There are a lot of comics out there, but some stand out head and shoulders above the pack. With “Don’t Miss This,” we want to spotlight those series we think need to be on your pull list. This week, we dare to read up on the man without fear. So take this comic in Hand, and see why you should catch up with the latest on Mr. and Mrs. Daredevil.
Who’s this by?
“Daredevil” is written by Chip Zdarsky, who you may know from… his previous run on “Daredevil.” Marvel fans may also know him for his work on “Spider-Man: Spider’s Shadow,” “Howard the Duck,” and of course, “Devil’s Reign.” On the DC side, he’s currently writing “Batman,” and for Image Comics, he’s writing “Public Domain.”
It’s illustrated by Rafael de Latorre, who’s also worked on comics like “New Mutants,” “Black Widow,” and “Animosity.” His art style brings a level of grittiness to the comic that’s so appropriate for “Daredevil,” accentuated by the color work of Matthew Wilson. Readers will recognize Wilson’s color work from comics like “Marauders,” “Runaways,” and “The Wicked + The Divine,” and for his excellent use of color theory that goes into every panel.
What’s it all about?
Matt Murdock has been through quite a lot lately. He’s had what it means to be Daredevil challenged and deconstructed, he’s been to jail, he’s lost a brother—it’s a lot. And it hasn’t stopped, as more forces (both mundane and apparently supernatural) move to manipulate or stop him.
At the same time, Elektra Natchios recently took up the mantle of Daredevil, so she’s got her own struggles as she tries to live up to the role and responsibility that comes with it. It’s one thing to be a merciless assassin, it’s another to try and be a hero, as she’s learning.
Now, with “Devil’s Reign” over with, the two are working together to battle The Hand, a recurring foe for Daredevil (or anyone looking to fight a bunch of faceless ninjas). To do that, they’ve formed The Fist, and have started training their own army. (Of course, the fact that the Punisher is now a major figure in The Hand will certainly cause some complications for them.)
Oh, and they’re married now.
What makes it so great?
So much. So very much.
Chip’s runs on “Daredevil,” both before “Devil’s Reign” and this one, have done a remarkable job exploring what it means to be Daredevil and the challenges therein, both internal and external.
We’ve seen Matt Murdock broken down physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We’ve seen him struggle with moral, ethical, and legal dilemmas, and watched as his code and limits were tested to their limits. But we’ve also seen him fight and work through each of those challenges, none without their scars, but all reminding us why Daredevil is a hero.
At the same time, we’ve seen a new hero’s journey for Elektra, as she tries to understand what being Daredevil means. Her challenges are of a different sort, focused on her past life as an assassin and her attempts to do better, but they’re no less interesting to follow.
And the same storytelling expertise comes into play for the supporting cast as well. We’ve followed recurring characters and antagonists like Wilson Fisk, newer characters like detective Cole North, and new enemies who present distinct challenges for all the heroes. And just when we thought it all culminated in “Devil’s Reign,” Chip seamlessly transitioned to a new story arc, bringing the Daredevils together in both mission and marriage, creating a new direction for the plot and challenges for the characters.
So from a storytelling and character perspective, it’s top tier.
Then we get to the artwork. Rafael de Latorre and Matthew Wilson are experts at their crafts, and so well suited for this comic. Rafael’s artwork contains a rugged grittiness to it that’s perfectly suited for the street-level action that “Daredevil” brings, while also excellently illustrating each fight. At the same time, he knows when to soften the style and let us focus on the surroundings for the more serene or reflective moments, so there’s a nice balance there.
Just the scenery along in some pages is great, whether it’s the towering buildings of Hell’s Kitchen or The Fist’s hidden temple. And the effective use of light and darkness to add dramatic effect can’t be understated.
Continued belowAnd we can add Matthew Wilson’s color work onto that, which utilizes subtle shading and contrasts to excellent effect, showing off the clear intent and thought that goes into every pallet choice. It’s pleasing on the eyes, using a nice balance of distinct colors to make the characters pop against atmospheric backgrounds to control the mood and draw the reader’s eyes where they need to be.
In short: it’s excellent storytelling with equally fantastic artwork behind it. If there was ever a time to read “Daredevil,” it’s now.
How can you read it?
You can find issues 1-5 of the current “Daredevil” run at your friendly local comic shop, or online at marvel.com or Comixology, with issue 5 coming out this week. You can (and should) also read the previous “Daredevil” series by Chip Zdarsky by collecting the trade paperbacks wherever comics are sold.
