Netflix’s latest superhero series proves that the genre is still on the rise

The biggest debate when it comes to film and television these days isn’t just about the merits of streaming services or whether the cinematic experience is over; it’s about the role of the superhero. Caped crusaders were once a major draw, both in terms of box office and audience numbers, but over the past two years, the question of “superhero fatigue” has resurfaced as several superhero movies have suffered from poor reviews and box office returns. Netflix recently released a new series, Supacell, which destroys the idea of ​​superhero fatigue – and proves that the genre can still produce compelling stories.

Supacell is the brainchild of Andrew Onwubolubetter known as Rapmanand follows five black Londoners when they discover that they have superpowers. It even achieved a superheroic feat by achieving viewing figures neck and neck with the Netflix hit Bridgerton — considering how Bridgerton himself exploded in popularity upon his debut, that’s a big deal. But what exactly makes Supacell such a good superhero story?

Supacell

When five ordinary South Londoners discover they have extraordinary powers, it’s up to one man to bring them together to save the woman he loves.

genre

superhero

Debut date

27 June 2024

What is “Supacell” about?

Supacell is set in modern-day London and follows the lives of five different citizens – Michael (Tosin Cole), Sabrina (Nadine Mills), Andre (Eric Kofi-Abrefa), Rodney (Calvin Demba) and “Tazer” (Josh Tedeku). Everyone slowly discovers that they have superpowers; Michael can manipulate the space-time continuum, Tazer can become invisible, Sabrina has telekinesis, Andrew has super strength and Rodney has super speed. As the five begin to fight with their newfound abilities, They learn that a secret society is hunting them and that they are not the only super-powered beings out there. They must join forces to help each other, especially when Michael travels into a dark future.

“Supacell” puts character before spectacle

The largest element that Supacell such an exciting watch is this it puts the character in the foreground, takes the time to show each character’s life before they get superpowers. Sabrina juggles her career as a nurse with her dating life, even though it becomes clear that her boyfriend is cheating on her. Michael works hard at his delivery job so he can afford to pay his girlfriend Dionne (Adelaide Adelaide) the life he believes they should both be living. Andre is recently released from prison and is trying to hold down a job while caring for his son AJ. These struggles make them seem like characters in their own right, playing on their respective superpowers. Rodney talks fast while trying to sell weed to others, which is tied to his super speed; Tazer’s desire to find a stronger foothold for himself and his friends in the London gang structure is in direct contrast to his invisibility.

This is reminiscent of the best superhero stories that Find a dynamic between the hero’s private life and his heroic career. Peter Parker tries to find time for friends and family while paying his rent as Spider-Man, while Clark Kent juggles a career as a journalist and defends the Earth as Superman. Rapman understands this balance and plays it out again and again, especially at the end of Supacells pilot. When Michael proposes to Dionne, his powers are awakened and he travels weeks into the future… where he learns that she is dying. Therefore, his main goal throughout the series is to gather the other super-powered beings while protecting them. It’s this kind of drama that has been missing from recent superhero stories, and Supacell is a reminder that it is urgently needed.

“Supacell” is the only superhero drama that actually feels “realistic”

Supacell gives a new twist not only to old superhero tropes, but also to new ones. In fact, It may be the only “grounded” superhero drama that actually works. Part of that is how Rapman approaches the concept of superpowers and connects it to a real-world issue. It turns out that Michael, Andre, Sabrina, Tazer and Rodney’s powers are tied to their genetic heritage; more specifically, their relatives had or have sickle cell anemia. Because sickle cell anemia tends to disproportionately affect African Americans, it has roots in science, but it also turns a weakness into a strength—and that’s what Rapman was aiming for: “I just wanted to do something that gave power to black people at the time, because we were just devastated, man,” he told BuzzFeed when discussing the creation of Supacell.

Another way Supacell succeeds, where shows like Heroines and films like Press stumbled that it keeps the superpower aspect in the foregroundMuch of the series is devoted to the protagonists’ mastery of their powers and how their lives change as a result; Sabrina, for example, is ecstatic about her telekinesis, while Tazer sees the obvious benefit of his powers. These elements are not downplayed, nor is the gritty, gritty, realistic angle that often characterizes this approach to superhero stories exaggerated. Instead, Supacell makes full use of its fantastic side and captivates the audience from start to finish.

“Supacell” and other superhero series prove that the genre is flourishing on television

The enthusiastic review for Supacellas well as its impressive audience numbers, Continuation of a trend of superhero and comic series that continues to flourish today. The young And Invincible continue to have a solid fan base, while X-Men ’97 convinced long-time X-Men fans and newcomers alike, and My adventures with Superman recently got a new addition for season 3. A big part of the appeal of these shows to audiences is that they embrace the serial nature of comic books. Most comic books are usually published monthly, build up multiple plot points, and allow characters to develop over a period of time; these television shows take a similar approach, attracting comic book readers who are used to this format as well as viewers who love the mix of drama and superpowers.

It also helps that Rapman is a comic fan himself. “Superman, Hulk and Batman, those were my guys,” he said. “I always liked The Flash… I always liked the character because he was always funny and lighthearted. But with the powers, he wasn’t as serious as the rest of them.” Supacell has more than a few nods to these inspirations, notably Andre’s superpower being triggered by stress, like Bruce Banner, and Rodney generating lightning while running, like the Flash. Whether you love superheroes or are simply looking for a fresh take on the genre, Supacell is more than worth seeing.

Supacell can be streamed on Netflix in the US

Watch on Netflix