It’s fitting Luke Cage gets his own four-issue series during the “Gang War” crossover since he’s the mayor of New York. It’s his job to make sure people are protected, but how can he do that when superheroes are mostly illegal in the city? That’s the big question hanging over Luke Cage: Gang War #1 as Luke Cage takes matters into his own hands.
This is my favorite comic related to “Gang War” yet. It’s still early for the crossover, but Luke Cage may have the most compelling perspective on superheroes being illegal while a literal war starts in the New York streets. He needs to abide by the voter’s wishes and the laws that need to be enacted, but he’s an ex-superhero and knows when the government can’t do what the supes can.
Eventually, Luke is faced with saving a life but getting arrested or standing down. That leads to a major decision that sends him on a vigilante path, complete with a brand-new costume. I’m not sure how many folks won’t be able to guess who this new invulnerable Black superhero is, but the costume seems to work on two classic heroes who pop into the story. The costume has a simple look that suits his new lease on being a superhero.
I can’t shake how the political side slows down this issue at its start. It’s important to the story, but it takes seven pages to get to the real action. I’m also curious how Luke will balance superheroing and being mayor, and it’s too early to tell if Rodney Barnes will explore that side of things. As of the end of this issue, it appears Luke may be a full vigilante hero, but the story could take some interesting turns if he has to balance both heroic duties.
Luke punches through a car. Crazy!
Credit: Marvel
Art by Ramon F. Bachs is solid for a street-level beat ’em-up story like this one. Andrew Dalhouse and Bachs lean into the heavier inks, which work wonders in the night fight scenes. I’m not exactly sure Luke Cage is strong enough to punch through a car, but Bach makes you believe it.
My only gripe with the issue, save for the long-winded political scenes, is some awkward plotting. Luke exits the mayor’s office and then has three meetings around town. This immediately leads him to wear a costume and run out into the night. The last meeting is with Ms. Estelle who crafts his costume, and she does it so quickly in a rather normal-looking sewing room when it could have been far cooler of a scene. It’s so casual and quick it makes the new costume unveiling uninteresting.
I’m intrigued by Luke Cage: Gang War, as it puts Luke Cage in a tough position. How does he balance his two jobs while staying true to his oath to serve the people? That’s a compelling argument to make while he busts heads in the night.
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