Marvel has promised the new Shang-Chi series would pit the publisher's preeminent martial arts master against the most iconic superheroes the Marvel Universe has to offer, and in July 28's Shang-Chi #3, it's Wolverine's turn to go head-to-head with the Master of Kung Fu.
Wolverine of course no stranger to adventures in the Far East and this time Logan is on a mission from Krakoa to locate a new mutant who can turn music into solidified energy.
This mutant - Zhilan - also happens to be Shang-Chi's sister and a formidable fighter in her own right, who was banished from the Five Weapons Society by their father for reasons unknown.
And now that Shang-Chi has taken leadership over the Five Weapons Society and is trying to turn it into a force of good, when he invites Zhilan back, a classic hero versus hero battle is all set up.
"Wolverine will face off with Shang-Chi in an intense matchup between two of Marvel's most legendary fighters," reads Marvel's description. "Having already gone head-to-head with the likes of Spider-Man and Captain America, this is the latest in Shang-Chi's series of clashes with the heroes of the Marvel Universe, and they are beginning to question if he can truly change the Five Weapons Society's evil ways."
And it might be harder than Shang-Chi realizes as Newsarama has previously confirmed Zhilan is a villain.
The issue is written by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by artist Dike Ruan, with variant covers by Michael Cho (seen above) and David Lafuente.
Check out the first look pages by Ruan along with Lafuente's cover and the main cover by Leinil Francis Yu in our gallery below.
Wolverine and Shang-Chi actually have a long and complicated history together. In addition to teaming up on several occasions, Logan and the Master of Kung Fu first met when the mutant came to him wanting to be his student.
In 2009's Wolverine: First Class #9, a flashback reveals that Wolverine first met Shang-Chi when he approached the kung-fu master to help him control his berserker rage in order to best his long-time foe Sabretooth. Shang-Chi teaches him a few things, and Wolverine wins his battle - and along the way, we learn his favorite philosopher is Popeye. Don't believe us? Read it for yourself in the collected edition Wolverine: First Class - Wolverine-by-Night.
This new Shang-Chi comic book series is being built up ahead of September 3's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings film (whose second trailer was just released).
Brush up on your knowledge of the Master of Kung Fu before his movie debut with our expansive Shang-Chi guide.
