In looking at the “greatest hits” from my blogging career, I was thunderstruck by how many think pieces comic book shows used to produce. There was just so much to dive into: Religion, politics, friendship, family dynamics, loyalty, and love.
You wouldn’t think a bunch of people fighting crime in tights could be so jam-packed with life lessons, but it was. And that’s why the downfall of post-Endgame Marvel has been so painful.
We know how good it can be, and the constant stream of this dashed-off slop feels personal.
Looking at She-Hulk twerk in her law office is fine in isolation. It’s a cute moment… I guess. But then you remember Daredevil and how the writers and actors gave us a masterpiece that grabbed at the heart of Christianity, showing how religion, NOT the costume, made Matt Murdock who he was.
Then there was the deluge of “girl-bossing” nonsense that made it seem like Marvel didn’t understand women at all. But that can’t be right. We all remember the complex female villains Marvel gave us before, who often caused havoc without throwing a single punch.
And though fans are correct in that “comics book have always been political,” they commented on issues in a nuanced way, one that was in favor of their audience and in favor of America (since that’s where both Marvel and DC are headquartered). The shows were the same way, none more effectively (imo) than The Punisher series.
This is to say nothing of the craven “branding” corporatization that caused Disney to nerf the best supernatural show since… Supernatural.
Try and think of the last Marvel property that stayed with you like these shows. For most of us, it was Endgame. And though all things must end, it still saddens me that this end was brought about so intentionally.
I can only hope we will see something as great in the future.
There was the excellent series of Jennifer Jones on Netflix, definitely in my top 3 Marvel shows
I think the next great thing will be born from the indie sphere, and it won't come quick, I'm still writing it.
I'm kidding about the last part.
It can be daunting to see once-great properties take such a nose-dive, fortunately their peak versions will remain with us.