Iron Fist 50th Anniversary #1 Review: A Celebration with Impact

Iron Fist 50th Anniversary #1 Review: A Celebration with Impact

As a long-time Iron Fist fan who’s witnessed Danny Rand’s journey through countless battles and personal growth, I must say that Marvel has truly outdone themselves with this 50th Anniversary special. The oversized one-shot is a testament to the character’s rich history and provides a unique insight into his most defining moments.


For half a century, Danny Rand, also known as The Immortal Iron Fist, has been a valuable addition to Marvel’s expanding roster of characters. To honor this significant milestone, Marvel went all out in commemoration of The Living Weapon by releasing an extra-large one-shot specifically tailored for longtime enthusiasts of the character. Within this standalone comic book issue are five tales spread across various points in Marvel Comics history, offering readers a peek into supplementary details about some of Iron Fist’s most defining moments.

Caution: This review contains major plot twists that could significantly change your perception of the characters. If you haven’t read the stories, tread carefully!

As a longtime fan of the Iron Fist comics, I found this issue particularly captivating due to its focus on Danny Rand’s 34th birthday, a day that holds immense significance within the Iron Fist canon. Having followed the Immortal Iron Fist series, I was well aware of the Shao-Lou power and the fact that those who possess it only live until they turn 33. Therefore, reading about Danny celebrating his birthday with old friends like Luke Cage and Jeryn Hogarth added an extra layer of intrigue to the tale. Overall, this issue stood out as one of the most compelling in recent memory for Iron Fist fans, and I eagerly await future stories that continue to explore the complexities of Danny’s life and powers.

As Danny Rand reaches his 33rd year, his life is tragically cut short when he encounters Ch’i-Lin, a formidable adversary from Marvel Universe known for his martial arts prowess. The unexpected death of Danny Rand strikes hard and fast, leaving readers breathless, partly due to the swiftness of the event, and partly because of the masterful storytelling that unfolds. The comic issue is dominated by Loo’s script, which is largely joyous in tone as it commemorates a remarkable achievement never before accomplished by an Iron Fist. However, Portacio’s illustrations subtly foreshadow trouble ahead.

Initially, Elena Casagrande’s manga-style illustrations complemented a comically lighthearted narrative, while Portacio’s almost realistic art hinted at a more somber atmosphere. Rapidly, Rand’s character is dismantled – mainly emotionally and physically as well. The dramatic change in the final pages of the story will have long-lasting effects on Iron Fist’s history, altering the course of the character for an extended period. Despite the 50th Anniversary one-shot being a tribute to the character, it’s challenging not to feel sadness given Rand’s demise, and this is mostly due to Loo and Portacio jointly creating a monumental Iron Fist storyline.

Published by Marvel Comics

On Wednesday, May 14, 2024

Written by Chris Claremont, Alyssa Wong, Justina Ireland, Frank Tieri, and Jason Loo

Art by Lan Medina, Von Randal, Elena Casagrande, Ty Templeton, and Whilce Portacio

Colors by Israel Silva, Arif Prianto, Espen Grundetjern, Dee Cunniffe, and Alex Sinclair

Letters by Travis Lanham

Cover by Alan Davis and Alex Sinclair

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2024-08-14 16:39