• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Comic Book Herald

A Comic Book Reading Order Guide For Beginners & Fans

  • Reading Orders
    • Marvel
    • My Marvelous Year
    • DC Comics
    • All Comic Book Publishers
    • Most Recent
  • Beginner Guides
    • Beginner’s Guide To Comics In 2025
    • Marvel 2025: Where to Start?
    • DC 2025: Where to Start?
    • Best of Lists
    • Tablets for Comics
    • Guides for Digital Readers
  • Reviews
    • Marvel Comics
    • DC Comics
    • Comic Book Movies
    • Comic Book TV
    • Video Games
  • Podcasts & Video
    • My Marvelous Year
    • Best Comics Ever (CBH)
    • CBH on Youtube!
  • About Me
    • My Favorite Comics of All Time
    • Columns
    • CBH Email Newsletter
  • Support Comic Book Herald
    • Ways to support
You are here: Home / Featured / Where to Start With Luke Cage Comics?

Where to Start With Luke Cage Comics?

March 31, 2016 by Dave 4 Comments

Cage.

Luke Cage / Power Man Reading Order

Index:

I) Luke Cage Origins and Early Days

II) Power Man and Iron Fist – Heroes for Hire

III) Secret 80’s & 90’s Luke Cage

 

Support For Comic Book Herald:

Comic Book Herald is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a qualifying affiliate commission.

Comic Book Herald’s reading orders and guides are also made possible by My Marvelous Year club support on Patreon, and generous reader donations.

Any size contribution will help keep CBH alive and full of new comics guides and content. Support CBH’s My Marvelous Year on Patreon for exclusive rewards, or Donate here! Thank you for reading!

IV) Marvel Knights Luke Cage (Early 2000’s)

V) Luke Cage – New Avenger

VI) Luke Cage, Thunderbolt & (New) New Avenger

VII) Luke Cage, Mighty Avenger

VIII) The Return of Power Man and Iron Fist

Origins of Luke Cage

I) Luke Cage Origins & Early Days

Luke Cage: Hero for Hire, Vol. 1

Collects: Hero for Hire #1 to #16, Power Man #17 to #27

Avengers Origins: Luke Cage #1

While written in 2013, this is simply a modern reimagining of Luke Cage’s origin story. One shot available in Marvel Unlimited.

Amazing Spider-Man #123

First meeting between Luke Cage and Spider-Man, as Luke hunts for the alleged murderer of Norman Osborn! Not particularly important, but this can be slotted in after Hero for Hire #12 in terms of Marvel release dates.

Essential Defenders Vol. 3

Collects: Defenders #40 to #69, Annual #1

This is pretty commonly overlooked in the history of Luke Cage, but he was actually a recurring guest-hero and eventual member of the 1970’s Defenders. Oddly, of all the Netflix Defenders, Luke Cage is the only one who was actually a Defender in the Marvel Comics sense.

Essential Luke Cage/Power Man, Vol. 2

Collects: Power Man #28 to #49, Annual #1

Note that Marvel Unlimited’s current Luke Cage / Power Man offerings are woefully short (as of 3.26.16). Your MU subscription will get you Luke Cage: Hero for Hire #1, and that’s it.

If nothing else, try to find a copy of Hero for Hire #9, as Luke Cage confronts Doctor Doom about money he’s owed.

Fantastic Four #168 to #170

The Fantastic Four take on Power Man.

Luke Cage and Iron Fist

II) Power Man and Iron Fist Team-Up

Power Man & Iron Fist Epic Collection: Heroes for Hire

Collects: Power Man #48 to #49, Power Man & Iron Fist #50 to #70

Power Man and Iron Fist (Marvel Essentials, Vol. 2)

Collects: Power Man & Iron Fist #71 to #100, Daredevil #178

Luke and Danny, Danny and Luke. Power Man & Iron Fist will give you one of the best partnerships in comics, although it’s again worth noting this series is nowhere to be found in Marvel Unlimited (March 2016).

In regards to Daredevil #178, as always, it’s my duty to tell the world that Frank Miller’s time on Daredevil (first as artist, then as writer and artist) is one of the most highly recommended runs in all of Marvel Comics.

This particular issue has the big “Daredevil… Meets Power Man & Iron Fist” right there on the cover, so it’s the most applicable to our Luke Cage reading experience. Luke and Danny will maintain a street-level bond with Daredevil throughout their comic history, and this is one of their earliest encounters.

III) The Under the Radar Luke Cage – 1980’s Through 1990’s

Power Man and Iron Fist #101 to #125

Sadly uncollected, and seemingly unavailable.

Luke Cage: Second Chances Vol. 1

Luke Cage: Second Chances Vol. 2

Issues: Cage #1 to #20, as well as a crossover event with Terror Inc (issues #11 to #12) and Silver Sable & The Wild Pack (#13 to #14)

Luke Cage’s early 90’s solo run!

Secret Defenders #15 to #17

A Deadpool, Luke Cage, and Doctor Druid team-up comic. If this was announced as a new ongoing today, I’d have it on my pull list yesterday.

Heroes for Hire #1 to #18

I don’t know how or why a John Ostrander (of Suicide Squad fame) Heroes for Hire is darn near impossible to find, but it is! If you track this run down, let me hear about it.

Black Panther #16 to #17

By my count, this is just about the last time we’ll see Luke in his classic Yellow open-chest jacket and tiara in modern Marvel comics. It’s also my dutiful reminder that Christopher Priest’s Black Panther run is great.

Jessica Jones and Luke Cage

IV) Luke Cage Marvel Knights Renaissance

Marvel Knights #11 to #15

Cage by Brian Azzarello

Six issue Marvel MAX limited series.

Alias

Even though Luke Cage isn’t in every issue of Alias (it is a Jessica Jones series after all), you really need to read the whole series as part of a Luke Cage reading order. This is where Luke and Jessica’s messy, honest relationship begins, and the fact that Alias is one of the best 100 Marvel Comics of the millennium is just icing on the cake.

Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev’s Daredevil

Another highly recommended read that works best (as you’d expect) in the Daredevil reading order.

Nonetheless, there are a handful of cool “Luke tells Daredevil what’s up” scenes, such as in Daredevil #38 (the start of the “Trial of the Century” story arc). It’s a strong series overall, but this issue helps put Luke, Danny and Matt’s interactions into context.

The Pulse #1 to #5

Luke and Jessica’s relationship is brought in to the Marvel Universe proper, after its beginnings in the Marvel Max Alias. The Pulse is more of a Jessica Jones story at its core, but naturally Luke is an increasingly important part of her life.

Secret War #1 to #5

The Pulse #6 to #9

Luke Cage comic books!

V) Luke Cage, New Avenger (2004 to 2010)

New Avengers #1 to #10

Black Panther by Reginald Hudlin Complete Collection 2

Note: Starting with Black Panther #10, Luke Cage takes on a role in the ongoing by Reginald Hudlin.

The Pulse #11 to #14

Note: From this point forward, you’re basically just reading New Avengers, which is Luke’s core series throughout the remainder of the 2000’s. I break down a Marvel Unlimited reading order for you below so you can work in Annuals and universe-wide events.

New Avengers Reading Order

New Avengers #11 to #21

New Avengers Annual #1

Don’t skip the annual! Important life events for Luke Cage and Jessica Jones.

New Avengers #22 to #27

Issue #22 is a Jessica Jones and Luke Cage Civil War Tie-In.

New Avengers #28 to #37

New Avengers Annual #2

New Avengers #38 to #47

Jessica Jones and Luke Cage deal with Secret Invasion. There are some definite ramifications for the duo during this event, so if you’re all in on Marvel backstory, you can find the Secret Invasion guide here.

New Avengers #48 to #60

Takes you through Dark Reign and Siege. Various Jessica Jones and Luke Cage throughout.

New Avengers Annual #3

New Avengers #61 to #64

Siege tie-ins. I mean you made it this far.

New Avengers: Luke Cage

Issues: #1 to #3

New Avengers Finale #1

VI) Luke Cage, Thunderbolt & New (New) Avenger! (2010 to 2012)

Luke Cage Noir

Marvel’s Noir series is an out-of-continuity reimagining of some of the coolest Marvel heroes in a 1920’s noir. Luke Cage’s actually works particularly well, and is highly recommended reading for fans of the character.

Thunderbolts: Cage #144 to #168

Following the events of Siege, Luke Cage takes on an all-new role with the Thunderbolts.

New Avengers #1 to #34 (2010 to 2012 series)

In addition to his new role with the T-Bolts, Luke Cage also heads up a team of New Avengers. Meanwhile I can barely put on socks and carry a conversation at the same time.

Shadowland: Power Man (2010)

Power Man and Iron Fist (2010 to 2011)

This isn’t a Luke Cage book per say, but Luke’s tangentially involved, and at only 5 issues it’s recommended.

VII) Marvel NOW! Luke Cage, Mighty Avenger (2013 to 2015)

Mighty Avengers: No Single Hero #1 to #5

Luke’s new Marvel NOW! team begins with several Infinity tie-ins followed by Inhumanity tie-ins. It’s almost like Marvel felt this book would need to crossover with events to get readers…

Mighty Avengers: Family Bonding #6 to #10

Mighty Avengers: Original Sin – Not Your Father’s Avengers #11 to #14

To be fair, we made it five issues before the Original Sin crossovers.

Captain America & The Mighty Avengers #1 to #7

Axis Tie-ins

Captain America & The Mighty Avengers #8 to #9

I’d note that the second volume of Cap and the Mighty Avengers also features the Captain Britain and the Mighty Defenders Secret Wars tie-in, which includes a great alternate reality version of Luke Cage.

Danny Rand and Luke Cage

VIII) Return of Power Man & Iron Fist

Power Man and Iron Fist: The Boys are Back in Town

Issues: Power Man and Iron Fist #1 to #6

 

What do you think? Need more Luke Cage in your life? Have a favorite you want to see added? Do what feels right to you in the comments.

Latest Additions:

Power Man & Iron Fist Vol. 2: Civil War II

Issues: Power Man & Iron Fist #6 to #9, Sweet Christmas Annual #1

Power Man & Iron Fist Vol. 3: Street Magic

Issues: Power Man & Iron Fist #10 to #15

Jessica Jones Vol. 1: Uncaged!

Issues: Jessica Jones (2016) #1 to #6

Secret Empire

Issues: Secret Empire #0, Secret Empire #1 to #10, Secret Empire Omega #1, Captain America #25, and material from FCBD 2017 (Secret Empire #1)

Check out CBH’s full Secret Empire Reading Order!

Luke Cage Vol. 1: Sins of the Father

Issues: Luke Cage (2017) #1 to #5

Luke Cage Vol. 2: Caged!

Issues: Luke Cage (2017) #166 to #170

Daredevil by Soule and Sudzuka

Issues: #21

Defenders Vol. 1: Diamonds Are Forever

Issues: Defenders (2017) #1 to #5, material from FCBD 2017 (Guardians of the Galaxy) #1

Defenders Vol. 2: Kingpins of New York

Issues: Defenders (2017) #6 to #10

Jessica Jones Vol. 2: The Secrets of Maria Hill

Issues: Jessica Jones (2016) #7 to #12

Hunt for Wolverine: Adamantium Agenda

Issues: Hunt of Wolverine #1, Hunt for Wolverine: Adamantium Agenda #1 to #4

Luke Cage: Everyman

Issues: Luke Cage MDO #1 to #3

Jessica Jones: Blind Spot

Issues: Jessica Jones MDO #1 to #3

Iron Fist: Phantom Limb

Issues: Iron Fist MDO #1 to #3

Jessica Jones: Purple Daughter

Issues: Jessica Jones: Purple Daughter MDO #1 to #3

War of the Realms: Strikeforce

Issues: War of the Realms Strikeforce: The Land of the Giants, The Dark Elf Realm, and The War Avengers

Check out CBH’s War of the Realms Reading Order!

Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon

Issues: Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon (2021) #1 to #6

Heroes Reborn: American Knights

Devil’s Reign

Issues: Devil’s Reign (2021) #1 to #6, Devil’s Reign: Omega (2022) #1

Check out CBH’s full Devil’s Reign Reading Order!

The Variants

Issues: The Variants (2022) #1 to #5

Luke Cage: Gang War

Issues: Luke Cage: Gang War #1 to #4

Filed Under: Featured, Marvel Characters Tagged With: Luke Cage

Heroically Support Comic Book Herald!

If you like Comic Book Herald, and are able to donate, any small contribution will help keep CBH alive and full of new comics guides and content. Donate here! Or, support CBH on Patreon for exclusive rewards! Thank you for reading!

Become a Patron!

CBH Newsletter!

About Dave

Dave is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Comic Book Herald, and also the Boss of assigning himself fancy titles. He's a long-time comic book fan, and can be seen most evenings in Batman pajama pants. Contact Dave @comicbookherald on Twitter or via email at dave@comicbookherald.com.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ryan says

    July 29, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    Cool! Thanks for the reading order. I started collecting graphic novels and omnibuses about 6 months ago now. I’m only 14 so I have to save a lot but it’s getting better every month. Daredevil by Frank Miller is my favourite series right now. I just finished volume 3. I’m starting way back in the 60s with my favourite characters like X Men and The Avengers but then with other characters like Daredevil I’m starting in the 70s (Frank Miller) and 80s but then with my not so favourite characters I’m starting with more modern series like Guardians of the Galaxy instead of going way back I’ve just started with Marvel Now volume 1 cosmic avengers. I’ve watched the Netflix series Luke Cage so instead of reading hero for hire I’ll just go on to Power Man and Iron Fist. Once again thanks for all your reading orders on here. They’ve really helped me start my graphic novel collection. 😉

    Reply
    • jacinto says

      June 3, 2018 at 2:25 pm

      hey im 14 too and im about to start my comic journey, what do you recommend i start off with?

      Reply
      • Dave says

        June 7, 2018 at 1:17 pm

        Welcome – give this guide a look: https://www.comicbookherald.com/how-to-start-reading-comics/

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

The My Marvelous Year Podcast!

Apple PodcastsRSS

CBH Newsletter!

My Ultimate Year podcast and reading club

Recent Posts

  • 2010 Variant Cover E: Thunderbolts Review w/ Tiffany Babb May 12, 2025
  • Extra Issues – Lucifer Pt. 2 (2000) May 8, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 9: Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Bucky on Trial, & Invincible Iron Man May 5, 2025
  • My Favorite Graphic Novels of April 2025 May 1, 2025
  • 2010 Variant Cover D: Dave Interviewed Donny Cates & Chris Claremont! And Daredevil: Born Again Review! April 27, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 8: Daredevil: Shadowland April 21, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 7: Wolverine, Second Coming, & Uncanny X-Force April 14, 2025
  • Extra Issues – Lucifer Pt. 1 (2000) April 7, 2025
  • 2010 Variant Cover C: Marvel Rivals Resurrects the X-Men’s Krakoa, Trivia & Jiggle Physics! April 7, 2025
  • My Favorite Graphic Novels of March 2025 April 7, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 6: Hickman’s Fantastic Four: Three March 31, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 5: Realm of Kings & Thanos Imperative March 24, 2025
  • 2010 Variant Cover B: Daredevil Born Again (Again) TV Series Review! March 17, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 4: Amazing Spider-Man: Big Time & Dave’s Favorite Black Widow Story March 10, 2025
  • My Favorite Graphic Novels of February 2025 March 4, 2025

Popular Articles

DC Rebirth Guide

Batman Reading Order

DC New 52 Reading Order

Marvel Ultimate Universe Guide

Civil War Reading Order

Marvel Cosmic Reading Order

The Best Comics of All Time!

Deadpool Reading Order

Justice League Reading Order

Complete Thanos Reading Order

X-Men Reading Guide (Modern Era)

Age of Apocalypse Reading Order

Modern Marvel Universe in 25 Trades

Best Tablet For Digital Comics

Is Marvel Unlimited Worth It?

Footer

New to Comic Book Herald?

Hey there - my name's Dave and this is my comic book blog. It's my way of sharing my borderline obsessive addiction to the comic book medium, and I hope you like some of what's going on here.

Most people that come here are looking for my (WIP) Marvel reading order guide. You can probably also get a sense if CBH is for you by taking a look at some of my columns.

If you like what you see, let's connect on Facebook or Twitter. Or, leave a comment on the blog here, I'm always looking for new awesome people in the comic book community.

More on Comic Book Herald

  • Home
  • About
  • Support CBH
  • My Marvelous Year
  • Join!
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

Recent Posts

  • 2010 Variant Cover E: Thunderbolts Review w/ Tiffany Babb
  • Extra Issues – Lucifer Pt. 2 (2000)
  • 2010 Pt. 9: Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Bucky on Trial, & Invincible Iron Man
  • My Favorite Graphic Novels of April 2025
  • 2010 Variant Cover D: Dave Interviewed Donny Cates & Chris Claremont! And Daredevil: Born Again Review!

Copyright © 2025 · Metro Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in