Warning: contains spoilers for Iron Man #20!
Marvel's famous original Ten Rings of Iron Man fame have returned to comics - but the MCU version of the same weapons, taken directly from the Shang-Chi film, have already taken their place. The aforementioned artifacts acquired an awe-inspiring reputation while on Earth (they originate from space) and became a source of considerable power for their wielders. But Iron Man #20 brings back the Ten Rings at the end of a climactic issue - and they may even come face-to-face with their Ten Rings counterparts from the MCU.
The original Ten Rings were worn by the Mandarin, an Iron Man villain introduced in Tales of Suspense #50 in 1959. Created by the Makluans, a dragon-like alien race, each ring provides the Mandarin with a different supernatural ability: the "Zero" ring can freeze enemies, the "Lightning" ring emits powerful electric blasts, "Nightbringer" can absorb all light within a given area, etc. Other villains have obtained the rings in the past, but they are most commonly associated with the Mandarin, who studied Makluan technology for many years to master each ring.
In Iron Man #20, written by Christopher Cantwell with art by Angel Unzueta, Tony Stark is back from rehab but unfortunately decides to propose to Hellcat in a fairly frivolous manner; although Patsy Walker is in love with Tony, Hellcat ultimately rejects Tony's proposal, asking for time to think about it. A distraught Tony is left alone - and with so much on his mind, has neglected to pick up a very important phone call from Vic Martinelli, former Chief of Security at Stark International. "I need you to call me back," Vic says in a voicemail to Stark. "I've got something here...and I could really, really use your help." The unmistakable original Ten Rings are seen contained in a briefcase, in Martinelli's possession.
These Ten Rings are not the only Ten Rings in the comics at the present moment. The final few issues of 2022's Shang-Chi series also introduced a new set of Ten Rings: the prized weapons of the Jade Emperor himself. They appear to have the same powers as the Shang-Chi MCU variants, but are clearly supernatural in nature, while the Ten Rings of the Mandarin were created with alien technology.
As of this moment, the two sets of Ten Rings make for a grand total of twenty powerful rings in the Marvel Comics universe. Marvel's attempt to create synergy between the comics and the films has resulted in an overabundance of similar weapons, but it is possible the two sets of rings will meet in battle in the future. For now, Iron Man must contend with the rings of one of his greatest foes - and Shang-Chi must control the power of his own Ten Rings without giving in to evil.