Rob Deep Maldonado @deep2hbETERNALS: THANOS RISES #1 – Marvel Comics
Kieron Gillén and Esad Ribic wrapped up their Eternal series with more questions than answers. When I began the more recent 6 issue run, I was excited to gaze at all the lovely Pages by Ribic. Then I was annoyed to find out it was Eternals pitched to the general audience with Thanos…I guessed he was Marvel’s new Wolverine Crutch. I stuck with the series and loved the broken Machine as the narrator…but I’m not reviewing that.
Last week, Marvel launched Kieron’s second Eternals series: Thanos Rises. At first I was disappointed with the absence of Ribic doing the inside art, although the cover is still a thing of beauty. Dustin Weaver takes the pencils on the interior with a JR JR FLARE, that lends to the retro feel of the plot.
Gillen bridges the connection between the Titans and the Eternals. He elaborates on their ethics and their civil war, while the Machine narrates a cautionary tale almost sarcastically (since it’s been damaged as we read in the first series). I never knew why Thanos is always endowed with so much power, and this story wisely illustrates that more clearly than other books, and may have given me a little more appreciation for the Mad Titan. Eternals: Thanos Rises #1 is a crucial book to have if you are a fan of the Thanos Mythos. I would have given it the ol’ five biblios, but I still wanted it completely drawn by Esad Ribic. 4/5 Whiskeys.
-Rob Deep Maldonado
Frank Simonian @scarletdadspidrKING SPAWN #1 — Image comics
The King is dead. Long live the King. Let me just tee up this review by starting with this: if you are a fan of Spawn, you should pick up King Spawn, even if you became a Spawn fan during the hype from the record-breaking 300th issue. Having said that, King Spawn #1 is a good jumping point to establish a new arc in the character’s lore, and introducing the paths of some fan favorites. This first issue is broken down into five stories. The beginning of the issue starts with the building story-arc for Al Simmons, and what is teased as an old foe coming back.
Original creator Todd McFarlane contributes to each story from a writer’s perspective. Sean Lewis takes the main stage on King Spawn as the writer. The art is broken up with a different artist on each story, so the style varies accordingly. This creates the showcase feel as the reader flips through the five stories. Artist on “King Spawn” is Javi Fernandez; the artist on “Haunt” is Stephen Segovia; on “Nightmare” is Marcio Takara; “The Hero” artist is Philip Tan; and lastly Brett Booth on “The Gunslinger” story. Inkers are Adelso Corona and Daniel Henriques. And finally, colors by: FCO Plascencia, Andrew Dalhouse, Marcelo Maiolo, Peter Steigerwald, Dave McCaig, and with lettering by Andworld Design and Tom Orzechowski. It is an understatement to emphasize the roster of sheer talent.
No spoilers here, but this story incorporates the many other Hellspawns’ in the Spawn Universe. This is the team-up factor in King Spawn. This extraction in the lore gives the main Spawn title the freedom to focus on just one character again. The “King Spawn” story creates the junction from an old Spawn villain and the branching out effect that leads into the main arc of this comic. The next story is one that focuses on a personal favorite character, “Haunt”. Much like the Haunt story, there is a direct tie into the Spawn Universe. This would not be compared to the massive Image Comics cross-over that tied characters like Spawn and Savage Dragon. The connection made is acute. (**Cough, cough…there is a main Spawn character in this story**). “The Nightmare” story is focused on another hellspawn, of the same name of the story’s title. This character would resonate with readers from recent arcs. “The Hero” is a story about a boy and The Redeemer…or is it a story about a child who is The Redeemer? The answer is quite apparent by the end of the story…which leaves the last story, “The Gunslinger”. If you are not aware of Gunslinger Spawn, this is a great story to introduce new readers to this version of the hellspawn. This story rounds out by letting the readers know where Gunslinger Spawn will pick up in his upcoming series, which launches in October.
The artists of each story provide a unique experience for the five individual stories. The showcase element lets the art and the story breathe in their own space, which leaves the reader opening up a world like Spawn’s, which is pretty closely knit. This issue contains annual level comics of material. This issue of King Spawn is absolutely a great starting point for anyone that is interested in the vibes from the upcoming movie, or from recent hype from the issue 300. Old hellspawn fans definitely should jump on this issue. 3.75/5 McFarlane Toy Whiskeys.
“Cardinal” Gary Brooks @ facebook.com/gary.brooksTRIAL OF MAGNETO #1 – Marvel Comics
M is for Murder!
Well…that escalated quickly! What do we know so far? There’s been a murder on Krakoa during the Hellfire Gala. The victim is none other than Wanda Maximoff, and the prime suspect seems to be a mutant with the ability to manipulate metal! Say what? As X-Factor and X-Force carefully piece together the strange events that claimed the Scarlet Witch’s life, a shocking revelation comes to light and a choice must be made that will shake Krakoa to its core.
This is a very sound story written by Leah Williams; her work on X-Factor was really enjoyable, and this is a perfect follow-up. She is really showing herself to be a force to recon with in the X-books. Trust, we can all look forward to her weaving a compelling and tense murder mystery that may very well change mutantdom forever.
So far what we’ve seen from artist Lucas Werneck is scintillating work, and this issue is no different. He has a beautiful style that’s easy to follow and is very kinetic. Even though this issue is fairly toned down in the explosive action department, that doesn’t stop the panels from jumping of the page– also partial to the exceptional color-work of Edger Delgado’s. Clearly Werneck and Leah have great chemistry when it comes to making the pages really come alive.
As we mourn the loss of the X-Factor book and Wanda Maximoff, we can take solace in the promise of something truly special in the pages of The Trial of Magneto. 5/5 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃
Frank Simonian @scarletdadspidrSTATIC: SEASON 1 #1 – DC Comics
DC Comics brings back Milestone Media. This is a big deal for anyone that was young in the 90’s. Static (or Static Shock) is a character that was representative during that time; and is relevant in representation in comic books today. Milestone was founded by Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle. These creators put characters that were not represented as leads in the comic catalogue from Milestone. To refresh or catch those up to speed, Virgil Hawkins is a teenager that is violently gassed and given superpowers that control, create, and manipulate electricity. Static’s rogue list consists of others that were exposed to the same gas that gave Virgil the powers to be Static. This incident is known as “The Big Bang.” It is suggested to read Milestone Returns: Infinite Edition #0 as that issue contains the actual Big Bang event and the initial confrontation between Static Shock and Hotstreak. This first issue does a fine job for readers that did not read the Milestone Returns issue.
The reboot series that DC Comics and Milestone released recently works as being addressed as season 1. If new readers to this series are familiar with the character, it would no doubtingly be due to the popular animated series (it is on HBO Max now). The comic starts in the same fashion as its predecessors in that Virgil is met with confrontation from his long-time bully Francis who is exposed to The Big Bang and becomes Hotstreak. Before The Big Bang, Virgil was a genius, science student that was focused on asking out his crush. Virgil has a very Peter Parker/Spider-Man vibe.
This connection is still connected with this reboot. Season 1, issue 1 utilizes a small fraction of pages for flashbacks. The story pacing by Vita Ayala is consistent and keeps the reader pacing between panels. Chriscross works with the pacing of the story with layouts that parallel the emotions that are contained in each panel. The new designs for the characters feel updated for a large range of fans and their respective ages. The finishes and colors provided by Nikolas Draper-Ivey make each panel feel fluid as if the all three provided a constant motion. The lettering by Andworld Design also fits each panel by matching the emotions of the panels. There are mentionable variants to this first issue, but shout out to Khary Randolph and Emilio Lopez for having McDuffie, Cowan, Davis, and Dingle on the theater marquee in the background of their cover.
This comic is easily accessible for new readers and fans of any iteration of the character from the past. The original spirit of Virgil is in this new issue. It really pays close attention to detail to nail the original plot, whilst providing a fresher and updated version of Static. This issue a great start to the series and the reintroduction of Milestone. Also worth mentioning is the reprint memoriam for artist John Paul Leon and words by Denys Cowan and an editorial by Chris Conroy. From Milestone, Hardware Season One, and Icon and Rocket Season One are next. If those comics in the same wheelhouse as Static: Season One, it is easy to say: these series are paying respect to the source material.4.75/5 Whiskeys.
Perhaps as a lead-in to the upcoming Disney+ show starring Oscar Isaac as the titular Fist of Khonshu, Marvel Comics has relaunched the monthly series of Moon Knight, this time written by Jed Mackay, with art by Alessandro Cappuccio. Following last year’s ordeal during which the Egyptian moon god Khonshu, through Marc Spector, attempted to take over the world, and absorbed the powers and abilities of a number of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Spector has opened up the Midnight Mission, through which citizens can petition the Moon Knight for protection. Taking his nightly fights to a more community-based setting is an interesting approach to one of Marvel’s most unstable and unpredictable heroes, and watching his process in determining which nightly ordeals deserve his attention is a nice change of pace as well. Here, Spector (who spends the entire issue as the persona Mr. Knight) is presented as a man trying to control his worst instincts and aspects of his personalities, and trying to adjust to a more community-based work.
That doesn’t mean that there’s no action in this issue, which — thankfully — allows Moon Knight to fight vampires, werewolves, and the Spider-Man villain Vermin. Returning to his more horror-centric origins, Moon Knight has no qualms in killing the undead, threatening obscene violence, and acknowledging his own insecurities and mental problems, and the issue ends with the introduction of Moon Knight’s polar opposite, the Hunter’s Moon. The art is ragged, reflecting Spector’s fragmented, jagged mind, and is very kinetic and energetic, and fits in very well with previous styles in prior volumes of this character. This is a very roundabout way of saying, this is a good fit for a good character.
While this might not have the sort of weight of Jeff Lemire‘s run from a few years ago (and really, what will?), this seems a more mainstream return to the Fist of Khonshu to the Marvel Universe, and a decent introduction to audiences prior to his addition to the larger pantheon of the MCU. The character has such potential that it is almost a shame that he is back to being relegated to Marvel’s C-list. Hopefully this series lives up to its potential. 4/5 Whiskeys.
As a Jonathan Hickman fan, I can tell there’s no substitute. I have felt trapped in the tiny comic book version of the show hole. I can’t wait for Inferno. That being written, Gerry Duggan seems like a friendly and less complicated alternative. After terraforming Mars in Planet-Sized X-Men without super crazy scientific but clear explanations, he brings the newly elected team to New York. The X-Men seem to have thought of everything eco-friendly and socially conscious, as NYC implants to upper West Side. Seinfeld’s got new neighbors and they live in a Treehouse. Gerry gets “Whiskeys” for dropping knowledge gems on Central Park’s and Seneca Village history in the article by Ben Urich.
Gerry tucks in lots of substance but not without sacrificing visuals and action needed to attract a younger reader. There’s even a new evil genius working plotting away as a repercussion from the events of Planet Sized X-Men. To revisit my last Seinfeld allusion, the Mars scenario reminds me when George Costanza stalled, by bragging to Elaine, to drive back into the perfect park space and lost the spot. The humans are George.
Gerry understands Mutant Technology (i.e. the syncing of different mutant powers to achieve a result as explained in SWORD; also, the Five.) and introduces more Excalibur-looking villains from Gameworld and Pepe Larraz is there to wonderfully illustrate the action.
All of the X-Men and the action that follows look beautiful. It’s like Mark Texeira found a finer line. There are broad lines in this book but just very finessed. The threat that visits them looks like a magnificently sketched and painted alien from Independence Day. I’d grab a sketch and sketchbook at a Comic-Con from Pepe any day. I hope the artist team stays consistent with this title since it’s so perfect. Larraz also makes Rogue look strong though she isn’t muscular. The other women — Wolverine, Polaris, Jean Grey, etc. — look amazing. Jean works like Martian Manhunter to utilize mutant technology. It’s exponentially-developed fastball specials.
In the end, I like that the Mutants rely on brains over brawn more often, and really out-thinking their oppressors. This X Book is enjoyable with stunning visuals for kid, teens, and adult readers. The Alíen design and lack of Hickman cost it a whiskey — 1 whiskey away from being a great cognac but very enjoyable. 4/5 Whiskeys.
“El Sacerdote” J.L. Caraballo Twitter @captzaff007SPIDER-MAN: CURSE OF THE MAN-THING #1 – Marvel Comics
After the villainous eco-terrorist/sorceress Harrower possessed the organic, mystical, organic matter formerly known as Doctor Ted Sallis (but known to comic-book fans as the Swamp Thing knock-off, Man-Thing), she took her plan to remake him in her own image, and use the sentient organic matter to rid the natural world of humanity. Humanity’s only hope lay in the Avengers, and the Avenger’s only hope lay in convincing Dr. Sallis that rather than the curse and punishment he feels he deserves, the Man-Thing is in fact Sallis’s road to redemption, and a means to correct the mistakes of his past.
But that requires some stern talking to, first from Captain America, and then from the one-and-only friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, Peter Parker himself. Allowing themselves to be absorbed into the anti-hero, Cap and Spidey each respectively try to convince Sallis to regain control of Man-Thing, and repel and re-absorb the giant spores and sentient fires that Harrower had unleashed upon the world. As much as Spidey’s advice helps, it is actually one of Spidey’s longtime foes who actually does the legwork in getting Sallis off his ass…is. Assis. Oh…forget it.
Seeing as this is the second part of a three-part arc (wish I knew that when I picked this title!), it was actually pretty surprising to see how easily a casual (or semi-casual reader as myself) can catch up. That’s a credit to writer Steve Orlando‘s strengths, as it only took the first two or three pages to be caught up and understanding not only the main characters involved, but also the stakes. Artists Marco Failla and Minkyu Jung do good work here, with a very kinetic style; each panel feels to be in motion, constantly driving forward, and with a slightly cartoony feel that actually enriches that sense of movement.
So how’s about it? This was a fun read, and it’s good to see the relatively unknown Man-Thing be featured in a larger, more mainstream story. If you haven’t caught up in the “Invasive Series” arc, you don’t need to be too intimidated, yet, despite that, this arc doesn’t seem like a “make-or-break”, at least not for any character not named Man-Thing. 3/5 Whiskeys (Or Equivalents For Not-A-Bible-Books).
Luke Cage’s first multimedia appearance was on The Super Hero Squad Show on Cartoon Network. Voiced by comedian Lil’ JJ, this version is a member of Heroes for Hire alongside Iron Fist and Misty Knight in the episode “A Brat Walks Among Us“. He also has a cameo appearance in the very first episode “And Lo… A Pilot Shall Come!“.
Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (2010)
“It’s called ‘ Unbreakable skin’, Fool!”
Luke Cage appeared in The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes on Disney XD. Voiced by Christopher B. Duncan ( ‘The Jamie Foxx Show‘, ‘Black Lightning‘), this version of Cage is a primary member of Heroes For Hire, using his powers as a way of earning money by working for hire to anyone who needs help. In the episode “To Steal an Ant-Man“, Cage and his partner Iron Fist are hired by Hank Pym to retrieve the stolen Ant-Man suit from Scott Lang. Pym, in the end, hands the mantle of Ant-Man over to Lang and Lang ends up joining Heroes for Hire. This version dislikes being referred to as ‘Power Man‘. Later on, Cage becomes a member of the New Avengers to help stop Kang The Conqueror and to fight off Galactus’ invasion of Earth( they charge Tony Stark for their services in these fights).
Ultimate Spider-Man (2012)
Meet the teenage Luke Cage
A teen version of Luke Cage appears as one of the main characters on the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon series on Disney XD. Voiced by actor Ogie Banks, this version is part of Spider-Man’s teenage S.H.I.E.L.D.-sanctioned team (along with Iron Fist, White Tiger and Nova). Luke is the “street-smart” muscle and the most mature member of the team.
Luke Cage as ‘Power Man’.
“Power Man. If he calls himself Spider-Man, then I’m calling myself Power Man. It’s cool and doesn’t scream I have low self-esteem”
Luke adopts the name “Power Man” as he feels that he should name himself after his powers. He also has an official superhero uniform (a sleeveless suit which is yellow on top and the rest is black, metal plates on his biceps and ankles, yellow boots). He also wears wraparound sunglasses when in ‘Power Man’ mode.
Power Man’s main ability is his enhanced level of super strength (he can stop a moving train and fight The Juggernaut one on one). He is physically the strongest member of the team and is even stronger than Spider-Man and Nova( before Nova tapped into the full power of his helmet). He can lift about 25 tons. Nick Fury refers to him as ‘the strongest guy this side of the Big Apple without green skin‘.
Luke also has impenetrable skin that’s tougher than titanium and his bones and muscles are denser and much thicker than any human being. On one occasion, Luke’s body demonstrated that vampires can’t penetrate his indestructible skin(Even Count Dracula himself is incapable of biting Luke). The episode “The Parent Trap” reveals that Luke received his powers as a child when he ingested a S.H.I.E.L.D. version of the Super Soldier Serum developed by his scientist parents (Walter and Amanda Cage) during an escape from a plane. Luke Cage is presented here as his actual birth name rather than an alias. He also finds his parents were working for the villain Scorpio because they were lied to about Luke being captured and promised their son in return. He soon reunites with them at the end of the episode. Luke continues to be featured on the series until S.H.I.E.L.D. graduation in the series finale.
Marvel/ Netflix Shows
Luke Cage as portrayed by actor Mike Colter. Lance Gross and Cleo Anthony had screen tested for Luke Cage before Mike Colter was cast. Mike Colter put on 30 pounds of muscle to play Luke Cage.
Luke Cage’s first live action appearance was in the Marvel/Netflix shows whose lineup included Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist. The interconnected series of shows were all set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These shows gave the viewer the urban streel level perspective of how life has changed in New York after the alien invasion in The Avengers( 2012). NOTE: The invasion is often referred to in the various shows as ‘The Incident’.
JephLoeb, executive producer of the shows, explained that “Within the Marvel universe there are thousands of heroes of all shapes and sizes, but the Avengers are here to save the universe and Daredevil is here to save the neighborhood … It does take place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s all connected. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that we would look up in the sky and see [Iron Man]. It’s just a different part of New York that we have not yet seen in the Marvel movies.”
Jessica Jones (2015)
The series Jessica Jones was about a hot-tempered, sarcastic, badass female private detective in Hell’s Kitchen. She has been rebuilding her personal life after her short-lived stint as a superhero ended in tragedy. The character of Luke Cage is introduced as a bar owner whom Jones meets during an infidelity investigation. Luke is introduced already having his powers. His powers are first revealed in a bar fight when he easily holds off half a dozen men and one of them tries to stab him in the neck with a broken bottle. Luke later confirms his powers in Jessica’s apartment when Jessica explains she came to his bar to fix an incident she caused. Luke responds by holding a portable buzz saw to his stomach until it smokes and sparks. After Jessica sees his undamaged skin, Cage says ” You can’t fix me. I’m unbreakable“.
Luke is shown to be a very promiscuous man and he and Jessica start an on and off sexual relationship. However, Luke was formerly married to a woman named Reva Connors. Luke finds out that Jessica Jones was manipulated into killing her. At one point, Luke himself is manipulated into fighting Jessica at full strength by The Purple Man, Jessica’s tormentor. Realizing he had no control of his actions, he forgives Jones for his wife’s murder but stops engaging in an intimate relationship with her.Despite their rocky relationship, the two superheroes remained friends. They were briefly reunited as part of The Defenders and Luke even returns in that show’s series finale in 2019.
The popularity of Colter’s portrayal of Cage caused the character to spin off into his own show.
Luke Cage (2016)
“You can’t burn me, you can’t blast me, and you definitely can’t break me. You wanna test me? Step up. I’m right here. I ain’t going nowhere. You know where to find me. I am Harlem, and Harlem is me.”
―Luke Cage
Cage next appears as the title character in the 2016 Netflix series, Luke Cage with Cheo Hodari Coker serving as showrunner.
Season One has Luke Cage living as a fugitive trying to rebuild his life in modern-day Harlem, New York City after the events of Jessica Jones. He works quietly as a janitor in Pop’s Barbershop and as a busboy/bartender at the Harlem’s Paradise nightclub. However, he is soon pulled out of the shadows and Luke soon becomes Harlem’s resident superhero/problem solver (Cornell Stokes even refers to Luke as ‘ Harlem’s Captain America’).Lukemust fight a battle for his city from the schemes of Cornell ‘Cottonmouth‘ Stokes, his corrupt politician cousin Mariah Dillard and Willis ‘Diamondback‘ Stryker( who is his half-brother in this version).
Luke is soon a modern day folk hero in the streets with even rapper Method Man dedicating a song in his honor ( ‘Bulletproof Love’). This season also shows the viewer Luke’s past that he had tried to bury including the sabotaged prison experiment that left him with super strength and unbreakable skin. The season ends with Luke’s fugitive status being exposed and him having to return to Seagate Prison.
The Netflix series rekindles the comic book relationship between Luke and Claire Temple (here portrayed as a nurse from Spanish Harlem played by Rosario Dawson). Temple first meets Luke in ‘Jessica Jones’ when she saves his life from a brain hemorrhage caused by a shogun blast to the head. Their relationship flourishes into a full on romance.
Season Two shows Luke Cage has become a celebrity on the streets of Harlem after clearing his name during the events of The Defenders.
One episode features Luke performing athletic feats using his powers that is covered by ESPN. However, being so visible has only increased his need to protect the community and pushes the limits of who he can and can’t save. With the rise of a formidable new foe called Bushmaster, Luke is forced to confront the fine line that separates a hero from a villain. The season ends with Luke becoming the new ‘unofficial’ crime lord of Harlem, inheriting the Harlem’s Paradise nightclub.
For the series, costume designer Stephanie Maslansky changed Luke’s appearance from the comics, which she described as “a little silly”. The show paid homage to the original comic book costume in the episode ” Step In The Arena”. When Cage looks at himself in the mirror in the outfit, he says ” You look like a damn fool”.Maslanksy made up Cage to look like an everyman. “He’s a working class hero, and that comes across in the clothes he wears. He dresses in rag & bone T-shirts, in Levis jeans. Clothes that already have this beautiful kind of worn, textured look to them.” His frequent use of hoodies was done as a tribute to the tragic shooting victim Trayvon Martin.
Facts
Luke Cage is NOT the first black superhero lead of a TV show (that distinction belongs to M.A.N.T.I.S. on Fox in 1994). Luke Cage is Marvel’s first TV series headlined by a black superhero.
In the Netflix series, it is mentioned that he was a former cop in Savannah, Georgia and that he served in Marine Force Recon. In the comic book version, Luke was never a policeman or military serviceman .
This is the first Marvel feature to use the ‘N’ word.
A number of characters including Pop and Claire Temple refer to Luke Cage by his alias, ‘Power Man‘ in either an affectionate or mocking manner throughout the series. He does not like it.
Each episode title of the first season was named after songs by the classic East Coast hip-hop duo Gang Starr. The second season episodes are each named after songs from Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth.
For the finale of Season One, executive producer Cheo Hodari Coker had hoped to have Prince perform at Harlem’s Paradise nightclub, but his untimely death quickly dashed those hopes. The swear can located in Pop’s Barbershop is also a reference to Prince ( who had one in his music studio).
The Defenders (2017)
The Defenders (or, as I call them,” The Avenger’s ‘hood cousins”).
Mike Colter reprised his role in The Defenders, a crossover miniseries that brings Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist all together in one series. The heroes are shown as an unlikely quartet brought together with one common goal – to save New York City from the ancient organization called The Hand.
Facts
In this series, the founding members of the Defenders are Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. In the comics, the Defenders were formed by The Incredible Hulk, Doctor Strange, Silver Surfer, and Namor the Sub-Mariner.
In the first few episodes, the production uses colored light to great effect to separate out each individual Defender story. Each scene involving Daredevil has a hint of red. Jessica Jones is lit with purple. Iron Fist with green and Luke Cage is lit in shades of yellow.
The budding friendship between Luke Cage and Danny Rand in “The Defenders” is a reference to Heroes for Hire from the comics. Both actors have stated their desire to make a Heroes for Hire series and Rand makes an appearance in season two of “Luke Cage”.
Legacy
Luke Cage: Still Kickin’ Ass in 2020!
Luke Cage has left an unbelievable mark, bringing that urban street narrative to the super hero genre:
Actor Nicolas Cage was originally named Nicolas Coppola and has admitted that his stage name “Cage” was inspired by Luke Cage.
Batman franchise producer Michael E. Uslan once optioned the screen rights to Luke Cage and it would have been “the first real, true-blue Marvel movie” right after the blockbuster success of Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989.
In the ’90s, Quentin Tarantinowanted to make “Luke Cage: Hero for Hire” into a film based in the 70’s, with Laurence Fishburne in the title role, but opted to make Pulp Fiction (1994)instead.
In 2003, the late John Singleton was attached to direct a Luke Cage film for Columbia. Jamie Foxx, Tyrese Gibson, Dwayne ‘ The Rock’ Johnson, Isaiah Mustafa, and Idris Elba were all considered for the title role.
In a 2008 poll, Luke Cage was ranked as the 34th-greatest comic book character of all time by Wizard magazine.
IGN also ranked Luke Cage as the 72nd-greatest comic book hero of all time stating that “Cage embodies much of what we love about Marvel’s heroes” and 15th in their list of “The Top 50 Avengers” in 2012.
References
Sacks, J. August 22, 2014. Sweet Christmas! The Creation of Luke Cage, Hero for Hire. Comics Bulletin. Retrieved from http://comicsbulletin.com/sweet-christmas-creation-luke-cage-hero-hire/
