Daniel Rand is the rich multi-millionaire head of the Rand corporation. He is also theImmortal Iron Fist, a master of Kung Fu, and defender of the ancient city ofK'un L'un.
Originally aMarvelBronze Age character, he was first created to cash in on the popularity of Kung Fu films. Iron Fist first appeared in"Marvel Premiere" #15 (May, 1974), created by Roy Thomas and Gil Kane. He appeared as the lead in this magazine until issue #25 (October, 1975). Then was granted his first eponymous series"Iron Fist", which lasted for 15 issues (November, 1975-September, 1977). Since then he's worked alongsideLuke Cage as one of the Heroes for Hire, had an important role during the MarvelCivil War, and even joined theNew Avengers. Despite this, he's never really risen beyond B-list status.
The character got a new lease on life with the launch of theImmortal Iron Fist, co-written byMatt Fraction andEd Brubaker (and after their departure, Duane Swierczynski). The series reveals that there have been many Iron Fists before Daniel, and introduces a 'new'Golden Age Iron Fist, Orson Randall. In addition there are more Immortal Weapons who represent the other mystical cities of the far east and also wield strange and unusual powers. Daniel discovers new secrets about his past, and must use these to confront former and new enemies. As well as the main story arcs, there are one shot issues that tell the tales of other bearers of the Iron Fist legacy throughout history, and there are several one shot adventures starring Orson Randall. The main run of the comic ended with issue #27, but a short limited series calledImmortal Weapons came along soon afterwards, with each issue focusing on one of the other five Immortal Weapons introduced in the original run, alongside a backup story starring Iron Fist.
InMarvel Comics 2 Danny has retired to be a dojo master after the death of Misty Knight by cancer. Suspecting his former star pupil of being a new bad guy, Danny once again takes up the mantel of the Iron Fist to stop him..
Amazon Brigade: Tiger's Beautiful Daughter is the boss of one of these in her home town.The Army of Thunder also counts- while Lei Kung the Thunderer definitely helped train them and they get their name from him, every single member of the Army is a woman.
Arrows on Fire: It turns out Iron Fists can do this with any projectile weapon. Even guns.
Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking: In an early issue, Danny uses several advanced martial arts techniques with millennia of history that require intense skill to perform, culminating in the comparatively mundane "Brooklyn Headbutt."
See also the 'Bronx Sucker Punch'.
Badass Boast: You're a mad dog that needs to be put down... and I have the best kung fu. So bring it.
Big Eater: Fat Cobra's appetite as an infant led his parents to abandon him. And then the orphanage that housed him did the same for the same reason; they just couldn't support that kind of hunger.
Bilingual Bonus: Chinese writing throughout the pages that always have something to do with what's going on.
Boisterous Bruiser: Fat Cobra and Dog Brother #1, who can bring a smile to even Steel Phoenix' grim visage.
Calling Your Attacks: The techniques of the Immortal Weapons are named in caption boxes during fights.
Cherry Tapping: Dog Brother #1 once killed a man with a mere "Standard Issue Punch" after slicing his head into three perfect segments but leaving him momentarily barely alive.
Chest Insignia: Both Danny and Davos have tattoos burned into their chests from facing the dragon Shou-Lao the Undying. The Prince of Orphans also has a chest symbolpledging his allegiance to Lei Kung the Thunderer.
Mighty Whitey: Although played down in the more recent series.
My Kung Fu Is Stronger Than Yours: Shown many times.Danny vs. Davos, Fat Cobra vs. Danny, Bride of Nine Spiders vs. Dog Brother #1, Davos vs. Tiger's Beautiful Daughter, Prince of Orphans vs. Davos (in response to his brutality on the aforementioned fight). Largely the entire point of the Tournament of Heaven.
No Name Given: The Prince of Orphans.Until he reveals himself as John Aman. Also, Unnamed Ninja-Servant Girl (who has nice blue eyes). She hopes to haveearned a name the next time Danny meets her.
She hasn't show up again despite being the new Thunderer.
Obstructive Bureaucrat: In a different comic,Iron Man and the Mighty Avengers confront Danny about his activities with the New Avengers as Iron Fist, which are illegal due to theSuper Registration Act. Danny's lawyer, Jeryn Hogarth, points out to Iron Man that Danny is already a registered hero, having registered his fists as lethal weapons. He also points out that, even though everyone seems to know Danny is Iron Fist, no one can technically prove it, except through very unconstitutional means that Tony doesn't want anyone to know about. Jeryn is a pretty pudgy, normal guy, basically telling off some of the most powerful heroes on Earth, and manages to piss off Ms. Marvel, so this is hisCrowning Moment of Awesome.
Old Master: Fat Cobra's teacher, "Iron Crutch" Khan.
Opium Den: Orson Randall suppresses his chi by abusing opium; it's the only reason he's survived as long as he has.
Parental Abandonment: Every holder of the title of Dog Brother #1 is an orphan, usually made so by war.
Perky Goth: One of the possible interpretations of the Bride of Nine Spiders. She seems to have a morbid sense of humor, "giggling" ("Che Che Che Che") with delight at the prospect of violence and death (even her own).
Power Glows: The power of the Iron Fist causes much glowing.
Series Continuity Error: A minor but jarring one. In a flashback eight-year old Danny is seen withSpider-Man action figure... which he could get only via time travel since he and Spidey are about the same age in-universe.
Shotgun Wedding: Very narrowly averted --Misty Knight goes to tell Danny she's pregnant, but he proposes marriage to her before she can tell him. She then checks to make sure he hadn't already worked it out.