Zip is a minor antagonist featured in the first season of the television series Luke Cage, set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Zip's narrative arc saw him initially serving as muscle for Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes, the owner of Harlem's Paradise nightclub. Following Cottonmouth's demise, Zip shifted his allegiance to the newly arrived and more volatile Willis "Diamondback" Stryker. This change ultimately led to his death, a consequence of the intense power struggles and betrayals characterizing Harlem's criminal hierarchy.
He was portrayed by Jaiden Kaine.
Biography[]
Working for Cottonmouth[]
Zip is introduced early in the series as one of Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes' key street-level enforcers. He is frequently seen alongside other members of Cottonmouth's crew, such as Sugar, carrying out tasks related to Stokes' criminal empire, which included intimidation, protection rackets, and enforcement. His role established him as part of the visible muscle representing Cottonmouth's control in Harlem.
Zip is established early on as an antagonist to Luke Cage. One of their first confrontations occurs when Luke steps in to defend Genghis Connie's, warning Zip and his crew against showing disrespect. Later, Zip plays a more active role in Cottonmouth’s efforts to pressure Luke by targeting the community. In one notable incident, he steals a championship ring that belonged to Aisha Axton’s father. After Aisha tells Luke what happened, he confronts Zip and recovers the stolen ring.
Subsequently, Luke Cage interrupts an illegal arms deal involving Zip. During the encounter, Zip informs Luke that Cottonmouth is about to be released from police custody. Zip is seen handling Desert Eagle pistols during the deal.
Allegiance to Diamondback[]
Following Cottonmouth's death at the hands of Mariah Dillard, Willis "Diamondback" Stryker arrives in Harlem to seize control. Zip quickly shifts his loyalty to Diamondback, the new dominant force in the criminal underworld.
With Shades Alvarez temporarily imprisoned, Zip approaches Diamondback wearing sunglasses, in an apparent attempt to emulate Shades' style and perhaps curry favor. Diamondback curtly dismisses the imitation, ordering Zip to remove the glasses, immediately establishing his authority and Zip's subservient position. Despite this awkward start, Diamondback promotes Zip, making him his secondary advisor, positioned below Shades but above other remaining henchmen like Sugar. This promotion likely stemmed from Diamondback's immediate need for loyal subordinates rather than a high estimation of Zip's capabilities. Zip is subsequently seen assisting Diamondback, notably during the hostage crisis at Harlem's Paradise, where he is armed with a Heckler & Koch MP7A1 submachine gun.
Later, while Diamondback is liquidating assets, Zip reports that crucial files are missing. Enraged, Diamondback physically intimidates Zip by choking him. This incident is witnessed by Turk Barrett, who derisively calls Zip "Diamondback's bi*ch". Turk also explains Diamondback's metaphorical reference to Shades as "Icarus" to Zip, suggesting Zip lacks the awareness or standing to understand such references.
Assassination attempt on Shades and death[]
The internal power dynamics shift again when Diamondback becomes suspicious of Shades Alvarez, perceiving his questions and actions as a potential challenge to his authority following a falling out between them. Seeing Zip as an ambitious and controllable asset, Diamondback manipulates him by offering the position of primary second-in-command, currently held by Shades, in exchange for eliminating him.
Driven by this offer, Zip attempts the assassination. He and two accomplices collect the newly released Shades and escort him into a freight elevator. Inside, Zip attacks Shades, attempting to strangle him. However, Zip underestimates his target. Shades skillfully turns the tables, disarming one goon, killing both accomplices, and gaining control of the situation.
Shades forces Zip onto the building's roof for interrogation. Under duress, Zip confesses that Diamondback ordered the hit because Shades was "stepping out of his place" and asking too many questions. Zip's reported last words, "I'm my own man, Shades" , represent a final, futile attempt to assert agency before his death. Having confirmed Diamondback's betrayal, Shades executes Zip with a gunshot to the head, deeming him both a failure and a liability. Shades then calmly takes Zip's sunglasses as a final gesture. Later, Domingo Colon informs Diamondback that Shades killed Zip and his men.
Powers and Abilities[]
- Hand-to-Hand Combat: Zip possessed basic hand-to-hand combat capabilities. However, he was shown to be significantly outmatched by individuals with superior skills or powers.
- Firearms Proficiency: Zip demonstrated proficiency with various firearms typical for street-level criminals.
