REVIEW: ‘Iron Fist,’ Issue #3

Iron Fist #3 is published by Marvel Comics and written by Alyssa Wong, with pencils by Michael Yg and Sean Chen, inks by Yg, Victor Olazaba, Keith Champagne, and Don Ho, colours by Jay David Ramos, and letters by Travis Lanham. The new Iron Fist, Lin Lie, has been training in K’un L’un, becoming more disciplined and gaining more control over the painful sword shards embedded in his hands. In this issue, Lin Lie and his friends go into battle with a demonic force that has been hidden in K’un L’un for months, one that will shatter a family.

The plot structure in this issue is very different from the two that have preceded it. For the first time, the story doesn’t jump between characters and locations. There is no Danny Rand, Luke Cage, or even Earth in this book, solely focusing on the action in one realm. This creates the feeling that help isn’t coming and that there is no escape. The plot very literally drags the hero into danger, and that danger is present from the start.

The battle itself may be the best of the series so far. Not only is it an epic blend of martial arts and magical manipulation, but the consequences are heavy from it. Even though this is only the third issue, it is an important milestone and a challenge for this young group of heroes. The last part of Iron Fist #3 sets up the next issue with two exciting guest stars.

The characters in this issue are again remarkable. Lin Lie is a great hero because he is so imperfect. Struggling with constant pain and learning how to fight with specific disciplines, he is not a traditional K’un L’un fighter. But how he stands up for his own and accepts the responsibility of protecting those around him shows that he has the potential to carry that mantle.  There is an excellent moment of power at the end of the issue, and the battle’s conclusion is a mix of incredible action and great character writing.

This I also a fantastic but heartbreaking issue for his best friend Mei Ming. This issue has many horror themes in it, and it is Mei Ming’s family that these themes unfortunately affect. The villain is terrifying and loud, the most intense enemy this new Iron Fist has faced so far. Even Yang Yi, who has served as a bully and a rival, gets a part in this issue that may see him form a trinity with the two heroes.

The art is fantastic, primarily due to the relationship between the pencils and the inks. The details in the backgrounds and costumes are stunning in their intricacy and add reality to such a fictitious world. The choreography and understanding of movement for the fight are incredible, using dimensions and perspective beautifully. There is a lot of brutality and gore present, showing more violence than we have seen before in the series. The villain’s design is epic and uncomfortable to look at, yet you can’t look away.

The colours are gorgeous. Ramos expertly manipulates the fading and blending of the tones, which draws attention to the right places and heightens the sensations of movement and impact. The variety and detail in the shades can be seen everywhere. The monster the trio fight is naked, but the skin tone is always changing. There is a near-constant glow of bright green light; the energy that Lie Lin’s sword gives off and the way the rest of the panels react to that are stunning. The lettering fits the comic genre but is also easy to read.

Iron Fist #3 is excellent. The comic features what feels like the first boss of the series, and its execution is exceptional. The artists create some of the best fight scenes in modern comics, brilliantly capturing the awesome martial art and entrancing magical elements. And the script is tremendous and hard-hitting, adding real emotional power to the story. The characters are very likable and energetic, their fantastical problems containing real, resonating themes. With Danny Rand absent for the issue, it will also be interesting to see how or if he is slotted back into the comic.

Iron Fist #3 is available where comics are sold.