"Iron Fist & Shang-Chi"-Marvel's Great Kung Fu Masters (70's Beginnings)

Both of Marvel's prominent Kung Fu masters were created the height of the 70's Kung Fu craze ushered in by the great Bruce Lee and other famous martial arts masters (such as Chuck Norris, Sonny Chiba, Jim Kelly, and not to forget, Jackie Chan) to come. David Carradine had his extremely popular TV series "Kung Fu" during that era also.

Iron Fist / Daniel Rand-K'ai made his debut in "Marvel Feature"#15-May 1974 (which lasted through issue #25), and was created by the fantastic team of Roy Thomas (writer) & Gil Kane (artist). Iron Fist gained his own title after that, which lasted for 15 issues (Nov. 1975-Sept 1977), with the great team of Chris Claremont (writer) & John Byrne (artist) at the helm.

Daniel's father Wendell had discovered the lost, mystical city of K'un L'un, as a boy. He ended up saving Tuen (the city's ruler) and was adopted as his son. After Wendell had grown up, he returned to America (to NYC), became very wealthy, met and married Heather Duncan, and had a son named Daniel. When Daniel was 9, he traveled with his parents and his father's business partner, Harold Meachum, to seek out the lost city of K'un L'un once again. During the journey, Daniel slipped from the mountain path, dragging his parents along with him (since they were tied together by rope). Meachum (who was in love with Heather) caused Wendell to fall to his death. He offered to save Heather and Daniel (which Heather refused), so Harold abandoned them there to die. They were able to climb back up, but Heather died soon after, protecting Daniel from savage wolves. Archers from K'un L'un were not able to save Heather, but they took Daniel back to their lost city. The current ruler,Yu-Ti took him in and sent him to be raised and trained in the martial arts by Lei Kung (The Thunderer). Daniel became his best student.

Daniel attained the power of the 'Iron Fist' (concentrated 'chi' power) by defeating and destroying the dragon "Shou-Lao"; plunging his fist into the dragon's molten heart. He also gained a dragon tattoo on his chest, by contact with the dragon's scar. 10 years later, he returned to New York to seek his revenge on Harold Meachum, whose legs had been amputated, because of frostbite, during the time he had abandoned the Rands. Daniel chose to have pity on him and left, but Harold was soon killed by a mystery ninja. Daniel was accused of the crime, but he was cleared. After that time, he became the superhero "Iron Fist".

Iron Fist has teamed with many of the classic Marvel superheroes over the years (including Shang-Chi), but one of his most prominent teamings was with Luke Cage / Power Man. They first joined forces in "Power Man"#48-50. By issue #50, the title of the magazine changed to "Power Man and Iron Fist" (*see the top image above), which lasted for a time.

Iron Fist has made appearances on several animated TV shows including---"The Super Hero Squad Show"; "Ultimate Spider-Man"; & "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes".

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Shang-Chi (Master of Kung Fu) was created by the great team of Steve Englehart (writer) & Jim Starlin (artist) and made his debut in "Special Marvel Edition"#15 (Dec. 1973). He was a Kung Fu master in the classic sense. He had no super-powers, but had extraordinary martial arts skills of nearly every kind (including 'Wushu') and was disciplined to fighting perfection. His name meant 'rising of the spirit'.

Shang-Chi was the son of classic literary villain Fu Manchu (!!!!) He was born in China's Hunan Province. He was trained in multiple martial arts by his father and others. After Shang-Chi had grown, his father sent him on a mission to kill one of his enemies, Dr. Petrie. During that mission, he met a police inspector, Sir Denis Nayland- Smith (Fu Manchu's chief adversary), who convinced him that his father was evil. Soon after, Shang-Chi became a secret agent, working with Nayland-Smith to battle with Fu Manchu and other assassins. He gained a close ally in 'Black Jack' Tarr. He eventually quit MI-6 and became a free-lance adventurer.

Shi-Chi would meet and team-up with many other characters of the 'Marvel Universe' including, but not limited to---Iron Fist; White Tiger; Jack of Hearts; Spider-Man; Man-Thing; The Thing; Black Widow; & Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (to name a few). Both he and Iron Fist were members of the group "Heroes For Hire".

After his father Fu Manchu died, Shang-Chi temporarily quit being an adventurer, but eventually returned to his heroic duties, liasons, and lifestyle. He has made appearances in many "Marvel Comics" series', but has never really had his own title. To date, Shang-Chi hasn't had any TV or Movie appearances (although I don't know why).
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With these two characters, Iron Fist & Shang-Chi, Marvel has made their own special contribution to the "Kung Fu" genre!!!

 

"The Definitive Batgirl"-Barbara Gordon (From Her 60's Beginnings)

Barbara Gordon may have been preceded by a Batwoman (Kathy Kane), as well as another Bat-Girl (Betty Kane), and been followed by other Batgirls (and Batwomen); but she will always be the one that everyone remembers! Batgirl / Barbara Gordon began as a project between DC editor Julius Schwartz and the producers of the 60's"Batman" TV show, who wanted DC to create a female partner for Batman & Robin in their comics, so that her character could be established and used on the TV series. She made her very first appearance in "Detective Comics"#359 (1967), and was created by Gardner Fox (writer) & Carmine Infantino (artist). Batgirl was added to the "Batman" TV show soon after, to boost ratings for the 3rd season, although sadly, it was not enough to save the show. She was wonderfully portrayed by Yvonne Craig, who did make an excellent "Batgirl".

Librarian Barbara Gordon (daughter of Commissioner Gordon) was on her way to a costume party, wearing a variant of Batman's costume. She soon happened  upon a kidnap attempt on Bruce Wayne (Batman) by Killer Moth. After foiling Killer Moth's plans, she decided that she liked the excitement of fighting crime, and decided to continue (much to Batman's initial objections). Batgirl began to make periodic appearances in "Detective Comics", and eventually gained her own back-up feature (which lasted through #519-1982). During that era (in 1971), Barbara became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and decided quit being Batgirl! She returned (as Batgirl) a year later in "Superman"#268 (1972). Barbara had been fixed up on a 'blind date' with Clark Kent (Superman)!!! Besides Batman & Robin, Batgirl also teamed other times with Superman (who had become a good friend), Supergirl, and other heroes and heroines. In 1975, the Robin / Batgirl team was formed (in"Batman Family"#1), which was to last for a long period. In issue #10, Batgirl met and teamed with Batwoman (Kathy Kane).

In later years, Barbara was shot and paralyzed by the Joker (in the graphic novel "Batman: The Killing Joke"), and became "Oracle" guiding leader of the "Birds of Prey" (which became a comic book series & subsequent TV show). She eventually had her mobility restored due to an operation (in South Africa).

TV & Movie Appearances---"Batman" TV show- 60's (Yvonne Craig); "Birds of Prey" as Oracle (Dina Meyer); "Batman & Robin" 1997 movie (Alicia Silverstone, who was portrayed as Alfred the butler's niece, instead of Commissioner Gordon's daughter!).

TV Animation---"The Batman / Superman Hour"(1968); "The New Adventures of Batman"(1977);"Batman: The Animated Series"(starting in 1992); "The New Batman Adventures"(1997);"The Batman"(2004); "Batman: The Brave & The Bold"(2008); "Super Best Friends Forever"; and "Young Justice" (both 2012). Batgirl has also appeared in the animated movie "Batman / Mr. Freeze-Subzero"; the motion comic "Batgirl: Year One"; and the web-isode series, "Gotham Girls".

Although there have been other popular "Batgirls" since, Barbara Gordon is the one, who will always stick in our memories!!!

"Kamandi: The Last Boy On Earth-The 70's Jack Kirby Creation!

Jack Kirby was at it again; creating another memorable hero, who would find a place in comic book history (this time for DC Comics)! "Kamandi: The Last Boy On Earth" #1 (Oct. 1972) exploded onto the scene, with an amazing cover and contents; befitting of a new Kirby creation! The series was a mixture of  a 50's Kirby story called "The Last Enemy" (in Harvey Comics' "Alarming Tales"); a 1956 Kirby comic strip called "Kamandi of the Caves"; along with echoes of "Planet of the Apes", thrown in for good measure. Kirby did all of the writing for the first 37 issues, and the artwork for #1-40 (that's quite an accomplishment!!!).

Kamandi, a teenage boy, had survived "The Great Disaster", which completely ravaged the world. He was raised in a secure bunker (called 'Command D'---get it!), by his grandfather, who educated him with historical microfilm and videos, to prepare Kamandi for what awaited him outside. The world of "Earth A.D." (After Disaster) had apparently been destroyed by severe radiation, and a chemical called 'Cortexin' which gave most of the animals (with the exception of horses, which became the main source of transportation, in a post- apocalyptic world) 'human-like' intelligence along with the ability to speak and reason. The chemical had gotten into the water supply, after its creator, Dr. Michael Grant, had poured it down the drain.

After his grandfather was killed, Kamandi decided that it was time to venture out of his protective bunker, and see for himself what had happened to the planet. He was in for major culture-shock!!! The devastated Earth was ruled by tribes of intelligent animals, who spoke, wore clothing & armor, and had what was left of weapons and technology at their disposal. The human race was reduced to semi-intelligent 'beasts', who had lost most of their reasoning ability, and were used by the animal tribes & empires as slave labor or pets. Although nearly every animal species ruled the world; the prominent empires and tribes were ruled by gorillas, tigers, lions, wolves, bats, rats, and the like.

Kamandi gained many allies during his quest to find other human civilizations (some of his allies were animals, believe it or not!!!). His other (mutated) intelligent human friends included---Ben Boxer, Steve, Renzi, and a teenage girl named Spirit. His main animal allies included---Dr. Canus (a canine scientist); Tuftan (a tiger, who was the son of Caesar, the ruler of the "Tiger Empire"); Mylock Bloodstalker ( a 'Sherlock Holmes-like detective, who was a bloodhound). Kamandi also had an alien woman named Pyra, for an ally. They hoped to restore human kind to intelligence and civilization.

Kamandi later teamed with Batman (through time-shifts) in "The Brave & The Bold" #120 (1975) and #157 (1979). He would also meet Superman in "Superman" #295 (1976).

Kamandi also appeared in 4 different episodes of the animated TV series "Batman: The Brave & The Bold" ("Dawn of the Deadman"; "Last Bat on Earth"; "The Malicious Mr. Mind"; & "Joker: The Vile and the Villainous".

I would strongly recommend that you seek out the original 'Jack Kirby' version of "Kamandi: The Last Boy On Earth", if you like bombastic action & adventure (along with dazzling artwork). Check it out!!!

"Caroline Munro & Summer Glau"- 2 Great Fantasy / Action Actresses!

The Classic-    Caroline Munro, who was always known for her dark, exotic & mysterious beauty, began her career as a 17 year old British model. Her likeness was used for many magazine ads, as well as other media. She was soon discovered by movie producers, trained, and cast in bit parts for movies like "Casino Royale" (the James Bond spoof) and the "Dr. Phibes" movies (with Vincent Price). Afterwards Caroline was given a small part in "Dracula A.D. 1972" (with Christopher Lee), which brought her out to the public eye, and won her a contract with "Hammer Films". She did several films  for "Hammer", but turned down some roles, because she refused to appear on film in the 'nude' (good for you, Caroline!!!).

                    Caroline Munro's Major Sci-Fi & Fantasy / Action Movies:

                                 "Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter" (1974)
                                 "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad" (1974)
                                 "At The Earth's Core" (1976)
                                 "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977)
                                 "Starcrash" (1979)

Caroline did some singing during the 80's (and had songs written about her!), and made some TV appearances (such as an episode of "The New Avengers"). She also appeared in several 80's horror flicks (most notably, the award-winning "The Last Horror Film", which was filmed at the Cannes Film Festival.

Caroline Munro is still well known for her Sci-Fi / Fantasy flicks from the 70's & 80', and is still a regular guest at comic book & fantasy conventions. She is still a 'fan favorite'!

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The Current-     Summer Glau was originally trained (and performed as) a ballet dancer, until she broke her toe. She is known as a very athletic beauty, who has been trained in several forms of martial arts (including kung-fu & kickboxing. Wow! Watch out for her!). After her ballet career, she turned to acting and has become well-known for her impressive Sci-Fi / Fantasy TV credits.

                       Summer Glau's Major Sci-Fi / Fantasy TV Credits:

                            "Firefly" (and the movie version, "Serenity) as River Tam   (2002-2003)
                            "Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles" as Cameron Phillips, a cyborg  (2008-2009)
                            "The Dollhouse" (2009-2010)
                            " The Cape" as Jamie Fleming / 'Orwell' (2010-2011)
                            "Alphas" (2011-2012)
                            "Help for the Holidays"  as Christine Prancer, an elf  (2012 "Hallmark" movie)
                            "Arrow"   She in appear in Season #2 as Isabel Rochev  (2013-Current)

Summer's Film Appearances have included---"Serenity" (2005); "Superman / Batman: Apocalypse" (voice or Kara-Zor-El / Supergirl-2010 Animated Film); and "Knights of Badassdom" (2012).

Summer has won several awards for her roles in "Firefly / Serenity" and "Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles" (SFX & Saturn Awards)!!! She has a very large 'fan base' and appears regularly at comic book & fantasy conventions.