Written by: David F. Walker
Art by: Sanford Greene
Publisher: Marvel
The Heroes for Hire, classic 70’s Marvel characters, return in the All-New, All-Different Marvel universe. I have always had a strange interest in these characters, especially recently, as Luke Cage and Danny Rand either have or will appear in other productions under the Marvel media umbrella. After reading this new issue, I can happily say I am immensely excited for the future, and it equally makes me interested in exploring the pasts of the two title characters as well.
Out of fear some cooler details in the narrative could be considered spoilers for the book, I can’t give too much away about the story, but ultimately I feel it will pave the way for an exciting future in the run. I’ll leave some more interesting appearances secretive for the time being
Luke Cage, who seemingly has more important things going on in his personal life, hesitantly partners up with Iron Fist for another, more personal mission. Danny is much more excited, perhaps overly so, hoping The Heroes for Hire will come together again for longer term. The interactions between Luke and Danny are endearing, and reveal some of the heart that’s going into the series. It’s like watching a fully-grown adult, Cage, partner up with a younger, more enthusiastic hero. This kind of dynamic I feel will take this series a long way. The camaraderie and love between the two is strong, and it felt so intensely that these partners have been fighting crime for a long time.
Iron Fist and Luke Cage help out an old friend, and, of course, things get sour. As new characters are introduced, the book feels like it has the potential to touch upon some dark subject matter, especially how some of these tones connect to the likes of Luke. I could be reading too much into things, but I certainly can’t fault the book for being as engaging as it is.
Greene’s art, which is what initially excited me for this project, is spot on. The characters are expressive, just as they should be. I often felt an emotional warmness because of the characters and their designs, which evidently match up with their personalities: Cage looks old, sophisticated (especially with that silk vest; I dig that), and bear-like, whereas Danny looks youthful, active, eager, and confidently competent.
The pencils in combination with Lee Loughridge’s astounding, vibrant coloring abilities create this perfectly retro, urban feel that perfectly suits the characters. The colors in particular match the playful, sometimes mellow tone of the book itself, and it simultaneously works when the action kicks in too. The warm, melancholy, sunset-esque aura of the whole book definitely works. This, frankly, is one of the most aesthetically pleasing books I’ve seen.
The only criticism I have with the book is that I feel it’s wrapped up in its own world to the extent the inexperienced reader might not know who certain characters are, and why they could be a big deal on a grander scale. This can work in it’s favor too, I’d say, as I am now interested in exploring the mythology of this corner of the Marvel universe, whether it be the past or what is to come.
Either way, this was a book I was really excited for, and I am happy to say I was not let down. This is a tightly knit street level book, that leaves me begging for more.
