- "And today's top news, the shootout that occurred in Harlem last night. After an ambulance was forced off the street, it appears a chase led to a women's clinic where gunfire was exchanged. The fight continued to this historic theater where severe damage was wrought. Witnesses described two men at the center of this fight."
- ―Megan McLaren[src]
The Duel at the United Palace Theatre was a confrontation between Luke Cage and Diamondback, who sought to exact vengeance against his half-brother.
Background[]
- "I have to go after him. Help me up. This is my cross to bear. No one else can do this."
- ―Luke Cage to Claire Temple[src]
Diamondback shot a Judas Bullet at Luke Cage while he was walking in the park with Claire Temple. The bullet managed to pierce Cage's skin and explode inside him. The unbreakable skin then formed over the wound making it impossible for Temple to get out with a scalpel. She brought him to an empty emergency room and tried to help, but it didn't work. Diamondback then found them and shot again only to miss. He grabbed Temple through the window, but was oulled through by Cage who fought him. Diamondback took Misty Knight outside and acted like he was going to shoot her only to knock her out and run. Cage followed him to a theatre.[2]
Duel[]
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- "You left me to rot, Carl."
"We can work this out."
"Work what out? My life? My mother destroying herself? Being away for so long? Nah. There's nothing left to work out." - ―Diamondback and Luke Cage[src]
Luke Cage traced Diamondback to the theatre. Diamondback taunted Cage until he revealed that he sent Cage to jail. Cage then ran at the balcony, destroying the pillar so that Diamondback fell down. Diamondback kicked Cage, but it did nothing. They then briefly fought until Cage fell do to the previous Judas Bullet wound. Cage managed to get up and throw Stryker across the room. He then sat down, coughing up blood.[2]
Aftermath[]
- "I'm sorry, Willis. I wasn't a good friend. I loved you like a brother."
"N***a... I am your brother." - ―Luke Cage and Diamondback[src]
Luke Cage tried to get away, but Willis Stryker followed him. Cage turned around and pleaded for Stryker not to do it and even apologized. He told Stryker that he loved him like a brother. Stryker then revealed that he was his brother before shooting another Judas Bullet at him. Cage fell backwards into a garbage truck and was carried away.[2]