Jessica Jones and Luke Cage have one of the strongest relationships in Marvel comics (pun intended). The two characters have been through quite a lot together including brainwashing, fighting in both Civil and Secret Wars, and raising a child. While love triangles and divorces are typical comic book fare, Luke and Jessica have remained firmly together for the majority of their history. They don’t just share similar superpowers, they share a true love and respect for each other.
In both the Luke Cage and Jessica Jones Netflix series, the same cannot be said for their relationship. While Luke first appeared in Season 1 of Jessica Jones, the characters have since gone their separate ways. They came together again for The Defenders, but that too was short lived and failed to rekindle their romance.
But don’t lose hope. Here is a history of Jessica Jones and Luke Cage’s comic book romance and why fans probably have not seen the last of their relationship on the small screen.
First Comes Crimefighting
In The Pulse Vol. 1 #14 Jessica flashes back to the first time she met Luke. At the time, Jessica was a vigilante going by the name Knightress. The two teamed up along with Luke’s partner Danny Rand to take down a meeting of the Maggia crime syndicate. After defeating the bad guys, Jessica realized the criminals had brought their children to the meeting and the police were planning on taking them into foster care. She reveals her identity to the police in order to protect the children and take them temporarily into her custody. Luke later goes to visit Jessica to ask about her choice and the two become friends.
Due to their mutual attraction, Luke and Jessica’s relationship changes from friends to friends with benefits. Besides a compelling physical attraction, the pair come to care for each other deeply. Eventually Jessica is even able to confide in Luke about the trauma she experienced at the hands of Kilgrave — something she could never tell her other lovers.
Then Comes Baby
Jessica is dating Scott Lang (yes Ant-Man, the two were set up by Jessica’s bff Carol Danvers) when she discovers she is pregnant with Luke’s child, the result of a drunken hookup. She tells Scott the truth about the baby, ending their relationship. Jessica goes to tell Luke, but before she can say anything he reveals his true feelings for her in a touching moment. Jessica then tells him about her pregnancy and the two decide to start a new chapter in their lives. They even move in together.
Jessica gives birth to a baby girl inside Doctor Strange‘s Sanctum Sanctorum. The couple name their child Danielle, after her Godfather and Luke’s best friend Danny. Before Danielle’s birth Luke had proposed to Jessica, but she never answered him. After discussing it with her one week old daughter, Jessica decides to say yes.
And Finally Marriage
Luke Cage and Jessica Jones are married in New Avengers Annual Vol. 1 #1. Surprisingly, the wedding takes place without interruptions from any super villains. Their wedding is attended by Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), Spider-Man, Mary Jane Watson, Spider-Woman, Wolverine, and Iron Man. The minister who marries the couple is drawn to look very much like Stan Lee, giving his blessing to the union. In a rare display of emotion Jessica says her own vows. She tells Luke they are better together than apart and that he has made her feel safe.
Jessica kept her maiden name, but did go by Power Woman for a short while to honor her husband. Other than a short separation because Jessica was trying to protect Luke and Danielle, the couple has remained married.
What’s Next?
Currently in the Netflix series Jessica Jones and Luke Cage are not together. Jessica was last seen in a relationship with her neighbor Oscar Arocho while Luke is currently “getting coffee” with Claire Temple. In The Defenders, Jessica and Luke patched up their relationship and seemed to be ready to move past all the hurt they had previously caused each other.
With such a complex comic book history (and great chemistry between Netflix actors Mike Colter and Krysten Ritter), it’s hard to see these characters apart. They both lead their own shows which does complicate things in terms of production. However, if Danny can appear in Season 2 of Luke Cage, there’s hope that a crossover between the Jessica and Luke could happen again, leading them to renew their friendship and perhaps a little something more.
Luke Cage Season 2 premieres on Netflix June 22nd.
