Just like Daredevil and Jessica Jones before it, Netflix gamble on creating a far more complex and character-oriented superhero saga with tones that are way different than what you normally see up on the big screen (or on the small screen too, for that matter) has once again paid off big time with Luke Cage, an adaptation of the comic character that was born during the Blaxploitation era in the 70s meant to empower a certain race that is still somewhat marginalized today. Yes, Luke Cage is black, people, and he’s got an awesome superhuman strength.Luke Cage himself is first introduced as the sensitive love interest in Jessica Jones, who took off after his battle with her under the influence of the hypnotist Killgrave, and thus the story of Luke Cage begins after that. It’s a very slow burn superhero flick, heavy on the drama with elements of a Greek tragedy, the violence real and bloody, and a hero that often find himself struggling to be okay with his powers. But thankfully the showrunners don't take things too seriously by featuring some bombastic scenes (like Cottonmouth launching a rocket in the middle of the city), POW POW fight scenes, and Easter eggs strategically placed to appeased hardcore comic book fans such as the frequent use of Power Man, the superhero name given to Cage in the comic. Interestingly the series is also much more aware of the superhero existence populating the world, in fact they live in the same universe as The Avengers as there are many references sprinkled throughout the series that alludes to it, including an amusing bit where a street vendor is shown selling a bootlegged DVD of the infamous battle in New York. I really must marvel how consistent the overall qualities of Netflix take on Marvel superhero properties even though each series has a different, distinct tone. Out of the bunch Daredevil hews closer to conventional superhero films but still far more gritty and dark; Jessica Jones is an intense psychological thriller (with a cast refreshingly populated by strong women) with inspirations said to be taken from Silence of the Lambs; Luke Cage is a Blaxploitation homage with elements of The Wire; and judging from the trailer, Iron Fist will be heavy with martial arts magic (though I kinda hope the lead character is Asian to showcase further diversity). And I LOVE how they spend more time on creating an awesome opening credit with memorable score, and I can’t wait what they have in store for next year’s Iron Fist and once these misfit superheroes band together for The Defenders.
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AuthorSahiri Loing
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December 2015
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