Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #12

If you have not read Kaare Kyle Andrews beautifully drawn and intriguing "kung fu epic" you are missing out. I have always liked the Iron Fist character but always shied away from the more mystical, martial arts, K'un Lun aspects of the character as they seemed "way out there" (because laser vision and spider powers are more feasible right?) but I liked the art in the previews, went back and read them all. Oh, great googley moogley this is a great series but a key component of what made this story great is that it does not take itself too seriously, the story that builds on itself and the "Danny Rand" "Iron Fist" mythos but is not hard boiled, brooding or overtly dark. The wit/satire throughout the series allows the series to really shine and mesh well with Andrews artistic style which truly adds to the humor, emotion, and action within this series. The way in which Andrews writing and art style complement one another is like nothing I've read before, this story is somewhat like its own genre and nothing what I expected. 12 issues is not enough for me but the series ends on a high note.

The issue begins in a unique way, "The End," Andrews chose to forgo the predictable final battle where the hero overcomes doubt and yada-yada. We immediately see the story move forward rather than backpedal with fighting big bad guy. Though this is the final issue Andrews peppers in plot details that set the groundwork for the future of Iron Fist, Pei aka "Kung Fu girl," Brenda, Fooh, Sparrow, and the people of K'un Lun. Again the humor and wit really makes this issue something special as the story teeters between kung fu epic, and at times emotionally dark. Even with the big twist with Brenda is made more palatable through Andrews beautiful artwork that really compliments the unfolding story. The "flashback" scenes in this issue are beautiful additions to the story as they have been since the first issue but in this final issue they really strike an emotional chord, especially Brenda's, but again it is the art work that really meshes with the storytelling and makes tale so much more powerful. The below scene is just a snippet of the twist and not even the most emotionally jarring piece from the issue, if you can believe that.

Yes the issue gets dark and wreaks emotional turmoil on the characters and the audience, but it is so well written and beautifully illustrated it is not out of place in the overall tone the series has held. Though not to dwell on the HEART SHATTERING EVENTS of the issue or detract from the impact, I will simply reiterate: if you do not read this series, you are missing out.Moving on to the more fun aspects of the issue, Pei aka "Kung Fu Girl" really adds a new dynamic to the Danny Rand/Iron Fist story. The relationship is adorable and funny, she represents what Danny would have been like had he not left K'un Lun and the social/cultural challenges really galvanize the light-hearted yet serious story telling Andrews has established. Pei literally just became an Iron Fist and her first foray with "The Book of the Iron Fists" is adorable and amazing as she does something Danny is incapable of doing as well lays the groundwork for (hopefully) the next kung fu epic. This final issue provides us with a near perfect ending as it leaves the reader with glimpses of what is to (hopefully) come in future Iron Fist stories and an actual change in the status quo of many characters (yea a real change not just saying it like Marvel does). This issue is a beautiful, witty, and emotional culmination of a series that really set itself apart from any other series available. Hopefully Andrews will get to continue the amazing tale someday and/or he or someone else can do the story justice and continue what was written here.