Not one, but two, of Genndy Tartakovsky's past projects will soon see new life. Not only is Tartakovsky's Samurai Jack making a return, but 2016 will also see the release of his long-in-development-hell Luke Cage comic, simply titled CAGE!, for Marvel.
The project began back in 2007 when Tartakovsky pitched Marvel with the idea for a 1970s-era Luke Cage comic, with the condition that he be allowed to write and draw the comic on his own time. Marvel agreed, but Tartakovsky soon saw himself become involved in a number of other projects that saw his work on CAGE! pushed to the sidelines. Eventually, Tartakovsky's editorial contact at Marvel left the company, and the project was largely forgotten.
That was, at least, until Tartakovsky started his press tour for Hotel Transylvania 2. A number of outlets (like IGN) asked Tartakovsky if CAGE! might ever see the light of day, which led to the creator saying he would love to finish the project if Marvel was still interested. As it turns out, it was, and now, the four-part miniseries will officially begin this fall.
As revealed via Birth.Movies.Death., Tartakovsky is picking up where he left off on his work eight years ago, though he says he will be improving and refining some of his earlier work. Tartakovsky's Luke Cage, aka Power Man, is firmly rooted in the '60s and '70s, and he says fans can expect to see '70 versions of other superheroes as well. Despite that, the creator says the comic can appeal to readers new and old.
"Well growing with those comics in the '70s and '80s I have a very strong fondness of that version of Power Man so my version is very rooted in that time, but I think it is totally fun and feels new," Tartakovsky says. "It was about making something entertaining with a character that I really liked. So I think it can appeal to young and old readers."
Here's Marvel's official description for the series:
"From the Award-Winning creator of Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack and Hotel Transylvania! On the mean streets of Harlem, shoes are big, shirts are large, bottoms are belled and crime is rampant! But in the heart of the city, the world's hardest-working, smack-talking, chain-wearing super hero is on the street and on the case! And his rates are reasonable! He's CAGE! and he'll save your behind. Dig it!"
With Luke Cage's Netflix show also around the corner, it's a great time to be a fan of the character. CAGE! #1 will arrive this October.
