Luke Cage and Iron Fist are two of the most iconic comic book characters from Marvel Comics. Both characters have unique origins, powers, and personalities, and their combined forces as the Heroes for Hire make for a dynamic duo that has captured the hearts of comic book fans for decades.
Luke Cage, also known as Power Man, was first introduced in 1972. He is a former gang member who gains superhuman strength and impenetrable skin after being subjected to an experiment. Luke is a tough, streetwise hero who fights for justice in the urban landscape of New York City.
Iron Fist, also known as Danny Rand, was first introduced in 1974. He is a martial arts expert who gains mystical powers after being trained in the ancient city of K’un-Lun. Iron Fist is a more cerebral hero than Luke Cage, using his intelligence and strategic thinking to take down his enemies.
The two characters first teamed up in Marvel Premiere #15 in 1974, and their popularity led to the creation of their own series, Power Man and Iron Fist, in 1978. The series ran for 125 issues and focused on the duo’s adventures as the Heroes for Hire, a team of street-level heroes who offer their services for a fee.