Luke Cage, Power Man Hero for Hire

Luke Cage, Power Man was created in 1971 by Archie Goodwin and John Romita Sr. He first appeared in Hero for Hire #1. In prison for a crime he did not commit he volunteered for an experiment that would give him an early release from prison. When the Dr. was gone a guard, who held a grudge against Luke, misused the experiment controls on purpose to try and kill him. The results were that he lived but now had bullet proof skin and super strength. Luke was not given early release but he used his powers to escape the prison. He made his way back to New York City and became a hero for hire so he could fight crime. Eventually he cleared his name of the crime he was in prison for. He also entered into a business partnership with the martial arts hero Iron Fist. Through out his career he has earned the respect of other superheroes. He has been a member of groups like the Defenders, the Fantastic Four and the Avengers.
Power Mans book started out strong but his sales started to slow down. Iron Fist also had slow sales and both books were looking a cancellation. Marvel comics decided on making them an unlikely crime fighting team and the book Power Man and Iron Fist continued for a few more years with improved sales. Eventually the book was canceled but Marvel has tried in recent years to bring back both in separate mini-series. Neither series led to an ongoing book. The character of Luke Cage has since married and has a daughter. Luke has become involved in the Civil War mini-series as a member of Captain America’s Secret Avengers.