Cage Match: Mike Colter Is a Hero for Our Times

Peter Saltsman September 26, 2016

Mike Colter did not grow up reading comic books. Neither did his friends. Comics might have been popular in bigger cities, he figures, but they never made it down to rural South Carolina.

Not much did, culturally speaking. “The closest movie theatre was in the next town, half an hour away,” he says. “We didn’t go much. That’s why I watched a lot of TV.” Which is why it’s so surprising, in the roundabout way that makes so many Hollywood success narratives, that Mike Colter ended up being in a TV show based on a comic book, spun off from another TV show based on a comic book, on a TV network that’s not actually on TV at all.

On Netflix’s much-anticipated new series Luke Cage, Colter plays the eponymous hero, a Marvel legend with unbreakable skin and unreasonable strength. (It’s also a role he played to much fanfare on last year’s Jessica Jones, starring Krysten Ritter.) The show, like the comics, is set in Harlem and is gritty, bleak, and racially charged — the character goes back to his roots as a 1970s Blaxploitation invention, a jive-talking hero who dishes out vigilante justice to bad guys everywhere. “I think it’s appropriate that it’s coming out now,” says Colter. “It’s very relevant for what’s going on today.” And while you can stream the entire first season on Netflix starting September 30, it’s a show so good it’s worth driving half an hour for, if it came to it.

Out of Line

A thin knit sweater is the perfect layering piece, especially when it’s as classic as this nautical stripe. Throw a slick leather jacket on top and it’s particularly boss.

Wool sweater ($365) by A.P.C.; leather motorcycle jacket ($1,435) by The Kooples.

Detail Oriented

Monochrome is a great look, but it works best when at least one piece has hidden depth (like Mr. Colter, in fact). In this case, check out the black yarn flecked through the white sweater, adding texture and warmth to what could’ve been a forgettable piece.

Cotton Sweater ($270) by Sandro; cotton jeans ($70) by Levi’s.

Sunny Ways

A lively, solid-colored sweater, like this warm coral worn under a water repellent trench, will be a bright spot on a rainy day.

Cotton raincoat ($870) by The Couples; cotton sweater ($190) by HUGO; cotton jeans ($220) by J Brand.

Gridlock

This geometric pattern is a modern take on an old favourite — think of it as an update on the classic waffle knit. The random flecks of white keep it from feeling too stark.

Cashmere and wool sweater ($495) by Billy Reid.

Force Majeur

Camo: it’s still a thing. This piece, though, isn’t for blending into your surroundings as much as it’s meant to make you stand out, which is just how we like it.

Cashmere sweater (price upon request) by Valentino.

Crew Cut

A grey crewneck sweater is a gym staple. But the simple addition of a colourful collar and cuffs transforms it from an afterthought to a piece worthy of building an outfit around.