BRONZE AGE MINUTE: Hero for Hire #7

Marvel; March 1973
Cover by Billy Graham

Title: “Jingle Bombs!”
Synopsis: A disgruntled, World War II era veteran goes undercover and finds goodness in Luke Cage – then decides to nuke Manhattan anyway!

Writer: Steve Englehart
Penciler: George Tuska
Inker: Billy Graham

Review: This is one of those crazy, Bronze Age adventures that offers a little of everything: Bad blaxploitation dialogue, a plot that’s an homage to A Christmas Carol, plenty of big punching, and even a little romance. Writer Steve Englehart helms this madcap Christmas adventure, and he peppers it with just a bit of the social relevance that was so popular at the time. For the most part, the art team of George Tuska and Billy Graham don’t mix well, but there are touches of inspiration here and there (e.g., a brightly colored, silhouetted fight scene).

Grade: B-

Cool factor: That cover! And can anyone hate too much on a story titled “Jingle Bombs!”?
Not-so-cool factor: How does Luke Cage get through a Christmas-themed issue without saying “Sweet Christmas!”? And another thing: How can Power Man not be phased by bullets, but get knocked out by a little Christmas bell?

Notable: This story is reprinted in Marvel Treasury Edition #8.

Character quotable: “Ain’t never gonna be no peace on Earth if all the small people keep tryin’ to act like big people – and the big people keep tryin’ to act like God!” – Luke Cage, hero for hire

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