Luke Cage week: Top 10 Cage comics

We are so stoked for today's drop of Luke Cage season one on Netflix. We've been posting on the man with the steel skin all week long, and are capping it with two of our favorite Cage collectibles and our list of the Top 10 Luke Cage comics for the true Cage fan.

Without further ado...

Power Man statue by Bowen Designs (2008)

Power Man statue by Bowen Designs

BD released two versions of Luke in 1/6 scale statue form sculpted by the talented Mark Newman. The classic Power Man version of Luke was limited to 1000 pieces and goes for about $250 on eBay.

Luke Cage statue by Bowen Designs (2008)

Luke Cage statue by Bowen Designs

Luke's current incarnation thanks to Bowen Designs and again Mark Newman. Limited to 600 pieces. You can track this baby down on eBay for about $150.

Top 10 Luke Cage comics!

10. Power Man and Iron Fist #54

9. Defenders #17

8. Cage #1 (1992)

7. Luke Cage, Power Man #17

6. Power Man and Iron Fist #125

5. The Amazing Spider-Man #123

4. Cage #1 (2002)

3. Power Man and Iron Fist #50

2. Power Man #48

1. Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1

Enjoy Luke Cage this weekend and we'll see y'all next week!

Luke Cage week Part 4

Before Riggs and Murtaugh. Before Tango and Cash. Before Lee and Carter. Before so many of the unique buddy pairings we've seen on page and screen, there was Luke Cage and Danny Rand -- Power Man & Iron Fist. The heroes for hire could not have more different backgrounds. Luke was raised in Harlem, N.Y., and has steel-hard skin and enhanced strength. Danny was raised in the mystical land of K'un-L'un and is an expert martial-artist with a powerful punch.

Marvel Comics brought these two characters together in Power Man #48 and one of the most iconic superhero duos ever was born. Luke and Danny became fast friends, formed the superhero detective agency Heroes for Hire, Inc., and have gone on to appear in numerous comics alongside one another. With an Iron Fist series coming to Netflix in 2017, don't be surprised if Danny makes an appearance in an episode or two of Luke Cage when that highly anticipated series drops this Friday, Sept. 30. Before you binge on Luke, let's take a look at some Power Man and Iron Fist collectibles.

Power Man #48, Marvel Comics (1977)

Power Man #48 by Marvel Comics

Power Man and Iron Fist meet for the first time (and duke it out) in this key issue from 1977. An important issue for any Power Man fan, Power Man #48 also features detective Misty Knight, who will play an important role in the upcoming Netflix series (actress Simone Missick has already earned raves for her performance as Knight). Want a little icing on the cake? The issue is drawn by legendary comic book artist John Byrne. The comic runs about $30-$50, depending on grade.

Power Man and Iron Fist #50, Marvel Comics (1978)

Power Man and Iron Fist #50 by Marvel Comics

Power Man was officially retitled to Power Man and Iron Fist with this pivotal issue #50. Also drawn by Byrne (with assists from Dan Green), issue #50 brings Danny and Luke together as an inseparable team. At the time, Marvel didn't realize the pairing would be stronger than ever 35 years later. The issue goes for $50-$75, depending on grade.

Power Man & Iron Fist two-pack, Hasbro (2010)

Power Man and Iron Fist figures by Hasbro

This Marvel's Greatest Battles Comic Packs release from Hasbro features Power Man and Iron Fist in 3.75 inch figure form. The twofer includes a reprint of Power Man and Iron Fist #79 and goes for about $40-$50 on eBay or at a toy show.

Luke Cage week Part 3

As we continue our Luke Cage love today we start to transition into the more modern look of Luke, the one we've seen in Jessica Jones and is being represented in the Luke Cage Netflix series.
From Power Man, to Cage...

Here is how it all began...

Cage #1 by Marvel Comics (1992)

Cage #1 by Marvel Comics

In the early '90s, Marvel introduced and re-booted a number of characters into more conspicuous looks and less tights and undies. Silver Sable,  Nomad and Luke Cage all were recipients of updated '90s attire and series. This issue marks the beginning of the new Cage, and thanks to the '90s comic book oversell, you can get this book on eBay for less than $5.

Cage #12 by Marvel Comics (1993)

Cage #12 by Marvel Comics

Another cheap find, this book brings Cage together again with his old partner Iron Fist, who is on his way to Netflix soon enough. This book can be found for pennies on the dollar.

Marvel Universe Luke Cage figure by Hasbro (2009)

Marvel Universe Luke Cage figure by Hasbro (white tank top variant)

Marvel Universe Luke Cage figure by Hasbro (black tank top variant)

This 3.75" figure came as part of Hasbro's Marvel Universe line. Two versions were produced, one white tank and one black tank. A sealed black tank-top Luke goes for around $30 on eBay, while the variant white tank-top is rarer and can fetch about $75 or more.

Luke Cage week Part 2

Sweet Christmas! This Friday, Sept. 30, the Luke Cage series on Netflix drops, much to the delight of longtime Cage fans like us here on CollecTwins. Early reviews on the Luke Cage series have been excellent, and it looks like Netflix has yet again produced a top notch adaptation of a key character from the Marvel Universe.

Since Power Man -- aka Luke Cage -- first burst onto the scene in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 (1972), there have been plenty of Cage collectibles released to the comic-book-loving world. Here are a few worth tracking down.

Amazing Spider-Man #123, Marvel Comics (1973)

Amazing Spider-Man #123 by Marvel Comics

Luke goes toe-to-toe with your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in this classic Spidey issue from the early '70s. Goes for about $50-$75, depending on grade.

Fantastic Four #168, Marvel Comics (1976)

Fantastic Four #168 by Marvel Comics

The first family of comics, the Fantastic Four, enlisted the aid of Luke Cage for a brief period, starting with this key issue. Runs about $10-$20, depending on grade.

Luke Cage Marvel Legends figure, Toy Biz (2006)

Luke Cage Marvel Legends figure by Toy Biz

Luke Cage Marvel Legends figure by Toy Biz (silver shirt variant)

This 6" Marvel Legends figure of Luke was part of the Mojo build-a-figure series. There were two versions released -- Luke in his classic yellow jacket and the super rare silver shirt variant. The yellow-jacket version will run you about $25-$50 on the secondary market. The silver shirt variant is far more valuable and difficult to find -- in fact, there may be only 10 in existence.

Luke Cage week Part 1

This week marks the release of Luke Cage on Netflix (premiering all episodes September 30th 2016), and if Marvel's other Netflix offerings are any indication, Luke Cage is going to be a smash.

We are big fans of the character and haven't seen an actor (Mike Colter) so fit for the part since, well I guess Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool... (in fact, we've been lucky as Marvel fans - a lot of the casting of late has been spot on, huh?)

As we get ready for the episodes of Luke Cage to drop on Friday, we'll be celebrating the man with the steel skin all week long. Here is part one of our ode to Luke Cage and some great Cage collectibles.

Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 by Marvel Comics (1972)

Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 by Marvel Comics

A no-brainer here, Luke Cage's first appearance came at the height of the blaxploitation scene and took it's lead from films like Shaft and Cotton Comes to Harlem. The first appearance of Luke Cage aka Power Man is going up for obvious reasons and one in decent condition will run you a good $200 on eBay or at a con or toy show these days.

Luke Cage, Power Man #19 by Marvel Comics (1974)

Luke Cage, Power Man #19 by Marvel Comics

The first appearance of Cottonmouth, set to be the main antagonist in the Netflix show. This book is also rising and goes for about $40 on eBay or at a con right now.

Luke Cage Power Man mini bust by Bowen Designs (2001)

Luke Cage Power Man mini bust by Bowen Designs

BD again nails it thanks to sculptor Mark Newman. This Cage original costume (Power Man) mini bust goes for about $50 on eBay.

Stay tuned as we'll be back with more Luke Cage love all week long!

The Magnificent West: Red Wolf

As we finish polishing our saddles and sharpening our spurs in anticipation of today's big western opening, "The Magnificent Seven," let's take a look at another Western hero: Marvel's first Native-American do-gooder, Red Wolf.

Several individuals have donned the Red Wolf mantle over the years, but the first was William Talltrees, who first appeared in Avengers #80 alongside his loyal wolf, Lobo. Let's snag an eagle-eye view at some Red Wolf collectibles worth howling about.

Avengers #80, Marvel Comics (1970)

Avengers #80 by Marvel Comics

The cover announces it with emphasis as Red Wolf (Talltrees) makes his first appearance in this classic Avengers issue. The issue runs about $50-$100, depending on grade.

Red Wolf #1, Marvel Comics (1972)

Red Wolf #1 by Marvel Comics

This first issue in the brief nine-issue series features stories about Talltrees' predecessors as Red Wolf, Johnny Wakely and Thomas Thunderhead. It goes for about $25-$50.

The Incredible Hulk #265, Marvel Comics (1981)

The Incredible Hulk #265 by Marvel Comics

Call it obscure, this issue of The Incredible Hulk from the early '80s presents the first appearance of The Rangers. The western-themed superhero team includes Shooting Star, Texas Twister, Phantom Rider, Firebird and, yes, Red Wolf. You can find the issue for $15-$20.

Red Wolf mini bust, Bowen Designs (2009)

Red Wolf mini bust by Bowen Designs

This 6" bust from Bowen Designs stands 6" tall and is limited to just 1,000 pieces. The Native-American drum base is an especially nice touch. You can track one down for about $50-$75 on the secondary market.

The Magnificent West: Jonah Hex

We have to include DC this week as we look at some old west icons in the pages of comics in our preparation for The Magnificent Seven. Jonah Hex is DC's resident cowboy, and even though his attempt at movie-stardom was not well-received (we'll admit, he might not have the looks), Jonah Hex holds a strong place within the lore of the super gunslingers.

Here are some Jonah Hex collectibles.

All-Star Western #10 by DC Comics (1972)

All-Star Western #10 by DC Comics

The first appearance of Jonah Hex will run you a good $175 on eBay.

Jonah Hex #1 by DC Comics (1977)

Jonah Hex #1 by DC Comics

Jonah gets his own series. You can pick one up for around $30 on eBay.

Hex #1 by DC Comics (1985) 

Hex #1 by DC Comics

Jonah becomes a post-apocalyptic fighter and takes the old west to a new frontier. You can pick up this cult classic on eBay or at a comic convention for less than $5.

DC Universe Classics Jonah Hex figure by Mattel (2011)

DC Universe Classics Jonah Hex figure by Mattel

Mattel's line of DC Universe Classics characters is a good one, especially when you can find a character like Jonah Hex in with the bunch. An MOC of Jonah will run you about $30 on eBay or at a toy show.

The Magnificent West: Original Ghost Rider

Filmgoers and ole West fans are lickin' their chops as Denzel Washington brings his "Magnificent Seven" to theaters this Friday. There have been a herd of great Western productions, from Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven" to HBO's "Deadwood," and "Magnificent Seven" has the clout and cast to join that tremendous group. Let's continue our week-long western roundup with a look at another one of Marvel's horse-riding, gun-wielding heroes: The Original Ghost Rider.

Before the introduction of the fire-skulled motorcyclist, Ghost Rider rode a white horse and carried six-shooters in the Marvel ole West. Thanks to the popularity of the newer Ghost Rider, the Original Ghost Rider is more often known as Phantom Rider or Night Rider. Here's a glance at some Original Ghost Rider/Phantom Rider/Night Rider collectibles (David Hasselhoff not included).

Ghost Rider #1, Marvel Comics (1967)

Ghost Rider #1 by Marvel Comics

The Original Ghost Rider, aka Carter Slade, made his first appearance as Ghost Rider in this late-'70s issue from writer Roy Thomas and artist Dick Ayers. The book can go for upwards of $350, depending on grade, if you can lasso one.

Western Gunfighters Vol. 2 #1, Marvel Comics (1970)

Western Gunfighters #1 by Marvel Comics

This somewhat short-lived series (33 issues) from Marvel brought together western heroes for various adventures. Issue #1 runs about $150.

Ghost Rider Vol. 2 #50, Marvel Comics (1980)

Ghost Rider #50 by Marvel Comics

The Original Ghost Rider (known as Night Rider here) gallops alongside Johnny Blaze, aka Ghost Rider, for this key 50th issue. An affordable find at just about $20-$30, depending on condition.

The Original Ghost Rider mini bust, Bowen Designs (2004)

Original Ghost Rider mini bust by Bowen Designs

Sculpted by Bowen Designs founder Randy Bowen, this 6" bust of the Original Ghost Rider is limited to 2,000 pieces. The bust goes for about $75-$100 on the secondary market.

The Magnificent West: Two-Gun Kid

The Magnificent Seven hits theaters this weekend thanks to Antoine Fuqua and a stellar cast including the always near-perfect Denzel Washington.

The Magnificent Seven remake featuring a talented cast releases in theaters September 23rd, 2016.

In honor of the film we've decided to spend the week in the Old West with various characters and collectibles that pay homage to one of the wildest times of American history.

For today, we'll focus on Marvel and one of their more well-known western stars, the Two-Gun Kid. Here are some great Two-Gun collectibles.

Two-Gun Kid #1 by Timely Comics (1948)

Two-Gun Kid #1 by Timely Comics

Marvel's (previously known as Timely Comics) second continuing western character debuts. This book is hard to find in VF condition, and lesser quality copies often hit upwards of $500.

Two-Gun Kid #60 by Marvel Comics (1962)

Two-Gun Kid #60 by Marvel Comics

Matt Hawk takes over the reigns as Two-Gun thanks to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Goes for about $400+ on eBay.

The Mighty Marvel Western #1 (1968)

The Mighty Marvel Western #1 by Marvel Comics

Featuring three of Marvel's most well-known western characters, this book will set you back about $20 on eBay, a good buy.

That's it for today! Back tomorrow with more from the western side of collectibles!