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Lin Lie
Lin Lie as Iron Fist on the cover of
Iron Fist vol. 6 #1 (February 2022).
Art by Jim Cheung
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceAs Sword Master:
Warriors of Three Sovereigns #1 (May 2018)
As Iron Fist:
Iron Fist vol. 6 #1 (February 2022)
Created byShuizhu
Gunji
In-story information
Full nameLin Lie
SpeciesHuman
Team affiliationsAgents of Atlas
Notable aliasesSword Master
Iron Fist
Abilities
  • Wields the Sword of Fu Xi which grants:
    • Ability to project mystical green flame
    • Limited flight
    • Exorcism
  • Utilizing concentrated chi in his fist called the "Iron Fist", a mystical weapon
  • Expert swordsman and martial artist
  • Expert puzzle solver
Lin Lie
Chinese林烈
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinLín Liè
Bopomofoㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄌㄧㄝˋ
Wade–GilesLin2 Lieh4
IPA[lǐn ljê]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationLàhm Liht
Jyutpinglam4 lit6
IPA[lɐm˩ lit̚˨]
Iron Fist
Traditional Chinese鐵拳
Simplified Chinese铁拳
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinTiěquán
Bopomofoㄊㄧㄝˇ ㄑㄩㄢˊ
Wade–GilesT‘ieh3-ch‘üen2
IPA[tʰjè.tɕʰɥɛ̌n]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationTitkyùhn
Jyutpingtit3 kyun4
IPA[tʰit̚˧.kʰyn˩]
Sword Master
Traditional Chinese劍仙
Simplified Chinese剑仙
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinJiànxiān
Bopomofoㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄒㄧㄢ
Wade–GilesChien4-hsien1
IPA[tɕjɛ̂n.ɕjɛ́n]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationGimsīn
Jyutpinggim3 sin1
IPA[kim˧.sin˩]

Lin Lie (Chinese: 林烈)[1] is a superhero who appears in media produced by American comic book publisher Marvel Comics. Created in partnership with the Chinese media company NetEase, the character first appeared in the 2018 Chinese digital manhua Warrior of the Three Sovereigns #1, written by Shuizhu and illustrated by Gunji.

A descendant of the mythological Chinese figure Fu Xi, Lin was initially established with the alias Sword Master, and wielded the mystical Sword of Fu Xi.[2][3] He later joins the superhero team the Agents of Atlas, making his English-language debut in the 2019 comic War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #2. After the Sword of Fu Xi is destroyed he becomes the new Iron Fist, debuting as the character in Iron Fist vol. 6 #1 (February 2022).

Publication history

[edit]

In 2017, Marvel partnered with the Chinese media company NetEase as part of an initiative to expand its audience in China and East Asia. This partnership resulted in the creation of the superheroes Lin Lie and Aero, both of whom debuted in May 2018 in Chinese-language digital manhua published on 163.com.[2]

Sword Master made his American comics debut in War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas by writer Greg Pak and artist Gang Hyuk Lim before starring in his own solo series, titled Sword Master, written by Pak and illustrated by Ario Anindito. The Sword Master series also featured republications of the Warriors of Three Sovereigns series Lin debuted in, with translations done by Pak.[4] Sword Master would continue to have regular appearances in Agents of Atlas.

In 2022, Lin Lie made his debut as Iron Fist in a five issue miniseries written by Alyssa Wong and illustrated by Michael YG and Sean Chen; his Iron Fist costume was designed by Jim Cheung.[5][6] The miniseries was followed up with the one-shot A.X.E.: Iron Fist #1 as part of the A.X.E.: Judgment Day crossover event.[7]

In May 2023, to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Lin starred in a backup story in Daredevil Vol. 7 #11, written by Jason Loo and drawn by Lynne Yoshii, with an AAPI Heritage Month Variant Cover featuring Iron Fist drawn by artist InHyuk Lee.[8][9]

In August 2024, Lin was featured in a one-shot commemorating the 50th anniversary of Iron Fist, with Wong returning as writer and Von Randal illustrating.[10]

In November 2025, it was announced that Lin would star in Deadly Hands of K'un-Lun, a five issue limited series written by Yifan Jiang and illustrated by Paco Medina, which is set for a February 2026 release.[11]

Fictional character biography

[edit]

Warriors of Three Sovereigns

[edit]

Lin Lie is a college student from Shanghai who receives a mysterious sword from his archaeologist father, who went missing along with Lie's older brother Feng shortly afterwards. One year after his family's disappearance, Lie is attacked by a demon at his apartment after receiving a mysterious red orb contained in a puzzle box. The sword Lie's father entrusted to him moves on its own to save Lie from the demon, which is then destroyed by Ji Shuangshuang, a demon hunter. Shuangshuang reveals that the sword is the Sword of Fu Xi, one of three sacred weapons used by the Yellow Emperor and the clans of the Three Sovereigns to seal the evil god Chiyou in the far past. Shuangshuang explains that she and Lie are the descendants of Nü-wa and Fu Xi, respectively, and that the Sword and the red orb containing a piece of Chiyou's soul were removed from one of Chiyou's three tombs, weakening his seal and allowing several of his demon minions to be unleashed around the world. Believing Lie to be too incompetent to protect the orb, Shuangshuang takes it with her. Lie gives chase but is attacked by Baron Mordo, who attempts to take the Sword for himself, but is driven away by Doctor Strange. Strange offers to keep the Sword for safekeeping but relents after Lie explains his lineage and needing the Sword to find his missing father, using his magic to help Lie reunite with Shuangshuang. Together, Lie and Shuangshuang destroy the remaining demons. Lie travels with Shuangshuang and his roommate Ah Cheng to the Nü-wa Clan's headquarters at Gansu, where he is greeted by Shuangshuang's grandmother and the Nü-wa chief Ji Xiangyun. As Lie, his father and brother are the only known descendants of Fu Xi, Xiangyun has Lie trained under Shuangshuang to prepare against Chiyou and his demon army.[12]

Agents of Atlas

[edit]

Now going by the name Sword Master, Lie begins a superhero career while fighting the forces of Chiyou and searching for his missing family. During the "War of the Realms", Amadeus Cho summons Sword Master and several other Asian superheroes to Seoul to help the New Agents of Atlas defend Asia from Queen Sindr and her Fire Goblin forces from Muspelheim. Sword Master and the New Agents of Atlas take Sindr and her army in Northern China and later help Captain Marvel defeat her and her remaining forces at the Great Wall of China near Beijing. After Sindr's liege Malekith is defeated, Sword Master joins the Agents of Atlas.[13]

Sword Master runs into his Atlas teammate Shang-Chi in New York City while searching for his father. Noticing the upstart hero's inexperience and recklessness, Shang takes Lie under his wing to improve his skills.[14] The two are reunited with the other Atlas agents when Flushing and other Asian, Pacific and predominantly Asian cities outside of Asia are merged into the portal city of "Pan" Tech by mogul Mike Nguyen of the Big Nguyen Company.[15] Sword Master and Shang-Chi are later confronted by Ares, who attempts to take the Sword of Fu Xi to rescue his kidnaped drakon son Ismenios, who Ares believes was captured by another god. Shang-Chi makes a compromise to Ares: in exchange for Sword Master and Shang-Chi helping him, Ares would help find Lie's missing father. Ares accepts and use Pan Portals to track Ismenios to a temple in Madripoor, where they encounter Davi Naka, the Mother Goddess of Madripoor.[16] Naka reveals that Ismenios attempted to plunder Atlantis's treasure hoard during the absence of its sea serpent guardian, but was caught by Namor. Due to her duty to protect all dragons, Naka rescued Ismenios from Namor's wrath and imprisoned the young drakon in her temple for his protection and to placate the king. Naka further warns the four that despite her efforts, Namor is still outraged over the disappearance of his dragon and implores them to find her.[17]

Sword Master and the Atlas Agents help assist Pan's citizens, including defending the city from invading wyverns and sea serpents and protecting Madripoorean refuges from harassment from the Pan Guard. Suspicious by these events, Sword Master joins several of his teammates into infiltrating Nguyen's personal tower, where they discover that the Big Nguyen Company had captured Atlantis' missing dragon and were harvesting her scales to power Pan's portals. Before a decision could be made about releasing the dragon, Namor emerges from the waters off of Pan's coast to reclaim his stolen dragon, kickstarting a war between Pan and Atlantis.[15]

In the "Atlantis Attacks" storyline, Sword Master and the other New Agents of Atlas are summoned by Amadeus Cho during his confrontation with Namor. Namor warns the group to return Atlantis' dragon in a day or else face the wrath of Atlantis before retreating. After the skirmish, Sword Master and the other New Agents are introduced to the original Agents of Atlas by Atlas Foundation head Jimmy Woo.[18] When Woo sends Namora, Venus, Aero and Wave to Atlantis for a diplomatic mission, Amadeus discretely orders Sword Master and Shang-Chi to spy on Namora, due to her familial ties with Namor. The dragon is eventually released from captivity, but upon arriving home, she unexpectedly goes berserk and attacks the underwater kingdom. Sword Master witnesses the destruction caused by the dragon and Shang-Chi relays to Amadeus that Atlantis' scientists discovered an implant embedded in the dragon's scales to be the source of her behavior and that Namor believes Amadeus to be behind the sabotage, prompting the king to resume his assault on Pan.[19] When Amadeus is forcibly transformed into his Hulk form and put under Nguyen's control with Sirena tech in a last-ditch effort to destroy Atlantis, Sword Master and Shang-Chi are able to remove the device from Amadeus, freeing him from Nguyen's control. When the conflict between Pan and Atlantis is peacefully resolved, Amadeus and Shang-Chi leave the team after admonishing Woo for using the team as his pawns, but Sword Master remains with the Agents of Atlas.[20]

During the "King in Black" event, Sword Master initially defends Shanghai from invading symbiote dragons with Aero and the Black Knight, who had been abandoned in Shanghai and separated from his Ebony Blade, but abandons his mission after realizing that the symbiotes were minions of Knull rather than Chiyou, believing the task to be beneath him. Angered by Lie's arrogance, the Sword of Fu Xi abandons him for the Black Knight, which incenses Sword Master as he dismisses the Black Knight as a "psychotic American" unworthy of wielding the Sword. While using the Sword of Fu Xi, the Black Knight succumbs to madness, which prompts the Sword to return to Lie. As Sword Master and the Black Knight fight over the Sword, a symbiote dragon ensnares them with its tendrils, which also mentally connects them to Knull, who expresses his desire for their respective swords and ruthlessly mocks the two for their ignorance of their weapons' true histories. The Sword of Fu Xi uses the opportunity to use its flames to burn the Black Knight's hand, returning to Sword Master and freeing the two from Knull's grasp just as a swarm of symbiote dragons amalgamates into Knull's avatar, taking on a gigantic appearance of Chiyou. Sword Master helps the Black Knight recover the Ebony Blade and two use their respective swords to destroy the avatar with Aero's help.[21]

When the "Death of Doctor Strange" prompts legions of demons to invade parts of the world, Sword Master is sent to Seoul by Woo to assist his teammate White Fox with taking down a demonic kumiho that had been terrorizing the South Korean countryside. While fighting the kumiho, the Sword of Fu Xi is destroyed by the kumiho who then threw Sword Master into a ravine. Although White Fox is able to slay the demon, she, the Agents of Atlas and South Korea's Tiger Division are unable to find Lie, with White Fox recovering only a single shard of the Sword, causing them to presume he died. Due to the Sword of Fu Xi's destruction, the seals on Chiyou's three tombs further weakened, prompting more of his demon minions to attack cities around the world.[22]

Wielding the Iron Fist

[edit]

Lin Lie miraculously survives and washes ashore to K'un-Lun, where the recently reincarnated dragon Shou-Lao bestows him with his chi, saving Lie's life and making him the new Iron Fist. With several of the Sword's shards embedded in his hands, Lie resolves to find the remaining pieces and reforge the Sword to prevent Chiyou's release. During his hunt for the shards, Lin Lie briefly encounters his predecessor Danny Rand, who had previously given up the Iron Fist, in Flushing and helps him fight off several minions of Chiyou. Unaware of Lie's identity but happy that Shou-Lao chose a new champion, Danny inquires Lie about his background and offers to help him with his training, but Lie rebuffs and summons a portal back to K'un-Lun[23] Lie is later accompanied by Mei Min, a friend he made in K'un-Lun whose family hosts him, during his travels and helps him recover the remaining shards while fighting the demonic forces of Chiyou. Despite being chosen as the new Iron Fist, Lie's ascension is controversial amongst several K'un-Lun citizens as he is not only the third consecutive outsider to become the Iron Fist, he did not go through the required trials to earn Shou-Lao's chi. Due to the shards of the Sword of Fu Xi embedded in his hands, Lie cannot summon the Iron Fist consistently and is left in a constant state of pain, which makes him a target of ridicule and scorn by several detractors, including his rival Yang Yi. After Lie expresses to Min about how unworthy he is as Iron Fist due to his handicap and unwanted status, the Yu-Ti Sparrow, takes Lie under her wing to help him overcome his struggles and regain his confidence. One day during his training, the shards in Lie's hands suddenly begin radiating with burning energy and leaving him writhing in pain, causing Lie to realize that the first tomb of Chiyou had been destroyed[24] An empowered demon minion of Chiyou manages to bypass K'un-Lun's defenses attempts to steal the Sword's remains at Min's home, but Lie injects his arms with them to thwart the demon and uses their extra power to kill him, who reveals with his dying breaths that Lie's brother Feng was the one who destroyed the tomb and that he was waiting for him at the second tomb. Lie takes a portal to the second tomb with Min and Yi but after arriving they encounter Fat Cobra and the Bride of Nine Spiders.[25] Tasked by Rand to track Lie down, the two Immortal Weapons decide to test the new Iron Fist out by fighting him. Severely outmatched and running out of time, Lie flees from the fight to the Nü-wa Clan's headquarters, but is too late to prevent its destruction from Feng and Chiyou's minions. Unable to summon the Iron Fist, Lie is quickly defeated by Feng.[26] Lie rejects Feng's offer to join him, who proceeds to immerse himself with Chioyou's magic to destroy Lie and his allies. Guided by Shou-Lao's spirit, Lie embraces his identities as Sword Master and Iron Fist, allowing him to summon the full power of the Iron Fist and remove the shards from his hands into a restored blade, which Lie uses to wound Feng. When Sparrow arrives with K'un-Lun's warriors, Feng steals her portal to K'un-Lun, where Chiyou's third tomb is located. After the battle, Lie accepts Danny's offer to train him.[27]

During the "Judgement Day" storyline, Lie takes a flight to Seoul to rendezvous with White Fox but is visited midflight by Loki, who reveals that he is in league with Feng. Provoked by Loki's arrogance, the Progenitor casts judgement on the two by having them partake in trials within their minds. During Loki's judgement, Lie rescues him from being pinned down by a vision of Mjolnir by using the aura from the Sword of Fu Xi to lift it. During Lie's judgement, the Progenitor appears as Shou-Lao and challenges Lie to take his heart to officially earn his title as Iron Fist. Lie is able to defeat Shou-Lao with Loki's help but instead of taking the dragon's heart, Lie asks Shou-Lao to give it to him. Lie receives the mark of the Iron Fist on his right arm and passes the Progenitor's judgement. Lie and Loki find themselves back on the flight as if nothing happened but the mark still remains on Lie's arm. Before Lie could demand Loki to take him to Feng in K'un-Lun, Loki teleports away from him. Lie eventually arrives in Seoul and reunites with White Fox.[28]

Following Danny's advice, Lie seeks out Daredevil in Hell's Kitchen to teach him how to fight while mitigating the chronic pain in his arms.[29]

On the night of Danny's 34th birthday, Lie is attacked by the Shocker while out on patrol in New York and teams up with Danny's ward and intended successor Pei to fight off the supervillain. Unbeknownst to both, the Shocker was hired by the Ch'i-Lin to keep Lie and Pei preoccupied while it possessed Razor Fist into attacking Danny at his apartment. With Lie unable to help him, Danny is killed by the Ch'i-Lin.[30] Lie later attends Danny's funeral.[31]

Powers and abilities

[edit]

As the descendant of Fu Xi, Lin Lie can wield the Sword of Fu Xi and access its divine powers. When activated, the Sword generates mystical green flames, which can be launched as projectiles or be used to increase the cutting power and range of the blade.[32] Due to its ability to move on its own, the Sword is capable of allowing Lin to fly at short distances.[33] Although originally forged to destroy Chiyou and his demon minions, the Sword of Fu Xi is shown to be just as effective against other demons and undead.[34][21][22]

A noticeable trait is that the Sword of Fu Xi is sentient, and has the ability to move on its own.[35] While the Sword has gone out of its way to protect Lin from threats, it has also defied him when he showed undesirable traits, such as cowardice or arrogance.[35] In some extreme cases, the Sword has allowed itself to be wielded by non descendants of Fu Xi.[35][36][21]

Despite the Sword being shattered, its broken shards can still project its mystical green flames, which are still effective against Chiyou's minions. Lin makes use of the shards embedded in his hands to enhance his punches and infuse weapons with the Sword's flames.[37] Lin later gains the ability to generate blades of the Sword that protrude from his right fist.[38]

After being bestowed with the chi of the dragon Shou-Lao, Lin gained the power of the Iron Fist, allowing him to summon and focus his chi to enhance his natural abilities to extraordinary levels. Like every Iron Fist before him, Lin can concentrate his own chi and the superhuman energy from Shou-Lao's heart into his hands, which manifests into a supernatural glow around his hands and fists that can strike with superhuman hardness and impact, while keeping them impervious to pain and injury.[23] Lin can focus his chi inward to heal himself from injury and pain.[24]

Due to the broken shards of the Sword of Fu Xi embedded in the flesh of his hands, Lin Lie suffers from chronic pain. When Lin first struggled with channeling the Iron Fist consistently, he originally believed that the shards' presence in his body was disrupting the flow of chi; Lie was warned that failing to properly balance his own chi with Shou-Lao's or immediately removing the shards would result in his death.[23] However, after Shao-Lou revealed that Lie's issues came from his own self-doubt rather than the shards, Lie embraced his dual identities, allowing him to summon the powers of Shou-Lao and the Sword of Fu Xi simultaneously without any ill effects.[39] However, the chronic pain remained in his arms, which he learned how to mitigate after training with Daredevil.[40]

Due to his training under the Nü-wa Clan, Agents of Atlas and the monks of K'un-Lun, Lin Lie is an expert swordsman, martial artist and acrobat.[41][37] In addition to K'un-Lun's martial arts, Lin is proficient in Bajiquan[23] and Wing Chun.[23]

Lin Lie is also exceptionally good at solving puzzles.[42]

Reception

[edit]

In his review of the 2022 Iron Fist miniseries, Justin Carter of io9 praised Lin Lie's evolution from Sword Master to Iron Fist, calling it a much-needed modern update to the character. While noting that Lie, like his predecessor Danny Rand, is also an outsider who takes on the Iron Fist mantle, Carter emphasized that Lie "[feels] like a natural extension of the Iron Fist legacy instead of a younger carbon copy of the established hero." He further highlighted that Lie "breaks the mold of recent teen heroes like Miles [Morales], Robbie Reyes, and Kamala Khan" by beginning as an original character before assuming a legacy role. Carter also commended the character's raw vulnerability and chronic pain, which he felt made Lie both compelling and sympathetic—distinct qualities that set him apart from Rand.[43]

Collected editions

[edit]
Title Material collected Published date ISBN
Sword Master Vol. 1: War of the Ancients Sword Master #1-6 February 2020 978-1302919481
Sword Master Vol. 2: God of War Sword Master #7-12 February 2021 978-1302919498
Iron Fist: The Shattered Sword Iron Fist (vol. 6) #1-5 November 2022 978-0785194767

In other media

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lin Lie

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lin Lie (Chinese: 林烈; pinyin: Lín Liè), also known as Sword Master and , is a fictional in , created as a Chinese character in partnership with Chinese media outlets such as Comics. A college student from and descendant of the ancient Fu Xi tribe, Lin Lie wields the mystical Sword of Fu Xi to battle demonic forces and protect the world from supernatural evils, later ascending to the mantle of Iron Fist after training in the mystical city of K'un-Lun. Born in the Year of the Tiger, Lin Lie grew up in under the care of his father and older brother Lin Feng, both passionate about ancient Chinese artifacts and cosmology. His life changed when his father unearthed the legendary Sword of Fu Xi, a weapon forged by the god-like Fu Xi to seal away the war demon ; the discovery released a fragment of Chiyou's soul, leading to the disappearance of his father and brother. Empowered by the sword's spirit, which embedded its shards into his hand to form an energy blade, Lin Lie embarked on a quest to rescue his family while combating Chiyou's demonic minions as the Sword Master. Lin Lie's adventures expanded through alliances with other heroes, including joining the Agents of Atlas to thwart threats like the fire demon Sindr and training under , the Master of Kung Fu. He faced cosmic perils such as the dark mage and the symbiote god Knull, honing his skills in and . In 2022, during the Iron Fist series by writer , Lin Lie journeyed to K'un-Lun, where the dragon Shou-Lao bestowed its chi upon him to save his life, granting him immortality, enhanced strength, rapid healing, and the iconic Iron Fist power to channel chi into devastating punches—establishing him as a successor to the title. Multilingual in Mandarin and English, he continues to embody themes of and heroism. In the announced 2026 miniseries Deadly Hands of K'un-Lun, written by Yifan Jiang with art by Paco Medina, Lin Lie will lead Marvel's premier martial artists—including Elektra, , , Pei, , and Fooh—confronting his villainous brother Lin Feng, who seeks to resurrect across the Seven Heavenly Cities amid a demonic . This arc highlights Lin Lie's growth as a strategic leader and protector of mystical realms, solidifying his role within the broader alongside figures like and Aero.

Publication history

Creation and conception

Lin Lie was co-created by Marvel Comics in collaboration with the Chinese media company as part of a announced in to develop original superheroes tailored for Chinese audiences while expanding Marvel's global appeal through culturally resonant characters. This initiative marked Marvel's first major effort to produce China-originated comic content, with handling the initial digital distribution in . The character's initial conception centered on Lin Lie as Sword Master, drawing inspiration from , particularly the legendary figure Fu Xi—one of the Three Sovereigns and cultural heroes credited with inventing writing, fishing, and trapping. Lin Lie was envisioned as Fu Xi's modern descendant, inheriting the mystical Sword of Fu Xi, an ancient artifact said to have aided in vanquishing the war god millennia ago, thereby blending mythological heritage with tropes to foster cultural authenticity. This mythological foundation aimed to create a hero who could resonate with young Chinese readers by embodying themes of legacy, destiny, and protection against demonic forces rooted in . The character's debut occurred in the Chinese digital Warriors of the Three Sovereigns #1 in May 2018, written by Shuizhu and illustrated by Gunji, which introduced Lin Lie as an 18-year-old college student from thrust into supernatural conflicts. For the U.S. market, Marvel announced the character's English-language debut in July 2018 at the China International Comics Games in , with plans for print publication the following spring as part of broader efforts to integrate these new heroes into ongoing Marvel events. Lin Lie's American comic introduction came on the cover of War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1 (April 2019), with his first in-story appearance in #2 (May 2019), scripted by and drawn by Gang Hyuk Lim, where he joined a team of Asian heroes amid the "" crossover. The subsequent solo series Sword Master #1, released on July 24, 2019, adapted the original storyline by Shuizhu and Gunji, featuring English-language scripting by and additional artwork by Ario Anindito, while incorporating a backup tale teaming Lin Lie with to highlight his growth as a martial artist. This creative process emphasized collaboration between American and Chinese talents to ensure the character's voice remained true to its origins, setting the stage for Lin Lie's later narrative evolution into the Iron Fist mantle.

Debut as Sword Master

Lin Lie first appeared as Sword Master in War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #2 (May 2019), where he was introduced as a young Chinese hero from Shanghai wielding the mystical Sword of Fu Xi during the invasion by Sindr's Fire Goblins. In this debut, Lie joins the reformed Agents of Atlas to defend his city, showcasing his swordsmanship and the blade's ability to slice through supernatural foes, marking his integration into the broader Marvel Universe amid the War of the Realms event. Following his cameo, Lie received his English-language solo debut in the limited miniseries Sword Master (2019), an adaptation of the original Chinese digital comic Warriors of Three Sovereigns created in partnership with . The five-issue series adapted the original storyline by Shuizhu with art by Gunji, featuring English-language scripting by and additional artwork by Ario Anindito, establishing Lie's standalone adventures as he battled Chiyou's demonic forces while searching for his missing archaeologist father, Professor Lin, and his brother Lin Feng. Set primarily in , the narrative emphasized family dynamics, Lie's reluctant heroism as a college student, and the Sword of Fu Xi's ancient powers drawn from , blending cultural elements with high-stakes action against grave robbers and otherworldly threats. The Sword Master series tied into Marvel's event storytelling, with Lie's exploits connecting to the through his involvement and later extending to (2020), where he defended from symbiote incursions. Initial reception praised the series for its fresh take on origins rooted in Chinese heritage, earning high marks for character development and artwork, though sales were modest compared to flagship titles, reflecting its niche appeal in expanding Marvel's global roster.

Transition to Iron Fist

In Agents of Atlas #4 (2020), Lin Lie's mystical Sword of Fu Xi was shattered during a battle against a demonic alongside , embedding fragments into his arm and stripping him of his primary weapon as Sword Master. This catastrophic loss prompted Lie to embark on a perilous journey to the hidden city of K'un-Lun, seeking a new source of power to continue his fight against demonic threats tied to his family's legacy. The narrative pivot culminated in Lie's debut as the new Iron Fist in Iron Fist vol. 6 #1 (February 2022), written by with art by Michael YG. In this issue, Danny Rand, the original Iron Fist, relinquishes his chi after using it to avert a global catastrophe, opening the mantle for succession. Lie, having arrived in K'un-Lun, undergoes trials that culminate in him absorbing the power of the dragon Shou-Lao, becoming the 67th Iron Fist and marking a significant from his sword-wielding origins. Marvel's editorial decision to transition the Iron Fist mantle to Lin Lie, a character of Chinese descent, aimed to enhance cultural authenticity and inject narrative freshness into the legacy, addressing longstanding critiques of the role's white savior tropes under Danny Rand. This shift built on Lie's prior integration into the team, where his vulnerabilities as Sword Master were established as foundational setup for the inheritance. Collaborations with were featured in the Sword Master series, such as issue #4.

Recent developments (2022–2025)

Following the acquisition of the Iron Fist mantle, Lin Lie's solo series Iron Fist volume 6 concluded its run in 2022 after five issues, with the final installment addressing escalating undead threats tied to ancient mystical forces. In 2024, Lin Lie featured prominently in the digital-first Marvel Rivals Infinity Comic series, where he teamed up with heroes like , , , and Luna Snow to combat multiversal rifts and rival factions in vertical-scroll formatted stories designed for mobile reading. This format emphasized fast-paced team dynamics and appealed to younger audiences through its innovative, app-optimized presentation, marking a shift toward digital exclusivity in Marvel's publication strategy. Lin Lie integrated into major crossover events, including contributions to the 2022 A.X.E.: Judgment Day storyline in A.X.E.: Iron Fist #1, where he allied with Avengers and members against celestial threats. His profile received updates in Marvel's reference materials, culminating in the Iron Fist 50th Anniversary Special #1 in August 2024, which highlighted his evolution and included new artwork by Von Randal. Lin Lie stars in the announced five-issue miniseries Deadly Hands of K'un-Lun, set for release starting February 2026, reuniting him with K'un-Lun warriors to battle emerging mystical adversaries threatening the Seven Heavenly Cities. Written by Yifan Jiang and illustrated by Paco Medina, the series positions Lin Lie as a central defender in Marvel's lineage, building on his established role amid rising sales interest in legacy heroes.

Fictional character biography

Early life and origins as Sword Master

Lin Lie was born in , , during the Year of the , growing up in a family deeply immersed in archaeological pursuits. His father, an archaeologist known as the Professor, often took Lie and his older brother, Lin Feng, to explore ancient sites, instilling in them a passion for history and artifacts. Unbeknownst to Lie at the time, his lineage traced back to the legendary emperor Fu Xi, one of the Three Sovereigns who had anciently defeated the war god . Tragedy struck when Lie's father and brother ventured into the Valley of a Thousand Tombs to investigate a demonic grave-robbing incident, where they uncovered the mystical Sword of Fu Xi. The discovery inadvertently released a fragment of Chiyou's soul, leading to their disappearance and leaving the sword in Lie's possession. During a subsequent demon attack, the sword activated upon contact with Lie's blood, bonding to him and granting spirit-based powers derived from Fu Xi's essence, marking his transformation into the hero Sword Master. Under the guidance of Ji Shuangshuang, a descendant of Nüwa, Lie trained to harness the blade's abilities against supernatural threats. As Sword Master, Lie's early adventures centered on combating demonic forces plaguing , establishing his role as a protector of ancient legacies. He joined the Warriors of the Three Sovereigns, a group dedicated to safeguarding the nation from entities like Sindr and remnants of Chiyou's army, establishing his vigilant stance against otherworldly incursions. These initial exploits highlighted Lie's emergence as a guardian of amid escalating supernatural dangers. Lie was profoundly motivated by the unresolved loss of his family, particularly the drive to locate his brother Lin Feng, whose fate intertwined with the very demons he fought. This personal quest intertwined with a broader sense of cultural , compelling him to preserve and defend ancient Chinese artifacts from exploitation and destruction by malevolent forces. These origins laid the groundwork for his later alliances, such as brief team-ups with the .

Involvement with Agents of Atlas

Lin Lie, known as Sword Master, joined the in Agents of Atlas vol. 2 #1 (April 2020), teaming up with , Aero (Lei Ling), (Pearl Pangan), Brawn (Amadeus Cho), and (Dae Seo-Yun) under the direction of to confront escalating threats across . The team's formation was prompted by investigations into anomalous activities in the Portal City of Pan, where they initially clashed with the People's Defense Force, a secretive Chinese agency wielding advanced technology and operatives. Throughout the early arcs, the engaged in intense battles against both modern adversaries and ancient deities, including demonic forces tied to mythological entities like the fire goddess Sindr and other primordial threats emerging from Asian folklore. Lin Lie's time with the team highlighted his character development, as he grappled with the shift from solo heroism—rooted in his personal quest against Chiyou's demons—to collaborative efforts, often struggling with coordination amid the group's diverse dynamics. Cultural clashes arose with members influenced by Western perspectives, such as Jimmy Woo's S.H.I.E.L.D.-style leadership, challenging Lin Lie's more individualistic, tradition-bound approach to combat and duty. Key relationships shaped his growth within the team: served as a mentor, providing rigorous training that honed Lin Lie's martial skills and instilled discipline, though initial tensions stemmed from differing philosophies on power and legacy. In contrast, a rivalry developed with over strategic decisions and authority, exemplified by disputes during missions where Lin Lie prioritized immediate demon-slaying over broader team objectives.

Acquiring the Iron Fist power

Following the destruction of the Sword of Fu Xi in Death of Doctor Strange: White Fox #1 while aiding White Fox against the Kumiho in Seoul, which left him mortally wounded, Lin Lie washed ashore near the hidden city of K'un-Lun, separated from his allies. Taken in by the city's inhabitants, Lie's life hung in the balance until Shou-Lao the Undying, the immortal dragon guardian of the Iron Fist legacy, intervened by channeling his sacred chi directly into Lie's body to save him. This infusion not only healed Lie but also granted him the power of the Iron Fist, marking him as a successor to the mantle in an untraditional manner without initially defeating the dragon. In the heavenly city of K'un-Lun, Lie navigated its perils, including demonic incursions led by the ancient entity , whose forces sought to overrun the realm. Lie's journey emphasized self-discovery amid these challenges, as he confronted illusions designed to expose his inner doubts. The inheritance tied directly to Danny Rand, the prior Iron Fist, who had relinquished his own power years earlier to avert a global catastrophe. In Iron Fist vol. 1 #1 (2022), Rand encountered Lie in , New York, where he assisted in fighting swarms of magical demons and recognized Lie's connection to Shou-Lao. Adapting to the Iron Fist power proved challenging for Lie, as the glowing chi-infused fist required mastery beyond his sword-based instincts, often flickering unreliably in early confrontations. His first significant test came in battles against Chiyou's undead-like demonic hordes and corrupted warriors during the ensuing arc, where Lie harnessed the power defensively while incorporating remnants of his sword shards to form ethereal blades. These encounters, detailed in Iron Fist vol. 1 #2–5 (2022), forced Lie to confront the physical toll of the chi surge and refine his control under pressure. Emotionally, Lie grappled with profound reluctance to assume Rand's mantle, viewing himself as an unworthy interloper in a lineage steeped in Western-American mythology despite his Chinese roots. This , woven through themes of cultural reclamation and generational legacy, stemmed from his abbreviated path compared to predecessors, leading to moments of self-doubt amplified by the pain of his embedded sword fragments. Supported by allies like Mei Min, Lie gradually embraced the role, transforming hesitation into a fierce determination to honor K'un-Lun's traditions on his own terms. His status as Iron Fist was later affirmed in A.X.E.: Iron Fist #1 (2022) through the Progenitor's judgment, granting him the traditional chi mark on his chest.

Adventures as Iron Fist and beyond

Following his acquisition of the Iron Fist's chi from Shou-Lao the Undying, Lin Lie embarked on a perilous solo journey in Iron Fist vol. 1 (2022), a five-issue written by and illustrated by Michael YG and Sean Chen, where he battled the corrupting influence of the Sword of Fu Xi's shattered remnants embedded in his body. These shards, fused with his newfound power, unleashed demonic forces tied to the ancient war god , forcing Lie to hunt supernatural threats across and confront his internal turmoil over his unconventional path to . Throughout the arc, Lie grappled with from the shards and personal demons of inadequacy, ultimately facing off against his antagonistic brother, Lin Feng, at a hidden to prevent Chiyou's full resurrection. Lie expanded his role in larger Marvel events, including the 2022 A.X.E.: Judgment Day crossover, where he joined other heroes to combat the Eternals' and underwent a that affirmed his status as Iron Fist through a glowing chi mark on his chest. In this tie-in issue, Lie teamed with amid the chaos of Celestial judgment, highlighting his growing integration into the broader superhero community while echoing his roots in Asian heritage teams. By 2024, Lie featured prominently in digital formats through the Marvel Rivals Infinity Comic series (2024–present), a collection of ongoing stories tied to the multiplayer game Marvel Rivals, where he navigated multiversal rifts and teamed with characters like and to restore the Web of Life and Destiny. These adventures emphasized Lie's agile combat style and chi-enhanced abilities in fast-paced, game-inspired skirmishes against interdimensional foes, further exploring his as a guardian bridging mystical traditions. He also appeared in the Iron Fist 50th Anniversary Special (2024), teaming with Pei against the Shocker. Lie continued to balance his Iron Fist responsibilities with echoes of his Sword Master persona, as seen in his training under mentors like Sparrow and his persistent use of Fu Xi's lingering energies, themes of hybrid heroism that underscore his unique position among past wielders. This duality sets the stage for his lead role in the Deadly Hands of K'un-Lun (2026), a five-issue by Yifan Jiang and Paco Medina—announced in November 2025—where Lie assembles Marvel's premier martial artists—including , Elektra, , , Pei, , and Fooh—to defend the Seven Heavenly Cities from demonic invaders led by his brother Lin Feng. The storyline promises an epic confrontation that tests Lie's leadership and resolves lingering questions about the Iron Fist legacy post-Danny Rand's undead arc.

Powers and abilities

Sword Master abilities and equipment

As Sword Master, Lin Lie's primary source of power derives from the Sword of Fu Xi, an ancient mystical blade passed down through his family's lineage as descendants of the deity Fu Xi. This semi-sentient weapon channels spirit energy, enabling Lie to project green flame-like mystic energy as blasts or barriers, making it particularly effective against foes such as demons and fire goblins. The Sword of Fu Xi infuses Lie with enhanced physical capabilities through chi manipulation, granting him superhuman strength sufficient to cleave through symbiote-infused dragons, exceptional agility for acrobatic maneuvers in battle, and accelerated healing to recover from severe wounds rapidly. Lie can also project the sword as an energy construct or generate blade extensions from its shards embedded in his forearms, allowing continued use even if the physical blade is damaged. These abilities stem directly from the sword's integrity, amplifying Lie's baseline human limits without permanent alteration. In combat, Lie employs a style that fuses traditional wushu techniques with the sword's mystical energies, creating fluid sequences of strikes, dodges, and energy projections to overwhelm groups of otherworldly entities like Chiyou's demon horde or wyverns. This approach proved instrumental in battles alongside heroes such as and Aero, where he balanced precise swordplay with energy projections to target vulnerabilities in supernatural adversaries. However, Lie's powers are inherently tied to the Sword of Fu Xi's condition; if the blade shatters or deems him unworthy, its energies diminish, leaving residual spirit echoes that weaken over time and cause from embedded shards. Without the sword, Lie reverts to standard human capabilities, underscoring the weapon's role as both empowerer and potential liability. This phase of his heroism concluded with the sword's destruction, paving the way for his subsequent .

Iron Fist powers

Upon acquiring the mantle of the Iron Fist through his trials in K'un-Lun, Lin Lie gains the ability to channel his chi—the mystical life force energy—into his right fist, enveloping it in a glowing, radiant aura that amplifies its destructive potential to superhuman levels. This signature technique, known as the Iron Fist punch, enables him to shatter materials as durable as steel or deliver blows capable of incapacitating formidable opponents, such as demons and enhanced foes. Additionally, Lin Lie can extend this chi manipulation for restorative purposes, channeling the energy to accelerate in himself or allies by mending injuries and purging toxins from the body. Lin Lie's powers stem from a profound bond with Shou-Lao the Undying, the immortal dragon of K'un-Lun, whose chi infuses him with extraordinary resilience, allowing him to withstand lethal injuries that would fell ordinary humans. This connection grants heightened sensory perception in battle, enabling instinctive anticipation of attacks and environmental threats. As Lin Lie masters his abilities, he demonstrates advanced feats of chi projection beyond mere punches, such as emitting bursts of energy to form temporary blades or claw-like extensions from the fused remnants of his sword, enhancing his close-quarters combat versatility. He can also achieve enhanced leaps by directing chi, providing superior mobility during fights. These capabilities scale with his ongoing meditation and combat experience, growing more precise and potent over time. However, wielding the Iron Fist exacts a toll, as overuse depletes Lin Lie's personal chi reserves, leading to physical exhaustion and vulnerability that requires extended recovery periods through rest or —unlike his prior reliance on the external energies of the Sword of Fu Xi. The embedded sword shards in his arms further complicate this, initially disrupting chi flow and causing that hinders consistent access to his full power.

Skills and training

Lin Lie possesses considerable proficiency in Chinese martial arts, including styles such as , , , and K'un-Lun arts, developed through initial self-training as a in and later formalized under the guidance of , the Master of Kung Fu. His training regimen emphasized discipline and versatility, allowing him to adapt to various combat scenarios despite his relative novice status upon entering the hero community. Further refinement came from tutelage in K'un-Lun, where he honed foundational techniques applicable to both personal defense and team-based confrontations. Lin Lie's archaeological expertise stems from his upbringing alongside his father, a renowned archaeologist, with whom he frequently explored ancient sites across China. This background equips him with a deep understanding of historical artifacts and cultural relics, enabling him to recognize and contextualize mystical threats tied to ancient lore during his adventures. As a native of Shanghai, Lin Lie is fluent in Mandarin, English, and Korean, and can read ancient Chinese texts, facilitating communication in diverse international settings. He is also a master enigmatologist, skilled at solving complex puzzles. His tactical acumen shines in collaborative efforts, particularly as a member of the Agents of Atlas, where he demonstrates strategic coordination against supernatural foes like Sindr, leveraging group dynamics for effective leadership. Despite these strengths, Lin Lie's youth and limited prior experience—contrasted with veterans like —occasionally lead to impulsiveness in high-stakes situations, underscoring areas for ongoing growth in his non-superpowered capabilities. These baseline skills are notably augmented when channeling the Iron Fist chi.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Lin Lie's portrayal as the new Iron Fist has been praised by critics for its emphasis on cultural representation and diversification of the character's legacy. Reviews from outlets such as Comics Bookcase highlighted the series' role in addressing past criticisms of the white-savior trope associated with Danny Rand, noting that Lin Lie's debut as the first Asian lead in the mantle's 50-year history brings cultural sensitivity and authenticity through the work of Asian-American writer and Asian artist Michael YG. Similarly, AIPT Comics commended the storyline for its "incredible cultural realignment" of a "glaringly white-washed property," integrating elements of and familial duties tied to Lin Lie's heritage as a descendant of Fu Xi. Critics have offered mixed assessments of the execution in Lin Lie's transition from Sword Master to Iron Fist, particularly in the 2022 miniseries. While Geekd-Out described it as a "very fun read" that mitigates concerns over replacing the original character through a unique fusion of sword shards with chi powers, AIPT noted issues with expository dialogue and a pace that covers too much ground too quickly within the five-issue format, leading to moments where the narrative tells rather than shows key developments. Overall scores reflect this balance, with Comic Book Roundup aggregating an average of 7.9/10 for Iron Fist #1, indicating solid but not exceptional reception for the rushed integration of Lin Lie's dual identities. Thematic elements in Lin Lie's arcs, especially his involvement with the , have earned accolades for exploring themes of identity and heritage. Comics Bookcase praised the strong focus on Lin Lie's family dynamics and personal stakes in Iron Fist #1, portraying his journey as a young Chinese hero navigating legacy and belonging in a team of Asian superheroes. However, some critiques point to underdeveloped aspects of his family backstory, with the rapid progression limiting deeper emotional exploration beyond initial setups. Following the November 2025 announcement of the Deadly Hands of K'un-Lun miniseries, critical views have evolved positively, with Comics Beat reporting excitement from creators Yifan Jiang and Paco Medina about advancing Lin Lie's story with fresh twists and immersive action, signaling renewed interest in his role within Marvel's lineup. Initial reactions to the announcement have highlighted anticipation for Lin Lie's leadership role.

Fan and cultural impact

Lin Lie's portrayal as the Iron Fist has sparked significant fan debates regarding the replacement of Danny Rand, with supporters viewing it as a meaningful advancement in Asian-led heroism and detractors criticizing the shift as diminishing the original character's legacy. While some fans appreciate the cultural authenticity Lin Lie brings to the role, drawing from and traditions, others have raised concerns about power scaling inconsistencies in his depictions compared to Rand's established feats. These discussions gained renewed intensity around the 2024 Iron Fist 50th anniversary storyline and the 2024 release of Marvel Rivals, where Lin Lie serves as the primary Iron Fist representative. The character's cultural significance is amplified by his origins in Marvel's 2018 partnership with , aimed at expanding the publisher's reach in through localized storytelling. This collaboration introduced Lin Lie as a distinctly Chinese hero, rooted in the legend of Fu Xi, which has helped boost Marvel's appeal in by integrating him into multimedia projects like the hit Marvel Rivals. The game, featuring Lin Lie prominently, has drawn over 40 million players globally as of February 2025 and generated billions in revenue for , underscoring his role in driving engagement in Asian markets. As a diversity milestone, represents progress in de-Westernizing archetypes, moving away from the "white savior" trope associated with Rand's origin and toward more authentic Asian protagonists in . Articles have highlighted this transition as a corrective step for representation, though it has also prompted discussions on avoiding of Asian characters as inherent artists. His inclusion in Marvel Rivals further cements this impact, providing a platform for cultural depth that resonates with diverse audiences and elevates Asian heroes in global pop culture. Lin Lie's rising visibility is evident in his strong performance in game metrics, such as high rankings in Marvel Rivals tier lists and leaderboards, reflecting growing fan adoption.

Representation in media

Lin Lie's portrayal in emphasizes themes of cultural reclamation and diversity, particularly through his deep ties to . As a descendant of the ancient emperor Fu Xi, Lin wields the mystical Sword of Fu Xi, a weapon rooted in historical and legendary Chinese lore that predates Western appropriations of Eastern mysticism in narratives. His journey to K'un-Lun, the fictional heavenly city blending ancient Chinese elements with Marvel's lore, allows him to inherit the Iron Fist mantle by defeating the dragon Shou-Lao in the traditional , symbolizing a modern reinterpretation that honors authentic mythological origins over colonial-era stereotypes. This representation promotes pan-Asian unity by integrating Lin into teams like the , where portals connect Asian communities worldwide, fostering narratives of collective heritage and solidarity across the Pacific Rim. Visually, Lin Lie evolves from a youthful sword-wielding in his Master phase—depicted as an everyday college student discovering his powers—to a more battle-hardened Iron Fist bearing the glowing tattoo of Shou-Lao's heart on his chest. This transformation highlights his growth, with shards from the shattered of Fu Xi embedding in his hand to channel chi energy, creating a hybrid aesthetic that merges traditional iconography with supernatural flair. Jim Cheung's design for Lin's Iron Fist costume, featuring sleek black attire accented by glowing chi motifs and the iconic fist emblem, has become a staple, influencing subsequent depictions by emphasizing fluid, dynamic poses that evoke cinema aesthetics. In narrative arcs, Lin Lie shifts from a supporting figure in events like Agents of Atlas to a central lead, embodying a generational handover from Danny Rand and symbolizing the evolution of heroism in a multicultural . Initially introduced as an ally, Lin assumes the primary Iron Fist role after Rand's apparent death, training under his predecessor and ultimately leading diverse ensembles against threats like demonic invasions from the Seven Heavenly Cities. This progression underscores themes of legacy and renewal, positioning Lin as a bridge between classic Western-influenced heroes and a new era of globally resonant storytelling. Lin Lie's creation, developed in partnership with Chinese media company , reflects Marvel's broader global strategy to authentically engage East Asian audiences, including through bilingual publications of titles like Sword Master: Against the Dark Emperor released in both English and Mandarin. This initiative not only expands the character's reach but also influences Marvel's approach to diverse representation, prioritizing co-created content that resonates across cultures.

Collected editions and appearances

Key collected editions

Lin Lie's stories as Sword Master and Iron Fist have been compiled in several key trade paperbacks and hardcovers, focusing on his origin, team adventures, and solo exploits. These editions provide accessible entry points for readers, bundling his early appearances and major arcs while highlighting his evolution from a sword-wielding hero to the bearer of the Iron Fist power. The debut English collection, Sword Master Vol. 1: War of the Ancients (published February 2020), gathers Sword Master (2019) #1-6. This volume introduces Lin Lie as Sword Master, a young resident who inherits the mystical Sword of Fu Xi from his archaeologist father and battles demonic forces tied to ancient . The story explores his awakening of the blade's powers and his quest to find his missing family, marking the start of his heroic career. Aero & Sword Master: Origins and Odysseys (published August 2020) collects Aero #1-6 and Sword Master #1-6. This trade paperback pairs Lin Lie with fellow member Aero, delving into their backstories and initial clashes with supernatural threats across . It emphasizes Lin Lie's role in the broader lineup, showcasing his sword-based combat against elemental and demonic foes while foreshadowing team dynamics. Agents of Atlas: Pandemonium (published February 2020) compiles (2019) #1-5. Here, Lin Lie joins the reformed under in adventures following his debut, including battles against threats like the Protector of Pan and science-magic conspiracies. The arc solidifies his place among heroes like and Aero. Lin Lie's transition to Iron Fist is captured in the 2022 trade paperback collecting Iron Fist (2022) #1-5 (released November 2022). This edition covers his solo miniseries, where he journeys to K'un-Lun, defeats the dragon Shou-Lao, and absorbs its chi, granting him the Iron Fist power in a unique manner distinct from traditional bearers. The narrative follows Lin Lie confronting ancient evils and personal demons, establishing his legitimacy as the 67th Iron Fist through trials in K'un-Lun and beyond. Looking ahead, the upcoming The Undead Iron Fist trade paperback (scheduled for June 2026), written by Jason Loo, will feature stories from Lin Lie's ongoing tenure as Iron Fist, including a current tale amid threats to K'un-Lun (exact issues TBA).

Notable comic appearances

Lin Lie first appeared in Warriors of Three Sovereigns #1 (2018), with his English-language debut as Sword Master in War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #2 (2019), marking his introduction as a member of the Warriors of the Three Sovereigns during the War of the Realms event. His early prominence grew through the series, where he featured prominently in issues #1–5 from 2019 to 2020, establishing his role in the multinational superhero team combating threats in , with further appearances in limited series like (2020) #1-5. Lin Lie's solo narrative as Iron Fist began in Iron Fist vol. 6 #1–5, spanning 2022, in which he inherits the mantle and explores his chi-powered abilities while facing personal and mystical challenges. In crossovers, he appeared in #1–5 (2020), setting up his transition to the Iron Fist legacy through interactions with the Master of Kung Fu. More recently, Lin Lie joined digital team-ups in the Marvel Rivals Infinity Comic #1–8 (2024–2025), showcasing collaborative battles in a tie-in to the video game universe. Minor and guest roles include a cameo in Avengers vol. 8 #50–55 (2023) during a major event, highlighting his involvement in broader Marvel crossovers. He is also profiled in entries in 2022 and 2024, detailing his powers, history, and status as the current Iron Fist. As of 2025, Lin Lie has accumulated approximately 47 major comic appearances, with a growing emphasis on lead roles following his 2022 Iron Fist tenure.

In other media

Video games

In , Lin Lie is unlockable as Sword Master, with uniforms updated in 2023 that incorporate elements blending his blade summons and Iron Fist heritage for skills like Chain Slash, a stunning physical attack, and Sky Slicer, an invincible aerial strike infusing chi energy. His combat-oriented kit focuses on energy attacks and recovery, with Berserk passive granting attack speed and critical rate boosts, allowing hybrid plays that summon sword projections alongside fist-enhanced melee for team defense leadership. Lin Lie appears as a playable character in Marvel Rivals, a 2024 team-based developed by Games, where he embodies the Iron Fist mantle as a Duelist specializing in melee combat enhanced by chi energy. His moveset features chi punch combos such as , a series of five high-speed strikes culminating in a knockback on the sixth hit, and Yat Jee Chung Kuen, a flurry of nine punches dealing damage plus a percentage of the target's maximum health, activated after using Dragon's Defense for hybrid melee pressure. Sword remnants from his Sword of Fu Xi backstory integrate into his chi-fused abilities, allowing for fluid transitions between fist strikes and energy projections, while synergies with members like Luna Snow enable team healing via Lunar Chi during Harmony Recovery. The character's ultimate, Living Chi, amplifies his Yat Jee Chung Kuen with 30% increased damage, 20% speed boost, and doubled range, channeling the power of Shou-Lao in a dragon-inspired form for devastating close-range dominance. Gameplay emphasizes Lin Lie's mobility and survivability, with abilities like K'un-Lun Kick for gap-closing flying strikes that double damage against low-health foes, Crane Leap for midair jumps, and Wall Runner for wall traversal, making him ideal for flanking in objective-based matches. Authentic wushu animations, motion-captured to reflect like and , provide responsive and visually dynamic controls, voiced by Stephen Fu in English for immersive delivery. Developed with an eye toward appeal in Asia by , the character received balance patches in 2025, including nerfs to Dragon's Defense health conversion in May and Yat Jee Chung Kuen damage adjustments in October, refining his viability in competitive play. Lin Lie appears as the Sword Master card in , a developed by Second Dinner, where his ability summons a random sword projection to deal damage or enhance attacks, reflecting his mystical weapon heritage. As of November 2025, Lin Lie was added to as a playable Sword Master character in a mobile RPG developed by , wielding the Sword of Fu Xi for sword-based attacks against demonic foes, with skills emphasizing leadership in team compositions featuring allies.

Merchandise and adaptations

Lin Lie, known as Sword Master and later the Iron Fist, has seen limited official merchandise as of November 2025, primarily driven by fan demand following his debut in through a collaboration with Chinese publisher . This partnership, aimed at expanding Marvel's presence in , introduced Lin Lie alongside other characters like Aero to appeal to Asian audiences, but it has not yet extended to widespread consumer products beyond comics. Fan-created items fill much of the gap in official merchandise. Custom action figures, such as a Marvel Legends-style Iron Fist variant depicting Lin Lie with interchangeable sword and fist hands, have been produced by enthusiasts and shared online, reflecting interest in his unique blend of heritage and mystical weaponry. Similarly, community discussions highlight desires for official collectibles like Funko Pop! figures of Sword Master (envisioned for a 2022 release) or Iron Fist (2024), though no such products from or have materialized. In terms of apparel and region-specific items, NetEase's involvement has focused on digital and print media rather than physical goods, with no confirmed exclusive lines like clothing or accessories in the Chinese market. Expansions into trading cards or statues remain absent, though Lin Lie's growing role in games like Marvel Rivals has indirectly boosted calls for broader merchandising in Asia, where his cultural ties resonate strongly. Adaptations beyond comics are speculative but promising. Rumors persist of Lin Lie's introduction in live-action, including potential teases in a Shang-Chi sequel as part of the Agents of Atlas storyline, aligning with Marvel Studios' efforts to diversify its Asian representation. Animated appearances, such as a hypothetical team-up in What If...? season 3, have been discussed in fan analyses tied to Iron Fist lore, but no confirmed cameos exist. These developments underscore Lin Lie's potential for non-interactive media extensions, though production details remain unverified.

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  51. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Marvel-Rivals/Iron_Fist-Lin-Lie/
  52. https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250522/41667_1236166.html
  53. https://marvelrivals.gg/marvel-rivals-version-20251010-season-4-5-balance-patch-notes/
  54. https://www.instagram.com/p/DRFGWIqjwrj/
  55. https://www.ebay.com/itm/115879924160
  56. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-44078700
  57. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEz7mf4x1Yu/?hl=en
  58. https://www.reddit.com/r/ActionFigures/comments/1hro52l/im_looking_for_a_funko_poptype_lin_lie_iron_fist/
  59. https://comicbookmovie.com/shang_chi/rumor-shang-chi-2-will-introduce-the-agents-of-atlas-and-iron-fist-production-may-be-gearing-up-in-the-uk-a216829
  60. https://www.cbr.com/what-if-season-3-xi-iron-fist/
  61. https://thecosmiccircus.com/how-lin-lie-could-become-the-mcus-iron-fist/
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