7 Redeeming Features Of The Marvel Netflix Series

The films of the MCU have taken place in a wide variety of locations. With the exception of fictional constructs like Wakanda, however, the action could, in most instances, be moved somewhere entirely different and nobody would be any the wiser given that it has next to no impact on the wider story.

Almost all of Marvel’s heroes seem to originate from New York, including all five of the protagonists from the Netflix series. As a result, the vast majority of their overlapping stories take place within the city, specifically the Hells Kitchen and Harlem areas of Manhattan.

Each of these are treated like ‘characters’ in their own right, truly feeling like communities that the leads are a part of. The depictions aren’t entirely true to life, given that both have been subject to extensive gentrification in recent years, but seedy elements, hard-working people trying to improve their lot in life and eccentric local personalities combine to create environments that feel worthy of the heroes’ protection when they are imperilled.

Places like Josie’s Bar, Pop’s Barbershop and Harlem’s Paradise are instantly recognisable, with the latter standing out for the live musical performances from renowned soul and hip-hop performers that are featured. The connection that is built to such places makes them far more remarkable than ‘Generic European City 17’ or ‘Nondescript Alien Planet 45’.