Marvel’s New Iron Fist Rewrites The MCU’s Power Hierarchy (Again)

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The new Marvel series titled “Eyes of Wakanda” has debuted on Disney+ as part of Phase Six, offering fresh perspectives and intriguing origins within the Black Panther lore. Released all at once on Friday, this animated anthology series has sparked excitement among Marvel enthusiasts who are eagerly analyzing every detail to uncover potential Easter eggs or new characters that might play a role in upcoming movies like “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars”. Despite being independent from the main cinematic universe, it lays groundwork for future projects that fans have long been anticipating.

In episode three of “Eyes of Wakanda“, we’re introduced to Iron Fist when he joins the storyline. However, this episode takes place far in the past compared to when Danny Rand, Colleen Wing, or Lin Lie assumed their roles. This earlier timeline provides a sneak peek into their predecessors and the power they might have wielded. Interestingly, this period is even before Kwai Jun-Fan’s Iron Fist from the 1800s who was previously introduced in What If…? The episode “Lost and Found” sees a Wakandan War Dog named Basha returning a Vibranium artifact to Wakanda for safekeeping. But upon his return, he crosses paths with that era’s Iron Fist, Jorani, who has trailed the War Dog home and is ready to cause trouble for the African warrior.

In simpler terms, it has been shown in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) that the Iron Fist’s power is capable of shattering Vibranium, a unique metal found in Wakanda. This places him among a select group of characters and forces who can break this rare substance, such as Thanos or The Sentry. This leads us to wonder where the Iron Fist stands in terms of power compared to other Marvel characters on screen. As for the future, it remains unclear if the Iron Fist character will reappear in the live-action part of the MCU.

How Powerful Is Iron Fist in Comics?

In their battle against War Dog Basha in the Wakanda Vibranium Collection, it becomes clear that Jorani has spent her entire life preparing to assume the role of Iron Fist. This is reminiscent of Basha’s own lifelong training within Wakanda, a place not unlike the mystical home of Iron Fist, K’un-Lun. Just like other potential Iron Fist candidates throughout history, Jorani derives her power from the heart of the ancient dragon Shou-Lao, which has resulted in its periodic deaths and resurrections. This final test signifies the end of the trials for aspiring Iron Fist champions.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve been captivated by the diverse manifestations of Iron Fist, witnessing his magical exploits of superhuman strength. From the comic book realm, we’ve seen Iron Fist confront the Avengers single-handedly, delivering a punch that harms the Hulk, vanquishing Colossus, and even toppling a SHIELD helicarrier! Even without the Iron Fist powers, Danny Rand or Lin Lie stand tall as formidable fighters, their strength and skill on par with titans like Luke Cage and Daredevil.

In simpler terms, Iron Fist possesses incredible strength that surpasses divine entities, annihilates ethereal beings like demons, and recently faced off against the Phoenix Five during ‘Avengers Vs. X-Men’. This power has been extensively portrayed in comic books for quite some time now, and it appears as though the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is about to match this might.

Where The Iron Fist’s Powers Come From

In the Netflix series “Iron Fist,” Shou-Lao was initially introduced, yet the power he exhibited pales compared to his comic book portrayal. The series failed to give a comprehensive introduction to this dragon during Iron Fist’s first season, but it did make another reference to him in “The Defenders.” This connection was used to explain how the Hand was able to resurrect people, as they utilized the substance found within the bones of Shou-Lao’s species.

In the battle scene of Eyes of Wakanda, Jorani showcases that the current Iron Fist is still far from reaching his full might potential. She skillfully overpowers Basha using only her martial arts techniques, compelling him to resort to one of the Vibranium artifacts to imprison her. However, once she focuses and harnesses her energies, she easily escapes from the Vibranium restraints and subsequently employs her power to smash the Wakandan War Dog into a wall, concluding the fight.

Is the MCU Teasing More Iron Fist?

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate the potential return of Iron Fist (in Rand’s version) on “Daredevil: Born Again” in Season Two. The sneak peek at Jorani’s mask, resembling a blend between Iron Fist and Black Panther helmets, should pique excitement about what’s to come in the new animated series. With Netflix ties cut loose and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) unified, it seems we may witness the MCU’s Iron Fist scaling the heights of his comic book counterpart.

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that no matter the challenges, the “Eyes of Wakanda” manages to enrich the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) narrative without overwhelming us at the box office. It’s a clever strategy to introduce complex concepts gradually, making them more accessible to audiences who might have found them daunting before. With fans now comfortably navigating the multiverse, there’s a wealth of possibilities for future storylines. The M’Kraan Crystal could potentially make a significant impact in the upcoming “X-Men” film.

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2025-08-03 22:10