LUKE CAGE: Early Reviews Are In, And It Looks Like Marvel Has Yet Another Winner

Yeah, Marvel Studios is doing some pretty great stuff on the big screen. Their most recent film, Captain America: Civil War was a megahit, both critically and financially, and a lot of folks are really looking forward to where they take this world in their next movie, Doctor Strange. But while their movies are absolutely dominating the box office, Marvel’s content on Netflix may very well be an even bigger hit for the hardcore comic book fans. Thus far, we’ve had two seasons of Daredevil, and one season of Jessica Jones, series that follow two street-level heroes with a more mature tone than your average Marvel Studios film. Their next big release is less than a month away, and comes in the form of Luke Cage, a series that follows the continuing adventures of the Jessica Jones character as he tries to defend Harlem.

The recent trailers for the film have been all sorts of great, and have shown that, like with their films, Marvel is going for a completely different genre with this series. In Luke Cage, they’re really embracing things like hip-hop and blaxploitation films, which definitely helps to give the series a unique flavor. But just because something is unique, that doesn’t mean it’s good. Was Marvel TV able to churn out yet another successful story in this 13-episode series?

The early reviews are in from various outlets, and if we can trust what they have to say, it certainly sounds like Luke Cage is another winner for the Marvel/Netflix dual brand.

Here’s what some of our friends at several sites had to say based on the first seven or so episodes of the show.


Collider – Allison Keene

“One of the best things about Marvel’s growing set of series on Netflix is how each has managed to create its own distinct feel while not straying too far from the overall tone. Daredevil is dark, literally, and contains some of the universe’s most grisly violence, while Jessica Jones’ narrative bleakness is tempered by a bright banter. Luke Cage is smooth and deliberate, with Cage himself (Mike Colter) fighting to move both himself and his neighborhood into the light. All three protagonists struggle with the idea of heroism, and how they fit into a world forever changed by “The Incident” (see: The Avengers). But they do, each finding their own way to a path that will, eventually, bring them all together with Iron Fist for The Defenders.”

Den of Geek – Mike Cecchini

Luke Cage lacks the eye-popping martial arts choreography of Daredevil or the heart-pounding psychological terror of Jessica Jones. The night-time seediness of the Marvel’s fictional version of Hell’s Kitchen is replaced by the summery daytime promises of NYC’s resurgent Harlem neighbourhoods. But like its predecessors, Luke Cage boasts an excellent cast, tremendous atmosphere, and a willingness to go places that other Marvel Studios productions can’t. And it brings a few fun twists to the party, too.”

Deadline – Dominic Patten

“Linking to the Greater Marvel Universe with finesse, hip-hop’s alternating swagger and reserve, the zeitgeist, and the iconic legacy of Harlem, the series reaches both back and forward into the culture of heroes and an America looking for a true game-changer. With a muscular cast that includes Alfre Woodard, Theo Rossi and Rosario Dawson, plus every episode named after a Gang Starr track, the wide-ranging and deeply intended drama is further proof that Marvel’s highest quality resides on the small screen.”

Comics Beat – Kyle Pinion

“It’s possible that the only trouble Luke Cage may face is that it’s a very slow-going show, far more talkative and contemplative than anything we’ve seen from Marvel Television thus far. Those looking for the comic-based thrills of other series may run into some trouble here, but if you’ve grown tired of the black and white morality plays the generally comprises the genre and want something that resembles prestige television, Luke Cage is just what you’ve been looking for. It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Gizmodo – Evan Narcisse

Luke Cage feels like many different swatches of blackness all at once . It’sgot humor, pathos, and rhythm that are distinct from the other Netflix Marvel shows. It’s funkier and pulpier than either Daredevil or Jessica Jones. It has to be, because Luke Cage sketches out a sense of an entire community, one that’s a symbol of how black people have thrived in a centuries-old cycle that’s had them exoticized and disenfranchised. Once he starts shaking things up uptown, all eyes are on Luke Cage. That’s okay because, if the second half of the season is as strong as the first, he’s definitely worth watching.”


Do these early reviews get you more excited for Luke Cage? Let us know down below!

Luke Cage hits Netflix on September 30, 2016.

Don’t forget to share this post on your Facebook wall and with your Twitter followers! Just hit the buttons at the top of this page.

Night Terror Banner   GenreVerse FOR FANBOYS, BY FANBOYS Have you checked out LRM Online’s official podcasts and videos on The Genreverse Podcast Network? Available on YouTube and all your favorite podcast apps, This multimedia empire includes The Daily CoGBreaking Geek Radio: The Podcast, GeekScholars Movie News, Anime-Versal Review Podcast, and our Star Wars dedicated podcast The Cantina. Check it out by listening on all your favorite podcast apps, or watching on YouTube! Subscribe on: Apple PodcastsSpotify |  SoundCloud | Stitcher | Google Play
Share the Post:

Join Our Newsletter

LRMonline header logo

LRM and the GenreVerse Podcast Network is your one stop spot for all your film, tv, video game, geek needs.

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.