By Joshua H. Stulman

The long wait for the Defenders series on Netflix is coming to an end this month. Netflix will be releasing the much anticipated Marvel super-hero team up on August, 18.

The show has been a focal point of Netflix’s Marvel TV universe for many years. The Defenders will see the uniting of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist to fight the Hand- an evil mystical clan of ninjas bent on controlling New York.

If you haven’t seen the previous Marvel series check them out now on Netflix: CLICK HERE

If you want a quick overview of the previous series, read below to catch yourself up for Defenders.

Daredevil: Season 1

Daredevil Season 1 saw the origin of Daredevil adapted loosely from Frank Miller and John Romita Jr’s “Man Without Fear” acclaimed comic book mini series.

The series introduced a number of competing gangs including Madam Gao and Nobu’s Japanese Yakuza gang. The story chronicled the rise and fall of Kingpin, Wilson Fisk, his love affair with Vanessa, and business dealings with the Owl, Leland Owlsley. The series culminated in the death of reporter Ben Urich at the hands of the Kingpin. The Kingpin’s subsequent arrest and Vanessa’s exile. The evil ninja clan, the Hand was revealed to be planning an invasion of New York City.

Jessica Jones: Season 1

Jessica Jones introduced several Marvel characters including Luke cage and Patsy Walker (Hellcat). The season was a psychological thriller pitting her against the manipulative Purple Man, Kilgrave. The series also introduced Frank Miller’s Nuke character from Miller’s Daredevil “Born Again” storyline. The series concluded with the death of the Purple Man at the hands of Jessica Jones.

Daredevil: Season 2

The second Daredevil series saw the introduction of the Punisher and the continuing vigilantism of Daredevil in Hell’s Kitchen. The series deepens Madam Gao and the Hand’s role in New York as they hatch a plan to take possession of the Kingpin’s empire. The series introduces Elektra a former college love of Daredevil- now turned deadly ninja assassin. The series ended with the revelation of Daredevil’s identity to both Foggy Nelson and Karen Page and the dissolution of the law firm. The series saw the death of Elektra by the Hand and an unresolved plot that sees the Hand orchestrating a large tunnel under Hell’s Kitchen as well as hinting to Elekra’s resurrection and destiny as Black Sky- an ancient Hand myth.

Luke Cage: Season 1 

The series continues Luke Cage’s adventures in Harlem as he finds his place as a fugitive on the run. He encounters several villains including nightclub owner Cottonmouth, crooked politician Black Mariah, and his half brother Diamondback. The series also introduces policewoman Misty Knight and the calculating character called Shades. The series concludes with the conspiracy of Black Mariah and Shades to murder Cottonmouth and assume his criminal empire, as well as the knockdown fight between Luke Cage and his super charged brother that results in Diamondback’s defeat and the arrest of Luke Cage. The science corporation IGH is hinted as the group responsible for both Nuke and Jessica Jones’ powers, and now possibly Diamondback through the experiments by Dr. Burstein.

Iron Fist: Season 1

Iron fist: Season 1 follows Iron Fist’s alter ego Danny Rand who attempts to reestablish his identity after years of being thought dead. The series shows his legal troubles as former friends and business partners, Harold, Ward and Joy Meachum conspire to discredit his claim. Colleen wing is introduced as his love interest. With Iron Fist’s purpose being to defeat the Hand, more of the Hands history and inner workings are developed. Madam Gao plays a major role in attempting to corrupt Iron Fist. Colleen Wing is revealed to be a Hand ninja tasked with training new recruits. She eventually turns on the Hand to join Iron Fist. The pair have help from Iron Fist’s K’un L’un friend, Davos, the Steel Serpent. The end of the series sees the final death of the resurrected Harold Meachum by the Hand, the rekindled friendship of Ward Meachum and Danny Rand, with Ward’s sister, Joy, still blaming Rand for her father’s death. Davos jealous of Iron Fist’s power secretly turns against his former friend to ally himself with Madam Gao. In the final scene. Iron Fist returns to the magical city of K’un L’un only to see it vanished in the absence of his protection with dead Hand ninjas at its gateway.

Predictions for Defenders:

What unites all the series are two major villains: the Hand and their plans to conquer New York and the more subtle dealings of the IGH corporation and Seagate with their manufacturing of super powered beings. The return of Elektra has already been shown and expect that to be a focus of Daredevil’s story. I would like to see Davos and Nuke reemerge in some way, as well as the reuniting Jessica Jones with Luke Cage. My predictions for the series are for the possible death of Night Nurse, Clair Temple who has been a link between each show. The Netflix Marvel series like to introduce new characters too so I’m hoping but not holding my breathe that we will finally see Shang Chi, Master of Kung Fu and maybe Patsy Walker as Hellcat!

Well I guess we will see if I’m right on August 18^th!

Check our great selection of Defenders related comics CLICK HERE.

Joshua H. Stulman

Owner, www.BrooklynComicShop.com