Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings #1 Review

Written by: Gene Luen Yang
Art by: Marcus To
Colors by: Erick Arciniega
Letters by: VC’s Travis Lanham
Cover art by: Dike Ruan, Matthew Wilson
Cover price: $3.99
Release date: July 20, 2022

Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings #1fins Shang adjusting to a “normal” life with his mission to steer the Five Weapons Society as a force for good. Unfortunately, public knowledge of the Ten Rings instigates a race between every criminal organization to possess the ultimate weapon.

Is It Good?

Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings #1 is a decent restart to the series with plenty of action, strong art, the beginnings of a plot (more on that in a minute), and a generally fun read.

The highlight of the issue is To’s art, enhanced by Arciniega’s colors. This issue is all about the fund & games, and there’s plenty of action to keep a martial arts fan happy. Shang-Shi is attacked left, right, and center no matter where he goes. If you’re interested in this series for high-flying kicks and killer punches, you’ll get your money’s worth.

The plot by Yang is serviceable. Shang-Chi tries to settle into a new normal as he wonders if the Rings are a corruptive influence. Before the issue strays too far into introspection territory, he’s attacked by every criminal organization in Marveldom that wants the Ten Rings for themselves. There’s no real plot to set up whatever comes next other than “protect the Ten Rings.” If you have a desire to read the beginning of a plot that has a direction and destination, you’ll be left wanting.

Again, the art is excellent. The colors are vibrant, the action is energetic and fun, and the overall pacing moves the issue along briskly.

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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Bits and Pieces

Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings #1 starts the issue numbering reboot with plenty of action and stellar art but a thin plot that does little to get readers invested in the story. Come for the cool action, but pass if you want something more.