The formidable Doctor Doom, along with his 2099 counterpart, has ignited a monumental crisis known as the Timestream Entanglement. This event compels numerous universes and timelines to collide, providing the developers of Marvel Rivals a unique opportunity to explore characters from across the Marvel multiverse. This engaging narrative framework allows both heroes and villains to emerge from various timelines, enriching the game’s roster.
The Marvel Rivals lineup already showcases commendable multiversal innovation. For instance, Captain America is reimagined as a technologically advanced warrior awakened from ice in the 2080s, while Black Panther takes on the role of leader within the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda. Notably, Iron Fist in this game presents a fresh take that deviates from traditional portrayals, though this twist is not rooted in multiverse complexities.
A Distinct Version of Iron Fist in Marvel Rivals
Danny Rand: The Iconic Iron Fist
Iron Fist first appeared in 1974’s Marvel Premiere #15 as a skillful martial artist empowered by the mystical force of the Iron Fist. Danny Rand, the original Iron Fist, is a New York native who finds his way to the legendary city of K’un-L’un as a child. After losing his wealthy parents during their arduous journey, Danny is orphaned and raised by Lei Kung the Thunderer, one of K’un-L’un’s most formidable defenders.
Over the next decade, Rand trains rigorously in martial arts, ultimately being chosen to confront Shou-Lao the Undying, a fierce dragon. After defeating the dragon, Rand immerses his hands into its molten heart, granting him the Iron Fist’s incredible abilities, including enhanced reflexes, strength, speed, and stamina.
Returning to New York, Danny seeks vengeance against his father’s killer but ultimately chooses mercy. Embracing his identity as Iron Fist, he collaborates with Luke Cage to form the Heroes for Hire team. Throughout most stories within the Marvel universe, Danny Rand is the face of Iron Fist, but this changes in Marvel Rivals.
Introducing Marvel Rivals’ Iron Fist
In 2018, during the release of Warriors of Three Sovereigns #1, Lin Lie was introduced as Iron Fist, specifically developed by NetEase and Marvel for the Chinese audience. Initially depicted as a college student from Shanghai, Lin becomes the wielder of the legendary Sword of Fu Xi, a mythical artifact associated with Chinese mythology. He soon discovers his heritage as a descendant of Fu Xi and adopts the mantle of the demon hunter known as the Sword Master.
Lin Lie’s journey takes a perilous turn during the Death of Doctor Strange series in 2022, as he faces a demonic kumiho. The encounter leads to the destruction of the Sword of Fu Xi and leaves Lin gravely injured. However, he revives on the shores of K’un-L’un, where Shou-Lao bestows upon him the powers of the Iron Fist. As featured in this year’s Iron Fist 50th Anniversary Special, Lin Lie now shares the legacy of Iron Fist with Danny Rand’s protégé, Pei.
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