- Written by: Yifan Jiang
- Art by: Paco Medina
- Colors by: Ceci De La Cruz
- Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
- Cover art by: Leinil Francis Yu, Federico Blee (cover A)
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: February 18, 2026
Deadly Hands of K’Un-Lun #1 (Marvel, 2/18/26): Writer Yifan Jiang and artist Paco Medina deliver a bold relaunch of the Iron Fist mythos with Lin Lie as the new protagonist grappling with painful sword shards fused into his hands. Loki’s trickery and brother Lin Feng’s conquest of Kun-Lun propel a high-stakes lore expansion mode. Uneven execution marks this kinetic opener, yet it hooks with family rivalry; Verdict: Worth reading for Iron Fist fans.
First Impressions
This issue bursts onto the page with a raw, pulsating energy that immediately grips you, blending childhood flashbacks with cosmic conquests in a way that feels both intimate and epic. The artwork pops with dynamic layouts that thrust you into the chaos of heavenly battles and street-level skirmishes, while the narration’s sharp wit hints at deeper betrayals lurking ahead.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS)
Lin Feng narrates his domineering childhood over brother Lin Lie, leading into his current rule over Kun-Lun after defeating its champion with Davos’s aid. He allies with Loki to hunt Chiyou’s soul orbs, having conquered heavenly cities like Kingdom of Spiders and killed Immortal Weapons such as Bride of Nine Spiders. Flashbacks reveal the brothers’ family duty as tomb keepers for the war god Chiyou, with Lin Feng abandoning the Sword of Fu Xi, which Lin Lie later shatters to gain power. Meanwhile, Lin Lie, the new Iron Fist, fights a sea monster at an aquarium with White Fox (Ami Han), showcasing his chi mastery amid relational tensions.
Lin Lie reflects on his inadequacy compared to Danny Rand, now Ghost Fist under Osiris, while piecing together sword shards embedded in his hands. Back in New York, uncle Fooh berates him for misusing a portal on a date with Pei, Lin Lie’s high-schooler cousin and former Iron Fist. Pei lashes out, blaming Lin Feng’s corruption by Chiyou for sealing Kun-Lun. Lin Lie heads to Hell’s Kitchen on a mission, battling a shadow demon who taunts him about his brother’s atrocities, including drowning the Prince of Orphans and ripping apart Fat Cobra.
The demon reveals Lin Feng’s army mobilization with Faithful, Davos, and Neon Dragon, as interference from his brother’s presence hampers Lin Lie. Flashbacks show Lin Lie’s welcome in Kun-Lun and the celebratory song for new Iron Fists. Lin Feng toasts victory over Peng Lai against Fat Cobra, proclaiming the Deadly Hands of Kun-Lun’s rise. The issue closes with Lin Lie sensing impending doom as readings spike.
Writing
The pacing masterfully interweaves rapid action sequences with introspective narration, building tension through Lin Feng’s cold ambition contrasted against Lin Lie’s self-doubt. Dialogue crackles with authenticity, from Pei’s fiery outbursts to Loki’s sly barbs, revealing character layers without halting momentum. Thematic depth emerges in brotherly rivalry and legacy burdens, executed with precise, rhythmic prose that propels the narrative forward.
Structure shines in its seamless flashbacks that inform present stakes, avoiding confusion despite the sprawling mythos. Yet, some exposition dumps feel heavy-handed during conquest recaps, slightly disrupting the otherwise brisk flow.
Art
Paco Medina’s layouts flow kinetically, with sweeping panels capturing chi blasts and heavenly assaults that guide the eye effortlessly through battles. Character expressions convey nuanced agony in Lin Lie’s shard-embedded hands and smug triumph on Lin Feng’s face, amplifying emotional beats. Ceci de la Cruz’s colors employ stark golds for chi energy against shadowy underworlds, masterfully setting moods of power and peril.
Composition synergizes with the script, using dynamic angles in the aquarium fight to heighten chaos, while wide establishing shots of conquered cities evoke epic scale. Inks deliver sharply defined shadows that heighten tension in demon clashes, though occasional overcrowding in group scenes muddies finer details.
Character Development
Lin Lie’s motivation stems from lifelong inadequacy and duty, consistently portrayed through painful chi use and protective instincts toward Pei, making him deeply relatable as an underdog hero. Lin Feng’s ruthless consistency as a big-brother tyrant drives the villainy, with hints of Chiyou’s corruption adding tragic depth.
Originality & Concept Execution
Refreshing the Iron Fist saga with Asian brothers supplanting Danny Rand infuses fresh cultural mythology, successfully delivering a premise of familial war across heavenly realms. The sword-shard agony as power source innovates chi mechanics brilliantly, though familiar Loki alliances temper the novelty slightly.
Pros and Cons
What We Loved
- K’un-Lun conquest panels explode with Medina’s kinetic synergy.
- Lin Lie’s narration weaves witty, poignant family tension.
- Chi-infused fists glow in vibrant, mood-shifting palettes.
Room for Improvement
- Exposition in flashbacks occasionally stalls brisk pacing.
- Group crowd scenes overcrowd Medina’s sharp compositions.
- Demon taunts lean too much on familiar Marvel crossovers early.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Final Score: 8/10
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 2.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2
Final Verdict
Deadly Hands of K’Un-Lun #1 punches hard with brotherly betrayal and chi-fueled spectacle, carving a worthy spot in your pull list if Iron Fist lore ignites your passion. It stumbles on minor exposition bloat, but the kinetic highs and fresh Lin Lie arc demand your attention over lesser relaunches. In a crowded Marvel slate, this earns its shelf space through sheer narrative hunger.
7/10
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