A casual cartography of Kung Fu Fiction’s landscape. Wuxia & Xianxia across Western comics, kids books and a some YA lit. With a bit of Chinese Astrology for a compass.

Firstly, martial arts and associated teaching and imagery can fairly easily be found under the surface of most popular media.

Additionally, occasionally such themes surface and interest in kung fu fiction becomes almost mainstream.

Moreover, this popularity ebbs and flows with what can be marked in approximate 12 year cycles.

Consider Enter the Dragon (1973), The Last Dragon (1985), Once Upon a Time in China and America (1997).

However, anyone familiar with those movies will understand that before Enter the Dragon there was Fists of Fury (1972).

Additionally, The Matrix debuted in 1999.

Setting aside movie premieres, let’s look at the more fertile and faster sprouting grounds of the printed word.

Using the start of the shēngxiào in 2020, casual observation of these narratives reveals shifts away from basic fight choreography.

It moves toward a more integrated cosmology.

We map these variations in kung fu fiction across YA, comics, and indie works.

Additionally, we observe the evolution of how “martial thinking” is understood among creators and their audiences.

These kinds of stories can be labeled under genre categories Wuxia or Xianxia. Differences may hard to identify among the casual reader not deeply steeped in this kind of fiction. Both genres originate from Chinese fiction and are heavily influenced by the philosophies in Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Martial Arts. We might draw a distinction between wuxia fiction revolving around concepts of refinement, and self-cultivation (leveling-up) with combat as expressions of discipline and identity. Xianxia can be considered more closely related to mythology, folk lore and cosmology. One might see the distinction as the differences between tales of King Arthur & Camelot and that of The Iliad and The Odyssey.

In the post-modern context of modern day fiction the tropes which define genre distinctions are regularly deconstructed and reinvented. Across this corpus I’ll aim to illustrate how recent interpretations reveal a sort of transformative arc. It’s an arc that students of the martial arts will find familiar – discipline ↔︎ system ↔︎ psychology ↔︎ metaphysics ↔︎ myth ↔︎ cosmology. As we discussed using movie releases above, these facets do not present as hard distinctions. Instead, they blend into each other along that arc. Any given work of fiction will access them to varying degrees while still appearing more recognizable as wuxia: grounded in “reality” based martial arts or much more fantastical xianxia.

Loose Example: the middl- grade graphic novel series A Tiger’s Tale placed within this spectrum.

Additional details I’ll demarcate –

🏢 Traditionally published
📗 Kickstarter / indie-published
📖 Prose fiction (martial arts or mythological)
⚔️ Graphic novels / comics
👤 Biography / real-world narrative

👹 Author Note: This essay will not cover independently published ebooks nor Manga, Manhua or Chitrakatha.

2020

⚔️ Shang-Chi

Reading Level: YA
Published: 2020 (various relaunches)
Creator(s): Gene Luen Yang (Writer), various (Artists)
Publisher: Marvel 🏢

2020 marked the return of one of western comics most iconic kung fu characters, Shang Chi. Originally published during America’s 1970’s era infatuation with the martial arts, Marvel Comic’s character Shang Chi appeared in titles like Master of Kung Fu and The Deadly Hands of Kung Fu. His return in a self-titled comic was intended to coincide with the character’s cinematic debut. A concerted effort was made to place the character on equal footing with other A-list superheroes. The series examines inherited doctrine, and moral resistance against authoritarianism. Shang-Chi’s identity is shaped by rejection and reinterpretation of his martial upbringing, making discipline both a burden and liberating force within a global espionage/superhero framework.

⚔️ Immortal Studios

Reading Level: YA
Date Published: 2020 (various series launches)
Creator(s): Various
Publisher: Immortal Studios 📗 🏢

Immortal Studios enters the public eye as an an original content studio exhibiting a modern approach to wuxia’s tradition for sharing stories of empowerment, self-discovery and connection. Launching its flagship title The Adept in June of 2020 the YA friendly title frames martial training as the revelation of true identity, building the wuxia mythos in a modern urban setting. The success of this title would lead to the release of Assassin G a modern comic adaptation of Shiao Yi’s classic wuxia saga Gan the 19th Sister, a landmark work in the Chinese-speaking world, adapted for television four times. Set in the early 1980s the series brings a foundational wuxia story into English comics for the first time, linking timeless chivalric ideals with a global audience. Fa Shen: Origins would follow, a Shaolin-inspired martial epic blending historical conflict with spiritual training and serving as an adjacent prequel to The Adept.

⚔️ Shaolin Cowboy: Start Trek

Reading Level: Mature Readers
Published: 2020
Creator: Geof Darrow (Writer/Artist)
Publisher: Dark Horse 🏢

2020 also saw the return of the ultimate hyper-detailed martial survival narrative. Here combat is continuous and environmental rather than structured. Our protagonist navigates overwhelming violence using endurance, and adaptation. Traditional martial training is replaced by survival logic expressed through absurdist, highly choreographed visual sequences. The work reframes martial arts as existential persistence under extreme conditions, where control is maintained through awareness rather than formal techniques. Very Zen.

⚔️ Shaolin Cowboy: Cruel to Be Kin

Reading Level: Mature Readers
Published: 2020
Creator: Geof Darrow
Publisher: Dark Horse 🏢

Continuing the surreal martial survival framework, this volume escalates chaotic combat environments while maintaining disciplined visual choreography. Martial identity is expressed through constant adaptation rather than structured progression. Violence is stylized into a nearly mythical visual language, but uses characters, dialogue and action to convey social & political satire. The narrative removes boundaries between combat and existence, making martial survival a continuous state.

2021

📖 The Last Fallen Star

Series: The Gifted Clans Series
Reading Level: YA
Date Published: May 2021
Creator: Graci Kim (Writer)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion 🏢
Imprint: Rick Riordan Presents

The second book, after Dragon Pearl, from this imprint to feature Korean mythology, This series featured a clan-based magical system structured like martial schools where progression depends on discipline, lineage, and structured training. The protagonist, Riley Oh, navigates expectations and identity conflict within rigid hierarchies. Training systems mirror martial rank advancement, where mastery is achieved through repetition, and emotional regulation; a creative flourish to be found in other books on this list. The narrative emphasizes that ability must be earned through structured refinement rather than innate power.

Learn More: Gracikim.com/books

⚔️ Issunboshi

Reading Level: Middle Grade / YA
Published: 2021
Creator: Ryan Lang (Writer/Artist)
Publisher: Independent 📗

A reinterpretation of Japanese folklore. In a feudal Japan where creatures of myth and folklore are real, a demon sets out to reforge an ancient weapon to take over the world. The only person who can stop him is a six inch tall “would be” samurai, who also happens to be the final and most important piece of the weapon. Focused on agility and intelligence rather than brute strength, our protagonist’s small stature forces adaptive martial strategies. Movement, efficiency and tactical awareness are central. Combat is framed as problem-solving through motion, this reflects classic martial philosophy emphasizing timing and position over force.

Where to find it: Kickstarter.com/projects/1748210404/issunboshi-a-graphic-novel or on Amazon.com.

⚔️ Monkey Prince

Reading Level: YA
Published: 2021–2022 (launch window)
Creator(s): Gene Luen Yang (Writer), Bernard Chang (Artist)
Publisher: DC 🏢

A modern reinterpretation and continuation of Journey to the West. Superheroes + mythology where martial identity is fluid and transformation-based. The comic’s fight choreography evokes the improvisational and unpredictable while its story is focused on mythic heritage. Our protagonist’s abilities reflects the trickster archetype, victory comes from redefining the conflict rather than direct force. Martial identity is tied to transformation and self-realization under pressure.

Learn More: Geneluenyang.com/books/monkey-prince

2022

The Year of the Water Tiger 4720 (2022) marked a high-water mark for Wuxia fiction. It may be that martial arts media hadn’t been as popular since the 1970’s. Theater goers were treated to Marvel’s SHANG CHI: AND THE LEGEND OF THE 10 RINGS over the previous summer and its impact effected readers over the following couple of years. NOTE: The titles listed here is only a curated portion drawn from the number of other Martial Arts themed books and comics released over this year.

📖 Daughter of the Moon Goddess

Series: Celestial Kingdom
Reading Level: YA
Date Published: January 2022
Creator(s): Sue Lynn Tan (Writer)
Publisher: Harper Voyager 🏢

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind. Mythological fantasy rooted in sword training and a celestial martial hierarchy.

Learn More: Suelynntan.com

📖 Ebony Gate.

Series: Phoenix Horde
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Date Published: July 2022
Creator(s): Julia Vee, Ken Bebelle (Writers)
Publisher: Tor Books 🏢

A female John Wick vs. dragon magic set in contemporary San Francisco’s Chinatown. Emiko Soong belongs to one of the eight premier magical families of the world. But Emiko never needed magic because she is the Blade (chief assassin/executioner) of the Soong Clan… or was. Peak urban wuxia built around assassins and warrior clans governed by inherited martial disciplines. Identity is shaped through lineage and structured around martial training to achieve a place in the supernatural hierarchy. The narrative blends modern urban fantasy with classical martial arts tropes. Martial ability is not individualistic but deeply embedded in clan structure, obligation, and hidden world governance systems.

Learn More: Juliavee.com/ or Kenbebelle.com

⚔️ A Tiger’s Tale – volume 1

Series: Tales from the Kung Fu Forest
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Date Published: July 2022
Creator: Patrick Lugo (Writer/Artist)
Publisher: PLUGOarts 📗

A wuxia inspired martial philosophy narrative emphasizing lineage, discipline, and pacifism told through symbolic animal archetypes. Martial training is tied to emotional development and internal balance. The story uses structured progression where mastery is achieved through mentorship and self-mastery. The journey depicted in the narrative reflects in the characters’ internal process. Martial identity is presented as both physical practice and philosophical discipline.

Learn More: aTigersTale.com

⚔️ Dasig

Reading Level: YA
Published: 2022
Creator: Christian Cabuay (Writer/Artist)
Publisher: Independent 📗

Dasig is a young warrior-in-training struggling to focus on her pursuits. Her Datu (chief) is very aware of this and has her asking herself a very important question to consider: Why does she want to be a warrior? As she seeks an answer, danger enters the horizon when invaders from an unknown land threaten to take over. As her Datu gets ready for battle, Dasig wonders if her focus is in the right place to where she’ll be able to fight off the pending threat. It’s a universal coming-of-age story with parallels to today’s issues and aspirations. This historical fiction draws from actual events in Philippine history and cultural practices. A grounded portrayal of Filipino martial traditions emphasizing real-world combat systems, cultural heritage, and physical discipline. Martial practice is shown as community-based knowledge passed through lived experience. Combat is realistic and emphasizes flow, control, and tactical awareness rather than stylized fantasy mechanics.

Where to find it: Kickstarter.com/projects/baybayin/dasig-graphic-novel

Other titles which appeared in 2022

Interest in crowdfunded comics boomed over this and the following year. Some titles mentioned would not complete production until later. Their appears marks the expanding interest in martial arts action in fiction and wuxia sensibilities. There of these four titles represent radical departures from traditional tropes incorporating Hip-Hop, Sci-Fi or Superhero genre crossover respectively.

GRATUITOUS NINJA: A Stealth Epic • April 2022 • Beehive Books 📗 🏢
Three Protectors • June 2022 • Invader Comics 📗 🏢
Punk Rawk Ninja • July 2022 • Indie-Published 📗
Fa Shang: Origins • October 2022 • Immortal Studios 📗🏢

2023

📖 The Heavenly Sword

Series: Sword Maiden from the Moon
Reading Level: YA
Date Published: January 2023
Creator: Alice Poon (Writer)
Publisher: Earnshaw Books Ltd 🏢

Set in a world of human conflicts, fantastical martial arts, sorcery and celestial magic, The Heavenly Sword, follows a martial maiden’s heartbreaking adventures in her quest for love and justice. Mytical creatures and folk dieties are reborn as mortal agents in a world brought into conflict by material ambitions. Part one of a duology weaving Chinese mythical folklore and speculative history into a sweeping tale of family, fellowship, loss, and kung fu rivalry. All set in a world of human conflicts, fantastical martial arts and celestial magic.

Learn More: Alice Poon’s Amazon Profile

📖 Kung Fu Master

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Date Published: February 2023
Creator: Marty Chan (Writer)
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers 🏢

After watching a kung fu action movie, Jon and his best buddy pretend to be martial-arts warriors. Word soon spreads that Jon is a kung fu master, and the kids begin to treat him differently. Rather than correct the mistake, Jon plays the role and basks in the positive attention from his classmates. But when the school bully challenges him to prove his skills, Jon must figure out a way to somehow keep his status as the cool kid. Without getting pulverized. A comedic martial arts identity story exploring stereotype, expectation, and cultural perception. Kung fu is used as a lens for personal growth. The story emphasizes humility, persistence, and learning through effort.

Learn More: OrcaBook.com

⚔️ Shadow Ghost: A Kung Fu Comic by a Kung Fu Master

Reading Level: YA
Published: 2023
Creator: Sifu Kurtis Fujita
Publisher: Independent / 5th Ring Studios 📗

An urban martial narrative blending traditional training and psychological discipline with a modern day setting. The protagonist is both an actual person and a legendary persona. Identity is fluid and survival depends on perception control. Martial philosophy emphasizes mental discipline as much as physical skill, aligning with warrior archetypes found in both in wuxia storytelling and the occidental hero’s journey.

Learn More: TheShadowGhost.com/

⚔️ Zhao

Reading Level: YA
Published: 2023
Creative Team: Kang Jing (Creator, Writer, Artist, Letterer), Alan Bay (Colorist), Api Ngo (Co-Writer, Editor)
Publisher: Publisher: Chiral Comics 📗

The once-mighty Song Dynasty falls after four decades of conflict ushering in the Yuan Dynasty. Caught in the tides of history, Zhao Ming, Spear-Master and revered General of the Song armies, his wife and three sons embody the dwindling embers of a once-glorious dynasty. Living concealed lives under false identities for years, their world is irrevocably altered by a single reckless moment. A quintessential wuxia story recast with modern sensibilities. Martial Arts mastery as family tradition, duty & honor reflect the historical context in which this story takes place.

See More: ChiralComics.com

⚔️ The Monkey King

Reading Level: YA
Published: 2023
Creator: Chaiko (writer/artist)
Publisher: Magnetic Press 🏢

Notes Section:
An adaptation of Journey to the West, the myth of Sun Wukong emphasizing transformation within identity. Combat is fluid, improvisational, and rooted in adaptability. Martial mastery is an expression of spiritual growth rather than the result of structured training.

Learn More: Magnetic-Press.com/monkey-king/

Other titles which appeared in 2023

Interest in martial arts action in fiction and wuxia sensibilities remains evident.

The Shaolin Nun • March 2023 • Indie-Published 📗
I AM QIDO: Far East Fantasy Horror Graphic Novel • September 2023 • Insymmetry Creations LLC 📗 🏢

2024

⚔️ A Tiger’s Tale volume 2

Series: Tales from the Kung Fu Forest
Reading Level: Middle Grade / YA
Date Published: July 2024
Creator: Patrick Lugo (Writer/Artist)
Publisher: PLUGOarts 📗

A continuation of the wuxia martial philosophy established in volume one. Expanding beyond lineage conflict and structured training systems, the narrative deepens the symbolic use of animal archetypes representing competing martial philosophies. Rather than a structured pedagogy, lessons are imparted through travel in the world, emphasizing refinement over achievement. The tale frames mastery as the continuous evolution of discipline, compassion and balance with one’s environment.

Learn More: aTigersTale.com

📖 Blood Jade

Series: Phoenix Horde
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Date Published: July 2024
Creator(s): Julia Vee, Ken Bebelle (Writers)
Publisher: Tor Books 🏢

This work of urban Wuxia expands beyond rival clans governed by inherited martial disciplines. Protagonist Emiko Soong, newly minted Sentinel of the sentient city San Francisco is called by the city and one of its most powerful clans to investigate a murder. She traces the killer whose power signature bears a haunting similarity to her mother’s talent. The trail leads her to the sentient city of Tokyo where the thread she pulls threatens to unravel her whole world and bring dark family secrets to light. Leveling up from a clan based supernatural hierarchy of martial arts. The narrative blends traditional folk lore with urban fantasy. Martial sects are now defined as Municipal identity with powersets reflecting species differentiation.

Learn More: https://torpublishinggroup.com/blood-jade/?isbn=9781250837929

⚔️ Rise of the Kung Fu Dragon Master

Reading Level: YA
Date Published: September 30 2024
Creator(s): Chris Mancini (Writer), Fernando Pinto (Illustrator)
Publisher: White Cat Entertainment 📗 🏢

A comedic approach to genre blending where action is an expression of humor. The Mystical elements are played loosely with visuals used to convey hip-hop aesthetics.

Learn More: https://www.whitecatentertainment.com/product/rise-of-the-kung-fu-dragon-master-deluxe/

2025

📖 Pearl City

Series: Phoenix Horde
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Date Published: July 2025
Creator(s): Julia Vee, Ken Bebelle (Writers)
Publisher: Tor Books 🏢

Notes Section:
This urban Wuxia fantasy comes to its conclusion as protagonist Emiko Soong must contend with adversities which are ultimately mythical in proportion. San Francisco, where her power is greatest, erupts into clan war and Emiko’s life becomes a treacherous quicksand of friend and foe. When an ancient power rips through the Realm to land in her city, Emiko must face her past, present, and future, as she races to stop calamity from consuming her city. To do so she operates at a scale far beyond sword duels and taps into the nature of her reality instead.

Learn More: https://torpublishinggroup.com/pearl-city/?isbn=9781250837967&format=hardback

⚔️ The Dancer

Reading Level: Mature Readers
Published: 2025
Creator(s): Phil Falco (Writer/Artist)
Publisher: Lifeline Comics 📗

A psychological martial narrative exploring trauma, conditioning, and fragmented identity, it focuses on the beauty and brutality of dance and martial arts. Martial training is inseparable from the systems that shape identity and behavior. The story emphasizes internal conflict as central to martial mastery and delves into the morally gray psyche of a professional assassin.

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/philfalco/dancer-vol-1

⚔️ Undead Iron Fist

Reading Level: YA
Published: 2025
Creators: Jason Loo (Writer), Fran Galán (Artist)
Publisher: Marvel 🏢

After killing off the character of Daniel Rand, the original 1970’s era Iron Fist, he is resurrected in this series where the character contends with an admixture of mythologies more deeply steeped in Marvel comics continuity than any particular myth, cosmology or philosophy. Notable for superhero trope mixing.

👤 Who Smashed Hollywood Barriers with Gung Fu? Bruce Lee

Series: A Who HQ Graphic Novel
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Published: 2025
Creator(s): Teresa Robeson (Writer), Ryan Inaza (Artist)
Publisher: Penguin Workshop 🏢

A graphic biography detailing Bruce Lee’s martial philosophy and cultural impact. It emphasizes discipline, innovation and a rejection of stereotypes in martial arts representation. The combat depicted is based on real-life action choreography and Bruce Lee’s approach to action as an expression of philosophy rather than violence.

Learn More: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com

2026

⚔️ Avatar: The Last Air Bender

FIRE AND FAMILY TREASURY LIBRARY EDITION HC

Reading Level: Young Readers
Year Published: 2026
Creators: Writer: Faith Erin Hicks · Bryan Konietzko · Michael Dante DiMartino
Artist: Peter Wartman
Publisher: Dark Horse 🏢

This Hardcover deluxe edition collects a selection of previously published stand alone stories.

THE KYOSHI WARRIORS

Reading Level: Young Readers
Published: 2026
Creators: Writer: Brandon Hoàng (Writer), Bell Bessa (Artist)
Publisher: Dark Horse 🏢

Also in 2026 this new 3-issue series was released featuring a new story following Kyoshi Warriors and their first steps into the wider world! This story bridges the gap between the first two animated show appearances of Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors. A nostalgic revival of a paradigm shifting work of english language wuxia fiction, the Avatar franchise.

⚔️ Deadly Hands of K’un-Lun

Reading Level: YA
Published: 2026
Creators: Yifan Jiang (Writer), Paco Medina & Alessandro Miracolo (Artists)
Publisher: Marvel 🏢

A Superhero team composed of wuxia & xianxia archetypes. Iterations of Marvel’s Iron Fist character are placed side by side with mythological yokai in superhero form. Projects like this strike a balance between understanding of the folklore which underscore these character archetypes and how that lore might fit into the canon of the Marvel Universe’s preexisting cosmology.

⚔️ Undead Kungfu Ghost Killer

Reading Level: YA / Mature Readers
Published: 2026
Creator(s): Patrick Lugo (Writer/Artist)
Publisher: PLUGOarts 📗

A hybrid martial horror narrative where the kung fu choreography supplies the needed comedy. Combat extends beyond physicality into a subtext of spiritual confrontation. Blending horror pacing with structured martial choreography to convey a modern take on lesser known folklore.

Learn More : https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/plugoarts/undead-kungfu-ghost-killer-1-halloween-comic-annual

📖 Martial Hero: A Limited-Edition Wuxia Fantasy Anthology

Reading Level: YA / Mature Readers
Published: 2026
Editors: Julia Vee & Ken Bebelle
Contributors: See Below.
Publisher: Sixth Moon Press 📗

Martial Hero gathers sixteen original tales spanning mist-wreathed mountain sects and heartbreaking duels between lovers, neon-drenched cyberpunk skylines where cultivators hack their bodies with cybernetic enhancements, classic martial realms, modern-day underworlds, and everything in between.

This project launched on Kickstarter on June 6 2026 and achieved its funding goal with-in 15 minutes. Completing their campaign having raised 1653% of their initial goal, this provides an excellent proof of the ongoing interest in and sophistication with these genres.

Yet to Come…

⚔️ Shadow Ghost vol 2

Reading Level: YA
Published: Coming in 2026
Creator: Sifu Kurtis Fujita
Publisher: Independent / 5th Ring Studios 📗

The urban martial narrative that captures traditional training and culture within a modern day setting i s slated to return to Kickstarter in 2026.