic blend of action, humor, and human drama from the best Marvel stories. Shang-Chi's reform plan is a little too complicated for everyone to be on board, creating a lot of friction and drama. Shang-Chi struggles to deal with his own family and with his superhero friends, forcing him to live a double-life different from the usual secret identity/hero identity tension of other characters. The change is fresh and interesting. The art is great. I can't wait for more!
Highly recommended.
The book has the classic blend of action, humor, and human drama from the best Marvel stories. Shang-Chi's reform plan is a little too complicated for everyone to be on board, creating a lot of friction and drama. Shang-Chi struggles to deal with his own family and with his superhero friends, forcing him to live a double-life different from the usual secret identity/hero identity tension of other characters. The change is fresh and interesting. The art is great. I can't wait for more!
Highly recommended.
April 15, 2023
Considering this was one of the best introductions I've had to a minor character, I really expected the continuation (Shang-Chi, Vol. 1: Brothers & Sisters) to be just as good but instead Marvel Editorial got involved. Instead it features all the most popular Marvel heroes all teaming up with Shang as he tries to convince his family he's doing the right thing.
For the bits that actually focus on the latter it's good, it's just watered down by all the cameos and the nonsense that comes with it. You don't even have a clear villain in this, just some guy saying "I'll make you an offer", from the shadows it's hardly inspiring.
I genuinely felt that Gene Luen Yang gave us a great story before, really not sure what is going on with this one as it just felt like a team up book. It's so bad that it didn't even conclude in this volume, instead we have another volume to complete the story, where you could have just cut out the filler.
For the bits that actually focus on the latter it's good, it's just watered down by all the cameos and the nonsense that comes with it. You don't even have a clear villain in this, just some guy saying "I'll make you an offer", from the shadows it's hardly inspiring.
I genuinely felt that Gene Luen Yang gave us a great story before, really not sure what is going on with this one as it just felt like a team up book. It's so bad that it didn't even conclude in this volume, instead we have another volume to complete the story, where you could have just cut out the filler.
June 10, 2023
Shang-Chi, now Supreme Commander of the Five Weapons Society, must juggle the duties of being a superhero and also the leader of a formerly clandestine martial arts death cult. His status as Supreme Commander puts him at odds with members in his own organization, but also with his friends in the superhero community. This is obviously all just set up to have Shang-Chi hang out with the likes of Spider-Man, Wolverine, the Fantastic Four and the Avengers, and the results are a resounding meh. It's fun at times, sure, but it also feels so exceedingly forced. As a fan of the original Master of Kung Fu run, I was hoping this series could take the better elements from that run (like great action sequences by legends like Paul Gulacy and Gene Day, intruiging martial arts related drama, tricky family dynamics, etc.) while excising the problematic stuff like the "Yellow Peril" tropes. This volume has made me realize how little I care about Shang-Chi as a superhero, and instead I yearn for the days where he was hanging out with spies and assassins.
February 9, 2022
A step up from the already enjoyable first volume, Shang Chi vs. The Marvel Universe deals with a series of really enjoyable one issue stories in which Shang runs into various super hero allies for the first time since becoming the leader of the Five Weapon Society. Each are a little uneasy with how to deal with Shang, though to a variety of extents with Spider-Man wanting to trust his old friend on one end and Read Richards and Tony Stark being quickest to judge. I think the characterisation of all these other hero’s, whom I am very familiar, was great and they all felt true to both themselves and their relationship with Shang. There’s a real tension to the story mic with Shang himself feeling as though he’s being pulled in two directions, neither of which are right for him or his family.
The art by Dike Ruan continues to excel from the last volume and Triona Farrell colouring is so very pretty and compliments the strong pencilling very well.
The art by Dike Ruan continues to excel from the last volume and Triona Farrell colouring is so very pretty and compliments the strong pencilling very well.
May 2, 2022
Este segundo volume brasileiro de Shang-Chi é, na verdade, o primeiro volume da série regular de Shang-Chi. Para promover essa série, a Marvel encomendou ao incrível roteirista sino-americano Gene Luen Yang uma trama em que o antigo Mestre do Kung Fu precisa enfrentar os principais heróis do Universo Marvel: Homem-Aranha, Wolverine, Quarteto Fantástico e a trindade dos Vingadores. O conflito se dá porque os heróis desconfiam de Chi porque ele se tornou o mandante da organização criminosa do seu pai, como visto no primeiro volume brasileiro. Nesse ínterim, ele vai ganhar novos aliados e novos inimigos, numa trama bem desenvolvida em que os personagens do UM não estão aparecendo somnete por aparecer. Vale ressaltar também como é gostoso acompanhar os desenhos e a narrativa gráfica de Dike Ruan, o desenhista que acompanha Yang desde a minissérie anterior. O encadernado deixa margem para um novo arco e para vários mistérios que nós leitores precisaremos desevndar.
March 8, 2023
Shang-Chi has taken over leadership of the Five Weapons Society, but it is hard to make a former criminal organization more reputable. All of his actions are questioned by the Avengers for their motives (and they tend to fight first, ask clarifying questions later), other criminals - and some of the family - expect them to engage in criminal activity, and walking a more noble path is going to be an uphill climb.
This could have easily turned into a supervillain origin story, but Shang-Chi stands true to his convictions and keeps persevering to do the right thing despite a number of misunderstandings and setbacks. He's got a lot of patience, and only resorts to violence in self-defense. Now I need to find volume 3.
Notes on content: No language issues that I remember. No sexual content. A couple battles, but most break up before anyone is seriously hurt (once someone listens long enough to realize there's been a misunderstanding).
This could have easily turned into a supervillain origin story, but Shang-Chi stands true to his convictions and keeps persevering to do the right thing despite a number of misunderstandings and setbacks. He's got a lot of patience, and only resorts to violence in self-defense. Now I need to find volume 3.
Notes on content: No language issues that I remember. No sexual content. A couple battles, but most break up before anyone is seriously hurt (once someone listens long enough to realize there's been a misunderstanding).
August 23, 2022
Gene Luen Yang does a fantastic job of creating a new and exciting direction for Shang Chi. The first volume (basically where the movie went) was cool and wonderful bringing in his family, this volume Shang Chi vs the Marvel Universe takes a whole new look at how Shang Chi tries to reinvent the Society his father ran into an honest one. Where his family's loyalties lie, who is for him, who is against him and where it will all end as the story continues in the next volume.
Worth the read and the art by Dike Ruan and colored by Triona Farrell make the story come alive even more so.
Beautifully done.
Worth the read and the art by Dike Ruan and colored by Triona Farrell make the story come alive even more so.
Beautifully done.
March 6, 2022
Can a force for good make positive changes to a long standing crime organization? That's your main question/takeaway in this collection. Shang-Chi is rebuilding his father's crime organization, but trying to make it help the people of the world. Only problem is that the entire MU knows how fracking EVIL it has always been.
Will anybody believe him?
Will this series avoid cancellation since the MCU movie is already out for general release?
Bonus: Shadowy figures do shady things. Go figure...
Bonus Bonus: gratuitous Wolverine cameo is gratuitous
Will anybody believe him?
Will this series avoid cancellation since the MCU movie is already out for general release?
Bonus: Shadowy figures do shady things. Go figure...
Bonus Bonus: gratuitous Wolverine cameo is gratuitous
July 30, 2022
Shang-Chi preberá organizáciu The Five Weapon Society a snaží sa ju riadiť úplne inak ako jeho otec. A to spôsobuje problémy či už vo vnútri organizácie, alebo v jej fungovaní navonok. Epizódne je Shang-Chi a jeho família konfrontovaná s jednotlivými Marvel hrdinami (top je asi epizóda s Wolverinom) a nedôvera Avengers preto rastie. Komplikujú sa tiež rodinné vzťahy, dozvedáme sa nové skutočnosti...celkovo je príbeh komplexnejší a zaujímavo sa rozvíja. A máme tu aj neznámu postavu v pozadí, ktorá ťahá za nitky. Dobré pokračovanie a celkovo určite spokojnosť.
December 23, 2022
Shang-Chi's father is dead and he's taken over his father's criminal organization. As we go through these 6 issues, the heroes lose trust in Shang-Chi, thinking he's turning shady while the many people he brings into the organization begin to think he's too honest and earnest. The back half of this series looks to be a donnybrook with those who no longer believe in Shang-Chi. Yang and Ruan are building something pretty great here. I just wish Marvel would stop renumbering this series each year for no reason.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews