The Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for its action-packed stories and realistic character writing. Marvel doesn’t shy awayfrom portraying characters' traumaanddealing with real issues. Neither does a recent Netflix show,Raising Dion. Both tell stories of heroic people, thoughRaising Dion’s hero comes in an interesting package. Both are realistic enough to be intriguing but not so realistic that the story is boring. The two different takes on superheroes also have characters that are easy to relate to.Marvel’s movies and TV showsshowcase heroes that feel realistic and are not too larger than life to be relevant to their audience. This Netflix series does the same. So Marvel fans looking for an alternative to the MCU that has a similar style of writing might want to giveRaising Diona try.
Though nothing may compare tothe adventures of the Marvel heroes, this show will give viewers similar feelings. Full of ups and downs, action and angst,Raising Dionis sure to be a delightfor many MCU fans. The show also features some prominent family relationships, both biological and not. So fans of the family found by some Avengers might enjoy that aspect of the series. Fans hoping for epic showdowns between heroes and villains will not be disappointed either, though they may have to be a bit patient. And through it all run compelling themes of love and loyalty. These themes are perfectly exemplified in the show’s main character and also his mother.
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Raising Diontells the story of Dion Warren,a young boy with abilities. His mother, Nicole Warren, is raising him after the tragic demise of his father Mark Warren. The first episode mainly shows Dion discovering his powers and eventually showing them to his mother. After a demonstration of what he can do that goes out of control, Nicole takes Dion to the hospital. Their visit does not accomplish much, though the audience meets Dion’s aunt Kat. After watching a video of Mark, Nicole and Dion head to a lake house that they all used to go to together. While there, Dion tries to learn how to control his powers, but to no avail. After waking up in the middle of the night, Dion sees a bunch of ghostly figures outside his window.
He goes to check them out. Among them is the spirit of Dion’s father, Mark. Mark tells Nicole to leave the lake with Dion, at which point the first episode ends. Further episodes ofRaising Dionget more into Mark’s backstory andreveal that he also had abilities. Nicole calls Charlotte Tuck, a woman who knew him and went silent the day he passed away. Nicole and Charlotte eventually meet and discuss Dion’s powers. It is revealed that Charlotte has abilities, too, since she can turn invisible. Nicole begins to tell Charlotte about the spirits seen in the rain, which frightens Charlotte, and she leaves. Later on, Charlotte sends Nicole a picture of a giant man inside a storm.
Pat, Mark’s friend and another father figure for Dion, then sees this picture. He helps Nicole keep Dion’spowers a secret and is always therefor the family. Therefore he is a valuable ally in Dion’s fight against the man in the storm, who Dion calls the Crooked Man. Another ally is Charlotte Tuck, who eventually helps Dion learn to control his abilities.Raising Diongives its viewers a compelling story, one thatbuilds up the suspensein each episode. The eventual battle between Dion and the Crooked Man is well worth the wait. Marvel fans who decide to watch the show will be pleasantly surprised by it. And with his family and friends by his side,Dion is a force to be reckoned with. Though the young hero is no less human for his abilities, as he deals with everyday problems such as not fitting in.
Of course,Raising Dionwill not bea viable MCU alternative for everyone. Some might prefer their superheroes older. However, those that give the Netflix series a shot might wind up enjoying it. Dion and his family and friends are certainly just as charming as Marvel’s heroes and their allies. The show also does not shy away fromdifficult topics such as racism. After Dion’s watch, which originally belonged to Mark, is taken by a young boy and Dion himself gets in trouble, Nicole must have a crucial yet hard conversation with her son. YetRaising Dionis not all serious; there are moments of lightness. And fans of the MCU might enjoy those lighter moments too. So why not giveRaising Diona chance? There can never be too many heroic characters in one’s life. And though Dion is a little hero, he is just as strong and courageous as the older ones.
