I think it should be mandatory to exclaim “SWEET CHRISTMAS!!” in the introduction to any review of a classic Luke Cage action figure, so let’s get that out of the way right now. Toybiz first released their take on Power Man back in 2006, but Hasbro has only produced more modern versions of Cage… until now! The 2023 Marvel Legends Luke Cage Power Man figure isn’t coming to most retail stores—should you pick up this 70s icon online while you can?

Before diving in and discussing this Luke Cage Power Man 6” figure at length, I want to make two quick general notes on this wave, since Luke is the first figure I’m reviewing in it:

1. The Marvel Knights Legends Mindless One Series isn’t coming to Target or Walmart stores, so grab it online or from a local specialty store if you want it.

2. This wave marks the highly-requested return of the traditional Hasbro Marvel Legends window box packaging. Rejoice, in-box collectors! And my condolences to those who preferred the plastic-free cardboard packages.

Onward to business! This marks the first 6” Power Man Luke Cage action figure in his classic attire released in 17 years, with the last one appearing as part of Toybiz’s Mojo BAF Series. To say that this update is long overdue is a bit of an understatement.

Marvel Knights Legends Luke Cage has just one head, but it’s a portrait with a fierce, determined portrait that perfectly represents Luke looking like he’s going to break a man in half. I kind of would have liked a more casual jokey head as well or even an update to the teeth-bared head Toybiz did, I think the head Hasbro did give us is the most important one.

The chain on Cage’s waist chain is an add-on over the main body, but it’s made of a flexible plastic so it has a bit of give and movement to it if you want it manually. On its own, the chain will stay perfectly in place without dropping, though. The chain’s shape, size and color all look ideal to me. The all-important tiara and hair are likewise perfectly on-model.

The yellow jacket on this 6” Luke Cage is picture perfect, and I’m glad Hasbro didn’t compromise the iconic garment to integrate upper torso articulation (though I know some collectors will likely decry this decision).

The overall articulation scheme for this Luke Cage Legends figure is strong (as expected from modern Hasbro Marvel Legends), with the complete set being as follows:

–Ball-Hinge Head and Shoulders
–Pin-less Double-Jointed Knees and Elbows
–Ball-Jointed Upper Torso and Hips
–Swivel waist, Biceps and Thighs
–Swivel-Hinge Wrists
–Hinged Feet with Rockers

The ball-jointed upper torso moves smoothly and has an outstanding range of motion, and more than makes up for the missing Ab crunch in my eyes.

For accessories, there’s not a lot packed in: just a leg of the Mindless One BAF and a pair of open hands for Cage. A steel girder or something would have been welcome, but I am grateful for the open hands for Luke to grab and toss other figures with at least.

Overall: My first impulse was to knock this down to a ‘B+’ due to the dearth of accessories and lack of Ab crunch, but I really do want to applaud what’s easily the best Luke Cage action figure ever made and those omissions don’t bring down how good I feel about this figure. While I’d love a steel bar or a more jovial head or other extras, and it’s always nice to have an ab crunch, their absence doesn’t change that this is a well-proportioned, pin-free, extremely well-articulated figure with a recognizable, fierce portrait. It’s a little weird having this Power Man release so long after the most recent classic Iron Fist, but I’m sure the duo will be reunited soon enough.

GRADE: A