Acknowledging CTE As A Serious Illness With Luke Cage And His Superhero Identity

Superheroes are relatable because they struggle with their health. Whether it’s a physical or mental disorder, some characters find it hard to come to terms with what they’re experiencing. A disorder that needs to be talked about more is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This illness is associated with head trauma and causes aggression, memory loss, depression and dementia.

CTE is a disorder that affects athletes and soldiers because of their exposure to high impacts. Luke Cage was diagnosed with CTE and he struggled to accept it. I’m examining the nature of CTE and how Luke’s diagnosis helped to shine a light on a disease that needs to be taken seriously.

Advertisement

Luke Cage: Everyman Writer Anthony Del Col Talks About CTE And Mental Health In Comics

Luke Cage is the kind of down to earth hero that a lot of people can relate to. His indestructible skin gives him an edge when protecting the community of Harlem. But what happens when an unbreakable man becomes vulnerable? Anthony Del Col invites comic fans to find out in his Luke Cage: Everyman miniseries.  Luke has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a concussive disease that’s common in contact sport athletes.

It was great to check in with Anthony and interview him about the series, his thoughts on CTE and what he thinks of mental health in comics.