I don’t know how many of you were really worried about Luke Cage and Jessica Jones’ baby at the end of Secret Invasion but I personally was freaking out. I think that Bendis has been doing a simply wonderful job building Luke and Jessica’s relationship throughout New Avengers, Civil War, and Secret Invasion and now I can honestly say that I care about them and their child (and to think that a few years ago they were floating in relative B-list hero obscurity). Which brings me to issue 49 of New Avengers. Luke has found the Jarviskrull.

Unfortunately Luke had to go to the most deplorable man in the MU for help; a deal with the devil most certainly. He went to Norman Osborn and in exchange for the goblin’s help Luke agreed to be Norman’s man whenever he was needed. Given his sordid past I was a little disappointed with Luke after issue 48. You’re a hero Luke, act like one. But he redeems himself in stellar fashion and proves that he deserves to be an Avenger. Out of all of the heroes I’ve watched grow in the recent past, Luke Cage seems to be the one whose changes actually feel substantial, tangible, and hopefully, lasting.

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