Capes On the Couch - Where Comics Get Counseling: Issue 103

Issue 103 - Luke Cage

Nov 25, 2020

We wrap up Season 4 as we cover Power Man, LUKE CAGE! How can Doc help this man of the streets be a better man off the streets? Plus a fun pitch for a new comic book - listen now!

SHOW NOTES:

Intro
- Season finale - Clones will be pushed to January
- Anthony’s livestream for Extra Life coming 11/28
Background (4:14)

- Luke Cage created by Archie Goodwin, Roy Thomas, George Tuska, and John Romita Sr. in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 (June 1972)
- Carl Lucas grew up in Harlem with his best friend Willis Stryker, but Carl left the gang lifestyle while Willis embraced it
- After Willis’s girlfriend left him and sought Carl’s help, Willis framed Carl and sent him to prison, where he was beaten by a racist guard
- He volunteered for an experimental procedure for cellular regeneration, but the guard tampered with it in an attempt to kill him - the procedure gave him unbreakable skin and super strength
- He escaped prison, returned to Harlem, changed his name to Luke Cage, and sought to make a living as a hero for hire
- Befriends Danny Rand, the Iron Fist, and the two partner up
- Has a drunken one-night stand with Jessica Jones, but the two begin dating after she reveals she’s pregnant
- During Civil War, he and Jessica work as part of the Secret Avengers underground - later takes the lead of the New Avengers team
- Leaves the team to focus on taking care of Jessica and their daughter Danielle
- Still assists heroes when Harlem or New York need saving
Issues (12:10)
- Focus on street level issues instead of world saving stuff occasionally puts him at odds with other heroes
- Family man first & foremost - will not endanger his wife or daughter (22:36)
- Man unaccustomed to talking about feelings
Break (44:33)
- Plugs for Grief Burrito, Perfect Package Podcast, and Erica Schultz
Treatment (46:13)
- In-universe - Use nodal connections and put him in different situations to help him expand his circle
- Out of universe - Overcome stigma for Black men in therapy setting (51:09)
Skit (62:03)
Ending (68:19)
- Recommended reading: Power Man & Iron Fist Epic Collection, New Avengers by Brian Michael Bendis
- Thanks for love & support - see you in January!
- Plugs for social