Bruce Lee – The Dragon Rises #1: A Comic Tribute to the
Immortal Martial Arts Icon
Genre
Action, Martial Arts, Mystery, Science Fiction
Main Characters
- Bruce
Lee – Reimagined as alive in the modern day, struggling with memory
loss but still possessing legendary martial arts prowess.
- Joe
Toomey – A streetwise private investigator and Bruce’s flamboyant best
friend from the 1970s.
- Juni
and Dev – Two sharp-witted teenagers who get caught up in Bruce’s
mysterious resurgence.
- The
Villain – A shadowy antagonist whose intentions are unclear but seem
tied to Bruce’s disappearance and return.
Writer
Jeff Kline – Known for his work on animated series
like Transformers: Prime, Kline brings his storytelling experience to
craft a narrative that blends nostalgia with modern intrigue.
Artist
Brandon McKinney – His clean, dynamic artwork
captures the energy of martial arts action while also maintaining a classic
comic book feel that suits the '70s flair of the story.
Editor Details
Renae Geerlings – Ensures continuity and tone align
with both the legacy of Bruce Lee and the tone of a new adventure that respects
old-school kung fu storytelling.
Publisher and Brand
Darby Pop Publishing in collaboration with the Bruce
Lee Foundation – This partnership guarantees authenticity and a respectful
portrayal of the martial arts legend’s legacy.
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
Set in an alternate timeline where Bruce Lee never died, The
Dragon Rises #1 opens with the martial arts icon waking up in a modern
world that feels alien to him. Without any memory of who he is or how he got
there, Bruce teams up with Joe Toomey, a retro-styled private eye stuck in the
'70s, and two savvy teenagers. As Bruce uncovers fragments of his past, he
discovers that his reappearance is no accident—and someone dangerous is hunting
him. The story begins a journey of rediscovery, conspiracy, and action-packed
martial arts as Bruce grapples with his identity and a threat that could shake
the world.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
While Issue #1 primarily sets the stage, it
introduces elements of an overarching mystery involving Bruce's lost years and
an unknown technological or supernatural force that might explain his
immortality. The series hints at future clashes with a nemesis and internal
conflict as Bruce is forced to reconcile with a world that’s moved on.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Fans speculate that Bruce Lee’s immortality could be linked
to experimental science or even spiritual phenomena. Some believe the villain
represents a government agency or secret organization aiming to control or
replicate Bruce's abilities. Others interpret the comic as a metaphor for Bruce
Lee’s undying cultural legacy, suggesting that the “immortal” version of Bruce
is symbolic rather than literal.
Review Summary
Bruce Lee – The Dragon Rises #1 is a fun, fast-paced entry into a universe that dares to imagine a world where Bruce Lee is still alive—and still fighting. The art by Brandon McKinney is fluid and action-ready, capturing Lee’s trademark motion with flair. Jeff Kline’s writing balances nostalgia with a fresh twist, giving us a Bruce who is both a fighter and a man searching for purpose. Characters are colorful and endearing, though the first issue leans more on setup than deep development. Overall, it’s a promising and respectful homage that blends mystery, martial arts, and a hint of sci-fi with heart.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
