Some great moments in comics history: The Avengers finding Captain America in a block of ice; The first coming of Galactus in the pages of FANTASTIC FOUR; and Luke Cage kicking Erik Josten's ass to claim the title of "Power Man."
Here's the background: Luke Cage, after spending the first 16 issues of his title as "Luke Cage, Hero for Hire," decided he needed something a little snazzier and started calling himself "Power Man." Unbeknowest to Luke however, there was already an hombre going by that same name. Erik Josten, a mercenary turned super-villain with the help of the Enchantress, claimed the name years earlier in the pages of AVENGERS #21 (which, coincidentally happens to be the number of the issue of LUKE CAGE, POWER MAN that this fight took place in). Anyway, Josten, who was somewhat understandably upset, decided to set the record straight by tracking down Luke and calling him out in the movie theatre under Luke's business office in the same building. Luke shows up and its not long before fisticuffs ensue.
Despite some serious trash-talking and landing some pretty good blows, in the end Josten winds up looking like Bluto moments after Popeye has inhaled a can of spinach.
While lying flat on his back in state of semi-conscious, he stays awake long enough to hear Luke tell him that if he ever uses the name "Power Man" again that Luke will "tattoo that name on your rib cage!!"
It was a lesson well learned, cause the next time Josten showed up in the pages of SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN he was calling himself "the Smuggler," and even later went on to become the giant-sized villain Goliath whereupon he joined the Masters of Evil. As part of the MOE, he eventually took on the identity of "Atlas," and decided to become a good guy, which he has remained ever since. So you see, ass-whuppins really can make you a better person, or something like that.
If you've ever wondered why Darryl Banks has been commissioned by me more than any other artist, this piece should give you your answer. Just look at the detail and raw power shown here. Check out that look of agony of Josten's face, kinda like Fred Sanford whenever Aunt Esther would walk in the door. Darryl's work stands besides that of the top artists in the comics industry. And yes, you'll be seeing more Cage Matches by him in the future as well.
You can reach Darryl for your own commission at his very own gallery right here at CAF. You simply can't go wrong with a Darryl Banks commission. He hits a home run everytime.
Ironically, neither Luke nor Josten go by the name Power Man now. See how things people fight over often seem inconsequential years later?
