Master of Kung Fu #55

This 1977 Marvel issue sends Shang-Chi crashing through a wall of splintering wood in a breathtaking flying kick, his red headband trailing behind him as debris explodes in every direction — a cover by Paul Gulacy that captures the raw kinetic energy the series does so well. The story is titled "The Ages of Death!" and the cover copy teases that Shang-Chi races against time to track down the most sinister secret of all, promising the kind of taut, globe-spanning intrigue that writers Doug Moench and Archie Goodwin brought to the title. With interior art by Mike Zeck inked by Jim Mooney, issue #55 is a fine example of Marvel's martial-arts storytelling at full stride.