ABSTRACT
This chapter examines a group of superhero series produced through the creative collaboration between Marvel Television and Netflix: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist (Netflix 2015–2019). These series were adapted from comic books published by Marvel Comics and form part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As such, the Marvel/Netflix series include intertextual connections to films and series in the MCU. However, the Marvel/Netflix series differ from the rest of the MCU in their dark tone and depiction of violence and sexuality. The Marvel/Netflix series replicate the achievements of the MAX and Marvel Knights imprints of Marvel Comics, creating a dark corner of the MCU oriented towards adult audiences and expressing the signature styles of notable artists. The Marvel/Netflix series demonstrate a modular genre hybridity, at one moment de-emphasising their superhero genre identity in favour of Quality TV expectations, and the next emphasising their connection to the comic book from which they are adapted. These shows were an ambitious attempt to jump on the Quality Telefantasy bandwagon by blending established superhero characters and worlds with a Quality TV aesthetic. The results of this experiment were mixed and short-lived but nonetheless paved the way for Marvel’s superhero series on Disney+.
