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Know Your Heroes: Luke Cage

By Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Sweet Christmas! Netflix has launched a familiar Marvel hero into small screen stardom with the first season of Luke Cage.  But who is the bulletproof "Power Man" who puts street thugs and corporate vultures in their place? 

Making his debut in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 in 1972, the super-powered crime fighter took on all street-level threats facing Harlem — provided they could pay his fee. Known for teaming up with martial artist Iron Fist, the Hero for Hire formerly known as Power Man would ultimately seek justice without compensation, turning his concerns to fatherhood and pushing the Avengers to be more proactive than reactive in their pursuit for justice.

Here we present a selection of graphic novels for fans of the show or just those looking to learn more about Marvel's hero of Harlem. As you'll discover below, Cage hasn't just increased in popularity over the years, he's also matured into a unifying force in the Marvel Universe.

 

Power Man and Iron Fist Epic Collection: Heroes for Hire

Power Man and Iron Fist Epic Collection: Heroes for Hire (MAY150834) presents the first meeting of the pair who would become one of Marvel Comics’ best-known duos. Together, Power Man and Iron Fist are heroes for hire, taking on any job, any challenge — so long as their clients can meet the price. But both heroes have long pasts and old foes out to destroy them. Between those menaces and making ends meet, it's a life short on downtime and long on action! This collection also introduces the pair’s allies Colleen Wing and Misty Knight, a.k.a. the Daughters of the Dragon.

 

Luke Cage: Second Chances Volume 1

In Luke Cage: Second Chances Volume 1 (JUN150838) and Volume 2 (DEC150902), Luke puts his Power Man persona aside (along with the trademark yellow shirt) and returns to his hero-for-hire roots, moving west and setting up shop in Chicago. But just because he's out of Harlem, doesn’t mean he's out of trouble, and Luke finds himself pitted against villains (and heroes) including the Untouchables, the Rhino, and the Punisher.

 

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If you thought the street-sweeping action already presented couldn’t get any grittier then get ready for Luke Cage Noir. Printed monthly as a 4-issue mini-series, Cage Noir puts a unique spin on the hero for hire’s origin. Instead of superpowers and spandex, Cage is reintroduced into a racially segregated New York City during the Prohibition Era. Released from prison, Cage tries to shake his reputation as “bullet proof” when some old criminal connections return into his life. Currently part of the Marvel Noir TP (MAR130747) that also collects the Daredevil and Iron Man stories, Cage Noir is pure crime-drama in which “Power Man” has to rely entirely on his wits to survive.

 

Luke Cage: Avenger

The origins of Luke Cage are brought to light in Luke Cage: Avenger (APR161100), which details how young Carl Lucas, imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit, submits to experiments and is gifted with his super powers. But that's not all! Included in this must-have for new readers is Cage's momentous showdown with S.H.I.E.L.D. agents during Marvel's Civil War event, a hard-hitting 3-parter that brings Cage to Philadelphia to settle old scores, and an action-packed adventure to rescue his kidnapped daughter from the Skrulls. Finally, experience an epic team-up as Cage joins forces with Spider-Man, Moon Knight, and (of course) Iron Fist in a story written by comic legend Frank Miller.  

 

Jessica Jones – The Pulse: The Complete Collection

While not starring Luke, Jessica Jones – The Pulse: The Complete Collection (JUN140746) chronicles an important development in his life and history, as it explores the relationship between Cage and super hero-turned-private eye Jessica Jones (star of her own Netflix series), as Jessica is hired to find a killer and makes a discovery that could affect the entire Marvel universe.

 

Power Man and Iron Fist Vol. 1: The Boys Are Back in Town

Power Man and Iron Fist Volume 1: The Boys Are Back in Town (JUN160961) reunites the classic team for all-new adventures that take the Luke and Danny back to the streets as they face crime lords and hired goons — some of whom happen to have magic on their side. The hero business booms with a flurry of big-hitting, kung-fu-fighting action in this new collection from the new ongoing series by David Walker and Sanford Greene.

 

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Luke Cage’s more recent rise in popularity began on writer Brian Michael Bendis’ watch with the status quo shifting New Avengers series. Occurring in the wake of the House of M crossover, Bendis’ run reinvigorated Cage and Earth's Mightiest Heroes, and the series will be recollected in the New Avengers By Bendis Complete Collection (OCT161029) from Marvel. If you're interested in seeing a maturing Carl Lucas lead the charge alongside Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Iron Man, and more then look for Volume 1 within the pages of the Marvel PREVIEWS section this October. 


Learn more about Luke Cage at your local comic shop, and watch the series now on Netflix!

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Troy-Jeffrey Allen handles social media and community outreach for PREVIEWSworld.com and the DCD family of sites. His comics work includes BAMN, Fight of the Century, and the Harvey Award-nominated District Comics.

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