*Marvel: One of Marvel’s most successful attempts at diversifying their line in the 1970s was their cash-in on the Martial Arts craze, with Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu! His inauspicious debut in Special Marvel Edition, a series previously devoted to reprints, indicated that there wasn’t much faith in Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin’s co-creation, but readers took him to their collective hearts, and more than 100 issues ensued, with a star roster of creators including Doug Moench, Gene Day and Paul Gulacy. Here, however, was where it all started, in Special Marvel Edition #15 & #16 1973/74, with the Son of Fu Manchu discovering his villainous heritage, and setting out to oppose his father. Never distributed in the UK, and therefore doubly sought after on these shores. With issue #17, the series changed its title to Master Of Kung Fu. These are outstanding copies from an original owner collection, bought new in 1973/74 on a New York newsstand, and carefully preserved ever since. 
PICTURED: 
SPECIAL MARVEL EDITION #15 VF £175 1st Master Of Kung Fu. A superb copy with great gloss and colours, tight, firm staples and white to off-white pages. Minimal spine marks. Brought down from a potential higher grade due to a tiny tear and crease at the right edge.
SPECIAL MARVEL EDITION #16 VF+ £50 2nd Master Of Kung Fu. A superb copy with great gloss and colours, tight, firm staples and white to off-white pages. Just minimal spine marks and wear at corners. 
MASTER OF KUNG FU #17 VF- £20 SOLD 3rd app. Very sound copy with great gloss and colours, tight, firm staples and white to off-white pages. Small marks at spine and minimal corner wear.