Introduction
For clarification, this article covers the new show released on Disney+ this week. Yes, I’m one of the whores who kept Disney+ in spite of their capitulation to the Trump administration. None of us are innocent in this. Let he who is free of sin cast the first stone. Okay, mini sermon over. Let’s talk about my Marvel Zombies first impressions.
Yesterday, a student asked if I watched the show. He knows that I’m a Marvel fan. Earlier in the week, he asked me to be part of his Marvel trivia segment on the school news show. I failed. Got Sebastian Stan correct as the actor who plays Bucky. Couldn’t remember E.D.I.T.H or Moon Knight’s 3 main personalities. Oh well, can’t win ’em all.
Marvel Zombies First Impressions (by Episode)
Episode 1
A good introduction to the world. The typical drop you in the middle of the apocalypse with no explanation. Some call this lazy writing, but it works as a narrative device. Our team of heroes consists of characters shit on by the fan base over the last couple of years. I love that. Fuck the neck beards who can’t handle a woman protagonist and feel the need to come up with explanations for their misogyny. I will keep it spoiler free, but the plot revolves around a fetch quest. Another group of maligned characters teams up with them and the big bad is teased. Good start – 7/10
Episode 2
Flashback time! We still don’t know the genesis of the plague, but we get some more of the before times. Yet, again, they go to the well of shit on projects, Shang Chi. As an aside, I loved Shang Chi and don’t understand the hate here. This episode revolves around their back story and what they’re up to now. Slight spoiler: It’s very reminiscent of Mad Max. Fun characters get introduced. Shit hits the fan in a big way and we get a closer look at the big bad. Decent follow up – 7/10
Episode 3
Another flashback. Spider-Man, Black Panther, and a ridiculous third character (trying very hard to avoid big spoilers) fight against a potentially huge enemy. Not the big bad, but a big bad from the MCU’s past. I think they handled this fight and result in the most perfect way. Good thing because they telegraphed the next reveal so hard that I literally rolled my eyes when it happened. They made up for it with another kick ass fight between the big bad and an outstanding cameo. Now, things are getting good – 8/10
Episode 4
The finale. I know! Only 4 episodes? Well, it made for an enjoyable, but not too long, binge. I literally can’t talk about anything in this episode without giving away huge spoilers. So, I will simply cover the structure of the episode. All I can say is this episode is amazing. I loved everything about it. Folks on Reddit had some things to say, but I never listen to professional critics. I’m not going to bother with amateur hour. Did one thing that finales are supposed to do. Left me wanting more. Great finish – 9/10
My Verdict
TLDR: Watch the series, if only for the finale episode. Seriously, I hated Zeb Wells run on Spider-Man, but he did well on Deadpool and Wolverine, and he killed it on this one. Starts a little slow (not in the action way), but picks up and finishes strong. Plus, it’s only about 2 hours out of your life if you hate it.