In the week leading up to the release of “Ant-Man,” my Marvel hunger was growing. The natural response was to recklessly plow through the first season of Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel Studios’ third original television series, and the first of many to release exclusively as a Netflix Original.
In many ways, Daredevil is the antithesis of the Marvel formula that has been carefully applied to all of the movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since it began with 2008’s “Iron Man.” Daredevil is dark, and grounded (mostly) in reality. Daredevil’s primary villain can be given labels other than ‘third act punching bag.’ Daredevil substitutes grisly flesh wounds for opportune one-liners.
The first season loses steam near the end of its 13-episode run as it tries to apply the crime drama treatment to the titular hero’s more fantastical aspects, but remains an undeniable success for both Marvel and Netflix. A second season is on the way in 2016, with an eventual team-up miniseries with other heroes awaiting down the road.
When I wasn’t watching episodes, the “Ant-Man” marketing machine was landing hits from all angles - television, Twitter, YouTube, you name it. And they all promised a Marvel flick that seemed to be tonally similar to each and every one that came before it, save maybe the superb “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Watch this white guy save the world in a ridiculous costume! He’ll crack jokes about how ridiculous these characters seem! Bring the family!
In many ways, Daredevil is the antithesis of the Marvel formula that has been carefully applied to all of the movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since it began with 2008’s “Iron Man.” Daredevil is dark, and grounded (mostly) in reality. Daredevil’s primary villain can be given labels other than ‘third act punching bag.’ Daredevil substitutes grisly flesh wounds for opportune one-liners.
The first season loses steam near the end of its 13-episode run as it tries to apply the crime drama treatment to the titular hero’s more fantastical aspects, but remains an undeniable success for both Marvel and Netflix. A second season is on the way in 2016, with an eventual team-up miniseries with other heroes awaiting down the road.
When I wasn’t watching episodes, the “Ant-Man” marketing machine was landing hits from all angles - television, Twitter, YouTube, you name it. And they all promised a Marvel flick that seemed to be tonally similar to each and every one that came before it, save maybe the superb “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Watch this white guy save the world in a ridiculous costume! He’ll crack jokes about how ridiculous these characters seem! Bring the family!