The path of the heroes’ journey is often an unknown to them, especially when it comes to such a dubious figure among their universes, as is the case with Danny Rand. The Iron Fist is a mantle passed down through the generations by the challenge of Shou-Lao the Deathless in the mystical city of K’un-L’un.
Normally, it is expected that the replacement of the protector will occur after the previous one abandons the mantle or dies, but here we have other situations. Within the canon of Marvel Comics, both Iron Fists did not have the best beginnings.
Danny and Lin Lie found themselves in an unfavorable situation, in which the former hero for hire found himself without his powers and facing a group of demons. With apparent defeat, he was saved by the boy who will succeed him, the young Lin Lie.
The demons were defeated by the duo and soon after the boy left the scene, leading Rand to look for him. Given his entire trajectory and experience, Danny offered to mentor the new Iron Fist, but his offer was denied.
With a new perspective on his path, the ancient hero set out on a quest to find and teach K’un-L’un’s new protector.
In the fifth edition of “Iron Fist”, Lin Lie accepted his predecessor’s offer and understands that he needs to learn from several people how he can better explore his powers and abilities.
It’s a new moment in Danny’s life: now that he’s retired from his superhero role, he’s taking on the role of Kung-fu mentor, developing his own maturity. It’s very unlikely that this status be reversed now that the character is experiencing a new experience and given the criticism he has been receiving for his “white savior” narrative.
Looking back at the entire history of “Iron Fist,” Danny has reached many places throughout his 40-plus years of publication, where he has encountered several characters from his own core who have helped him develop as a hero.
He also joined several Marvel Comics groups, played a fundamental role in the life of his friend Matt Murdock, in “Civil War”, and was the only Iron Fist to know his predecessor and successor.
This is the perfect place for the character, now that he can instruct the new immortal weapon not to make the same mistakes, as well as teach all the secret abilities that Shou-Lao’s chi possesses.
For fans who love Danny Rand and the Iron Fist, a new path is being built with the character, which will show his maturation and pass on the legacy to a new and brilliant superhero.
