REVIEW: Bruce Lee: The Dragon Rises #1

“The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering.” ”“ Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee’s journey on this Earth lasted only 32 years. During his brief life span, he became a prominent martial artist and revered martial arts instructor. He also became the founder of the Jeet Kune Do fighting technique, as well as an international acting sensation, a screenwriter, film director and film producer. He was also a philosopher and poet; a husband and a father. He lived his life to its fullest potential and the legacy he left behind continues to heavily influence numerous cultures around the globe long after his death over a half-century ago.

Darby Pop Publishing and Bruce Lee Entertainment join forces to bring you a new comic book series that’s appropriate for all ages, featuring the re-emergence of the legendary Bruce Lee. Co-written by Jeff Kline and Bruce Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee, Bruce Lee: The Dragon Rises presents a story which poses the following questions: What if Bruce Lee never died?Â Where has he been since 1973? Why hasn’t he aged? Why does he suffer from amnesia? How will he react to the technology of the modern era? With the help of his old friend Joe Toomey, and teenager’s Wren and Jax, the revived Bruce Lee embarks on an adventure to solve the mystery surrounding his decades-long absence.

The script in this debut issue was not sophisticated at all; however, that doesn’t mean it equates to a terrible plot or horrible story. Panels that contained sensible and obvious humor were plentiful throughout the book, and it also had its fair share of subtle quips geared more towards an older audience. The art put forth by Brandon McKinney definitely had a TV animation feel to it, but it worked well as the main intent of both the script and the artwork was designed to introduce the larger-than-life icon to a younger generation of readers while supplying a fresh and entertaining perspective of Bruce Lee for fans that grew up idolizing him. The fact that Shannon Lee provided her input on this project honoring her father via comic book format, makes this endeavor, much more special.

Until next time Crusaders!

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Bruce Lee: The Dragon Rises #1
Writers: Shannon Lee and Jeff Kline
Pencils and Inks: Brandon McKinney
Colors: Zac Atkinson
Published by Darby Pop/Bruce Lee Enterprises, LLC.

Author Profile

13th Crusader

Real Name: Mike / Occupation: (As Mike) Classified; (as The 13th Crusader) Host of The Definitive Crusade, DC Podcast, for Undercover Capes / Known Aliases: 13, The Iron Mike, Ironhide, The Walking Human Encyclopedia, Professor M / Affiliations: Comic Crusaders / Base of Operations: The 13th Lair (location classified), often mobile / Abilities: Photographic memory (to the extent where he is capable of memorizing the comic book inventories of several stores simultaneously for lengthy periods of time), voice impersonation, acute senses (The 13th Crusader possesses an uncanny ability to track down vintage comic books, and on several occasions, with his eyes closed, he has been able to determine the exact year a comic book was published just by smelling the ink inside of it), capable of drawing sketches; however, he prefers to write. He has a substantial amount of resistance to alcohol, surpassing the levels displayed by Marvelâ€™s Volstagg and Valiantâ€™s Aram Anni-Padda â€“ combined. Multilingual (Proficient with English and Spanish, adequate with Portuguese and Italian). Above average marksman (he is capable of throwing objects accurately at high velocities), limited sword fighting skills and kickboxing techniques. / Known Weaknesses: Anything that involves the original Gwen Stacy, 2 for 1 drinks during Happy Hour, 50 cent comic book bins, the scent of 1983 comic book ink / Hobbies: Vintage comic book collecting, baseball, listening to excessive amounts of 80â€™s music / History: Little is known of The 13th Crusader. He is a man of many talents who was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He has extensive knowledge of the comic book world and heâ€™s been collecting comic books since before he was able to read. Heâ€™s a BIG time fan of Silver and Bronze Age comics, and as such, his personal collection is truly impressive. He owns books that range from the 1950â€™s and onward. First Appearance: Comic Crusaders Column â€“ What Defines A Characters First Appearance (Feb 2014)