Series of the year 2018 - Best superhero series

This column supports the Series of the Year election 2018 and discusses the category Best superhero series. Between Monday January 7th and Monday February 4th you can vote for your favourite series in this genre and others. For the last ten years, you can't think of a time without superhero movies. The past five years the heroes also conquer the small screen. Despite the fact that it could be a bit repetitive, the superhero genre turns out to be more diverse than it seems; superheroes are exaggerated versions of common people. In this way, not only the good, but also the bad sides of heroes and villains are visible. And this can result in interesting television. Series like Black Lightning, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones address social matters. In an era in which (unconscious) racism and sexism rise to the surface, shows like these try to give attention to these issues. The X-Men too have a way of showing this. But above all, it is really nice to see how your favourite heroes defeat their nemesis.

We selected ten series of this genre. You can also use a wildcard. Good luck voting!

We nominated the following ten series for you::

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

It was thé show that brought the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the small screen. Despite a rocky start, the show managed to remain consistent in quality from the second season on. In the fifth season, the series showed us ambition with a prestigious time travel storyline. The sixth season will be starting soon and a seventh season has already been announced.
Read the reviews written about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..

Black Lightning

Where Marvel dove into the black community with Luke Cage, it was DC's turn with Black Lightning this year. The storylines are intelligent and relevant and the main character struggles with interesting dilemmas. Although this show is from The CW, it does not yet have a connection to the Arrowverse. Will that change in the upcoming year? We will have to wait to find out.
Read the reviews written about Black Lightning.

Daredevil

It is such a shame that this one is cancelled, because the third season of the first Marvel/Netflix series was very good. In the new storyline supervillain Wilson Fisk did not only steal the show, it also introduced an intriguing new villain. Again, such a shame that the third season will be the last.
Read the reviews written about Daredevil.

The Flash (2014)

In 2014 the fastest man alive debuted as an Arrow spinoff. Opposed to the dark Arrow, The Flash (2014) had a lighter tone and was more comedic. We have arrived at season five and it is still a fine, fresh series. I don't think Barry Allen is planning to hit the brakes yet.
Read the reviews about The Flash (2014).

The Gifted

Last year two series around the X-Men debuted, and this year they both broadcast their second season. The Gifted is a more classical approach of the X-Men and tells about a mutant family that has to deal with all kinds of prejudice. Fans of the comics wills surely see a few familiar faces.
Read the reviews written about the gifted.

Gotham

Can you make a series about Batman without Batman? Four years ago this was an interesting question and this served as the starting point for Gotham. You can make such a show. For four seasons policeman Jim Gordon has been fighting an exciting battle against criminals and supervillains in Gotham City. Early 2019 the fifth and final season will be broadcast. Will Batman finally appear on the screen? We shall see.
Read the reviews written about Gotham.

Jessica Jones

Next to The Punisher Jessica Jones is the only Marvel/Netflix series that survived the axe this year. Although Davind Tennant's terrific villain was absent this season, Jessica Jones also managed to tell a story full of social commentary and interesting characters played by strong actors in the second season. We can look forward to a third season, which will probably air somewhere in 2019.
Read the reviews written about Jessica Jones.

Legion

The other X-Men series is a lot more experimental. A man suffers from delusions that are caused by superpowers. Episode after episode you are wondering what is happening. You can't follow it. But then all the pieces fit together and everyting starts to make sense. We already saw two seasons and next year we can enjoy the third season.
Read the reviews written about over Legion.

Luke Cage

Luke Cage is a supehero. Except he isn't. He's just someone who wants to stay out of trouble, but that's a bit hard when you have superpowers. The second season continued the line the first season started. Although the pacing is low, this is an exceptionally good portrait of the black community in Harlem. Unfortunately, just like almost every other Marvel/Netflix series this one has also been cancelled.
Read the reviews written about Luke Cage.

Supergirl

Another show from the arrowverse. With a charming main actress, fun supporting cast and interesting storylines, Supergirl has been a constant factor in the field of superhero television series for a few years. The show slowly introduces elements from the Superman stories, but Supergirl still manages to keep her quirky tone. This show will also be on television for a long time.
Read the reviews written about Supergirl.