Drunken Fist is a bit of an outlier in our manga rankings, because it is not Japanese at all. It is a Hong Kong kung fu comic, a manhua, created by the legendary Tony Wong and brought to English readers by his own company, Jademan Comics, at the end of the 1980s. For many American readers, Jademan's glossy kung fu books were their first taste of Asian comics, years before the manga boom.

We have one of the biggest runs of Jademan's Drunken Fist we have seen, which is why it ranks so highly in our stock. This guide covers its history, the creators behind it and the issues we would point collectors to. Browse our Drunken Fist comics.

Tony Wong and the rise of Jademan

Tony Wong, also known as Wong Yuk-long, is often called the godfather of Hong Kong comics. He debuted as a teenager and in 1971 founded Jademan Holdings, which became one of the most prominent comic publishers in Hong Kong. His best-known series, Oriental Heroes (known in Chinese as Dragon-Tiger-Gate), was one of the best-selling comics in Hong Kong and was later adapted into the film Dragon Tiger Gate, in which Wong made a cameo.

In the late 1980s Jademan launched an English-language line in the United States, translating its kung fu titles for American comic shops. Drunken Fist was one of the flagships.

The story: kung fu, clans and impossible swords

The title refers to drunken boxing, a famous kung fu style that imitates the movements of a drunk to confuse opponents. The series is pure wuxia excitement: rival clans, legendary weapons, mysterious monks and duels that stretch across several issues. Issue titles like "The Ultimate Sword", "The Last Man of Emei Shan" and "The Death of the Demon Executioner" give you a sense of the tone.

Characters like Porky, Iron Law, Mystic and Madcap carry the story through feuds, betrayals and impossible fights, with Tony Wong's dynamic art sweeping across the page in full colour.

From page to screen: kung fu cinema

Drunken Fist was never adapted as an anime, but it belongs to the same world as Hong Kong kung fu cinema. Drunken boxing was popularised on screen by films like Jackie Chan's Drunken Master, and Hong Kong comics and films have influenced each other for decades. Wong's own Oriental Heroes became a live-action movie, showing how closely the two industries are linked.

Why Jademan's comics matter

Jademan's English line is an important, often forgotten chapter in the history of Asian comics in the West. Before Viz and Tokyopop made manga mainstream, these painted, full-colour kung fu books were on the racks of American comic shops. Wong's art also reached American superhero fans when he provided the art for Batman: Hong Kong, written by Doug Moench.

Collecting Drunken Fist

The Jademan issues are affordable and great fun to collect as a run. Condition varies a lot, since many copies were read hard, so it is worth checking grades. We currently have several in stock, including #3, The Ultimate Sword and #16, The Mysterious Monk, and some early issues in multiple copies.

Drunken Fist manga & anime timeline

Key characters in Drunken Fist

Curiosities collectors should know

Drunken Fist volumes worth knowing

• Vol. 1

  Drunken Fist Vol. 1

  1988 · Jademan Comics

  The first English issue from Jademan, a key piece of Asian comics history in the West.

  Browse our Drunken Fist manga
• Vol. 3

  Drunken Fist Vol. 3: The Ultimate Sword

  1988 · Jademan Comics

  The Ultimate Sword, an early high point of the series.

  View our copy
• Vol. 14

  Drunken Fist Vol. 14: The Death of the Demon Executioner

  1989 · Jademan Comics

  The Death of the Demon Executioner, a wedding that turns into a battle.

  Browse our Drunken Fist manga
• Vol. 17

  Drunken Fist Vol. 17: The Heaven Slaying Sword

  1989 · Jademan Comics

  The Heaven Slaying Sword, one of the most sought-after mid-run issues.

  Browse our Drunken Fist manga

Drunken Fist covers through the years

Jademan's painted covers are a big part of the fun. Tap a cover to find it in our shop.

Vol. 1 Vol. 3 Vol. 5 Vol. 6 Vol. 8 Vol. 10 Vol. 12 Vol. 14 Vol. 16 Vol. 17 Vol. 19 Vol. 21 Vol. 23 Vol. 25 Vol. 27 Vol. 28 Vol. 30 Vol. 32 Vol. 34 Vol. 36 Vol. 38 Vol. 39 Vol. 41 Vol. 43 Vol. 45 Vol. 47 Vol. 49 Vol. 50 Vol. 52 Vol. 54

Drunken Fist on our shelves right now

Here are some of the volumes we currently have in stock. Every copy is checked and graded before it is listed.

Vol. 3 Vol. 4 Vol. 16 Vol. 29 Vol. 33 Vol. 48

You can also browse every Drunken Fist book we stock.

Frequently asked questions about Drunken Fist

Condition grades on our listings follow our comic & book condition guide. Have Drunken Fist books of your own you would like to sell? Email us at contact@siomiccomics.com. Drunken Fist and all related characters are trademarks of Tony Wong / Jademan. Cover images are shown for reference.