REVIEW: Master of Kung Fu #126

Writer: CM Punk
Artist: Dalibor Talajić
Review: Will Dubbeld

Yes, Virginia, there was a time when the comic market could sustain a kung fu book for over 100 issues.
In addition to blaxploitation and vampires...

Master of Kung Fu, as well you know, told the tale of Shang-Chi. Son of Fu Manchu (as long as licensing permitted...)!, MI6 agent! For 125 issues we were dazzled with all manner of chop-sockey but, alas, all good things...
Shang-Chi has appeared here and there in the years since his titles’ cancellation and, thanks to Marvel Legacy, we get one final issue of Master of Kung Fu.

Unfortunately, it stutters a bit. Scribed by retired wrestler/MMA fighter CM Punk, the book doesn’t capture the character of Shang-Chi nor does it stick the landing like Punk’s Drax book.

The setup is absolutely the plot of a 1960s James Bond movie. It’s got an evil doctor with a cockamamie scheme, an underground lair, and a sea of expendable henchmen. It’s only missing a sweet car and a sweeter femme fatale, though fast cars and fast women never were priorities for the Master of Kung Fu.       

The book is played for laughs, very tongue in cheek, and very off-base for Shang-Chi.
I know it’s pretty silly to pick nits about a stereotype stock character who’s essentially a pastiche of Bruce Lee and Kwai Chang Caine, but here we are.
The gags are funny; part Deadpool and part Venture Brothers, but they're just out of place. I’m probably aiming too critical an eye at this funnybook, but I can’t help it.

At the day's end I’m pretty split on this comic. CM Punk certainly has a niche style in his writing. His Thor annual featured a drinking contest, and his Drax series dusted off old Star Comics character Planet Terry.
Which was rad.
Lighthearted, comedic romps are fine and dandy, but my suspension of disbelief in the face of established continuity is a handicap when it comes to appreciating some of these comics.

I liked the book, but as a Shang-Chi fan, I’m glad this is a one-and-done. CM Punk writes some fun material, such as monkey in a martial arts gi, and I hope he’s got some more stories down the line.

They needn’t be Master of Kung Fu stories, however...