IRON FIST

This is an Iron Fist Submission I sent to Marvel Comics which they rejected. While I'm not bitter about it, I felt fairly competent with the story and content. So much so that I am sharing it with you . 

However, I feel that my drawing has improved significantly since I first attempted this in 2002 . That is why I've re-drawn these pages again . I'll ink and color them later . Right now you can see the pencils and read some of the story in the panels below .

As always, please let me know what you think .

(written 2002 and drawn 2004)

iron Fist/Daniel Rand. 

Raised and trained in the mystical city of K'un L'un under the tutelage of Lei Kung, the Thunderer . Wielder of the Iron Fist, the power he gained after defeating the dragon, Shou Lou, and plunging his hands into a cauldron that held the dragon's heart. 

South Palm immortal

A Taoist immortal is a sage who has reached the highest stage of learning before he leaves this life and moves onto his next stage of existence. South Palm Immortal is the living authority on chi. He is the master of all the secret practices for chi development that can take a human being to a power level never before seen. He has reached the highest level of learning he can achieve in this life and is ready to pass on to his next existence. However, he must pass on what he has learned to the one who is destined to take his place, Iron Fist. He is nearly two hundred years old and to his thinking Iron Fist has arrived late, therefore, South Palm Immortal is not very patient with him.

South Palm Immortal had a chance to take the power of the Iron Fist himself years ago, but after defeating Shou Lou he saw this power as a temptation that would stop him from achieving higher levels. Therefore he removed the heart of Shou Lou and placed it in a caldron where the young Daniel Rand placed his hands after he defeated the legendary dragon himself.

Junzo Muto 

Leader of the Ninja cult of assassins called The Hand. He is a young and dangerous martial artist who has stolen the Iron Fist power from Daniel as well as the mystical power from his mentor after he killed him. Craving even more power he is in search of a legendary book called "The Book of Many Things". It contains secret mystical incantations that lead to many dimensions and can bring their power here to the one who holds the book. 

The Daughters of Kali

Not much is known about these women except that they are indeed the daughters of the legendary goddess. They are the leaders of the "Death Cult of Kara Kai". They, too, search for the Book of Many Things while competing with The Hand to obtain it first with Iron Fist caught in the middle.

By Jeff Palmer

The purpose of this story line is to bring the story of Iron Fist back to his martial arts roots. In 1974 when this character was originally created, Enter The Dragon had come out the year before and had created a frenzy and passion for the martial arts never before seen. Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and most importantly, Tony Isabella, had created a book that took you through the eyes and mind of a martial artist, hence the beginning of every story; "You are Iron Fist". Thought balloons were never used to let you know what the character was thinking because you already knew.

This story begins with Iron Fist, still living in a Tokyo/K’un L’un city (which was merged together in the Iron Fist/Wolverine mini series 1 – 4). He is in conflict with the Ninja cult, The Hand. During a battle with the Hand, using his newly resurrected power (that was returned to him by Chiantang in Black Panther #38 – 40) it fades. It is then that he realizes this gift is only temporary. The Black Dragon bestowed it upon him to use Iron Fist as a weapon in an attempt to destroy the Black Panther.

Distraught and frustrated Daniel Rand (Iron Fist) feels betrayed and violated. Much like he did when Junzo Muto first stole his power. While contemplating his failure as K’un L’un’s symbol and protector he tries to find comfort in his training. He is noticed by Saihung Hua, his gardener, who informs him that he is not using his Chi properly in his practice. To Saihung’s observation he is "moving in empty form". Saihung lets Daniel know that he is relying too heavily on the Yang force and it is not serving him properly. He begins to introduce Daniel to Yin energy. Daniel discovers a power in this gentle old man that he has never been introduced to before. Saihung throws him around the garden with an ease that no one ever has. This is the beginning of Iron Fist’s new training. He begins to learn the power of Yin and the strength that comes from yielding.

Saihung begins to train Iron Fist in the Internal Form of Boxing. Later, Saihung informs him that his master is still alive and wishes to meet the fabled Rand-Kai (Iron Fist’s real name in K’un L’un).

This is when we meet The South Palm Immortal. A Taoist immortal is a sage who has reached the highest stage of learning before he leaves this life and moves onto his next stage of existence. South Palm Immortal is the living authority on Chi. He is the master of all the secret practices for Chi development that can take a human being to a power level never before seen. He has reached the highest level of learning one can achieve in this life and is ready to pass on to his next existence. However, he must pass on what he has learned to the one who is destined to take his place, Iron Fist. He is nearly two hundred years old and to his thinking, Iron Fist has arrived late. Therefore, South Palm Immortal is not very patient with him. He is also furious at Iron Fist for losing his power to Junzo Muto, whom he considers to be a "juvenile deviant". South Palm Immortal had a chance to take the power of the Iron Fist himself years ago, but after defeating the dragon Shou Lou he saw this power as a temptation that would stop him from achieving higher levels. Therefore, he removed the heart of Shou Lou and placed it in a caldron where the young Daniel Rand placed his hands after he defeated the legendary dragon himself. Throughout this story and it’s many conflicts we see Iron Fist continue to train and grow with South Palm Immortal.

Meanwhile, Junzo Muto and The Hand return to Tokyo/K’un L’un in search of power. The "Book of Many Things" was thought to be destroyed in Marvel Premiere #21. But the truth is that the book cannot be destroyed. It contains secret mystical incantations that lead to many dimensions and brings the power of those dimensions here to the one who holds the book. Who has the book is uncertain, but they know it has indeed returned.

The Death Cult of Kara Kai learns of the book’s return and comes for it. The Daughters of Kali lead their followers through mayhem in Tokyo in search of the book. Kali herself is drawn into this world to make her presence known.

Early in the series Iron Fist again faces Junzo Muto. This time, however, Iron Fist takes his power back in a challenge match between these two fighters. Junzo is humiliated in his defeat at Iron Fist hands, but still maintains the mystical power he stole from his teacher.

A few of Marvel’s superpowered villains make their appearance as well. The Wrecking Crew is hired by The Hand to take down Iron Fist while they search for the book. This is where Hercules makes his appearance. He is determined to take his revenge on the Wrecking Crew for placing him in a near-death coma. He has been searching for them for some time.

The story continues with a blood feud between The Hand and the Death Cult of Kara Kai with Iron Fist caught in the middle. No one knows who has the book. Each group suspects the other. Finally, we see that Lei Kung, The Thunderer (Daniel’s original teacher in K’un L’un), has had it all along. He has been searching for a way to return K’un L’un back to it’s own dimension. He is successful in doing this after a climatic battle between Iron Fist, The Hand, and the Death Cult of Kara Kai.

During the conflict Iron Fist’s uncle, the corrupted August Sage, is killed. K’un L’un needs a new leader. The Dragon Kings decide that it should be Lei Kung. Whom they appreciate for saving K’un L’un and it’s people. Iron Fist happily agrees.

We end this story with Iron Fist continuing his training and growth. We see him achieving levels of power comparable to the martial arts masters of old. He runs across tree tops in a method that looks like flying, heals others, demonstrates powerful Chi force, and achieves higher levels of wisdom and understanding. This will also leave opportunities for future limited series.

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