Review by Ian Keogh

When last seen in a series issued to coincide with the release of his film, Shang-Chi became head of a secret crime organisation once run by his father. In Shang-Chi vs the Marvel Universe, the first chapter of which is provided to pad this collection out, Shang came to the decision he’d remain in place, but attempt to turn the Five Weapons Society into a force for good. The Gang War crossover provides a chance to see how he’s doing.

Greg Pak emphasises from the beginning that turning around a criminal organisation whose priorities aren’t as selfless isn’t easy. While there’s agreement about acting as protectors of Chinatown’s population, inaction while there’s a gang war going on only leads others to see weakness. Pak strikes a good balance between martial arts and the spycraft once so integral to Shang-Chi’s activities, in what’s at first a solo story hovering on the periphery of the ongoing troubles. He supplies appearances from other involved heroes, and acknowledges events, but Shang-Chi is the focus.

That changes as the story continues, with three particular ganglords targetting Chinatown, and Shang-Chi attempting to apply lessons learned from his father at a very young age.

Artist Caio Majado is efficient without captivating. His stylised, angular people can slip into distortion, but he tells the story well and distinguishes the people without applying any emotional depth.

The main story eventually guides readers to the conclusion in Amazing Spider-Man: Gang War, but a couple of back-up features are supplied of earlier encounters between Shang-Chi and Spider-Man, both written by Dan Slott. Paulo Siqueira’s expansive art graces Shang-Chi’s first meeting with Mr. Negative, during a time when Daredevil was possessed by an ancient evil, and Slott contrasts Spider-Man’s bantering form of battle with Shang’s more formal methods, but overconfidence causes problems. Shang only appears toward the end of the second bonus inclusion, as Spider-Man wants to learn some kung-fu. It’s well plotted overall, but the art of Humberto Ramos is extremely stylised and an acquired taste.

Anyone interested in Gang War alone can skip this graphic novel with no harm done as the focus is Shang-Chi, but for others that will be the attraction.