There has been speculation for a few years about a TV show based on the Heroes for Hire comic book series. Recent news has brought more interest in the potential project since Marvel and ABC are exploring options of a TV show based in the same version of the Marvel Universe as "The Avengers." A show based on the comic starring everyone's favorite impervious ex-criminal would work well in today's market.
The comic book series
Heroes for Hire is not a traditional superhero comic book as the character do not simply help out those in need because it is the right thing to do. Luke Cage, the founder of the team, wanted to make money while doing pro bono superhero work. He became a private investigator who would "take care of problems" facing clients. His main partner was Iron Fist and other members were added on later to help finance the team and to pay the everyday bills the superheroes still had to face.Odd situation with current show
The animated series "Ultimate Spider-Man" is centered on a superhero team working for Nick Fury's S.H.I.E.L.D. Team members include Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, White Tiger, and Nova. Nova is the only character who is not an official or honorary member of Heroes for Hire. The argument could be made that Marvel is already preparing a younger crowd for the characters in a "Heroes for Hire" show.Luke Cage and Iron Fist
Traditional Marvelites would most likely prefer Power Man Luke Cage and the mystical Iron Fist to be the centers of the show. Cage is one of the most popular African-American comic book characters and gained his impenetrable skin and super strength due to an experiment performed on him while he was in prison. Iron Fist is a character similar to those seen in shows such as "Kung Fu" and "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" as he gained his fantastic fighting and chi abilities while studying with monks. The abilities of these two characters are easier to swallow by the general public than a man who can turn into a green goliath or someone who can climb walls and sling webs.
Other characters involved
Black Panther, the Hulk, Punisher, She-Hulk, Ant-Man, Moon Knight, and Deadpool are all popular characters that have spent time on the team. There are a few dozen other characters who have punched their card for the team, as well. A "Heroes for Hire" show could be used to launch other properties to prepare the nation for movies or other TV shows. A rotating team of members could keep the show fresh and help Marvel sell more comics as fans learned about characters they have not checked out in the past.The idea of heroes who still need to pay the water bill is something people can relate to during a recession. The characters in Heroes for Hire often deal with the same everyday stresses as the fans who wonder how they will come up with the money for the phone bill or how to afford the down payment for a new car. If the Marvel Universe is coming to TV, fans should hope the Heroes for Hire will lead the way.
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