It’s now only 7 days to go until the release of the fourth, and the newest, Marvel and Netflix series – Luke Cage! The yellow-shirted vigilante, played by Mike Colter, is now embarking on his debut season after a brief appearance alongside Krysten Ritter in Jessica Jones. After the events of Jessica Jones, Luke must now return to Harlem to face his own inner demons as well as a new threat to the city he loves.

If you’re in need of a memory-jog as to the current state of Marvel affairs or want some more knowledge on our new super-strong superhero, here are 5 brief pointers as to where this new upcoming series is heading.

1. Luke Cage’s appearance in Jessica Jones

Mike Colter and Krysten Ritter in Jessica Jones

For those of you who haven’t seen the first season of Jessica Jones, please go and rectify this wrong immediately, and then I will gladly welcome you back to this article. For those of you that have seen Jessica Jones, will know Luke Cage as both a lover and a fighter with his own problems and torn conscience. Kilgrave’s mind tricks forced Luke to turn on Jessica as well as the shocking revelations as to the fate of his late wife. Will we be hearing any more from Jessica Jones during Luke’s debut series? Their comic book relationship would suggest we haven’t seen the last of this power couple.

2. He can seriously pack a punch

Recently, we have been inundated with clips of Luke Cage in action, seeing him withstand the biggest of hits from punches to bullets – who will be able to stop this indestructible man?

In terms of hand-to-hand combat, it seems Cage will simply not be beaten. His brute and almost Hulk-like strength will be unmatched. A feat of strength that could possibly be achieved by…

3. Our new villain?

The teasers of Mahershala Ali (that guy in The Hunger Games) as newest villain Cottonmouth have been placed in front of us for some time now. In the comic book representation of Cottonmouth, he eventually develops the strength to rival that of Luke Cage. In the following clip, his strike to the face doesn’t seem to yet rival our hero’s own power. Perhaps the series will document Luke trying to prevent Cottonmouth’s quest for power, as, after all, everyone wants to be king.

This villain has large boots to fill following in the footsteps of Fisk, KIlgrave and The Punisher. Although I feel this series will be more standalone from the others, I am still hoping to hear the name ‘Fisk’ being whispered in the winds of NYC.

4. Getting Closer to The Defenders

Ever since the release of this amazing teaser for The Defenders at San Diego Comic Con, the prospect of a team series featuring Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist will now forever be in the background of every Marvel series. If you haven’t seen this teaser yet, where have you been?! You can check it out below:

A key reason why The Defenders may be important here is the reveal of the team’s last member Iron Fist (who will be played by Finn Jones). In the comics, Cage and Danny Rand (Iron Fist) are close friends so it is entirely possible that this series could become the initial spark for beginning Iron Fist’s tale in the MCU.

5. Guess Who’s Back!

And last but not least, we can be assured that our favourite Night Nurse, Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson), will be back to help cure all of your superhero related injuries and worries. The real life hero will be back to help once more, her cameos throughout all of the series are always welcomed and I’m looking forward to seeing her back in action!

And now we wait…

It’s a week to go until Luke Cage is released on Netflix, are YOU looking forward to Marvel and Netflix’s latest series? Is there anything else we should know before this latest series drops? Let me know in the comments below!

Also…

Here are some links to my all of my other articles on Marvel series on Netflix so far:

• A Must See Series – Netflix and Marvel’s Daredevil Review
• Thoughts on the Marvel/Netflix Relationship
• Announcements I Want To See At SD Comic-Con 2016