The Hands OF Shang-Chi Master Of Kung Fu #103

One-time inker Gene Day took over the penciling chores on Marvel Comics' The Hands OF Shang-Chi Master Of Kung Fu title beginning with issue #100.

Doug Moench continued writing the book after Paul Gulacy stopped penciling the series and Gene Day took over.

At first Gene's pencils and inks were competent but nothing spectacular. However after only a short period of time something remarkable happened.  

Gene became obsessed with turning out some of the most detailed and intricate pencils and inks produced for a comic book up until that time. 

This became especially evident the more he got into the series.  Elaborate border designs, intricate shadow studies and amazing architectural and interior layouts dazzled the eye.

This really starts to shine through beginning with issue #103.

Gene’s innovative page payouts, eye for details and character development were starting to emerge.

Before long his full creative potential was in full swing.

Gene made the book his own and poured his heart and soul into each page.

Elaborate oriental design motifs, the increasing use of shadows and his determination and obsession to make the book a true work of art took its toll on Gene.

His poor eating habits, lack of sleep and other factors led to his early death shortly after he completed issue #120.

Sadly his career was cut short.  Comicdom would never know the creative heights Gene would have been capable of.

It is remarkable that in so short a period of time how much his work improved, as did his story telling talent and his unswerving attention to details.  

The comic book industry and the world lost a remarkable talent.  He was destined to be one of the great comic book artists ranking up there with such luminaries as Steranko, Kirby and Adams.