5 Reasons You Should Watch Marvel's Iron Fist

The Marvel Netflix shows have consistently introduced new characters and fleshed out their stories. Each one shares a common trait--they contain hardcore grittiness and action. In the latest one, Iron Fist, we'll meet Danny Rand. Trained in martial arts, the character and the story continues the high-octane tone and fight scenes we've come to expect.

Despite being the fifth Marvel Netflix series, it's not simply more of the same. We are seeing some new ground explored as another comic book character is brought to life. However, there will also be some familiar faces and concepts to ensure the show fits in with the others. We watched the first six episodes. Here are five reasons you'll want to catch Iron Fist when it debuts on March 17.

Iron Fist Isn't A Mopey Character

Imagine being a kid, having your parents die in front of you, and finding yourself in a strange city. We know what happened to Bruce Wayne when he witnessed his parents' death--he became an obsessed and brooding vigilante. Danny Rand's story is a little different. Even though he returns home 15 years later and discovers how much has changed, he's still pretty upbeat. Maybe it had to do with the training and upbringing he received. Perhaps he's had plenty of time to unleash any anger or frustration during his experiences. Whatever the case, he is simply more well-balanced than characters like Daredevil and Jessica Jones. It's refreshing to see a character that has a more positive outlook on things.

This isn't to say Danny will sit around with a big smile on his face. When it comes down to it, he won't hesitate to act. That means kicking a lot of butt. Along with his martial art skills, he has the ability to channel his chi so he can draw upon the superhuman energy derived from the heart of the mystic serpent Shou-Lao. At least, that's the explanation given in the comics. The bottom line, though, is the same: His fist glows, and he delivers a massive blow.

The Mystical City Of K'un-Lun Exists

In the comics, K'un-Lun is one of the "Capital Cities of Heaven" and exists in another dimension. The city only appears in the earthly realm every 10 years. This has changed to 15 for the show. Comic fans may have wondered how K'un-Lun would be utilized and if it would actually exist in another dimension. He does explain this to a doctor early on. Often elements from the comics have to be changed. K'un-Lun and Danny's time there is a huge part of what shaped his character.

The Defenders Are Being Set Up

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During 2016's San Diego Comic-Con, Netflix showed a teaser for the team show, The Defenders. It's been known that Iron Fist will eventually join Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage to take on a threat. While we do see different parts of New York City, there are some familiar faces to tie the characters together.

Claire Temple, played by Rosario Dawson, is friends with one of the characters Danny meets. Temple is the former nurse who has put her abilities to use helping out Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. She's becoming the Stan Lee of the Marvel Netflix Universe, making an appearance with each character.

Jeri Hogarth, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, was introduced in the Jessica Jones series. Her character was loosely based on Jeryn Hogarth, an attorney for Danny Rand in the comics. You can imagine knowing a lawyer could useful when the world believed you were dead for 15 years.

Misty Knight, introduced in Luke Cage, is also listed as appearing in a later episode.

Then there are a couple of villains...

The Hand and Madame Gao

Remember Madame Gao from Daredevil Season 1? She was selling heroin that had a serpent symbol. That symbol is similar to Danny Rand's chest "tattoo." When Daredevil confronted her, she easily sent him flying with the palm of her hand. It's been theorized that perhaps she had visited K'un-Lun at some point. It's possible she may even turn out to be a version of the Crane Mother from 2007's Immortal Iron Fist series. The Crane Mother was a mystic and ruler of one of the other Legendary Cities of Heaven. If any of this plays out in the Netflix series, Iron Fist is going to definitely have his hands full.

The Hand also makes its return. An army of evil ninjas is never a good thing. The Bride of Nine Spiders is also a great addition.

Plenty Of Action And Violence

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If you have a main character trained in a mystical city to become a living weapon, you can imagine the fighting to expect. Danny is quick to action. He fights with ease and grace. You'll even see him fight against multiple foes at the same time.

The great thing is he is not the only one that can fight. Colleen Wing, the Daughter of the Dragon, as she calls herself, makes the jump from the comics as well.

Colleen runs a dojo and trains others to fight and defend themselves. There is a connection between her and Iron Fist, and she also forms a strong friendship with Misty Knight in the comics.

Colleen gets plenty of time to show off her fighting abilities. Danny will absolutely need her help to take on the incredible odds stacked against him.

You have all this and more to look forward to when all 13 episodes of Iron Fist Season 1 debut on Netflix on March 17.