In this review of Deadly Hands of K’un-Lun #4, reinforcements arrive as Chiyou puts the final touches on his return.
DEADLY HANDS OF K’UN-LUN #4
Written by: Yifan Jiang
Art: Paco Medina, Alessandro Miracolo
Main Cover: Leinil Francis Yu
Variant Covers: Leo Chiola
Page Count: 24 pages
Release Date: 5/20/26
This review contains spoilers
Deadly Hands of K’un-Lun #4 begins with a monologue from Chiyou, recognizing Lin Feng as the descendant of warriors who once stood up to him. Calling for his most loyal follower to bring him back, Chioyu observes as Feng is ready to end his brother Lie. The handicapped Lie is defenseless after last issue, where his older brother ripped out the embedded Sword of Fu Xi shards from his hands. In the nick of time, White Fox appears to save the Iron Fist.
Following her, Pei also returns from K’un-Lun with reinforcements, but they are overwhelmed by Feng’s martial arts expertise. The cavalry truly arrives with the emergence of Danny Rand—now the Ghost Fist—alongside ascended beings Fat Cobra and the Bride of Nine Spiders.
Shou-Lou–who was brought in egg form from K’un Lun by Pei–is shown monologuing as his spirit relishes the appearance, gaining hope for victory. The fighters push back, as Ava Ayala and Elektra work to knock off Tiger’s Faithful Daughter’s mind control necklace. The opposing army loses tremendous numbers as their army of reanimated Iron Fists regain their senses.
Sensing defeat on the horizon, Chiyou makes a power play. Watching his forces lose and sensing Loki ready to capitalize on his failure, he takes over Feng’s body and makes his return to the world.
To counter this, Lie knows he must also make a desperate play. A saddened Shou-Lou watches on as Lie absorbs the chi of about 50 reanimated Iron Fists. Shou-Lou remarks that despite the immense power he now possesses, his selfless disciple is burning his life force ten times faster. The chi regrows his sliced-off arm into a flame-engulfed form as the young Iron Fist prepares to take on the God of War Chiyou.
Analysis
Lin Lie takes a backseat in the fighting without his arm, but still shows his value as the latest Iron Fist. Despite the damage, he doesn’t once complain about the pain as he rallies the army, calls out positions and when to attack, and refuses to let the emotional turmoil of his brother’s loss throw him off the mission. The emotional resilience here from the young adult is commendable.
Despite the agony being on high display through gritted teeth, Lie doesn’t lose his kindness. He still tries to bring Feng back from the darkness, willing to forgive him. His altruism extends until the issue’s end as he uses his body as a conduit for chi.
A decision I really liked in Deadly Hands of K’un-Lun #4 was Danny deferring to Lie at the climax. I dislike when a legacy character loses their moment to the predecessor because they’re considered less powerful. I had a similar issue with the Binary mini-series last year, as Jean Gray returned to take the Phoenix Force over from Carol Danvers in a way I felt stunted her character arc.
It’s Lie’s book, and this creates interesting set-ups for how they’ll conclude his arc considering a large part of its emotional core was feeling failure to live up to his predecessor. Pei felt the same way, but this issue is showing he’s more than capable.
Deadly Hands of K’un-Lun #4 is a good issue for Shou-Lou’s character as well. The narrative is told mainly through Shou-Lou & Chiyou’s internal thoughts. The contrast is decently done, as the Undying Dragon says his heart hurts at Lie’s selflessness while Chiyou sacrifices his most loyal followers.
Final Thoughts
Amid strong martial arts action and solid buildup for the conclusion of Lin Lie’s emotional arc, Deadly Hands of K’un Lun #4 sets up a home run for the next issue and mini-series’ conclusion.
Final rating: 7.5/10
