Review: Power Man and Iron Fist #1

ComiConverse Contributor Carl Waldron reviews Power Man and Iron Fist Issue #1.

"Never work with family."

That old adage is proved true in Power Man and Iron Fist Issue #1. The hardest thing about calling someone you love "co-worker" is that you can start to hate qualities in them that you already find obnoxious. For example, my mother loves to talk over people. If I were to work with her, this mildly aggravating trait I can usually ignore would drive me up the family tree. Power Man and Iron Fist have this problem.

Luke Cage and Iron Fist are brothers. These two fight crime together; a bond that is hard to match. Luke Cage makes this a point in the new Power Man (he doesn't like to be called that) and Iron Fist (he loves to be called that) series. No one loves Iron Fist more than Luke does. He also makes it clear that although they are family, in his preferred world, Heroes For Hire are NOT back together.

Heroes For Hire Are Back Together:

Credit: Marvel Comics.

Luke Cage and Danny Rand burst onto the page in the new Power Man & Iron Fist series. Written by David Walker, with art beautifully rendered by Sanford Greene and colors by Lee Loughridge, the dialogue and the visuals of the story pop. Luke and Danny set out to help a friend in need and quickly become embroiled with an old enemy. All the while, Luke makes it clear to his wife Jessica, Danny, and the reader that Heroes For Hire are not a thing.

By the end of the issue, I am pretty sure it is.

David Walker explores the relationship between these two super-powered friends in a natural, familiar way. We all have that friend who we love but always find ourselves apologizing for. Danny is that friend to Cage. We are introduced to the characters at very different stages in their lives. Luke is now a family man with his little baby girl Dani and his powerhouse wife, Jessica Jones. His priorities have changed. He is simply looking to "take care of this thing" all while keeping things as friendly and casual as possible with Danny. Rand, on the other hand, is more than ready to don the yellow vampire collar and put the "Open" sign on the Heroes For Hire business once again. It seems, by the end of the comic, that Danny has gotten his wish.

Opinion:

Credit: Marvel Comics.

I admit I am a bit biased. Power Man and Iron Fist are my favorite tag team, second only, maybe, to "The World's Greatest Tag Team." After catching up on their 70's exploits in the original run, I am thrilled to hop back in for this updated look at Luke and Danny's pairing. The most appealing aspect of David Walker's take on these two is the idea of family. It is something we all can relate to, and when you are able to identify with some ink on paper, you know it's a special issue. 

Let's not forget, these two are the very first freelance super heroes. While both Luke Cage and Iron Fist have been involved in some larger than life battles, what makes them interesting is that they are the everyman level of super powered people. Boots on the ground, helping folks in their neighborhood. They are right up there with Daredevil, Hawkeye, and Jessica Jones. This book added to my excitement for the eventual Luke Cage and Iron Fist team up we will see on Netflix very soon.

Clever dialogue, relatable characters and just the right amount of action will leave you wanting more from this dynamic duo.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this issue.

Carl Waldron is a Contributor to ComiConverse. Follow him on Twitter: @superblackpc