TEN QUICK FACTS ABOUT LUKE CAGE

With Netflix’s television debut of Luke Cage, there was much buzz about this modern day Avenger and defender from Harlem. Season 2 was released this past June.

How much of a Luke Cage fan are you?

Are you trying to figure out who this man is? Or, are you a long time Cage fan, after years of reading about his adventures in the pages of Marvel comics?

Well, there are things that might still surprise you about this African-American superhero.  Here are 10 quick Luke Cage facts:

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Luke Cage’s real name was Carl Lucas. In the comics he lived in Harlem, New York his whole life and was once a gangster (the Netflix series inspired by the comics gives him Southern roots).

As you know, with superhuman powers come superhuman responsibilities. Luke decided that being part of the gang called Rivals is not the life he wants. He left the underworld and became the superhero.

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Speaking of affiliations, Luke Cage has been associated with the Avengers, Heroes for Hire, Fantastic Four, Defenders, Marvel Knights and Thunderbolts.
Speaking of affiliations, Luke Cage has been associated with the Avengers, Heroes for Hire, Fantastic Four, Defenders, Marvel Knights and Thunderbolts.
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It all started with Seagate Prison – Luke was involved in a cell regeneration experiment much similar to Captain America’s but it went bad for him. However, it became a blessing in disguise because he was able to acquire super strength, bulletproof skin and later on, healing powers. Why was he is prison? For the benefit of non-comic book fans, he was set up by his former friend from the Rivals gang and as a result was sent to Seagate.
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Thanks to Blaxploitation in the seventies, African-American super heroes became highly sought after. Look for a comic book entitled – Luke Cage: Hero for Hire (1972) – this is the first African-American super hero comic book ever released in the history of comic books.
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Iron Fist was Cage’s best friend and partner.   Oh, you already knew that?

Were you aware of Luke Cage teaming up with The Punisher? Check out The Punisher plus Cage comic book – where Frank Castle disguised himself as a “black” man

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Years ago award winning director Quentin Tarantino wanted to create a film adaptation of Luke Cage.

Laurence Fishburne was a strong contender for the role of Cage for his overall impact but Wesley Snipes was also considered due to his impeccable physique.

In the end, Tarantino brushed off the idea since his comic book buddies gave him the no go.

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Luke Cage has a daughter with Jessica Jones named Danielle Cage. Danielle had to be under SHIELD’s protection when Luke was with the organization

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Matt Murdock aka Dare Devil was a client of Luke Cage. He used to be Matt’s bodyguard.
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Luke Cage and Steve Rogers formed a friendship based on trust and loyalty. Captain America has delegated leadership roles to Luke in some occasions, one of which is being the head of Thunderbolts.
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After the murder of Captain America, Luke Cage formed the “New Avengers” together with Spider-Man, Wolverine, Iron Fist and Spider-Woman.

Hope you enjoyed learning more of the defender from Harlem.