Two Marvel Shows to Watch Before 'Echo'

Marvel's first release of 2024 is the Disney+ original series 'Echo' (2024). 'Echo' (2024) is a series centered around 'Maya Lopez' (Alaqua Cox), who appeared as a villain in 'Hawkeye' (2021). Maya has lived as a subordinate of New York's underworld kingpin, 'Wilson Fisk'. However, she discovers that Fisk is responsible for her father's death. Maya embarks on a journey for revenge against Fisk.**

Marvel, which faced setbacks last year, has slightly adjusted its strategy this year. First, Marvel Disney+ series will be released under the title 'Marvel Spotlight'. Marvel Spotlight aims to be connected to other Marvel films but doesn't necessarily require viewers to watch other works. This seems to be an attempt to overcome the increased barrier to entry for Marvel films due to the numerous Disney+ series released in recent years.

Therefore, you don't need to watch any other Marvel movies or series to enjoy 'Echo'. Similarly, you don't need to watch 'Echo' to understand other Marvel films. However, as with most Marvel works, watching them with prior knowledge of other related works can enhance the viewing experience. One of the great joys of Marvel is the element of 'It's nice to see you again!'

Hawkeye (2021)

This Disney+ original series features Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), also known as 'Hawkeye,' a founding member of the Avengers. Clint, who has brought his children to New York for the holidays, encounters a college student named 'Kate Bishop' (Hailee Steinfeld) who is being chased by someone while impersonating Hawkeye. He helps her escape from the pursuers, who are a group of somewhat inept local thugs known as the 'Tracksuit Mafia'. Clint aims to help Kate and quickly return home to his family.

However, things take a turn for the worse. Clint, whose hearing was severely impaired during his battle with Thanos, breaks his hearing aids while fighting the Mafia. Furthermore, Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), the leader of the Tracksuit Mafia, proves to be an exceptional martial artist, far from just a neighborhood thug. She casually advises Clint to explore new fighting techniques due to his hearing loss.

After briefly escaping Maya and the Tracksuit Mafia, Clint faces trouble from his past. To make matters worse, it is revealed that the mastermind behind the Tracksuit Mafia is 'Wilson Fisk' (Vincent D'Onofrio), the kingpin of New York's underworld. Both Hawkeyes must confront both threats. And Clint needs to make it home by Christmas, as promised to his children.

This 6-part series garnered positive feedback for the introduction of the charming new Hawkeye, 'Kate Bishop'. The stories of Maya Lopez and Wilson Fisk presented in this series will continue in the upcoming series 'Echo'. Kate Bishop is also expected to join the upcoming Marvel project, 'Young Avengers'.

Daredevil (2015~2018)

This Marvel drama was released as a Netflix original series from 2015 to 2018. It was one of the representative works of the early Netflix original series. 'Matt Murdock' (Charlie Cox), who was exposed to radioactive waste as a child, lost his eyesight but gained incredibly heightened senses. Using these abilities, he works as a lawyer during the day and as the superhero 'Daredevil' at night.

While pursuing the Mafia at night, Matt Murdock discovers that businessman 'Wilson Fisk' is plotting something. He utilizes both his legal profession and his Daredevil identity to expose and thwart Wilson Fisk's attempts to exploit loopholes in the law. Eventually, Fisk's schemes are unveiled, and he is imprisoned. However, Fisk plots his revenge against Matt Murdock and Daredevil from prison, aiming to reclaim his criminal empire.

This series was created during a period of collaboration between Marvel and Netflix, before the advent of Disney+. As such, it reflects a Netflix original style with a considerably high level of violence. However, many viewers were captivated by Daredevil's 'mature-rated action'. The tension of the series is heightened by Daredevil's struggle in fights, taking hits and getting stabbed, despite lacking any extraordinary abilities beyond his enhanced senses.

'Echo', which is set to be released in 2024, will adopt this Netflix-era style. Notably, Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, who appeared in the Daredevil series, will reappear in 'Echo', hinting at a rematch. Due to the expiration of the Netflix contract, all seasons of Daredevil, from 1 to 3, are now available on Disney+.