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Is Shang-Chi an Avenger Explained


Credit: Marvel Studios

Shang-Chi will finally be on board the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the release of its first trailer and everyone is just as excited for this new addition to the expansion. With the events of the Avengers: End Game resulting in the death of Tony Stark and Black Widow, and the retirement of Captain America, many have come to the question, is Shang-Chi an Avenger? Would he be part of Earth's Mightiest Heroes?

Who is Shang-Chi and What are his Powers?

Is Shang-Chi an Avenger Explained
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Credit: Marvel Studios

Also known as the Master of Kung Fu, or the Brother Hand, he is a skilled martial artist, marksman, and gymnast who uses a combination of all these in his combat style. His mastery of martial arts allows him to conjure his great strength and chi giving him the power to strike with a force tantamount to an inhuman and giving him enough strength to break concrete or steel. He can also withstand pain to a superhuman degree.

He also has the highest level of stamina, speed, and endurance from his physical conditioning allowing him to fight back without any artificial enhancements, his reaction time could equal any powered individual. With his mastery on weaponry and accuracy as a marksman, he could target an enemy both from a distance and in hand-to-hand combat.

He has full control over his nervous system which enables him to die down any pain he receives in combat and even limit the toxins that try to spread through his bloodstream. At one point, he can even slow his heart down. He also has training as an MI-6 and he has a vast knowledge of espionage and methods. He is also multilingual allowing him to converse in various languages.

History of Shang-Chi in Marvel Comics

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Credit: Marvel Studios

He first appeared in the Special Marvel Edition #15 in 1973 which had a change in the title come issue #17, The Hands of Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu. Shang-Chi grew up being trained as a deadly assassin by his father, a sorcerer, and crime lord Fu Manchu. Upon learning of the evildoings of his father, he deflected and turned against him.

He chanced upon Daredevil and his task force, along with Black Widow and their allies, in capturing the Punisher. He also joined Steve Rogers in the Secret Avengers in effort to take down his father. Throughout his tenure, he joined various teams fighting for justice and against the cause of his father.

Is Shang-Chi an Avenger?

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Credit: Marvel Studios

In Marvel Comics, yes, he eventually joined the Avengers against the X-Men, he was one of the first people to be included in the list by Captain America and Iron Man, given his extraordinary hand-to-hand combat skills and mastery of weaponry. He was also with the Avengers when they took part in the Galactic Council.

In the MCU, it is safe to say that his introduction will pave the way for to him becoming an Avenger like Black Panther and Dr. Strange. With the demise of Black Widow and Iron Man and the retirement of Tony Stark, a new set of Avengers would be needed to become Earth's Mightiest Heroes and defend it from impending threats. Though there is yet another Thanos-level attack, better be prepared than sorry, right?

Shang-Chi's level of expertise could easily equal to that of Black Widow, with all due respect to the belle of the Avengers, of course. They could use all the hands they could need in order to be prepared for what's in store for the future.

Also, with Shang-Chi having some knowledge of sorcery as his father was a sorcerer, he could be of use with Dr. Strange. With the introduction of the multiverse, there sure is a lot to come in the future for the MCU, and Shang-Chi's arrival could just be in time for Phase Four.

In fact, reports say that he could've debuted earlier in the MCU, as early as the first Avengers film. In the memoir published by the veteran producer Chris Fenton titled Feeding the Dragon: Inside the Trillion Dollar Dilemma Facing Hollywood, the NBA, & American Business, it was revealed that either Shang-Chi or The Mandarin was offered the opportunity to have their MCU introduction in the Avengers in 2012 but due to some issues, it didn't happen.

Now that he will be debuting with his very own film, all the excitement just brings us to marking our calendars for the premiere of Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings on September 3, 2021, starring Simu-Liu in theaters and possibly in Disney Plus Premier Access as well.

Related: Iron Fist Trends Following Shang-Chi Trailer Premiere as Marvel Fans Compare Both Heroes

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