Hero for Hire #2

Price history & market evidence

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The table includes 9 guide observations and 1 catalog references. These are reference values, not guaranteed sale proceeds.

Graded population

CGC records 682 graded copies for Hero For Hire #2 (1972). Population is the number recorded by this grading source, not the total print run or all surviving copies.

Vengeance is Mine!

While realizing that his calling service isn't working so well and that he should get an office, Luke Cage is attacked by hitmen hired by Diamondback to stop him. When the attack fails, Luke is confronted by Claire Temple, a local doctor who is shocked to find that Luke isn't injured by the attack, but insists on having her colleague look at his bruises. They arrive at the clinic where Claire works to find that it's been worked over and the other resident doctor -- who turns out to be Noah Burstein the man responsible for Luke getting his powers -- has been attacked by the syndicate looking to convince them into paying a protection fee.

When Claire suggests that they take up Luke's services, Burstein wants to mull it over, questioning the ethics of a Hero for Hire. Luke leaves before Burstein can recognize him as an escaped con. Meanwhile, Diamondback has his inventor Gadget create new gimmicked switchblades to deal with Luke Cage.

While the next day, Luke Cage arranges to rent out an office above the Gem theater, operated by D.W. Griffith, who operates the theater for his uncle. After establishing his office, Luke gets a call from Burstein who tells him to come to the clinic immediately because Claire has been kidnapped. There Luke blows his cover, Burstein pleads for Luke to stop Diamondback.

Tracking Diamondback to his lair, Luke is surprised to find that it is his old friend and betrayer Willis Stryker. Luke is now more determined to defeat Diamondback and bring him in so that he can clear his name. However, during the fight Diamondback falls through a skylight and is blown up by one of his own trick switchblades, ruining any hope Luke had that Stryker could clear his name. Just then Claire arrives with Burstein and the police, and Luke wonders if Burstein will turn him over to the authorities.

Creative credits

Writers: Archie Goodwin

Interior art: George Tuska

Color: N/A

Cover art: John Romita

Source records & attribution

Panel Profits keeps each source identity attached to its edition record.

COMICBASE: comicbase:528790

GCD: 25367

PANEL PROFITS: 2410788