Wilson/Janson--Luke Cage, Power Man #23 Cover (1975)
Artists: Ron Wilson (Penciller) , Klaus Janson (Inker)
68 Comments - 576 Views - 30 Likes
Additional Images:
Published Cover
Artwork Details
|
DescriptionI've always been a fan of Luke Cage. Cage has an angry, defiant attitude that sets him apart from other superheroes. He’s fierce and gets pissed off easily. He’s got a bit of a chip on his shoulder. None of which is surprising when you consider that Cage grew up on the streets and as a teen was sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Or that it was in prison that he gained his superpowers when he was illegally experimented on against his will. No wonder he’s so angry. As one critic has noted, “From his start Luke has fought the system just as much as the bad guys.” This cover underscores that theme. Here, Cage is chained to a fence by private guards at a gated community as a warning to others. A sign on the fence reads, "Welcome to Security City--The planned community where you'd better belong--Or else!" It’s a disturbing scene. I think Marvel's editors ought to be given credit for encouraging artists and writers to tackle the social issues of the day--which they certainly did here. The cover is powerfully penciled by Ron Wilson, and expressively inked by Klaus Janson. IMHO, it's one of the most provocative Luke Cage covers everSocial/Sharing |
About the Owner
|
 |
Contact the OwnerUse can use a contact form to send an email to this gallery owner,
|
Comments on this Artwork
You must be logged in to make comments.
West Stephan
Member Since 2007
4 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Male bondage has it's place... but not in a Planned Community! Oh... the humanity!!!!
James Dornoff 
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Yes definitely a provocative cover saying a lot in a single image. Cheers on this find!
Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Pure power even in a tough spot, resplendent art!
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Powerful pick up! Love this one!
Jason D'Ambrosio
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
I love this piece on a lot of levels... Well Done Bill!
John Espinoza
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
I've been re-reading Power Man this week. This is one of my favorite covers! Great grab!
James S
Member Since 2017
2 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Classic stuff for sure! It's crazy that this story would probably hit just as hard today...50 years later.
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
And not to mention the fact that they gave him a chain for a belt. Great addition! I love these 70's covers.
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Fun cover. I wonder if the nods to Byrne come from Wilson, Janson or both :)
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
2 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Man, I wish we could attach pictures to comments because I would've attched a photo of my booth at the 2001 San Diego Comic Con with this cover on the wall! Awesome!
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Striking cover and a great match of penciller with inker! Janson adds a grittiness to Wilson's pencils that isn't always there when he's inked by a Sinnott or a Chic Stone. They're a great art team for a character like Luke Cage.
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
It speaks to the issue of the day and a divided country no matter which side of the fence you are on. Very clever of the writers to put these progressive themes into their work as society was evolving after a volitile 1960's. Luke is almost in a Christ pose to nail down that inhumane policies come at the cost of our souls.
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but your gallery has become so predictable to me. And I actually love that about it. I know your collection also features many excellent contemporary examples, but I always know that it’s just a matter of time until you procure another exciting Silver or Bronze Age gem that takes me back to the wonderful comic reading days of my youth. This is a perfect example. I remember this image and this cover so well. Of course back then I didn’t have a full understanding of exactly what an inker did, or even what a genius Klaus Janson was (and is). But even without that understanding, I knew I was looking at something very special. It’s not at all surprising to me that it is now a part of your magnificent collection. Which I guess brings us back to that whole predictability thing. So thanks for being so predictable. I know I can always count on you to remind me what the thrill of collecting is all about. And thanks for reminding me what it feels like to be young. In heart and mind, if not in body. I’m just going to bask in that for a while, and continue to enjoy your new piece (at least until I have to stand up and hear my bones creak, LOL).
Sean Clarke
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Ron Wilson is a greatly underrated artist, and this period of Janson's artistic development is among my favorites... it's almost like he inked fine feathery details a while, then defiantly turned the brush from the tip to the belly and laid in big juicy edges and spotted blacks with complete fearlessness.
Steven biali001
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Another dynamic cover added to a legendary collection! Congrats!
Troy C. Punswick
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Another high quality acquisition for you! Congrats!!!
Anthony T
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Great cover, definitely a powerful image. Congrats on pick this up.
Ben Friedman
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Love it! Ron Wilson is an under appreciated hero!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Oh yeah this one give you some vibes. Cage caged to fence, but a cage. You gotta love his expression, and know that when you open up to the book, Luke's gonna get his IN, even with the tight spot he's in. I mean he just won't allow this to persist. I agree regarding his uniqueness in the MU and this one exhibits that nicely. Congrats, Bill!
A K
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
This is Ron Wilson at the peak of his powers. The expression on Cage's face, the powerful layout and the amazing inking by Klaus all combine for a great cover. Congratulations!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Wow what a powerful and, yeah, quite a daring cover image. Luke Cage is such an interesting character for all the reasons you mentioned, and as shown by this cover, even as a superhero his life is no bed of roses. But even in this dire and belittling situation, his massive power and force of will is shown beautifully, and you just know that it won't be long before he busts out, and there will be HELL to pay!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Oh, and to add my two cents to Eric DLS's comment, I also agree that your collection is predictable/consistent in that whatever you post, I know I will feel like I'm strolling along the halls of a museum displaying the highest quality vintage and modern pieces. Thank you for that :-)
Peter Venkman
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Those bronze age covers are pure gold, and you keep digging them at an alrming rate. hat down !
John Bamber
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
ive always loved this cover. In my opinion one of the best in the whole run. it's such a powerful image, i love it.
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Very cool Wilson/Janson Power Man cover, congrats!
Jason G
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Boy he looks angry! I wouldn't want to be those guards once Luke gets free. Wonderful Luke Cage example!
NEBUR ADLAN
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Well Bill , our last post are Chained covers ! Another great cover to your vast collection ! Klaus inks are fantastic ! Congrats
Mark Howland
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Relevant then and relavant now. Disturbing and powerful.
Will K
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Luke Cage's face indicates fear. His fists indicate defiance. No wonder he got his own book !!!
Michael Kirton
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Powerful work here. Kudos indeed to Marvel for publishing and to you for acquiring this striking cover.
Davide G.
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 12/1/2023
Powerful and masterfully crafted image, very representative of this unique character!
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 12/1/2023
I love that bronze age covers that bring us back to that time.where Marvel was inclouding in its universe the social situation in US. I love all those stories on different runs (ASM, CAP; or this one), Superb (as usual) and POWERful cover.
Neon Dragon
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 12/1/2023
Amazing find, Bill! Luke Cage doesn't get the love he deserves. I thought out of all the series on Netflix, Cage was by far, the best. This is a masterpiece!!
REDEMAGNI CLAUDIO
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 12/1/2023
Every time you surprise us with a new masterpiece,
I'm not a fan of Luke Cage, but here he fully expresses a great problem that sooner or later humanity will have to eradicate, hopefully as soon as possible :)
Great Bill
John C
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 12/1/2023
It is for this very reason why I stopped wearing my chain belt. I still rock my torn spandex pants, v-cut yellow shirt and yellow boots though.
Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 12/2/2023
Sweet Christmas! This is a powerful (no pun intended) cover!
Kelsey S
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 12/2/2023
Powerful cover indeed! Crazy design on this one, congrats!
Kin Wong
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 12/3/2023
Powerful image on display here, from the chained pose to the security guards in the foreground and the protestors in the background (inside the fence, oddly enough). Interesting to see the statements that artists were making on covers back then. Thanks for sharing!
M L
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 12/3/2023
Provocative is exactly the right word - along with powerful and thought-provoking. An historic cover, congrats Bill!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 12/3/2023
Great electrifying cover! Ron Wilson's powerful pencils are suitably enhanced by Klaus Janson's thick and subtle inks. Message eloquent and clearly delivered!
Dave W
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 12/4/2023
GReat cover - love Ron Wilson during this period. Congrats on another terrific addition to your impressive gallery!
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 12/4/2023
Looks like Luke is fence decoration in Security City. A badly placed one as he could easily kick you as you stooped to get under him. Theres also the matter about how the Hell such puny chains are holding him? Looks like there are power, as well as social issues, for our hero to contend with..
Jeff Singh
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 12/14/2023
Memorable cover with an image of Power Man that might get you cancelled today but at the time was somewhat acceptable. It is great that so many of these Bronze age covers survived the years and you have certainly done a great job of bringing them together in your collection.
Shelton Bryant
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 12/24/2023
The Pure and Iconic Cage!!!!....Congrats!!!
Fisch Benz
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 12/24/2023
When art makes you uncomfortable, you know it's doing its job.
Ken Martin
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 12/28/2023
Great cover! I miss this style of cover that makes you want to buy it and see how Luke Cage will get out of the situation he is in.
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 12/31/2023
Another killer, Bill (and speaking of Cage, I hope you had a sweet Christmas! :) ). The look of horror on Luke's face here - helplessly strung up as a trophy in front of a gated community where you know he's unwelcome - is chilling. Another terrific add to your astonishing collection, Bill! Congrats!
Some Collector
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 1/21/2024
The cover makes a statement and does it very well. Congrats!
Latest Updates
All |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
Auctions ADVERTISEMENT
 |
Auctions
| Luca Pizzari - Black Knight Design Sheet Original |
Auctions
 |
FRANK FRAZETTA DEATH DEALER IV OIL PAINTING |
Auctions
 |
Curt Swan - Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane #105 Cover |
Hakes Auctions
 |
SECRETS OF THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #3 COMIC BOOK COVER ORIGINAL ART BY DICK GIORDANO |
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel.. FREE!
3 Wishes
21 Accepting Commissions
Commission an Artist
For Sale Updates
Classified Updates |
|
Rene Dorenbos9/6/2025 5:20:00 AM |
|
Monty B9/5/2025 3:53:00 PM |
|
Saxa Luna Galianan9/5/2025 1:01:00 PM |
|
Will Gabri-El9/5/2025 12:25:00 PM |
|
Michele M9/5/2025 12:05:00 PM |
|
Keith Veronese9/5/2025 11:09:00 AM |
|
Dealer Updates |
|
Coollines Artwork9/5/2025 9:24:00 PM |
|
Koch Comic Art9/5/2025 7:54:00 PM |
|
Anthony's Comicbook Art9/5/2025 6:43:00 PM |
|
Will's Comic Art Page9/5/2025 12:25:00 PM |
|
Essential Sequential9/5/2025 12:15:00 PM |
|
Achetez de l'Art9/5/2025 12:15:00 PM |
|
|
Become a Premium CAF Gallery Owner & you'll be supporting CAF and also gain access to many services and features not available to standard members.
|