Top 20 Black Superheroes

No. 4: Power Man (Luke Cage) – Marvel Comics

Marvel’s original bullet proof black man first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 published in 1972. Luke was conceived in the mold of Blaxploitation characters like Shaft, only with superpowers. The character’s popularity within the Marvel Universe increased once he was paired with Danny Rand, the Iron Fist. In addition to his partnership with Iron Fist, Luke has been affiliated with a number of super teams: the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the Defenders, the Thunderbolts and Heroes for Hire. Luke married the super strong detective Jessica Jones in New Avengers Annual #1 (2006). The couple has a daughter named Danielle.

Luke superpowers are a result of experiments conducted on him during a stint at Seagate Prison. He is practically invulnerable, has super strength, stamina and enhanced speed. Luke Cage has appeared in Marvel related cartoons and video games. The character starred in a 13 part Netflix series in 2016. Luke co-starred in Netflix’s team-up series The Defenders in 2017.  Netflix is expected to release the second season of Luke Cage in 2018.  In recent years the character has appeared in a number of comic series: Power Man and Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Black Panther: The Crew and The Defenders.  

First Appearance: Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 (1972)

Powers: Practically invulnerable, has super strength, stamina and enhanced speed.