On April 10th, Marvel releases a new TV series on Netflix and will introduce Daredevil into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This is the first of 5 shows produced by Netflix to be released. After Daredevil, we will see a private eye style show titles A.K.A. Jessica Jones, which then will be followed by Luke Cage. Right after that Iron Fist will follow. All of these shows will feature 13 one hour long episode seasons culminating in a mini-series of sorts called The Defenders.
We're still a couple of months away, but casting announcements are being made and folks are confused as to who these characters are. Before I get into the descriptions though, I'd just like to talk about what these releases mean to comic fans.
At this point I'm sure everyone who's been reading this blog is familiar with the current MCU. We have heroes such as Iron Man, Captain American, Thor, the Black Widow, Hawkeye, and the Hulk; also Guardians of the Galaxy, but they're way out in space and won't affect Earth for some time. All of these characters have been developed over a series of solo films and the first Avengers movie and Guardians movie. So Marvel has been able to build themselves quite a solid universe. Along with the movies, they've produced Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (AoS) a TV show on ABC to expand their movie universe. It's worked very well so far, with certain episodes of AoS tying directly to a movie that was released the week before the episode airs. With the release of Daredevil in April, Netflix will help expand the MCU even further than before. It also allows Marvel to get a little darker with the content of the show. Netflix doesn't have to go by any of the rules basic cable channels do, so we could in theory see HBO style content.
Anyway, onto the characters.
Daredevil: probably the most well-known of the new characters to be introduced. His real name is Matt Murdock, and as Murdock he works as a defense attorney in New York City's Hell's Kitchen. When Matt was a kid, he was blinded by a radioactive substance. Although he was blind, the radiation caused Murdock's other senses to heighten to superhuman levels. Few villains know that he is blind, as Daredevil has been able to develop a radar sense similar to echolocation. His senses are so sharp that he is able to read a book (without braille) simply by running his fingers over the ink; he can hear someone's heartbeat so clearly that he can act as a human lie detector. As strong as his senses are, they are also his greatest weakness. A powerful odor or strong sound can distract or disorient him from his radar sense and be used to immobilize him. Daredevil is also a master of martial arts, having mastered several styles all while making full use of his superior gymnastic skills.
He does carry a weapon. A billy club of his own design that looks like a blind man's cane during the day, but doubles as a multi-functioning club that holds 30 feet of aircraft control cable connected to a case hardened grapnel. He uses this to travel through NYC as well as fight off enemies. He is also a skilled detective, tracker, interrogation expert, as well as an expert marksman.
Daredevil has had many adventures over the years, and has proven to be one of the most well written Marvel Characters of all time as well as one of the most popular. He's teamed up with Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, and over the last few years was asked to become a member of The Avengers.
Daredevil is, what is referred to in the comic book world, a "street level" hero. Which means his crime fighting focus is very specific to a certain location. He shares this branding with the other heroes being brought to Netflix. All operate out of NYC and most specifically in Hell's Kitchen.
I am very excited for Daredevil to premiere April 10th. I am positive that the writers and actors have something really special and fun in store for us. He's such an awesome character with so much potential for the future.
Daredevil with be played by Charlie Cox.
Up Next: Luke Cage!
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