Luke Cage #1 review: Big trouble in the Big Easy for Power Man
By Alex Widen
Luke Cage is back to basics, taking care of the people of Harlem. Yet will a mystery in the Big Easy bring back ghosts from the past?
Luke Cage #1
Writer: David Walker
Artist: Nelson Blake II
Colorist: Marcio Menyz
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Fans saddened by the end of Power Man and Iron Fist last month, rejoice! While the new Iron Fist relaunch may be a little underwhelming, this series reunites writer David Walker to a character he knows very well. As such, this debut issue feels like coming home again for fans of the hero for hire. It sees Luke Cage going back to his roots, quite literally, as a mystery involving his origin sweeps him up. It will be a journey which takes him to a new city and unfamiliar places.
Image by Marvel Comics
Cage starts the series doing what he does best. When a young woman is kidnapped, Luke tracks down her kidnappers to a local joint which rents out rooms under a bar. As a result, Cage takes on the crew of a small time hood he dubs “Big Worm.” It’s a very “by the numbers” sort of situation for him. People who have no one else to turn to for help turn to their local Power Man. Cage’s even still trying to get jobs for his unemployed former enemies from Walker’s previous series.
Image by Marvel Comics
Due to a Bad Call, It’s Time to Head South!
As with many things in life, a random phone call turns out to be most noteworthy. Cage learns that Dr. Noah Burstein, the man who originally gave him his powers, has passed away. He immediately heads down to New Orleans to attend the funeral of the man he very much owes his life to. Back in his original 1972 series, it was Burstein whose attempt to modify the “super soldier serum” resulted in turning the falsely imprisoned Cage into a superhero. It’s akin to losing a father for him.
Image by Marvel Comics
Distraught and out of his element, Luke accepts an invitation by Dr. Lenore Mornay. She is also mourning the loss of Burstein, and brings Cage to the estate of another colleague. Yet while the wealthy Cyril Morgan is initially welcoming, there is a creeping obsession within him. The work of Dr. Burstein saved his son Caleb, and Morgan sees Luke as a “specimen” for further greatness. Appalled, Dr. Mornay drives Cage away from the area and airs her own suspicions.
Image by Marvel Comics
Yet, as with most things in Luke’s life, this is hardly a pleasure drive. Mornay lays out the fairly predictable tidbit of Dr. Burstein’s death being more than it seems. In addition to his death seeming like a suicide, the notes for “the Burstein Process” are missing. In addition, strange men in a mini van soon run them off the road. When Cage confronts them, at least one proves to be every bit as strong and bulletproof as him, if not more so. He is also being stalked by another foe!
Image by Marvel Comics
Same Great Writer, Same Great Direction!
Writer David Walker was always more comfortable writing Luke Cage in Power Man and Iron Fist, and shows it here. His Power Man has a calm yet assured confidence about himself and his abilities. He can be reasonable when the situation calls for it, but he’s also more than willing to do what it takes to defend the innocent and his friends. Yet, behind everything, there’s a sensitivity which comes out in his mourning for Dr. Burstein. Here, he’s out of his element both physically and emotionally.
Image by Marvel Comics
For the moment, the mystery itself is more of a vehicle to get Luke into action. This isn’t a bad thing, as Walker has a great handle on him and his dialogue. However, few readers will likely be surprised at Burstein’s death not being a suicide, or of Mr. Morgan possibly being a mastermind villain. Walker continues being well-read regarding past Power Man stories, digging out one of his oldest villains. In addition, this may be the first appearance of Warhawk in many years!
Image by Marvel Comics
As this comic summarizes, Mitchell Tanner was a guinea pig for the “process” which Burstein performed on Luke. He first appeared in Marvel Premiere #75 in 1975, fighting Iron Fist. He’s since gone on to plague both Danny and Cage on multiple occasions. He’s also taken on Wolverine, the X-Men, and Black Goliath. Originally a bit of an unfortunate stereotype of crazed Vietnam vets, his instability is a side effect of the “process.” Walker certainly did his homework on Warhawk!
Image by Marvel Comics
Different Art Brings a Different Flair!
Nelson Blake II and Marcio Menyz do a terrific job on art and colors. Blake II certainly has a different vibe than the artists usually employed on Power Man and Iron Fist. Unlike that series, which usually sought a more urban and hip hop inspired art style, Blake II favors a more straightforward superhero style. His line work is clear, and he handles the fight sequences very well. Cage taking on the thugs and then the mysterious masked man are visual highlights.
Image by Marvel Comics
In addition, I always like how Walker manages to bring in some real life elements and issues without getting on a soapbox. Specifically, Mr. Morgan’s use of the word “specimen” regarding Luke. It makes sense regarding the context of the story, yet it also calls into play the sorts of things (and slurs) people of color have to deal with when meeting upper class white men in other areas. Some messages can be lost if lectured, so this one hits with just the right level to be powerful.
Image by Marvel Comics
Next: Check out the series finale to Power Man and Iron Fist!
It was a shame losing Power Man and Iron Fist, but Luke Cage is proving to be an apt substitute. Much as Immortal Iron Fist did for his partner, Walker is trying to embellish and build upon Cage’s origin to craft new enemies and stories for him. Other people have gone through the “process,” particularly John and Cruz McIver (who both called themselves Bushmaster). This has the angle of an urban mystery. Whether in the Big Apple or the Big Easy, Luke is not one to underestimate!