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Shades
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Creation & Design

Shades was created during the early 1970s, a time when Marvel was expanding its universe to include more street-level heroes and villains. His design reflects the gritty urban environment of New York City.

Early Years

Initially introduced as a villain in the Luke Cage series, Shades quickly became a recurring character in various Marvel titles, often crossing paths with other heroes and anti-heroes.

Character Development

Over the years, Shades has evolved from a simple villain to a more complex character, often portrayed with a moral ambiguity that allows him to operate in the gray areas of heroism and villainy.

Cultural Reception

Shades has received a mixed reception, often praised for his depth and complexity, but criticized for being a stereotypical villain in some portrayals.

Character Details

Real Name:
Carlton Drake
Aliases:
Shades, The Shade
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
The Crew, The Defenders
Abilities:
Expert marksman, Enhanced reflexes, Stealth
Equipment:
Energy-based weaponry, Body armor
Weight:
180lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
brown
Hair Color:
black

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Hero For Hire #1

Marvel ⋅ 1972

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Hero For Hire #1
 
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$40
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$120
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$400

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Luke Cage, the first black superhero to headline a title in mainstream comics

Luke Cage became invincible to harm through a Super Soldier program called Project Power aka Weapon VI

1st appearance of Diamondback, Comanche and Shades

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