The First ‘Luke Cage’ Reviews Are In; Is This Marvel’s Best Show?

Marvel Studios has been killing it on Netflix. So far, Daredevil and Jessica Jones have lit up the small screen. On September 30, stepping away from Hell’s Kitchen, Harlem gets its very own hero – Luke Cage.

A select group of online entertainment journalists have seen the show. Read a portion of their reviews down below.

Dominic Patten, Deadline:

“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.”


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Allison Keene, Collider:

“Luke Cage does an excellent job giving each of its cast members (however long they stick around) distinct personalities and memorable moments that create immediate stakes. Theo Rossi’s Shades isn’t just Cornell’s henchman, he has his own unique story, and one that’s closely tied to Cage’s past. Similarly, Frank Whaley’s Rafael Scarfe, as Misty’s partner, isn’t forgotten or written off as back-up. In this world, everyone has a place, and it matters.”

Mike Cecchini, Den of Geek:

“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.”

After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage becomes a fugitive trying to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But he is soon pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city – forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury.

Luke Cage hits Netflix on September 30.

Aric Sweeny
Aric Sweeny
Monkeys Fighting Robots Assistant Editor-in-Chief. Along with my work here, I'm a staff writer for Enthusiast Gaming. I have a passion for entertainment media. Follow me on Twitter to talk all things pop culture!