Image via Complex Original
Marvel's Cinematic Universe is about to have its own Hero for Hire when the first season of Luke Cage drops on Netflix on Friday, Sept. 30. While most people were first introduced to him in the Netflix original series Jessica Jones, he has a rich history within the world of Marvel, dating back to his debut in 1972 (which you can thank the blaxploitation era for). Luke wasn't the first black superhero, but the indestructible superhero known as Power Man was the first black superhero to get his own comic book series. He's come a long way since then, and with Luke Cage, we're getting an updated look at this complicated man who's just looking to do the right thing.
If you're down to go into Luke Cage without knowing his comic book history, that's perfectly fine—you don't HAVE to be up on the comics to enjoy the show. For those who want to be ahead of the curve, your best bet is to check out the journey Luke Cage has made; maybe you'll pick up on some storyline bits that could impact Luke's future in the MCU. Let's look back at the history of the Power Man.
Luke Used to Roll With a Gang
Just like the Netflix series, Luke Cage's comic book journey took place in Harlem. Luke (real name: Carl Lucas) was born and raised in the NYC neighborhood, and as a youth spent his time running with a gang, the Rivals, with dreams of becoming a player in the underworld. With the weight of his family's expectations in mind, though, Lucas eventually decided he wasn't really about that life. Leaving gang life behind, Luke began living life on the straight and narrow.
Why this is important: This is a perfect example of the kind of man Luke Cage is. He lived the street life, but consciously decided to give it up to be a better person.
Luke Was Imprisoned for a Crime He Didn't Commit
As the story goes, Luke's old Rivals running buddy Willis Stryker got pissed at him when his girlfriend Reva Connors left him (and his violent life) for Luke. In retaliation, Stryker planted heroin on Luke and got him sent to prison. Luke's anger over being set up by his former friend turned into rage, which only made matters worse—his disposition and penchant for fighting in prison eventually land him at Seagate Prison, a maximum security facility off the coast of Georgia.
Why this is important: While Luke's relationship with Reva in the comics was changed for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (she went from being a childhood friend of Luke and Stryker's to Luke's wife who was killed by Jessica Jones), her impact on his life was the same. Plus, Luke getting his powers stems directly from being sent to Seagate.
Luke Didn't Ask for His Powers
At Seagate, a doctor by the name of Noah Burstein had been experimenting on inmates, trying to replicate the Super Soldier process that turned Steve Rogers into Captain America; Burstein was previously successful in creating Warhawk. Luke was volunteered for the procedure, and while Burstein left him unattended during the procedure, Albert "Billy Bob" Rackham (a guard at Seagate who'd been giving Luke a hard time) found an opportunity to try to injure or kill Carl by messing with the procedure. In doing so, Rackham unknowingly gave Luke his superhuman strength and durability. It was with these powers that Luke was able to finally escape Seagate and go on the lam.
Why this is important: One of Luke's biggest conflicts in the series will be him trying to figure out what to do with these powers. He's a fugitive, and doesn't want to get noticed, but he can't deny the itch he has to make things right.
Luke Is a Hero for Hire
Seeing as Luke was already trying to walk the straight and narrow, it made sense that, upon arriving back in NYC, he decided to use his new abilities for good—for a fee. He initially wanted to be on some Spider-Man shit, fighting the lower-level thugs and criminals, but he came back to a new, different world of evil-doers, including Diamondback, a.k.a. Willis Stryker, Luke's old friend. Battling bigger enemies meant falling in line with other superheroes, which meant that Luke ended up adopting another superhero name: Power Man.
Why this is important: There are subtle nods to Luke being a "hero for hire"—and his vintage look that came with it—in the show. Also, being a "hero for hire" has been Luke's calling card since the 1970s. It's a big part of who he is as a hero.
Iron Fist Is Luke Cage's Homie
Cage got himself into a pickle; a criminal by the name of Bushmaster tried to blackmail Cage into kidnapping Misty Knight, and during said kidnapping attempt, Cage did battle with the mystical Iron Fist, who happened to be Misty's boyfriend. The two soon squashed their beef though, and Iron Fist decided to help Cage get back at Bushmaster. After coming out on top, Cage and Iron Fist linked up as allies.
IRL, after sales of Luke's Power Man series dipped, the 50th issue of the series was retitled Power Man and Iron Fist. Their friendship has been back and forth since then, but they are currently back together as Power Man and Iron Fist (no doubt to hype up their Netflix original series) in one of Marvel's more acclaimed comics.
Why this is important: It's no secret that Iron Fist has got next on Netflix. Word is that Iron Fist could be debuting somewhere in Luke Cage, setting up his own Netflix series (which will then bleed into The Defenders, featuring Luke, the Iron Fist, Daredevil, and Jessica Jones as a team). Hopefully we'll see if their friendship resembles their long history in the comics.
Luke's Married to Jessica Jones
Luke was introduced into Jessica Jones' life via her first series, Alias, where after a one-night stand, Jessica found out that Luke is a "cape chaser." From there, Luke actually helped Jessica deal with the mental trauma that the Purple Man inflicted upon her. Years later, they had a daughter (Danielle, in honor of Danny Rand, aka the Iron Fist), and soon married. They are one of the few superhero couplings that has lasted, which might be due to their shared sarcastic nature.
Why this is important: Luke and Jessica got hot and heavy during Jessica Jones, but after they ended up having to do battle, their relationship soured. There's been no talk of them reconciling during Luke Cage, but it's known that they are both a part of The Defenders, so that reconciliation is going to have to happen at some point soon.
Luke Is an Avenger
Cage's time with the Avengers goes back as far as Marvel's first "Civil War" event back in 2006. Cage was against signing the Superhero Registration Act, and sided with Captain America after being hunted down by members of S.H.I.E.L.D., joining Cap's "Secret Avengers" squad. Further showing resistance, he decided to not take the amnesty given to the Secret Avengers, going underground to form (and lead) the New Avengers alongside Wolverine, Spider-Man, and others.
Throughout the years, Cage was regarded so highly by both Captain America and Iron Man that he actually ended up owning Avengers Mansion (which he bought for $1), and was given free reign in running his own Avengers outfit. At one point he resigned from his Avengers position, but in the last few years he's reformed a squad known as the Mighty Avengers.
Why this is important: While it's doubtful we'll see Luke (or any of the heroes from the original series) get a push in the MCU films, this is a clear indication of the respect that Luke's built up as years of a boots-to-the-pavement, bonafide hero. Something to be proud of in this day and age.