Every Iron Fist in Marvel Comics, Ranked by Importance

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In Marvel Comics, the Iron Fist character is analogous to figures like Green Lantern and roles such as the Sorcerer Supreme. It’s a title that gets passed down, and its bearers gain the power to harness the mystical powers of Shou-Lao the Undying. The first Iron Fist we meet in Marvel Comics is Danny Rand, a wealthy heir to the Rand Corporation who, upon his father’s death while searching for the hidden magical city of K’un-Lun in the Himalayas, was raised to master martial arts and claim the title of Iron Fist. However, it’s important to note that Danny wasn’t the first or the last Iron Fist.

As a dedicated comic book aficionado, I’m excited to delve into the rich history of the Iron Fist characters that have graced the pages of Marvel Comics. From the original Iron Fists, hailing back to the days of iron fists in ancient martial arts lore, to the valiant warriors who fought bravely during World War I, all the way to Danny Rand and his successors – here’s a rundown of every Iron Fist that has made an impact on Marvel’s mainline comics, ranked according to their significance.

10) Pei

Pei, currently a young child with extraordinary abilities, has potential to become a powerful figure like the Iron Fist in Marvel Comics. Previously, she was a monk from K’un-Lun who survived an attack by Davos during his coup attempt. Escaping with Shou-Lao’s last egg, Pei made her way to New York where it hatched, giving birth to the dragon “Gork” who became her friend. However, when Davos returned and killed Gork, Pei gained the powers of the Iron Fist and defeated him. She then resurrected Gork, trained with Danny Rand (another Iron Fist), balanced high school life, and even started receiving powers from an artifact given to her by Danny. Although she no longer holds the Iron Fist’s specific powers, Lin Lie confirmed that Pei remains Shou-Lao’s chosen champion and will always be known as an Iron Fist for life.

9) Bei Bang-Wen

In 1860, Bei Bang-Wen wielded the title of the Iron Fist, but his power began to corrupt him. He clashed with the combined British and French forces when they invaded China, a battle he ultimately lost. Tragically, all his allies perished in the conflict. The defeated Iron Fist was captured by the British Army, who subjected him to brutal treatment before enslaving him.

Desperate for freedom and relief from his torment, Bei Bang-Wen joined forces with another captive named Brahman. Together, they fled their prison and embarked on a journey to India, seeking refuge and solace. While Bei possessed many strategic advantages in combat due to his thoughtful approach, his one documented failure in the Marvel Comics series has tarnished his reputation as the Iron Fist compared to others.

8) Wu Ao-Shi

In simple terms, Wu Ao-Shi is one of the historical figures who have carried the title of Iron Fist. She earned

7) Bei-Ming Tian

Although Bei-Ming Tian might not boast a lengthy history within Marvel Comics, his achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Originally appearing as the Iron Fist in the year 1227 AD, he made his first appearance in issue #1 of Immortal Iron Fist (2006), a series that delved deep into the lineage and history of the Iron Fist warriors. When Bei-Ming Tian’s village, nestled near the Kunlun Mountains, was under attack by the Mongol Army, he courageously stepped up to defend his people. In an unprecedented turn of events, he managed to slay Genghis Khan during the battle – a testament to his unparalleled skills as Iron Fist.

6) Orson Randall

During World War I, Orson Randall served as the Iron Fist, a role he earned through combat with Shou-Lao in the mystical city of K’un-Lun. Adopted by the Thunderer and trained to wield the Iron Fist powers, Orson fought alongside heroes like Union Jack, Phantom Eagle, Crimson Cavalier, and Sir Steel during the war. The war had a profound impact on him, leading him to retreat in seclusion, believing that being the Iron Fist meant endless conflict. However, his legacy endures as he selflessly gave his life to aid Danny Rand in enhancing his powers at a crucial moment.

5) Li Park

730 AD saw Li Park, a pacifist, assume the role of the Iron Fist. Unlike other Iron Fist bearers, Li Park was not keen on violence. His mentor, the Thunderer, found it challenging to commit him to the duty. However, when a plague struck K’un-Lun and wiped out many residents, leaving few capable of wielding the Iron Fist power, Li Park reluctantly took up the mantle. As a pacifist, he developed an unusual hypnotic ability that discouraged soldiers from engaging him in battle. However, when his village was threatened, he was forced to fight, demonstrating he could match any other Iron Fist warrior, despite his preference for peace.

4) Quan Yaozu

Quan Yaozu consistently ranks among the elite Iron Fist warriors due to one significant factor: he was initially an Iron Fist when the Eighth City was unearthed. Although he was once referred to as the first Iron Fist, it was later discovered that Fan Fei held that title over a million years ago. Quan Yaozu made his debut, much like many others, in “The Immortal Iron Fist” in 2006. Being from the Eighth City, he disclosed that he utilized it as a prison for the most notorious criminals. He was renowned for selflessly sealing the city’s doors to imprison himself there for centuries, thus safeguarding the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven.

3) Fan Fei

In my tale, I was the pioneering Iron Fist, hailing from the mystical city of K’un-Lun where I mastered kung-fu. Stealthily escaping the city walls, I stumbled upon primitive humans and taught them self-defense techniques. Unfortunately, my actions were seen as treachery within K’un-Lun, branding me one of its most notorious criminals.

When the sacred dragon Shou-Lao was ordered to be slain by The Thunderer, I bravely confronted and slew the beast, earning the title of Iron Fist. At that time, The Thunderer viewed the dragon tattoo as a symbol of dishonor, so he exiled me once more.

Long before the modern age, I emerged as one of the world’s first superheroes, even clashing with Mephisto. Eventually, I joined forces with Avengers 1,000,000 BC and together we vanquished a celestial known as the Fallen, demonstrating my indomitable strength.

2) Lin Lie

After serving as Iron Fist for several years within the Marvel Comics universe, Danny Rand’s successor made an appearance in 2022. Originally known as the Sword Master, Lin Lie assumed the role of Iron Fist in the sixth volume of the series. Throughout his time as Sword Master, he embarked on numerous significant adventures and even became a member of Agents of Atlas. After Doctor Strange’s demise, Lin Lie faced attacks from demons, leading many to believe he had perished. Yet, he miraculously appeared alive on the shores outside K’un-Lun when Shou-Lao hatched from its egg, thus gaining the power of Iron Fist. Subsequently, Lin Lie accepted Danny Rand’s training as his successor. Today, Lin Lie is Marvel Comics’ sole active Iron Fist, setting himself apart from previous warriors with his unique ability to channel mystical energy through the Sword of Fu Xi, which is now embedded within him.

1) Danny Rand

Throughout the majority of Marvel Comics’ history, Danny Rand served as the active Iron Fist. As a child, he lost his father near K’un-Lun and was subsequently raised and taught kung-fu to become the next Iron Fist warrior. His training paid off, and he claimed the role, becoming one of Marvel Comics’ most notable street-level heroes for many years.

With exceptional martial arts skills and his close friendship with Luke Cage in Heroes for Hire, Danny Rand consistently demonstrated heroic qualities. He also portrayed Iron Fist in the Netflix Defenders universe. However, his story came to a tragic end in 2024 when he was assassinated by Ch’i-Lin, who wielded Razor Fist, marking the conclusion of one of the greatest Iron Fists in Marvel Comics history.

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2025-08-07 19:26