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| They used Cap to hook me in...dirty dogs! |
is for Iron Fist.
Iron Fist was created by Roy Thomas and Gil Kane back in 1974 during the height of the 'kung fu craze' that was sweeping the country. Iron Fist, along with Shang Chi: Master of Kung Fu were Marvel's attempt to cash in on the popularity of Hong Kong action films.
Iron Fist had his own title for a while and also shared the spotlight with Power Man (Luke Cage) in the pages of Power Man and Iron Fist. Back in 2006, the character was revived in the pages of The Immortal Iron Fist...written by Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction, drawn by David Aja.
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Iron Fist was born Daniel Rand. His father, wealthy businessman Wendell Rand, has stumbled upon the mystical city of K'un L'un in his travels and stayed for awhile. After saving the life of the city's ruler, Lord Tuan, he's adopted as a son and leaves, soon after, to pursue more fortune back in America.
Years later, Rand returns with is wife and nine year old son Daniel as he leads another expedition to find the fabled city again.
Both of Daniel's parents are killed, accidentally, and young Danny is taken to K'un L'un...eventually, as one of the more promising pupils, being taught it's mystical brand of kung fu.
In K'un L'un, Daniel learns to harness his "chi" to various effects, including:
- Heightened physical attributes-- Danny can push himself for up to an hour before suffering any sort of fatigue.
- Heightened senses.
- Augmented healing.
- Immunity to pain and injury.
- A 'mind meld' of sorts, being able to merge with another person's consciousness.
His main power, though, is his namesake.....the Iron Fist.
By focusing his chi energy, Daniel can make his fist superhumanly powerful and, temporarily, immune to pain and injury. This process is draining, though, so he has to use it sparingly.
Of course, Rand is an extremely accomplished master of the martial arts and physical combat. He's also a fair businessman as well as an amateur, street savvy, investigator.
I've always been a fan of the old late night, t.v. kung fu shows and, back in the day, Iron Fist was right up my alley. The issue at the top, with Captain America on the cover, was one of the very first issues of a Marvel comic that I ever bought.
And at thirty cents, no less! Ahhh...the good old days....
In my research for this one, I came across some info on IMDB that makes it seem like an Iron Fist movie is in the works. Stranger things have happened....
I've always been a fan of the old late night, t.v. kung fu shows and, back in the day, Iron Fist was right up my alley. The issue at the top, with Captain America on the cover, was one of the very first issues of a Marvel comic that I ever bought.
And at thirty cents, no less! Ahhh...the good old days....
In my research for this one, I came across some info on IMDB that makes it seem like an Iron Fist movie is in the works. Stranger things have happened....
(I've noticed my past posts seemed to run a little long so, in trying to keep with the spirit of the challenge, I'll be making them shorter for the sake of brevity.)
Tune in tomorrow for Green Lantern.....and, yes, I know it's not "G" day :)
44 comments:
I was late to comment on H, but since I am up so late (or early depending on how you look at it,) I get to be the first to read and comment on I. The perks of seeing past midnight more often than not. :) Iron Fist is so cool. I love all his abilities, especially the augmented healing. A movie is a great idea- I'm a huge fan of superhero movies :)
Interesting tale of chi, death and power.
Q: Were all the superheroes orphans?
I don't remember Iron Fist! Thanks for enlightening me!
Don't know Iron Fist, a good one though.
I like the connection Iron Fist has with a mystical form of kung fu, it just made him that much more awesome.
i have seen him, but i really don't recall what he did... thank you.
My hubby is walking the dogs right now. I'm going to impress him when he comes home with my sudden knowledge of Iron Fist. ssshhh. Thanks Mark!!
He sounds awesome! :-D
The only Iron Fist I know of is the brilliant brand name of fantastic high heels
And I thought the iron fist would be the sum of him! :)
I don't remember that guy at all. You're digging out some interesting heroes.
Iron Fist, eh? I had totally not thought of the marketing angle of superheroes (as in responding to the Kung Fu fad)--makes sense I guess.
1974. It was a *very* good year. ;)
When I read posts like this, I wonder when and why I stopped reading comic books.
Thanks for sharing.
http://www.thebusymomsdaily.com/2013/04/blogging-from-to-z-april-challenge_10.html
I like him already. Some of the super heroes they thought up back then make me snicker a little, but this one sounds really cool.
Ditto on what Rebecca wrote! I loved Iron Fist when he came out because he was so different, human and superhero at the same time. I have to admit I'm a huge fan of "Grasshopper" and an Iron Fist comic hero seemed more than cool. I really liked the art in the Immortal comic best.
I'd like all of those powers, especially the fast healing and no pain. I take that iron fist, too! Just in case. Do you have copies of all these great comics?
I love all those powers!
I missed so much not reading these!
Oh how I could use some of the super powers right now! Especially the augmented healing. Iron Fist is awesome.
I like the Iron Fist. I think I like the real name of Daniel Rand too. Reminds me of Bruce Wayne.
I was and still am a fan of kung fu movies. Funny, but in a way I am trying to harness my chi as well.
@Rebecca: Thank you and I feel the same way. It'd be nice if could all harness our 'chi', right? :)
@Nancy: It sure seems that way, sometimes, doesn't it?
@C.M: You're welcome :)
@Sheena: A good character,just didn't get that much exposure.
@Elise: Oh yeah...and definitely gives it that 'comic book' feel, too :)
@Jeremy: At least he was familiar :)
@Elsie: Your secret is safe with me and thanks :)
@Misha: Yes, he was pretty cool!
@Daft: LOL...see, now you've stumped -me- :)
@Trisha: That was the one of the fun things about him...he wasn't just a one trick pony.
@LD: A lot of these guys seem to fall between the cracks, for sure.
@Hart: Oh yeah, it was big business even back then...bigger business now, for sure.
@Suze: I have no doubt :)
@Cheryl: Those days, comics were still fun...these days, not so much so I can see why people stop reading. Thanks for stopping by!
@Jack: I will admit, a lot of them were silly and campy, but still fun :)
@Lisa: I'm sure they got a lot of "Kung Fu" fans on board and I agree...Aja's art is very cool.
@Lee: I'm sure a lot of us would like that Iron Fist...lol :) No, I used to have a lot, but sold them a few years ago as I began to buy less and less. They just weren't the same as when I was a kid, unfortunately.
@Morgan: I know, they'd all be pretty handy :)
@Melanie: They were fun, for sure :)
@jaybird: I hear you on that!
@Mina: I never thought of the name angle, but I can totally see it, sure.
@Al: Me too, I always used to love those when cable t.v. first came out and it's all they showed. They say people can do it, so it's not as far fetched as it seems.
I loved the "Kung Fu Fighting" craze when I was a kid, not that I could do any of it LOL. Iron Fist is cool.
I am not at all surprised to hear that they might turn Iron Fist into a movie. Martial arts are still very popular AND comic book hero movies have turned out to be very profitable. Marvel has had excellent results at the box office. If this movie does well, it would be no surprise if they brought Iron Fist on board for a future Avengers flick.
As always, thank you for sharing the backstory:)
I've never heard of Iron Fist. But then I haven't heard of most of the comic super heroes. I don't think they were available in England when I grew up, and I didn't notice comics in Houston when I moved there. It wasn't like in England when I would walk to the local newsagent to pick up my favorite comics. Girl comics. :D
The Iron Fist's story is cool. I like the updated version of him. Sleek.
I have found the theme among most, if not all, superheroes: They've lost one/both parents or have endured some sort of tragedy. I get why we like them so much now :)
DC guy, so never read any of the Iron Fist comics.
Hi Mark,
Oh yeah, Iron Fist. A most insightful posting, my friend. I reckon the dude could come and iron my clothes :)
"G" day. And for a moment I thought you might be thinking "Gary" day. Oh well, never mind :)
Happy alphabeting, Mark.
Gary
"Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting" - oh yeah, the Kung Fu craze! Love that there might be an Iron Fist movie in the works! And don't worry about the length of your posts. They've been great to read!
Iron fists a new one for me too.... Thanks for introducing him to us....
Had to laugh at your Wonder Woman comment at C lee's blog. I won't mention here to save your man card ... Loll.
@Julie: Haha...same here, but it was cool to watch :)
@Robin: Oh yea, totally agree. If they keep doing Avengers films, who know who you might see?
@Stina: Hey, nothing wrong with 'girl' comics...comics are comics, to me :)
@Christine: He has tons of backstory, I was just trying to keep it condensed. A very interesting character, though.
@Samantha: Very true. Tragedy does seem to forge quite a few heroes.
@Alex: I'm not sure if D.C. ever had an equivalent besides the Karate Kid from the Legion of Superheroes.
@Gary: LOL...yeah, just make sure you tell him 'no starch' :) You know,I should have featured the famous comic book hero "Gary" on "G" day...I just wasn't thinking :P
@Tyrean: Ah, thank you very much..I appreciate that! :)
@Michael: Of course, I have no idea what you're talking about... -ahem- :P
I like the story of the lost tribe. Yahoo for Green Lantern.
There had to be a kung fu superhero. He sounds pretty cool!
Need more CHI!
Nicely done.
Heather
Have I told you how much I love your theme?!
Hugs!
Valerie Nunez and the Flying Platypi
@Susan: Same here..I always like stories about places like Shangra La.
@Nick: Of course! :)
@Heather: Thank you very much!
@Valerie:Hey, thank you :)
I love kung fu! Iron Fist sounds so freakin' cool. I am so glad to be learning more about classic comics. I will definitely watch that movie if it comes out. OMG.
Never heard of him. Iron Fist - not the most clever name. I would have been hooked with Cap on the cover too. 30 cents, definitely the good old days. :)
It would be cooler if he could use that iron fist to press the wrinkles out of shirts... ;)
Yay! Even though he's a couple of years older than me, I remember that guy! :)
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for inadvertently reminding me that we are supposed to be keeping these blogs short. So, I suppose I should be thanking you for reading my stories (not blogs). Thanks for your patience and comments.
Looks like you have quite a passion here! Nice job describing Iron Fist for the rest of us.
Blessings,
Dana at Waiter, drink please!
@Shell: I'd sure watch it, too!
@Krista: Yeah, 30 cents seems like so long ago...and, I guess, it was.
@Carrie: With all his 'chi' powers, maybe he could have.... :)
@Celeste:See? You do know some stuff about comics! :)
@Dana: Thanks and I think your blog is great. Keep posting those 'stories'...I'll keep reading :)
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