Master of Kung Fu #63
☆ Be the first to review + Add to your collection — Join freeMaster of Kung Fu #63 is a genuine multi-debut issue, introducing both Kogar (Li-Peng Kai), a Hong Kong river-pirate gang leader who becomes a recurring antagonist, and the character identified in the GCD and Marvel Database as Mara — making it a double first-appearance chapter within one of Bronze Age Marvel's most densely plotted espionage serials. The issue also serves as a pivotal chapter in the long-running Cat (Shen Kuei) story arc that had begun in #38, weaving together nearly every member of the book's ensemble — Shang-Chi, Leiko Wu, Black Jack Tarr, Clive Reston, Denis Nayland Smith, Pavane, Skull-Crusher, and Juliette — into an intrigue centered on stolen neutron-bomb plans in Hong Kong. Coming at the tail end of Jim Craig's tenure before Mike Zeck took over penciling duties, the issue captures the series at a transitional creative moment, and its place as a listed key issue on collector databases like Key Collector Comics reflects the enduring fan interest in the Moench-era supporting cast.
ComicBooks.com Value
Show all 12 grades ▾
This exact issue on ebay
Raw — NM- ▾ $7.83–$12 3 listings
Raw — VF ▾ $3.75–$12.25 8 listings
Raw — VERY FINE ▾ $3.5–$15 2 listings
Raw / ungraded ▾ $3.41–$25 28 listings
More listings for this title
Read it digitally
Sell my copy
Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.
We Buy Collections ▸History
The issue was written by Doug Moench, who had been the book's primary writer since #23, with interior art penciled and inked by Jim Craig — the artist who had replaced Paul Gulacy beginning with #52. The cover was painted by Gil Kane, a frequent cover contributor to Marvel's Bronze Age line. Archie Goodwin served as editor, and the issue was colored by Phil Rachelson and lettered by Karen Kish (with Gaspar Saladino handling page one). The Grand Comics Database notes that Craig incorporated a number of visual 'swipes' from Gulacy's earlier work in this issue, a telling detail about the artistic pressures of following a beloved predecessor. The story title is 'Hiding Cats,' a pun that reflects Moench's characteristically witty approach to titling chapters in ongoing storylines.
Trivia · 8 facts
- First appearance of Kogar (real name Li-Peng Kai), a Hong Kong smuggler and gang leader created by Doug Moench and Jim Craig, who becomes a recurring antagonist across subsequent issues of the arc.
- First appearance of Mara, listed as a new character in both the Marvel Database and the Grand Comics Database index for this issue.
- The issue's tagline is 'Doom Wears Three Faces!' and the story is titled 'Hiding Cats,' centering on Shang-Chi's battles with the Cat (Shen Kuei) and Skull-Crusher in Hong Kong.
- Written by Doug Moench and drawn (pencils and inks) by Jim Craig; cover art by Gil Kane; edited by Archie Goodwin.
- Shen Kuei (the Cat), who first debuted in Master of Kung Fu #38 (1975/1976, created by Doug Moench and Paul Gulacy), returns here as a central antagonist alongside Skull-Crusher and the newly introduced Kogar.
- The issue features the full ensemble of the series' British-intelligence supporting cast: Black Jack Tarr, Clive Reston, Denis Nayland Smith, Leiko Wu, Juliette, Pavane, and Melissa Greville all appear.
- The GCD notes that Jim Craig incorporated multiple visual references to Paul Gulacy's earlier art style in this issue — Craig was the transitional artist between Gulacy and Mike Zeck, who became regular penciler with #66.
- The issue was reprinted in the Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu Omnibus Vol. 2, making its content accessible to modern readers in a collected edition.
Cast · 13 characters
Full credits
Reprints
↩ Reprints [Marvel Hostess Ads] #24 (1978)
Reprinted in Eks almanah #282 (1981), Eclipso #81 (1982), Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu Omnibus #2 (2016), Eks almanah #257
Key issues in Master of Kung Fu
Variants (1)
Reviews
Reader reviews
No reader reviews yet.