Shang-Chi (Master of Kung Fu) Reading Order!

Shang-Chi is an unlikely Marvel success story, born from an unholy alliance of 1970’s Kung Fu craze and Marvel’s fallback plans to utilize the public domain character Fu Manchu. The end result is a surprisingly contemplative action showcase, where Shang-Chi, the son of Fu Manchu, goes on a journey to become a heroic master of martial arts.

While the 70’s comics are the clearest Shang-Chi focus in all of Marvel – Master of Kung Fu alone runs for 125 issues – the character has had various supporting roles throughout the shared universe since that time. From working with the Avengers and Heroes for Hire to training Spider-Man how to actually fight, Shang-Chi is increasingly integrated into the fabric of Marvel Comics.

Below you’ll find a complete guide to the comic book stories of Shang-Chi, including the Comic Book Herald logo next to personal favorites, or recommended starting places.

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Shang-Chi Origins & Kung Fu Comics!

Shang-Chi: Master of Kung-Fu Omnibus Vol. 1

Collects: Special Marvel Edition #15-16, Master Of Kung Fu (1974) #17-37, Giant-Size Master Of Kung Fu #1-4, Giant-Size Spider-Man #2, & Iron Man Annual #4

Master of Kung Fu Epic Collection: Weapon of the Soul

Collects: Special Marvel Edition #15-16, Master Of Kung Fu (1974) #17-28,Giant-Size Master Of Kung Fu #1-4, Giant-Size Spider-Man #2 & Iron Man Annual #4

Note here that the first Master of Kung Fu epic collection overlaps significantly with the first Master of Kung Fu omnibus edition. You don’t need both.

I’d recommend reading the issues in the following order:

Special Marvel Edition #15-16
Master Of Kung Fu (1974) #17 to #21
Giant-Size Spider-Man #2
Giant-Size Master Of Kung Fu #1
Master of Kung Fu #22
Giant-Size Master of Kung Fu #2
Master of Kung Fu #22 to #25
Giant-Size Master of Kung Fu #3
Master of Kung Fu #26 to #28
Giant-Size Master of Kung Fu #4
Master of Kung Fu #29 to #37

Deadly Hands of Kung Fu Omnibus Vol. 1

Collects: Deadly Hands Of Kung Fu (1974) 1-18; Special (1974) 1

Deadly Hands of Kung Fu is the black-and-white magazine that runs somewhat parallel to Master of Kung Fu, touching on all sorts of 70’s karate culture. In terms of publication dates, you could definitely try to fit these issues into the Master of Kung Fu chronology, although I’d argue that’s not really necessary.

Shang-Chi: Master of Kung-Fu Omnibus Vol. 2

Collects: Master Of Kung Fu Annual (1976) 1, Master Of Kung Fu (1974) 38-70

Master of Kung Fu Epic Collection: Fight Without Pity

Collects: Master Of Kung Fu (1974) 29-53 & Annual 1

Deadly Hands of Kung Fu Omnibus Vol. 2

Collects: Deadly Hands Of Kung Fu (1974) 19-33; Bizarre Adventures (1981) 25

Shang-Chi: Master of Kung-Fu Omnibus Vol. 3

Collects: Master Of Kung Fu (1974) 71-101; What If (1977) 16

Shang-Chi: Master of Kung-Fu Omnibus Vol. 4

Collects: Master Of Kung Fu (1974) 102-125; Marvel Comics Presents (1988) 1-8; Master Of Kung Fu: Bleeding Black (1990) 1