As the third television series on Netflix of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Luke Cage delivers both a promising and dedicated performance which will inevitably lead to and segue nicely into the upcoming Netflix original series, The Defenders. Like Daredevil and Jessica Jones, the series introduces a new superhero from Marvel: Luke Cage, an African American living in Harlem, New York City. The Netflix series was released on September 30, 2016, and is intended to be only one part of the expanding collection on the streaming website, which also includes shows like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and the upcoming Defenders series.

The hero of the series is a prisoner at Seagate Prison, off the coast of Georgia, where he is manipulated by a guard to join a group of prisoners who secretly fight each other. Severely injured by an attack one night, Luke Cage is forced by his psychologist (and, spoiler, his soon-to-be wife), Reva Connors, to partake in an experiment which intends to treat Luke’s serious wounds. Although the experiment serves its purpose, it also gives Luke impenetrable skin and superhuman strength, abilities which he believes “ruin his life.” Ironically, these abilities help Luke prove that he is the hero Harlem needs in order to stop the violence in the neighborhood.

African-American culture rightly takes a large part in this series, spanning from the music and the recognition of African-American figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The music, in particular, both R&B and hip-hop, is very impactful, as it sets the tone for each episode with songs like “Long Live the Chief” by Jidenna and “Bring da Ruckus” by Wu-Tang Clan.

Fans of Luke Cage, also known as Power Man, from the comics, will be particularly excited to see many other characters, including some of his associates and even some of his greatest foes. Cottonmouth, a club owner and gun dealer, is the major villain in the new series, alongside Mariah, his cousin who hopes to change Harlem through her program. Although both characters are very different from the comics, as Cottonmouth does not feature his original snake-like costume or sharp teeth, nor is Mariah, also known as Black Mariah, overly obese, both are portrayed very well through their appropriate relationships. Misty Knight, another major character from the comics, is also featured as an NYPD detective. (Another spoiler here — she is even eventually seen wearing clothing identical to her costume from the comics.) Claire Temple, referred to as the Night Nurse, present in both Daredevil and Jessica Jones, also makes a return as a love interest of Luke Cage.

The plot of Luke Cage delivers on strong character development and intriguing storylines from unexpected changes. Luke’s origin-story is also very promising since it relates to the comics and even features the same major characters. Like the other Marvel series on Netflix, this one is an insightful look into a superhero never before seen in cinematic form. Fans of the comics will undoubtedly enjoy watching this series, as it includes characters from the comics, as well as “Easter eggs” which acknowledge other Marvel characters. Even those who are not necessarily fans of Power Man will still find it enjoying, from its ecstatic plot to the deep character development.