Episode 82: Shang-Chi Shakes up Planet 8

 

Welcome listeners to our latest episode, where we review the latest Marvel Studios film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings! In this spoiler-filled episode, we'll discuss the comics that formed the basis for the film, the kung fu films that influenced and shaped it, and how it ties into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plus, there will be the usual nonsense that you've grown accustomed to.

Created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin back in 1973, Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu, was on the leading edge of the martial arts craze. Inspired in large part by the ABC TV show Kung Fu, Englehart and Starlin developed the idea of the noble Shang-Chi, who rebelled against his father, the villainous Fu Manchu, who had trained him to be a living weapon. Premiering in Special Marvel Edition 15, Shang-Chi took over the title and had a long successful run for many years. He would frequently show up in other characters' titles as well, such as Spider-Man and Iron Man. He was always a street-level character, using his martial arts skills to fight bad guys in stories with more of an espionage tone.

The film takes the basic idea -an idealistic hero whose father is a criminal overlord - but very little of the comic book background remains. Despite this, it's highly enjoyable. It borrows heavily from Jackie Chan films at the beginning, but then moves on to take more of a Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon approach. Much of the movie's strength comes from its characters. Shang-Chi, as portrayed by Simu Liu, is very likeable and has a sort of everyman quality, despite turning out to be a master of kung fu. The actor actually does many of his own stunts and fight scenes. Awkwafina plays Shang-Chi's best friend, Katy, who provides some comic relief as well as a stalwart friend to go on his journey. The ever amazing Michelle Yeoh appears as Shang-Chi's aunt and quite a martial artist herself. And a major surprise to us, Ben Kingsley makes a return appearance as Trevor Slattery, the besotted actor who played the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. He has some of the funniest scenes in the movie, and they don't feel gratuitous or over the top. 

The titular ten rings, which in the comics were actual rings that the Mandarin wore on his fingers, are arm bands here. These rings can be used in a variety of ways, which is shown by the different ways that Shang-chi and his father use them. His father tends to use them solely for destructive purposes. Shang-Chi is much more creative in how he uses the rings. Certainly the rings give Shang-Chi a power level far beyond what he has had in the comics. Based off the mid-credits scene, they may have a significant history in the MCU.

There were a couple of very interesting cameos in the film too. Wong, from the Dr. Strange films, and the Abomination, from 2008's Hulk, are seen battling in the fight club. There are so many questions! It seems like they are working together to make a little moola. How did that happen?

Of course, we also saw Bruce Banner and Capt. Marvel. And we do mean Banner, not Professor Hulk. So what happened to him? How did he turn back into Banner? Will we find out in the She-Hulk series on Disney Plus?

The film is a story about family, about revenge, and redemption. Like most Marvel films, it is these elements that make it so relatable. The end sets things up for the possibility that Shang-Chi could be fighting against his sister. We will see. In any case, Shang-Chi appears to be ready to take on a bigger role in the MCU as phase 4 moves forward.

For our Sensor Sweep, Karen has a big honkin' book to share: the Master of Kung Fu omnibus volume 1. This hardback collection of Shang-Chi stories includes his first appearance from Special Marvel Edition 15 up through Master of Kung Fu 37, and includes Giant-Size Master of Kung Fu 1-4,  Giant-Size Spider-Man 2, and Iron Man Annual 4. This is a great way to get your Shang-Chi fix! You can check for it at your local comic shop, or check out Amazon.

We also wanted to "catch up" with everyone. So we shared a little about what we have been doing. Bob had been busy with Godzillafest the last few weeks. He held back to back weekend events in August. You can go to Bayareafilmevents.com and check out the Video section to see what was going on! He also helped out with a turtle rescue by helping set up a turtle shelter in his backyard for a bunch of turtles.

Karen plugs her appearance on her friend Billy D's Magazines and Monsters podcast, dropping this September 16th. She and Billy will discuss the classic 50s sci fi film, It! Terror from Beyond Space, thought by many to be one of the main inspirations for Alien. Besides his podcast, Billy also has a blog site, https://magazinesandmonsters.com/,  where he also reviews comics and monster mags. Be sure to check it out!

Last but not least, Commander Larry journeyed to SiliCon in San Jose. It was greatly reduced in attendance due to Covid this year, but still entertaining. He also gives a shout out to the Seven Stars Bar and Grill, which is looking for a new location. Finally, Larry has high praise for the new LaLa Land recording of the Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan soundtrack, as well as the Inglorious Treksperts podcast on the soundtrack. 

So there you have it - a review and a little news from Planet 8! Feel free to share some thoughts and news with us!

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We still want Fin Fang Foom!