1st APPEARANCE "LUKE CAGE" HERO for HIRE (Carl Lucas)
1st appearance "DIAMONDBACK" (Willis Stryker)

At Seagate Prison, Lucas is a prisoner who has been abused by those who warden over him. However, when he explains to prison physician Noah Burstein that while he wasn't the most law abiding citizen, he was framed for cocaine possession by his friend Willis Stryker, who then moved in on their criminal racket, and his girl, which eventually led to Reva's death. Burstein offers Lucas an early chance at parole if he helps with a scientific experiment.

However, when racist prison guard Billy Bob Rackham tampers with the machine, an unexpected effect: Lucas is granted enhanced strength and bullet proof skin. Once realizing this, Lucas uses his powers to escape Seagate, leaving the staff there to assume that he died trying to flee in the water.

Lucas eventually finds his way to New York City, where he decides to put his powers to use, earning himself some income as a "Hero for Hire". Buying a costume and taking on the name Luke Cage, Lucas begins his career as "Hero for Hire." Luke's activities make him popular among the people of Harlem, but also bring the attention of the local syndicates leader: Diamondback, a costumed criminal with trick switchblades, who as it turns out, is Luke's old friend Stryker.

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