Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu #1-6 (2002)
This was a MAX title by what is probably the best creative team ever to work on Shang Chi:Doug Moench and Paul Gulacy.
It pits Chi against the heretofore unknown other son of Fu Manchu, a character named Moving Shadow. Shadow was raised to replace the Shang Chi, who his father saw as a failure when Chi refused to help do evil deeds for him. (Don’t bother looking for a tag for Moving Shadow at the bottom of this post—he dies at the end of this story.)
When this tale starts, we all believe that Fu Manchu is still dead, but of course he’s not. We learn this slowly over the course of six plot-twisty issues that harken back to the glory days of Master of Kung Fu, and bring back beloved supporting characters like Black Jack Tarr, Leiko Wu, and some of Chi’s old team-mates in MI-6.
Side note: Shang Chi finally lectures Tarr that the term, “Chinaman” is racist.
Ultimately, Chi and Shadow have their final battle. Shang Chi wins.
…And Fu Manchu kills Shadow for his failure. (Question: Why didn’t he just throw the knife and Chi, who has been foiling his plans for decades?!?)
Shang Chi and his team escape Fu Manchu’s base, which crumbles around him and so we are again led to believe that he is dead.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #43-45 (2002): 1st Luke Carlyle Dr. Octopus
Peter tries to make peace and win back Mary Jane. Aunt May serves as moderator. Meanwhile, Doc Ock builds new arms for a youngster who betrays him. That’s Luke Carlyle….
Weapon X #1-4 (2002-2003): The Hunt for Sabretooth
Over the course of some exceptionally mediocre issues of Wolverine and then some even mediocre-er one-shots, Frank Tieri introduced a revived Weapon X program. Now there’s a series about it….
FANTASTIC FOUR #136-137 (1973)
This story is wizard. Medusa can’t stand rock and roll! A street gang based on Marlon Brando’s The Wild One! And The Shaper of Worlds! It’s actually all very silly…
MARVEL KNIGHTS DOUBLE SHOTS #4 (2002): Final Issue
The official “Marvel Knights” are Black Widow, Daredevil and the Punisher. They have their own miniseries out at the same time as this issue, but apparently they need more mediocre…