Marvel officially unveils its newIron Fist, who’s none other than the Ultimate universe’s Shang-Chi. Following his MCU debut inShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Shang-Chi has enjoyed a long-deserved popularity push in Marvel Comics. Now, it’s his Earth-6160 version’s turn in the limelight.
Marvel’s new Ultimate universe has introduced several innovative takes on famous heroes. Tony Stark is Iron Lad,Reed Richards is Doom, Moon Knight is a mantle shared between Ra and Khonshu. Right after Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch’s introduction inThe Ultimates #14, Ultimate Iron Fist makes his debut inThe Ultimates #15.
The Ultimates #15reveals the origins of Marvel’s new Iron Fist, who appears to be even more powerful than Earth-616’s Shang-Chi and Danny Rand combined.
Ultimate Shang-Chi Is Also Marvel’s Ultimate Iron Fist
The Ultimates #15; Written By Deniz Camp; Art By Von Randal & Erick Arciniega
According toThe Ultimates #15, Ultimate Iron Fist is Shen Qi, the eigth wielder of this power. Unlike many of his fellow Ultimate heroes, this version of Shang-Chi, whose name is tweaked to mean"wonderful"or"miraculous", looks quite similar to his main-universe counterpart in this issue’s flashbacks. But going aboveShang-Chi’s usual power, Shen Qi’s mastery over the Iron Fist allegedly makes him a"godlike"warrior.
Shen Qi’s allegedly"led the forces of Heaven"to defeat"the endless demon legions of the eighth city". However,The Ultimates #15’s covers feature a young boy wearing Shen Qi’s attire. While Ultimate Shang-Chi is perhaps one of the most powerful heroes introduced so far in this universe, his integration into the Ultimates' story likely won’t be so straightforward.
Marvel Is Gradually Retiring Danny Rand
Marvel Has Introduced Multiple New Iron Fists Recently
Despite his popularity in the 1970s, Marvel has been phasing out Danny Rand from every medium. Lin Lie has become a fan-favorite character inMarvel Rivalsafter his well-received comic book debut. In 2025,Eyes of Wakandaintroduced the MCU’s first official Iron Fist: Jorani, who wields the Iron Fist in 1400 A.D. Even Luke Cage has gained the Iron Fist’s power inPower Man: Timeless.
The MCU officially incorporated Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock and the rest ofDaredevil’s main characters inDaredevil: Born Again, and Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones is set to return in season 2. While not confirmed yet, Mike Colter’s Luke Cage is likely to return eventually. On the other hand, Finn Jones' chances of reprising his Danny Rand role in the MCU seem increasingly low.
Ultimate Iron Fist’s identity is an inspired choice. It makes perfect sense for Marvel’s greatest martial artist to wield one of the most legendary martial arts powers, especially givenShang-Chi’s deep roots in Chinese heritage. Oddly, Shang-Chi has rarely crossed paths with theIron Fist’s power in mainstream continuity, so this fusion feels logical and full of potential in the Ultimate universe.
