Shou-Lao

Shou-Lao (alternatively spelled Shao-Lao) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Appearing primarily in association with Iron Fist, he is the source of power for him and other holders of the name.

Shou-Lao
Shou-Lao, Lei Kung, and Hope Summers as depicted in Avengers vs. X-Men #10 (August 2012). Art by Adam Kubert.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Marvel Premiere #16 (July 1974)
Created by	Len Wein (writer) Roy Thomas (writer) Larry Hama (artist)
In-story information
Species	Chinese dragon
Notable aliases	Shou-Lao the Undying
Abilities	Superhuman strength, durability, and speed Flight via wings Fire breath Color changing Immortality

Publication history

Shou-Lao first appeared in Marvel Premiere #16 (July 1974) and was created by Len Wein, Roy Thomas, and Larry Hama.

Fictional character biography

Shou-Lao is a Chinese dragon who was previously killed by K'un-L'un citizen Quan-St'ar and had its heart removed. Enraged at this, Yu-Ti banishes Quan-St'ar, resurrects Shou-Lao, and places it in a sacred cavern. Following this, Shou-Lao is repeatedly killed and resurrected as part of a trial undergone by holders of the Iron Fist mantle to gain his power.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

During the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline, Shou-Lao helps the Avengers battle the X-Men in K'un-L'un.^[6]

During the A.X.E.: Judgment Day event, Lin Lie is instructed to kill Shou-Lao, but refuses, and instead gains his power by having him give it willingly.^[7]

Powers and abilities

As a dragon, Shou-Lao possesses superhuman physical abilities and the ability to fly and breathe fire. Additionally, he does not age and possesses resistance to disease and the ability to camouflage himself.

In other media

Television

• Shou-Lao appears in Ultimate Spider-Man, voiced by Mark Hamill via Nightmare.^[8] This version lacks wings.
• Shou-Lao makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in a flashback in the Iron Fist episode "Dragon Plays with Fire". Finn Jones, who portrays Iron Fist, stated that Shou-Lao could not be shown onscreen due to budgetary constraints and would appear in future seasons, though this never came to pass.^{[9][10][11][12][13]} Additionally, The Defenders reveals that the bones of Shou-Lao's species contain a substance with resurrective properties, which is used by the Hand.

Video games

Shou-Lao appears in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2.^[14]