CAGE!
Cage! TPB (Marvel)
There’s something almost quaint about some of the 1970’s characters who are still kicking around the Marvel Comics world.
Iron Fist: a blatant rip-off of the then-popular Kung Fu television show, who still rocks his Bruce Lee warm-ups, thankfully made cool again by fashion.
Luke Cage aka Power Man: Does not have the same option, as I think the wide open, huge lapel shirt, and chain belt are not making a comeback anytime soon. Because of this, Genndy Tartakovsky chose to instead create a period piece of sorts, with Cage!
This book was just damn fun. I know, there’s some criticism about the art and the dialog, so if you want to see the format that Genndy is basing this book on, start at the back. Marvel has included a reproduction of Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 to show you where our titular hero came from.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s not only making fun of the 70’s heroes, with a great list of guest stars including Dazzler–obviously Dazzler–but it’s also making fun of the kung-fu movies that also were in their heyday at the time.
The Art? Everything you expect from Genndy. Oversized characters, anime like movement lines, sculpted fight scenes, and incredible facial expressions. If you’re a Samurai Jack fan, this is an easy add to your collection.
This plot is very lightly lifted right out of Enter the Dragon, with quite a bit more humor thrown in. Keep an eye out for the dialog-heavy Iron Fist fight; a hidden weakness I’ve never seen called out quite so deftly.
After reading this, I thought, you know what Marvel? This throwback might be a good idea. Who wouldn’t want to read a 1970’s New X-Men series with crazy art and over the top dialog? I’d pick it up if they brought back the Wolverine brown costume alone.
So, overall, I think this book is a blast. Pick it up, laugh along with it, and support one of the most dynamic artist/creators in the business.
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