Two years ago, Marvel debuted a new Shang-Chi ongoing series written by acclaimed cartoonist Gene Luen Yang with art by Dike Ruan and Phillip Tan ahead of the MCU film starring Simu Liu as the titular character. In a deviation from the comics, the film reimagined the Iron Man foe The Mandarin as the father of Shang-Chi with his iconic Ten Rings depicted as wrist-sized as opposed to wearing them on his fingers. Once again, it appears that Marvel publishing is taking cues from the MCU as it announced today that the MCU version of the Ten Rings will be wielded by Shang-Chi this May in Shang-Chi #12 from Yang and artist Marcus To. No additional creators for the series were named in the announcement but Leinil Francis Yu will draw the cover.
This isn’t the first time that Marvel Comics has changed characters and concepts to more closely align with the MCU. The Infinity Stones for instance, were originally called Infinity Gems in the comics and had different color attributes before Marvel changed them. Most recently, Marvel announced a sequel to Secret Invasion ahead of the upcoming Disney+ original series.
Here’s how Marvel described the issue:
A new weapon that could rival the might of the Infinity Stones will emerge this May in SHANG-CHI #12! In this crucial issue, Shang-Chi’s greatest enemies have gathered under his vengeful grandfather and in order to protect his bloodline, Shang-Chi will have to confront his dark side and unleash the power he was destined to wield… THE TEN RINGS! The devastating consequences of this action will have a major impact on Shang-Chi’s role in the greater Marvel Universe and further complicate his already tense relationship with the Avengers.
The legend of Marvel’s greatest fighter has been redefined for a new age in acclaimed writer Gene Luen Yang and superstar artist Marcus To’s hit run on SHANG-CHI. Since the very beginning, Shang-Chi’s ongoing solo series has revealed long-hidden secrets about his origins, introduced readers to his warrior siblings, and saw him sacrifice his good standing with Marvel’s heroes in order to honor his newly found family. Now, Earth is under attack from Shang-Chi’s grandfather and the forces of Ta Lo! To save his world, Shang-Chi must succumb to his late father’s wishes and inherit the deadly Ten Rings. But will he be able to wield its power, or will its temptations be too much? Find out when SHANG-CHI #12 arrives in May!
Look for Shang-Chi #12 to arrive in stores on Wednesday May 4, 2022.
