Writer: Larry Hama

Art: Dave Wachter, Neeraj Menon, VC’s Travis Latham, Monica Mu, and Billy Tan

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 20th, 2021

Someone is murdering the ancient dragons which are sovereign over the Seven Heavenly Cities. And, guess who the only one is that can stop them? The IRON FIST! However, Danny Rand needs to discover who’s doing this before every last dragon is dead, including the one that lives with him. And if things couldn’t be any worse, undead ninjas, supernatural doorways, dragon hearts, and the Marvel Universe’s most ruthless fighters all converge in this week’s all-new IRON FIST: HEART OF THE DRAGON #1 by Larry Hama. Let’s jump into this inaugural installment to see if the Immortal Iron Fist can save the world and all the dragons before it’s too late.

If you’re interested in this comic or any of the others mentioned, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.

With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, how did the first issue of an IRON FIST title at Marvel in year’s go over? Well, before I answer that question, let me remind you that it’s been a REAL long time since he’s had his own comic. Sure, he’s been present here and there in titles including CONTAGION, however, he hasn’t been front and center for… years now. Therefore, many diehard Danny Rand fans have been itching for some action from the Living Weapon and the hope is that this issue didn’t disappoint. Readers, I wish I could say this was epic and exactly what you’ve been looking for… but alas I just can’t. Granted, it wasn’t terrible by any stretch. Hama’s story was just extremely surface level, way too fast, and offered little explanation or reason for new readers to grab ahold of and fortify the character. For example, what has the IRON FIST been up to lately? For new readers, what’s his connection to Fooh and Pei? Who are they to him? Additionally, Luke Cage appears to be babysitting. Really? But, in recent history/ comics, he has his own daughter and family. Why would he be watching someone else’s kid without his own around? As a parent myself, if I don’t leave my own kids to babysit someone else’s.

Plus, to progress the story faster, Hama just instantly throws Danny into the thick of it without any explanation. Yet, there’s a villain that goes toe to toe with IRON FIST that appears to take down a dragon… alone! I just can’t wrap my brain around how Danny would have a hard time against a dragon but this villain was able to murder it in cold blood with ease. I’m just not buying the story. Moreover, this villain gives Danny a run for his money with one hand literally tied behind his back. Come on man… it just doesn’t add up. Alas, this story would fly on a 30 minute Saturday morning cartoon if that’s what you’re looking for.

FINAL THOUGHTS

IRON FIST: HEART OF THE DRAGON #1 is a mini that’s moving way too quickly to cram everything it needs into the story. Readers, it’s cluttered with high octane action, suspense, and is ultimately entertaining… enough. However, it’s not thorough, lacks depth, and seems rushed merely to get an IRON FIST title on the market. For a character that’s been missing from comic pages for quite some time, I wish we got more substance than this issue supplies. If you’ve been missing the Living Weapon, this may be exactly what you need to just wet your whistle. However, if you’re looking to jump into the IRON FIST after a long hiatus, this may not be the best series to dive into the character nor will long-time fans find solace. Feel free to let me know what you think, have a great week, and God bless!

7.3/10

If you’re interested in IRON FIST: HEART OF THE DRAGON #1, click HERE to get a copy! If the IMMORTAL IRON FIST is your all-time favorite hero, click HERE to snag some of the very best issues and trades from everyone’s darling Kung Fu Master. And finally, if you’re looking for something else to read, check out my Amazon Online Comic Shop by clicking HERE. Thank you all for the read and continued support. Stay safe and stay healthy.

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