Watching the ongoing price rise on Marvel Special Edition #15, after the Shang-Chi film was announced for Phase 4 of the MCU back in December, has at this point become an almost vertiginous experience. However, if the recent price surges on MSE #15 have made you dizzy, why not invest in some of the (almost completely ignored) secondary keys from the Master of Kung Fu run?
Am I crazy to think that the upcoming ‘Shang-Chi’ film for Marvel's Phase 4 (tentative 2021 release date) might be another smash hit?
As the first kung fu movie in the Marvel canon, there’s great potential here for a break out martial arts fighting hit. If done right, I'm thinking ‘Black Panther’ or ‘Captain Marvel’ levels of box office success. Let’s face it, even if it achieves only ‘Ant-Man’ levels, that’s still impressive and might be enough to warrant a sequel and, more importantly, spark reader interest in the excellent Bronze Age Marvel series that forms the basis of the upcoming film.
As of today, we still know little about the film. Even if we can confirm that Fu Manchu will probably not be the villain (copyright and other issues make it very unlikely), and it's uncertain if the Mandarin will replace him, as some think. As things stand we still don’t know for certain who is even being cast as Shang-Chi (although Chinese-Canadian actor Ludi Lin seems to be a top contender). Also we don't know where the film will be shot (Australia is possible as the main local), or, how many of the secondary/supporting characters from the MKF comic will be involved?
The answer to the last question is the most important from a comic spec perspective.
According to some sources, Donnie Yen is being case as a “wise, old statesman” (see here). Who might this be?
At this point, let’s get an overview of the Master of Kung Fu secondary key issues and see if we can't figure it out, not to mention narrow down potential sleeper keys that might obtain a strong bump from the upcoming movie.
This follow up to MSE #15, features the second appearance of Shang-Chi, which has been enough to push sales over the last few weeks, but it’s a key because it also features the first appearance of Midnight Sun. This was the second book in the series to spike after the movie announcement. So far it hasn’t quite reached MSE #15 levels (with 9.8's on that book having a FMV of $3, 300.00), but with a current FMV of $525.00 in 9.8, it’s no slouch. The last eBay sale of a 9.8 on 05/12/2018 ended at $429.00. If you think MSE #15 is out of reach, this may be obtainable on a deal.
This issue is the first time the series was published under its own title: “The Hands of Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu”. It’s important because it introduces Shang-Chi’s ally MI-6 agent Black Jack Tarr. It’s also doubled in price since the announcement that a film is on the way. Before the announcement of the film (on 09/21/2008) a 9.8 copy sold for $334.60 in a Heritage Auction. The Last 9.8 sale on eBay on 06/08/2019 ended at $650.00. Lower grade copies are still affordable….for now.
It’s hard to say if the family structure of Shang-Chi will be kept other than changing the identity of his father. Since his sister shows up in the comics, and these are still the main basis for the upcoming movie, let’s assume the chances are good. In that case, you’ll want to seek out this comic. Only 26 total copies on the CGC today. Recent sales: 9.6 sold for $100.00 on 12/28/2018 (eBay), a 9.4 sold on 03/22/2016 for $43.30 (also eBay) and a 9.0 sold on 03/07/2018 for $59.50. Prices are trending up, but it’s still affordable.
We have definitive proof that the extra-sized Master of Kung Fu books can blow up in high condition. Giant Size MKF #2, for example, sold for $455.00 in an eBay sale back on 04/26/2017. It’s not even a key and obtained that price before the movie news broke. GS #3, on the other hand, is a key because it features the first appearance of the Shadow Stalker and the first Clive Reston another MI-6 agent and Shang Chi ally. Currently this book has a mere 25 copies on the CGC census. With only 7 recorded sales, prices today based on the three most recent sales look as follows: 9.4 (eBay 07/09/2018) = $49.99, 9.6 (eBay on 03/06/2019) = $148.88; and the sole 9.8 sold on Heritage on 09/18/2016 for $322.65.
Master of Kung Fu #33 (October 1975) – First appearances of Mordillo and Leiko Wu
Why is this issue important? It features the first Modrillo (aka Simon Brentnor) an ex-MI-6 agent and later hired assassin. It also features the first Leiko Wu, paramour of Clive Reston and, later of Brentnor- until she learned that he was the Majestic Mordillo. Four sales of MKF #33 to date. The last 9.6 sold before news of the movie and reached a price of $39.95 in an eBay sale on 01/29/2018. Then an eBay sale on 02/08/2019 on a certified 9.4 sold for $50.00.
Currently it’s difficult to know how loyal to the comic the film will be. The MCU has a tendency of staying true to the spirit of the original comics most of the time, so chances are good that some of the above will see more price lifts. Given how affordable they currently are, it won’t hurt to get them all.
The Marvel presentation at San Diego Comic-Con July 18-22 might reveal more. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears opened.
