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  • Writer's pictureBecca Bochna

Who is Shang-Chi?


Shang-Chi is a well-known yet unknown Marvel Comic's hero with a past that many fans may not know enough about. Shang-Chi was created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin. He debuted in 1973 in a special edition comic "Master of Kung Fu".

Since then, Shang-Chi has undergone some changes to become more inclusive. It was even mentioned in Marvel's Behind the Mask on Disney+ that the Comic Book company realized how insensitive some of the characters and storylines of the Shang-Chi comics could be to asian culture, so they decided to give him a break and reinvent him most recently in 2020. Although Shang-Chi has recently become culturally appropriate, his backstory and powers have relatively remained the same throughout his history.


Shang was raised to become a deadly assassin by his father, Fu Manchu. However it wasn't long before Shang realized his father's evil ways, and began to take down different parts of his empire. In retaliation, Shang's father ordered his assassins after his own son - all of which were clearly unsuccessful. This would make Fu Manchu one of Shang-Chi's greatest enemies.


Throughout his time in the comics, Shang-Chi has managed to team up with several other famous Marvel heroes. He joined Daredevil to become a Marvel Knight, fought alongside Iron Fist and became a Hero for Hire, and he teamed up with Steve Rodgers to become a Secret Avenger. Shang even trained Spider-Man in Martial Arts! It wasn't long after that Shang-Chi's heroic deeds caught Iron Man's attention, and he officially joined the Avengers.

What makes Shang such a vital member of the Avengers is his extraordinary hand-to-hand combat. Due to his father's training, Shang-Chi is one of the world's greatest martial artists. His strength and chi allow him to defeat highly skilled opponents, superpowered or not, as well as the ability to break through barriers. He can even withstand intense amounts of physical pain. He's a skilled gymnast and marksman, making him proficient in all martial arts weaponry. Shang also has extreme physical strength. He can lift at least twice his body weight which is roughly 350 lbs. All of Shang-Chi's abilities make him one of the most versatile Avengers.




It looks like Shang-Chi has lot to prove to MCU fans in Marvel's next film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Shang-Chi is played by Canadian born actor Simu Liu, and the film includes a stellar Asian cast to introduce us to our first Asian story in the MCU. Shang-Chi looks to be like a fresh new film for the MCU, introducing us to some major action that is ready to compete with the awesome stunts we saw in Black Widow. Simu Liu is also a skilled Martial Artist and stunt man himself, making him the perfect fit for the leading role. He's destined to be the next MCU heart-throb and lead Avenger.


Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives ONLY in Theaters on September 3rd. Check back here for more updates and comic book facts for the film!


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