Dike Ruan’s variant cover for next month’s Shang-Chi #1 introduced the mysterious Five Weapons Society.
Marvel Comics’ upcoming five-part Shang-Chi limited series introduces the Five Weapons Society, a mysterious organization that “protected China from countless threats” for centuries, though their “incredible legacy has been shrouded in mystery — until now!” With the release of Shang-Chi #1 now a month away, Marvel has revealed artist Dike Ruan’s variant cover, which gives viewers their first look at the Five Weapons Society.
Ruan’s variant — which features colors by Edgar Delgado — features Shang-Chi himself alongside Sister Hammer, Brother Staff, Brother Sabre and Sister Dagger. Marvel promises these characters “will impact Shang-Chi’s world like never before when a vicious battle for control of the Five Weapons Society erupts.”
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The new Shang-Chi title comes from writer Gene Luen Yang alongside artists Ruan and Philip Tan. In addition to Ruan and Delgado’s variant, issue #1 also will feature a main cover by Jim Cheung, as well as an additional variant by Arthur Adams. “We want to flesh [Shang-Chi] out by adding to his supporting cast,” Yang said in an interview with Syfy Wire. “We’ve met some of his siblings in the past, but in this particular miniseries we’re going to meet a full set of them. Each is going to bring out a different aspect of Shang-Chi’s personality.”
The new Shang-Chi limited series is launching ahead of the theatrical release of the upcoming Marvel Studios film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which stars Simu Liu as the Master of Kung Fu. The film was originally slated to arrive in February of 2021, though was pushed back to May 7 when Marvel reshuffled its release slate.
Written by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by Dike Ruan and Philip Tan, Shang-Chi #1 goes on sale Sept. 30 from Marvel Comics.
