This Underrated Marvel Show Is a Must-Watch

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  • Cloak & Dagger Comic History and Road to the Silver Screen
  • ‘Cloak & Dagger’ Tackled Topical Themes Like Race, Class, and Child Homelessness
  • Can Stand Toe to Toe With the Disney+ MCU Series and the Feature Films
  • Why Now Is a Great Time to Check Out ‘Cloak & Dagger’

You’ve probably come across “Marvel Rivals,” the third-person shooter game that has been sweeping the globe since its debut in December 2024. While it showcases popular Marvel characters such as The Hulk, Spider-Man, and Wolverine, it also highlights lesser-known figures like Jeff the Land Shark, Squirrel Girl, and Luna Snow. However, two characters who have gained significant attention in this game are the well-known Marvel team, “Cloak and Dagger.” These heroes have garnered a lot of fan interest and have brought these characters into the limelight, sparking curiosity about their backgrounds among many players.

It might come as a shock to some that Cloak and Dagger had their own TV show within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which was airing during the MCU’s peak popularity. The show, titled Cloak & Dagger, premiered on ABC Freeform one month after Avengers: Infinity War hit theaters on June 7, 2018. It concluded its second and final season on May 30, 2019, only four weeks before Avengers: Endgame was released. Even though it was part of the MCU and both seasons received a combined 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many people overlooked the series or weren’t aware of its existence. With Marvel Rivals bringing attention back to Cloak & Dagger, now is an ideal time to catch up on this underappreciated series on Disney+.

Cloak & Dagger Comic History and Road to the Silver Screen

Originating from the minds of writer Bill Mantlo and artist Ed Hannigan, the characters Cloak and Dagger debuted in issue #64 of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man in March 1982. Known as Tyrone “Ty” Johnson (Cloak) and Tandy Bowen (Dagger), they were once troubled teenage runaways who received a synthetic drug that granted them the unique abilities to manipulate light and dark forces, transforming them into superheroes. These characters gained a devoted fanbase, frequently appearing in various popular titles, yet never becoming mainstays of Marvel’s roster of heroes. This was inherent to their characters, as they harbored no dreams of becoming the next great superhero or joining teams such as The Avengers or the Fantastic Four. Instead, they were simply two teenagers searching for their place in the world.

Initially, when Marvel Studios took out their first loan from Merrill Lynch, one of the properties they used as collateral was the duo known as Cloak and Dagger. This team was also among the earliest projects Marvel Studios considered for their film lineup at the start. However, with the launch of Iron Man and a growing focus on The Avengers characters, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) took off in a different direction. As Marvel ventured into television production, characters such as Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, The Runaways, the Inhumans, and eventually Cloak and Dagger found their place on our screens.

In June 2018, ABC Freeform launched Cloak & Dagger, receiving favorable reviews and leading to a second season. This show premiered mere weeks before Avengers: Endgame hit theaters in April 2019. The voices of Tandy Bowen (Cloak) and Tyrone Johnson (Dagger), portrayed by Olivia Holt and Aubrey Joseph, were also featured in the animated Spider-Man series that aired in October 2019. This made them the popular choices for these characters. However, several Marvel live-action TV shows that had been greenlit were being terminated due to a new strategy: creating a series for Disney+ with stronger links to the MCU. Regrettably, Cloak & Dagger was among those canceled in October 2019, five months after its second season finale. Despite the lack of a conclusive ending, fans got one final appearance from the duo when they crossed over with another Marvel teen series, The Runaways, which premiered its last season on December 13, 2019.

‘Cloak & Dagger’ Tackled Topical Themes Like Race, Class, and Child Homelessness

In the MCU adaptation of Cloak and Dagger, certain elements in their original backstory are modified, some for logistical reasons behind the scenes and others to enhance the narrative. Due to intricate rights issues regarding Spider-Man, he was unable to appear in the series despite being part of the MCU. To broaden the Marvel Universe, the creators shifted the duo’s setting from New York City to New Orleans, distancing them from superheroes like The Defenders and most Avengers who are primarily based in the heavily populated NYC.

In my perspective, “Cloak & Dagger” ingeniously links the origins of these fascinating characters to the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly through the ongoing narrative of Roxxon Energy Corporation’s exploration of Darkforce energy, a concept that was first introduced in shows like “Agent Carter” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” This connection is forged through an accident that occurred during Ty and Tandy’s childhood, an event that destined them to meet and form an unbreakable bond. This alteration in their backstory not only adds depth to the characters but also elevates the series to new heights of excellence.

In the comic books, Tyrone Ty Johnson (Cloak) originates from a financially strained family, whereas Tandy Bowen (Dagger) hails from a wealthy, high-society family who runs away due to her mother’s neglect. Initially, the television series portrays them as children, establishing their early dynamic. A time skip eight years later reveals their roles reversed due to an accident that grants them their powers. Tandy’s life takes a turn for the worse after her father’s death from the same accident, leaving her mother addicted to drugs and living in a trailer park. Conversely, Tyrone’s family thrives, and he attends a private school, appearing to live comfortably. Even the scene where they discover their interconnected powers, with Tandy attempting to steal Tyrone’s wallet, mirrors their initial encounter in the comics, where Tyrone ponders stealing Tandy’s purse.

By varying the settings behind the main characters, the show aims to steer clear of perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes that might portray one character as a delinquent because of their race and another as inherently wealthy based on theirs. Showrunner Joe Pokaski explains this adjustment, stating, “The original stories were excellent, but for their time, they had a hint of sexism and racism beneath the surface. Our goal was to dismantle these elements and focus instead on Tandy and Tyrone’s individual identities.

Reversing the typical portrayal of Ty and Tandy’s personalities, as well as setting the story in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, signified that Cloak & Dagger was a series striving to deliver a superhero narrative within a socially aware and realistic context. Unlike some superhero stories, particularly on television, where the term “grounded” might make fans skeptical due to perceived watering-down (I’m looking at you, Iron Fist), the gritty aesthetic of Cloak & Dagger is not merely a pretense but one that resonates authentically with the characters’ world.

The characters in this series are quite different from those of Iron Man, Thor, or Ant-Man, as they operate away from the glamour and polish often associated with those characters. This separation provides an opportunity for the series to be independent, functioning as a Schrödinger’s canon (it can be considered canon if desired, but also not necessarily). Moreover, this independence makes Cloak and Dagger even more impressive heroes because they must face their challenges without the Avengers intervening to resolve issues.

The TV show “Cloak & Dagger” distinguishes itself from other young hero projects like Spider-Man or Young Justice by minimizing the fantastical elements and focusing more on teenage struggles, making it relatable to its intended audience of adolescents and young adults. Unlike some Marvel productions that aim to please adult fans, this series prioritizes authenticity over catering to older audiences, reflecting the characters’ desire to be true to themselves rather than aspiring to become Avengers. Despite being primarily aimed at a younger demographic, the show’s genuine approach and strong creative vision make it appealing to viewers outside that group as well.

Freeform, the television network that aired “Cloak & Dagger,” aimed to connect with a youthful audience and establish itself as a leading provider of millennial TV series. It sought to provide a platform for its intended demographic to express themselves and address issues relevant to their lives, such as social struggles they might encounter. Through the perspective of teenage drama, it tackled complex themes like child neglect, family bereavement, drug abuse, and racial matters – problems that can’t be easily resolved or defeated.

The television series “Cloak & Dagger” highlights the disparity between what a young white woman and a young Black man are able to accomplish based on their race, gender, and social status. At its premier in 2018, the show tapped into existing anxieties by presenting a powerful image of a young Black male character, Tyrone, donning his iconic hooded cloak. This portrayal offered a form of escapist entertainment while also shedding light on pressing societal matters. Regrettably, the issues addressed in “Cloak & Dagger” remain just as pertinent in 2025 as they were when the show initially aired.

Can Stand Toe to Toe With the Disney+ MCU Series and the Feature Films

One distinctive aspect that set Cloak & Dagger apart from many other superhero TV series back then (and still today) was its cinematic quality. A significant factor contributing to this was that the pilot for Cloak & Dagger was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who is renowned for her films such as Love & Basketball and The Woman King. With a passion for comic books, Prince-Bythewood has also directed the 2020 Netflix hit film, The Old Guard, an adaptation of the graphic novel series. She even spent years trying to bring a Black Cat / Silver Sable movie titled Silver & Black to life for Sony Pictures. It’s Prince-Bythewood’s vision and style that set the visual tone for Cloak & Dagger, which continued throughout the series.

This series showcases an abundance of close-up camera shots, giving it an intensely personal atmosphere. The color scheme is subdued and somber, which adds a sense of oppression to the characters. Moreover, the visual representation of the characters’ powers stands out distinctly. For instance, Dagger’s light appears so vivid that it frequently overwhelms the entire scene, while Cloak’s dark abilities swallow all spatial perception around him. Remarkably, given that it’s a superhero series airing on Freeform, its visual style is far more tangible and artistic than several of its high-budget counterparts. Cloak & Dagger, produced under television budget constraints, carries a cinematic quality that surpasses the excessive CGI seen in films like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Thor: Love and Thunder.

Watching Aubrey Joseph and Olivia Holt in their roles as Cloak and Dagger is highly recommendable. Aubrey Johnson skillfully portrays Cloak, a complex character who is both intense and vulnerable. He masterfully balances his need for self-control with moments of relaxation and compassion, making Cloak seem genuine and multi-dimensional. On the other hand, Olivia Holt’s Dagger is witty yet hides deep pain beneath her humor, much like a Han Solo type character. The actors deliver these Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters with depth and rich inner lives, sparking curiosity in viewers about their backstories and future adventures.

In the TV show, it’s their dynamic that makes the series particularly captivating. The characters Cloak and Dagger from the comic books have a relationship that’s intricate, sparking debates among fans over whether they are better off as lifelong friends or as a romantic couple. This show skillfully navigates the expectations of both fan groups by initially presenting them as strangers who gradually develop an understanding for each other. Their bond deepens into friendship, but there are hints that their connection could eventually become something more romantic.

The scripts and characters effectively convey a subtle, age-appropriate romantic storyline that resonates with the teenage audience, yet manages to feel authentic to the characters themselves. Interestingly, despite being a show about teen superheroes on a network geared towards youth entertainment, the relationship between Cloak and Dagger appears more mature than many romance plots in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Why Now Is a Great Time to Check Out ‘Cloak & Dagger’

It’s been six years since “Cloak & Dagger” ended its TV series, and it’s possible that many Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans haven’t seen it. This might be due to not having access to Freeform during its original airing, or simply because they didn’t think it was related to the larger MCU stories like “Avengers: Infinity War”, “Ant-Man and the Wasp”, “Captain Marvel”, and “Avengers: Endgame”. Some fans may have overlooked it as not being significant enough in the grand scheme of the Marvel Universe.

Others might dismiss it as a typical teen series, less serious than other Marvel TV shows at the time, such as Daredevil or Jessica Jones. However, Cloak & Dagger shares many thematic and stylistic similarities with those series. What truly matters when deciding to watch a series isn’t its connections (or lack thereof) to the larger MCU; rather, it’s the appeal of a well-crafted narrative and engaging characters that draw you in.

1. If you’re intrigued by the Marvel Rivals characters, Cloak & Dagger is an excellent choice for delving deeper into these beloved heroes.

2. Have you checked out Olivia Holt’s horror-comedy Heart Eyes, which released a week before Captain America: Brave New World in the MCU? Don’t miss her underrated role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

3. If you’re hooked on popular romance novels on TikTok that tackle themes like young love, enemies to friends, and eventually romantic partners, then Cloak & Dagger in the MCU might be the series you didn’t realize you were craving.

4. Feeling a bit tired of the MCU? Give Cloak & Dagger a try. This largely self-contained story addresses contemporary issues and uses a fantastical device to hold up a mirror to society, making it just as relevant today as it was in 2018.

Cloak & Dagger surpasses Secret Invasion in value, not just by a little, but it outshines Disney+ MCU series such as Moon Knight, Loki, and Hawkeye. It even matches up with some of the best like WandaVision, Agatha All Along, and Ms. Marvel. The story of Cloak & Dagger revolves around two teens from diverse backgrounds, struggling to find meaning in their lives, who discover a sense of purpose and the power to alter their world through each other. This tale embodies the Marvel universe’s philosophy that the world outside our window needs heroes like Cloak and Dagger. Cloak and Dagger is available for streaming on Hulu.

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2025-02-15 23:33