Power Man Vol. 1 #023

Description

Luke Cage discovers Security City, an armed compound where xenophobia rules and conforming is essential to survive.

Luke Cage, accompanied by his friend, D.W. Griffith, is en route to Los Angeles, to reunite with Claire Temple. The bus driver points out “Security City”, a planned community that refused to be placed on the bus route. As if on cue, the bus comes under fire. The bus driver is killed in the attack. The bus crashes in the woods, just outside of Security City. A cadre of armed men search the bus for survivors, coming into conflict with Cage, better known as “Power Man”. Power Man beats the gunmen into unconsciousness.

Stealing a security badge, Power Man, and Griffith, decide to investigate Security City. Power Man bullies his way past the guards at the gate. Incredibly, the entire populace of the town draws weapons on Power Man, and Griffith, and begin shooting. Rather than risk Griffith getting shot, Power Man surrenders. Power Man is forced to watch a subversive advertisement for Security City. Power Man is stunned to discover that the founder of Security City is his old nemesis, Gideon Mace.

Thought dead, Mace explains how he survived his last conflict with Power Man. Mace goes on a tirade about how he’s duped the townsfolk into becoming his own private army. Unbeknownst to Mace, Griffith surreptitiously activated the public address system, broadcasting Mace’s rant to the populace. The denizens of Security City respond with violence. Power Man knocks out Mace, then fights his way to freedom. Power Man, and Griffith, leave Security City behind, content that it will destroy itself from the inside out.