The new Netflix-based series, Marvel's Defenders, is not the typical superhero-battling-bad-guy kind of series. It has some of the classic features that most TV shows and movies that are based on Marvel and DC comics do, but it is much more than the cliché superhero plot.

The Defenders was released on August 18 and currently has 8 episodes. It is about the coming together of Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Daredevil, and Iron Fist to fight their common enemy, The Hand. Each of these characters have their own individual Netflix TV show, which you do not necessarily have to watch prior to watching The Defenders.

Jessica Jones is a Private Investigator from Hell's Kitchen with a snarky attitude who only cares about the few people she lets into her life. Her "powers" include super-strength and flight. She can't exactly fly, but can fall from a higher elevation than most without dying. Her physical strength might even aid her mentally, as she was able to fight off the manipulative Kilgrave's mind-control in the previous TV series, Marvel's Jessica Jones.

Luke Cage, who was romantically involved with Jessica Jones, has super-strength in a different way: he has unbreakable skin. Well, this definitely comes in handy when dealing with the bad guys. Unlike Jessica Jones, he cares more about the general population of New York City. He notably wants to fight crime in Harlem, where there have been a string of suspicious deaths.

Matthew Murdock, also known as the vigilante Daredevil, is blind from an accident he had as a child. Despite his lack of ability to see, his other senses are so amplified that he can hear someone walking a block away or even the quickening of a person's heartbeat.

Danny Rand, otherwise known as the immortal Iron Fist, has a power that is within his name: an iron fist. Well, kind of. He can strike a person with so much impact, without feeling pain as a result.

These four "superheroes" are by no means friends in any respect. However, they all use their unique abilities to fight The Hand. Led by the venomous Alexandra Reid, The Hand is an ancient, dangerous criminal organization that craves power and influence.

The Defenders is slightly more realistic than superhero TV Shows/Movies typically are. While The Avengers are focused on saving the world, the goal of The Defenders is to save New York City. While having unbreakable skin or an iron fist seems like a bit of a stretch, the characters are not flying around in capes or climbing the walls of skyscrapers.

This series focuses on the individual challenges and dynamics of each character. The background stories of each main character are briefly described in the first episode. Jessica Jones is battling Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Luke Cage is dealing with living a normal life again after being in prison. Matthew Murdock is coming to terms with his feelings for Karen Page, his former love interest. Last but not least, Danny Rand has the most hatred out of the group for The Hand, as they murdered his parents.

This new action series will likely appeal to viewers who enjoyed at least one or two of the prior Netflix series pertaining to each character. Whether potential viewers enjoy Marvel superhero films and TV shows or not, it is definitely worth binge-watching this new show to see what it is all about.