Hero for Hire #1 cover — first appearance of Luke Cage

First Appearance · Marvel

Luke Cage

First appeared in Hero for Hire #1 · 1972

Just paid — UK collections
£1,000 for Silver Age Collection · Bristol · Yesterday £10 for Small bundle of mixed era comics · Southampton · Yesterday £900 for 8 Packing boxes of silver & bronze DC · London · Yesterday £237 for Medium sized bronze age collection · Bath · 2 days ago £15 for Ms Marvel #1 1977 · Reading · 2 days ago £2,300 for Large mixed collection of over 30,000 issues · Liverpool · 3 days ago £100 for Large Modern collection · Twyford · 4 days ago £35 for Small bundle of Silver Age Key issues · Birmingham · 5 days ago

About the character

Who is Luke Cage?

Luke Cage — Hero for Hire — was Marvel's first Black superhero to headline a solo title. Bulletproof skin, super-strength and a street-level sensibility; a landmark debut in 1972 and a fan favourite ever since.

What is a first appearance worth?

High value — four-figure sums in mid grade and up

Hero for Hire #1 has solid collector demand. A presentable raw copy in the UK typically attracts an offer in the low to mid three figures; high-grade or CGC-slabbed examples can push into four figures. Restored copies are worth less but still very much wanted — we buy across all grades and conditions.

Value Band · High

Exact figures depend on grade and condition. See the full Hero for Hire #1 valuation guide →

Selling your Hero for Hire #1 — quick answers

Where did Luke Cage first appear?

Luke Cage first appeared in Hero for Hire #1 (1972). Luke Cage — Hero for Hire — was Marvel's first Black superhero to headline a solo title. Bulletproof skin, super-strength and a street-level sensibility; a landmark debut in 19…

How do I get a valuation for my copy of Hero for Hire #1?

Send us a few photos (front cover, back cover, and spine) using our enquiry form. One of our specialist buyers will respond, usually the same working day, with a clear cash offer or any follow-up questions we need answered.

Do you buy first appearances in any condition?

Yes — we buy across the full condition spectrum from reading copies to CGC-certified slabs. The offer reflects the actual grade, and we will always explain our reasoning. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Selling your Luke Cage first appearance?

Get my offer →

Other Marvel first appearances we buy

Spider-Man

Spider-Man

Amazing Fantasy #15

The Hulk

The Hulk

The Incredible Hulk #1

Thor

Thor

Journey into Mystery #83

Iron Man

Iron Man

Tales of Suspense #39

Captain America

Captain America

Captain America Comics #1

Daredevil

Daredevil

Daredevil #1