The best martial arts comics are, at the top,The Immortal Iron Fist,Master of Kung Fu(Shang-Chi),Usagi YojimboetTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This tier list ranks stories centered on martial combat according to their quality and influence. Facts (authors, publishers, dates) verified, no invented ratings; each entry refers to a record when it exists.
Martial arts have given comics some of their most choreographed narratives — from kung fu to swordsmanship, from ninja to warrior monk. This tier list brings together the series that best carry this register. Criterion: the success of the martial story and the quality of its staging.
Editorial Ranks, Factsverified. Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Tier S: martial peaks
The Immortal Iron Fistby Brubaker and Fraction reinvented superheroic kung fu with a rich mythology.Master of Kung Fu(1973) launched Shang-Chi during the kung fu wave of the 70s.Usagi Yojimboby Stan Sakai is an acclaimed sword epic, andTMNTmixed ninjutsu and pop culture.
Tier A: the great combat stories
Kabukiby David Mack (a Japanese assassin),Elektra: Assassin,Richard Dragon(DC's Martial Master) and the anthologyDeadly Hands of Kung Fuillustrate the richness of the genre.
Tier B: the notable fighters
Ninjak(Valiant),Karate Kid,Snake Eyes(G.I. Joe) and the Japanese arcs ofWolverine(Claremont & Miller, 1982) are martial references.
Tier C: niche stories
LeShang-Chiby Gene Luen Yang,5 Ronin,Iron Fist: The Living WeaponetSamurai Jackcomplete the selection.
Tier D: the curiosities
Yang(Charlton),The Hands of Shang-Chiand theKarate Kidfrom 2008 close this tier list: more confidential but very real martial stories.
To remember
- The Immortal Iron Fistis the modern reference of the genre.
- The kung fu wave of the 70screated Shang-Chi and Iron Fist.
- Usagi Yojimboshows that martial arts goes beyond superheroes.
- Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Frequently asked questions
The Immortal Iron Fist(Brubaker & Fraction) is the modern reference.Usagi Yojimbodominates the sword story side, andMaster of Kung Furemains the founding classic.
From the 70s, in the wake of the success of Bruce Lee's films. Marvel then created Shang-Chi (Master of Kung Fu) and Iron Fist, two major martial figures.
ByThe Immortal Iron Fist(accessible and complete) orUsagi Yojimbo(sword epic). Both exist in collections.
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