Luke Cage, Reprinted

The story published in Power Man #36 (Oct. 1976) originally appeared in Hero for Hire #12 (Aug. 1973). An editor's note on the first page of #36 apologized for the reprint. The cover, however, was misleading, saying, "Chemistro is Back! And deadlier than ever!"

The title of Luke Cage's solo series changed from Hero for Hire to Power Man beginning with issue #17 (Feb. 1974).

Sweet Sister!

Luke Cage might be best known for the catch phrase Sweet Christmas, but during his time with the Defenders, "Sweeet Sister!" was a close runner up. The Hero for Hire used the phrase when attacked or surprised in Defenders #17, 25, 42 and 44. He initially used that expression in a thought bubble in Hero for Hire #5 (January 1973), when he had reservations about hitting a woman.

Dear Diary

Hellcat used diary entries to narrate portions of Defenders #111, which delved into her family history. Fans may have remembered that Patsy Walker had indeed kept a diary long before she became Hellcat.

The cover of Patsy Walker #17 (July 1948) features her diary, although she doesn't write in the diary within the issue.

Comments to Cage: Hero for Hire

The following letter from #4 of his original series addressed Luke Cage's defining status as a hero.

Dear Stan,

Just read LUKE CAGE #2 and really thought it was great. It's about time you guys came up with a dude who fights against the Mafia rather than monsters from outer space. I hope you develop the character and the series.

One criticism, however. The idea of "hero for hire" is really unnecessary and phony. It only demeans Luke by saying that he's some absurd egotist (a device which works fine for some of the other Marvel characters, but is out of place as a characteristic of a black man fighting for justice in his community). You should stick to reality while the series is young and remarkably different from all the others.

Phil Trent

(no address given)

Luke doesn't see himself as "fighting for justice," Phil. To put it bluntly, he's mainly out for himself. This doesn't mean that he's against justice, nor that he wouldn't donate his services to a worthy cause. However, his prime motivating force isn't alturism—it's money.

This panel featuring Luke Cage's busines card comes from Hero for Hire #4 (December 1972).

Elf in Disguise

Elf with a Gun switched up his modus operandi in Defenders #38. In the Grand Canyon, he appeared as an American Indian before revealing his impish form and murdering an unsuspecting trail guide named Stu.

Defenders. Vol. 1. No. 38. August 1976. "Exile to Oblivion!" Steve Gerber (writer), Sal Buscema & Klaus Janson (artists), I. Watanabe (letterer), Don Warfield (colorist), Marv Wolfman (editor).