From the heyday of martial arts madness…
In 1974, everybody was kung fu fighting and Marvel capitalized on it like no other comics company. For just one example, on Feb. 19 — 50 years ago — the Daochang of Ideas added to the legend with the introduction of Iron Fist, in Marvel Premiere #15, by Roy Thomas, Gil Kane and Dick Giordano (with a cover by Kane and Giordano).
So crank up the volume and dig these 13 COVERS from the earliest incarnation of Danny Rand and his badass green and gold outfit.
Gil Kane pencils, Dick Giordano inks
Kane pencils, Frank Giacoia inks
Dave Cockrum
Kane and Giordano, with John Romita alterations
Kane and Romita
Kane pencils, Dan Adkins inks
Kane and Romita
Kane pencils, Tom Palmer inks
Kane and Giacoia
Kane and Giacoia
Keith Pollard pencils, Klaus Janson inks
Kane pencils, Joe Sinnott inks
John Byrne pencils, Adkins inks
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MORE
— BRONZE AGE BONANZA: The TOP 13 COVERS of FEBRUARY 1974 — RANKED. Click here.
— What if DC Published Marvel Characters in the ’60s: POWER MAN and IRON FIST EDITION. Click here.
February 19, 2024
Never really read Iron Fist but I remember it! And these covers are spectacular! Fist’s muscles look like they are about to burst out of the page!
February 19, 2024
Several years ago on his forum, Byrne wrote that Iron Fist’s right hand on the cover of #8 was drawn in after the fact by John Romita in the office. I don’t remember why he said he had not drawn it in the original, maybe leaving room for cover copy.
February 19, 2024
I got a couple of those (6,8) when they came out. A few years ago a purchased Iron Fist Essentials #1. You can really see Byrne develop before your eyes. Wonderful.
February 19, 2024
This brings back great memories! I recall the Martial Arts craze during this era. The Kung Fu TV series, Hong Kong Phooey on Saturday morning TV, Shang Chi, and Richard Dragon (DC) were all examples of it. I always enjoyed Iron Fist (both solo and with Power Man). Can’t believe it’s been 50 years!
February 19, 2024
Wow Iron Fist is 50 ?! My first issue of Iron Fist was # 15 and it was his last issue. Time flies.