In celebration of Black History month, we’re going to take a look at some of the biggest and most important heroes in comics. Let’s take a look at Luke Cage.

Luke’s First Appearance

Luke Cage was the first black superhero to receive his own comic book – Hero for Hire #1. Heavily influenced by the success of the film Shaft, Luke Cage was created in 1972 by a committee at Marvel consisting of Stan Lee, Archie Goodwin, John Romita Sr., and Roy Thomas.

From the start, Luke Cage was different. Imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, Luke volunteered for an experiment that enhanced his strength and gave him unbreakable skin. While Marvel had a number of street-level heroes, none existed in a milieu as gritty and realistic as the Manhattan in which Luke Cage resided.

There are 4,036 graded copies of Hero for Hire #1 in the CGC census. However, only twelve have been graded 9.8. In September 2022, a 9.8 sold in a Heritage auction for $102,000, making it one of the few Bronze Age comics to reach six figures.

In grades between 9.6 and 8.0, prices are down from their 2021 peaks. In the mid-grades, however, between 7.5 and 5.5, we’re starting to see a turnaround as evidenced by 30-day averages higher than 90-day averages. This is clearly the book to get for Luke Cage collectors and lower prices make it a much more appealing comic.

Power Man

A year and a half into its run, the series' name was changed. Power Man #17 heralded a new beginning in the hopes that a title change would turn around flagging sales. While still retaining its street-level bonafides, Power Man began fighting more traditional supervillains.

This is a very affordable comic with a great cover. While the recent sale of a 9.8 for a slashed $1,695 is eye-catching, an 8.5 selling for a slashed $41 in December and a 7.5 selling for a slashed $50 in November are more typical of prices that you’ll pay in grades other than the very top.

Power Man & Iron Fist

In 1977, Marvel decided to team up Luke Cage with Danny Rand, aka Iron Fist. Neither series had been selling well but rather than cancel them both, Marvel chose to combine the two titles. Beginning with Power Man #48, Chris Claremont and John Byrne, the creative team on Iron Fist brought the two characters together.

The title change became official with Power Man and Iron Fist #50. Claremont lasted on the series for a few more issues and then Jo Duffy took over as the primary writer, bringing a light-hearted tone to the series.

For collectors, Power Man and Iron Fist #50 is the issue that appears to be the most in demand. 8.5 and lower graded copies currently sell for $35 or less, while in the 9.8 grades, recent sales have been for less than $300.

As the first issue in a “new” series and one created by a powerhouse team, it’s a book that, while it may never reach the status of major key, will always be a minor Bronze Age key.

Avenger

Unfortunately, Luke Care languished in obscurity after the series' final issue: Power Man and Iron Fist #125 in 1986. While some efforts were made to revive the character here and there, they met with little success. In 2004, Brian Michael Bendis included Luke Cage in a new team of Avengers beginning with New Avengers #1.

This issue would mark a renaissance for the character, one that saw him ensconced to a greater degree in the mainstream of the Marvel Universe than he had ever been before. He also sported a modernized look that included a shaved head and the disappearance of his chain belt.

To Bendis’ credit, he made Luke Cage into a vital Marvel character. Current FMV for a 9.8 graded copy of New Avengers #1 stands at $70, making this a very affordable Modern Age key.

Luke Cage in Other Media

Luke Cage, as played by Mike Colter, would be featured in two seasons of Luke Cage on Netflix as well as the Defenders series. The character’s MCU status is up in the air. The hope of many is that, with the return of Charlie Cox as Daredevil, we may see Colter back as Luke Cage. Only time will tell.

Are you a Luke Cage collector? What are some of your favorite issues? Let us know below.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.