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"The past is the past. And the only direction in life that matters is forward. Never backwards."
―Pop to Luke Cage[src]

Henry Hunter, better known as Pop, was an owner of Pop's Barber Shop and a former gang member affiliated with the Stokes Crime Family, who gave up the life of crime and became a beloved figure in Harlem. Pop helped Luke Cage a lot following his escape from the Seagate Penitentiary, trying to convince him to use his powers and do good for the people around him. When Chico Diaz became a target of Cottonmouth, Pop tried to save him, however, Pop himself was killed by Tone during an attack on the barbershop.

Biography[]

Early Life[]

Working for Mama Mabel[]

"I was a beast, no two ways about it."
"They call you Pop because you were the O.G.?"
"Nah, it was the sound my fist made when I knocked a fool out. Snap, crackle, pop."
―Pop and Luke Cage[src]
YoungPopsCottonmouth

Pop poses for Jamel Shabazz with Cornell Stokes and Fredo Diaz

Henry Hunter was Pop's real name. He gained the nickname name Pop due to the sounds of punches he made. In the past, he grew up in the street along with Cornell Stokes and Fredo Diaz and was the crew's leader. They were encouraged by Mama Mabel to beat up and steal cash from people; becoming so notorious that their picture was taken by Jamel Shabazz. One day, Pop and Donnie stole cash and a watch and brought it to Mama Mabel, who was arguing with Pistol Pete on Cornell's future.[5]

Moving Forward[]

Pop would eventually leave the criminal life behind him and grew distant from Cornell, deciding to move forward in his life and open a barber shop. Pop became a respected figure in the neighborhood and was known for being wise and having a swear jar for anyone who cursed in his shop. Later, Pop fell in love and had a child who distanced himself due to learning of his criminal past and hurting innocent people. Despite the estrangement, Pop continued to move forward and hope the best for Bert.[6]

Meeting Luke Cage[]

Discussing the Knicks[]

While working at his shop, Pop and some of the people in his shop were discussing an older season played by the New York Knicks. Pop was wondering if they had been playing shit on purpose. Shameek Smith reminded Pop to read his "No profanity" sign on the wall. Bobby Fish told Pop that Smith was right and Pop, following his own rules, paid up by putting some money in the swear jar. He then apologized to Lonnie Wilson, one of his younger customers. Smith Asked Pop how they did last season, which they ended with 17 wins and 65 losses. Pop stated that he hoped the Russian kid they picked is any good, which resulted in Fish telling him that he is Latvian. Fish told the others that the Knicks should fire Phil Jackson, who according to Smith was an overrated basketball coach and was no Pat Riley.

Upon hearing Pop mention Pat Riley, the other customers sighed. On the wall of the Shop, Pop had placed a list of people that would get a cut for free. Chico Diaz understood that Al Pacino would get a haircut for free, but not that Pop loved Riley so much. Pop quickly reminded Shameek about cursing after he mentioned an old teammate of Riley in a bad manner.

Pop listened while Luke Cage, one of his employees, joined the discussion, telling them to play nice when Cage made an unfair remark to Smith. He then watched on when the situation nearly escalated, laughing to Cage after Smith quickly changed his mind about challenging him.

With the situation now back to normal in his Shop, Pop greeted Patricia Wilson, calling her a lawyer, even though she had not graduated yet. Wilson came there to get her son and make sure he would go to Kumon that evening. Pop told Lonnie to listen to his mom. When Patricia and her son left, Pop told her that she should say hello to Bessie for him. A few moments later, he once again had to remind Smith about his profanity, throwing the swear jar to him and telling him to pay up.

With his customer gone, Pop moved to the back of the store, where he noticed Cage pacing around again, the one thing he himself did not give up after getting out of jail. He told Cage that it had been a long time since Reva Connors had died and that he should give Patricia Wilson a call. When Cage stated that he would only find a new woman when he was ready for it, Pop told him that he, mister bulletproof, would want a cup of something hot and dark sooner or later. The two of them discussed the nicknames Pop gave Cage, mentioning that his last rebound chick, Jessica Jones, placed a shotgun under his chin and pulled the trigger, without is penetrating Cage. Pop told Cage, just like Reva used to do, that Cage should get on the street trying to save people and that the powers he received in prison saved his life. Cage disagreed. Before Cage left, Pop gave him the advice to let the past go and his life should go forward, and not backwards.[1]

Shaving Cottonmouth[]

While shaving Cottonmouth, Pop saw the bruises on his hands, quickly realizing that Cottonmouth had beaten Chico Diaz to death. However, Pop did not ask questions and continued shaving Cottonmouth and let him leave without saying anything.[6]

Killed by Tone[]

CageMourningPop

Pop's death being mourned by Luke Cage

"Someone call a goddamn ambulance!"
"Swe... Swear... Swear... Jar..."
"I will, I will."
"Luke... Forward... Always... Always... Forward... Forward..."
Luke Cage and Pop[src]

Pop was cutting Lonnie Wilson's hair when Cage returned to Pop's Barber Shop and told Pop that Cottonmouth would only speak to him within the shop. Chico Diaz came downstairs asking if they could buy a TV for the back room. Suddenly, the shop got attacked by Tone, who was waiting for Diaz to show himself. Cage rushed towards Wilson to deflect the bullets from him. Diaz was injured in the arm, but Pop was peppered with bullets with a notable shot in the neck.

Tone and Shades entered the remains of the shop, checking to see if anyone survived and took the stolen money. As they left, Cage asked if Lonnie was alright and noticed Pop on the ground, as he bled hard. Cage rushed to Pop's side, as he lay dying and screamed for an ambulance. With Pop reaching his final few moments, he asked Cage to swear to "move forward, always." Cage agreed and Pop died in his arms, with the former greatly mourning his friend.[6]

Legacy[]

Grieving and Regrets[]

Immediately afterwards, Misty Knight and Rafael Scarfe reported on the scene. Knight was very upset over the situation while interrogating Luke Cage, who just sat, staring off into the distance. He repeated that he was okay despite Knight's requests to see a paramedic. She was confused that Cage had bullet holes in his shirt, but seemed to not be hit.

Tone and Shades returned to Harlem's Paradise with the money. Shades kept repeating that they should've waited. Tone explained to Cottonmouth how Turk Barrett gave them a tip and Tone took it upon himself to shoot Chico Diaz. Cottonmouth was impressed, but Shades told him that they lost Pop. Cottonmouth then angrily grabbed Tone and hurled him off the roof of the building. Tone landed on a car, killing him on impact. Cottonmouth then returned to his office and cried.

Cage later found himself in front of the Crispus Attucks Complex, reminiscing about Pop when a young man stood behind him with a gun to his head. Cage turned around and got mad, scolding the man. He then took the gun and shot himself in the stomach. The bullet didn't penetrate. The scared man then ran away. Cage repeated Pop's words, "forward always, always forward"[6]

Funeral[]

This section requires expansion

Inspiring Luke Cage[]

This section requires expansion

Personality[]

"Pop never forgot his people. Where some people saw hard rock kids, he saw precious jewels. He reminded me that diamonds are formed by pressure covered in dirt. But then you polish them and they shine. Pop saw the shine in everyone that walked in his barber shop. He cut their hair. He listened to their problems. And he made them feel better about the world and themselves."
Luke Cage[src]
This section requires expansion

Henry Hunter was a kind man, well respected in the Harlem community. He treated his customers with respect and was friendly to everyone. He was even considered by Cottonmouth to be a good friend, as the latter killed Tone for killing him, and paid for the casket for Pop's funeral. Pop was known for his dislike of people cursing, having a swear jar in his shop and made people pay. Hunter held this trait onto in his final moments, reminding Luke of the swear jar when yelled for the police. In addition, Pop believed in moving forward, having personally left his criminal life behind and become a better person. This belief was given to Luke Cage after his death and encouraged him to help Harlem any way he could. Cage would hold onto this, and move forward in his life by continuing to protect Harlem by all means.

Facilities[]

Relationships[]

Family[]

Allies[]

Enemies[]

Appearances[]

Appearances for Pop

Trivia[]

Behind the Scenes[]

References[]

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