With the Great Protector, Shang-Chi just gave the Marvel Cinematic Universe a new dragon, but the comic book Marvel Universe has many more.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Shang-Chi & The Legend of the Ten Rings, now in theaters.
Shang-Chi & The Legend of the Ten Rings has introduced the Marvel Cinematic Universe to a whole new world of fantasy, thanks in no small part to the Great Protector, the guardian of Ta Lo. Though she is the first to be given a proper, full appearance on screen, the Great Protector isn’t the first dragon to be seen in the MCU, an honor given to Iron Fist‘s Shou-Lao.
However, these aren’t the only famous dragons that Marvel has to offer, and the Marvel Universe is filled with dragons of mystical and alien origins that have fought with and against Marvel’s comic book heroes for decades. Now, we’re taking a closer look at a few of these giant-size Marvel Universe creatures.
Shou Lao
Only briefly glimpsed yet frequently mentioned on Netflix’s Iron Fist, the Shou Lao of the comics serves an even greater purpose than their MCU counterpart. First introduced in 1974’s Marvel Premiere #16 by Len Wein, Roy Thoma, and Larry Hama, the ancient dragon Shou-Lao is the power source of the Iron Fist and the mystic city of K’un-Lun itself. Most fans know Shou-Lao by its relationship to Danny Rand, but the dragon’s history stretches back over one million years to the first Iron Fist, Fan Fei. By killing Shou-Lao in an act of just defiance, Fan Fei transformed herself into the Iron Fist and set a precedent for the dragon’s place in the Marvel Universe.
Sadurang
The ancient, Asgardian dragon Sadurang built his reputation on his horde of riches and mastery of the mystic arts he acquired under Dormammu’s tutelage. When he was originally introduced in 2019’s Tony Stark: Iron Man #12 by Gail Simone and Paolo Villanelli, Sadurang had been convinced by Malekith to confront and defeat the titular hero on his behalf. This would weaken Midgard’s defenses against the Dark Elf army, as well as provide Sadurang with a substantial addition to his treasure trove. After wreaking havoc on New York City, Sadurang was finally overwhelmed by Iron Man despite having transmuted his armor. Most recently he has been seen battling the Savage Avengers and Juggernaut with explosive results.
Fin Fang Foom
Fin Fang Foom might just be the most iconic dragon in the entire Marvel Universe, with his history stretching back to 1961’s Strange Tales #89 in a self-titled story by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby. Shockingly enough, Fin Fang Foom isn’t even a dragon, but a member of the alien race known as the Makluans. These shapeshifting beings are typically kind and peaceful, but Fin Fang Foom was among a crew of them who left their homeworld in search of others to conquer. While his comrades hid amongst humanity, Fin Fang Foom slumbered for centuries. Since awaking Fin Fang Foom has faced off against the Fantastic Four and a plethora of other Marvel heroes, although he has made great strides towards becoming a relatively more heroic version of himself as is possible in recent years.
Lockheed
Despite his smaller stature, Lockheed, Kitty Pride’s longtime companion who first appeared in 1983’s Uncanny X-Men #166 by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, is another alien who just so happens to look like a dragon. He’s been a steadfast ally of Pryde and the X-Men, staying by Pryde’s side throughout her time with various teams. At one point after Pryde was left hurtling through the universe in isolation, an aggravated Lockheed joined S.W.O.R.D. before returning to the X-Men.
Even though the Marvel Universe is ostensibly based in science fiction, there’s still enough room for dragons, regardless of whether or not they have origins in space, science or magic.
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