Videos by ComicBook.com
There was some trepidation going into the first issue of The Undead Iron Fist, as the title further removes Danny from the Immortal Iron Fist mantle that he spent so much of his history under. Luckily, writer Jason Loo and artist Fran Galan exceed expectations, delivering a solid first issue that offers a new direction for Danny going forward. The first issue will reignite fans’ faith in Danny’s place in the Marvel Universe. Even though he is on borrowed time in The Undead Iron Fist, the comic makes it clear that there are still many stories to tell with Danny Rand.
Rating: 4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
| Danny’s new costume is awesome. | Purple fists might be divisive |
| Eye-popping cover art from Whilce Portacio | Changes Danny’s personality in ways some fans might question |
| Compelling storyline with edge |
Danny Rand Returns With a New Rad Costume in Undead Iron Fist
The biggest thing going for Undead Iron Fist is the new, redesigned costume for Danny. The redesign was done by artist Von Randal, giving the character a fresh look that was different from anything that came before, yet is still distinctly Iron Fist. The full cloth mask that covers Danny’s full face is a nice touch, and the gold-colored armor on Danny’s right arm stands out. The purple and yellow color scheme complements each other, working great with Danny’s new body. If there’s a nitpick with the design, it’s that it changes Danny’s fists into purple, moving away from the iconic yellow that defined the character for decades.
However, it’s a minor criticism that doesn’t take away everything else the costume does so well. If Lin Lie continues to be the main Iron Fist moving forward and retains the classic aesthetics, then this new Von Randal costume for Danny works perfectly for the character moving forward. The main cover artwork is by industry legend Whilce Portacio, further selling the new suit’s cool factor, giving it weight and gravitas.
The main meat of the story is fairly bare-bones, with the mystery of Danny’s resurrection being left in the air. The only context readers are given is that Danny spent months in the underworld, climbing a mountain, before digging out of his grave for a new mission. His mission requires fighting against invisible demons that only he can see. Some of the demons are possessing humans, leading to a humorous action scene where Danny fights a seemingly innocent-looking family in public. Danny, who is typically easy-going and charming, comes off more aggressive and dire than he is traditionally portrayed. Some fans may find it off-putting, but Danny’s more aggressive personality helps emphasize the character’s unorthodox resurrection. Danny has a limited amount of time, which explains his unusual impatience behavior. The change in personality makes sense in context, as Danny’s return from the dead is hinted at as being unglamorous.
