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Why the Marvel/Netflix Team-Up Rocks

Why the Marvel/Netflix Team-Up Rocks

I want you to think back for a bit. Let’s, say, go back about five years. OK. Now, think about the Marvel characters you know and recognize. Household names like Wolverine, Iron Man, Captain America, and maybe even Thor come to mind. But unless you’re a huge comic book fan, you probably didn’t think about people like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage.

Now, think about some of the most popular and recognizable characters you know. Since I just mentioned Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage, they’re probably on your mind, right? That isn’t just because I brought them up. It’s also because Netflix did, too. While all three have been established and interesting heroes for years, it’s the Netflix original series that made people fall in love with them.

Characters like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage often end up overshadowed. Other heroes are flashier, end up in more series, and transcend boundaries to become pop culture icons. These three are people who are great, but only comic fans previously recognized them. Netflix created series that allowed them to shine. They made these characters human. In fact, all three are quite lovable. Daredevil is noble and talented, but also constantly getting hurt because he’s a blind dude out solving crimes. Jessica Jones is a strong woman suffering from PTSD, but still refusing to back down from her tormentor. Luke Cage is a likable man who wants to do the right thing. We identify with them through the Netflix shows.

The Netflix series even transcend previous appearances. Daredevil’s movie was bad. Ben Affleck and the script didn’t do the character justice. It made someone who should have been interesting boring. The new Daredevil is enthralling. It mixes super hero antics with occasional law drama, and it works so well. It makes it easy to love Matthew Murdock and enjoy adventures. Which is good, because it should be easy to love him.

Why the Marvel/Netflix Team-Up Rocks

Also, these Netflix shows help us connect and appreciate lesser known villains. Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk is darkly terrifying in Daredevil . There are moments when you almost sympathise with him, but then he goes off and you realize how horrifying he is. Kilgrave, known as the Purple Man in the comics, is often affable and charming in Jessica Jones . But then, you wonder if he’s only so because of his ability to make people find him so. If somehow his talent is coming through the screen to make you ignore the despicable way he’s controlling everyone.

Netflix has done an extraordinary thing for lesser known comic book heroes. It’s made these Marvel stars more recognizable. These heroes, and even villains, have become household names because of these original series. Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and soon Luke Cage get opportunities to be special and loved, because these well-written and acted series made us see how special and lovable they are. It makes you anticipate every season. Fortunately, this week we get season 2 of Daredevil , Luke Cage is starting on September 30, and a second season of Jessica Jones has been confirmed.

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