Special Marvel Edition #11

Special Marvel Edition #11, released in 1973, holds a significant place in comic history as the debut of Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung Fu. Created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin, the issue was produced at the height of the 1970s martial arts craze, sparked largely by the popularity of Bruce Lee and the television series Kung Fu. Marvel licensed the character of Fu Manchu from the estate of Sax Rohmer to provide a ready-made antagonist, weaving him into the origin story of his son, Shang-Chi.

The creative direction reflected a shift toward serialized, character-driven action that diverged from traditional costumed superhero tropes. Starlin’s dynamic panel layouts and Englehart’s gritty, espionage-inspired narrative were well-received by readers, successfully establishing the title as a standalone force. The book’s success eventually led to the series being retitled to The Hands of Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu starting with issue #17, marking a pivotal moment in the diversification of Marvel’s roster.