Matt just can’t get a break, can he? Last month he was a captured by Doctor Doom! Now he’s being held and he has to find his way out. Let’s see how he makes it out of this one.
Written by Mark Waid
Illustrated by Chris Samnee“Megacrime and Punishment” continues!
- Daredevil imprisoned in Latveria for crimes against the state — and no amount of lawyering can get him out of there!
- Meanwhile, Foggy uncovers more evidence that Matt’s not quite the man he seems.
This issue will break your heart.
Since he took over the series after Shadowland, Mark Waid has brought the titular hero to a much simpler foundation. One where he’s more of a free-wheeling superhero rather than the brooding hero we all know who keeps falling further and further down a spiral of torment. That all changed in this issue.
The amazing thing is that in this issue, he’s still closer to the former description than he is to the latter. Sure, he’s been captured by the dictator of Latveria (or in this case, his minions) because of that damned Omega Drive that continues to be a thorn in the side of Matt and everyone who goes near it. As it turns out, the Latverian economy had a vested interest in the Megacrime Families obtaining the Megadrive, and since they don’t have it because of Daredevil; he’s been arrested by the Latverians for crimes against the Latverian people.
It sounds silly, just because all superhero books sound a little silly when described; but trust me, this issue will end up breaking your heart.
Mark Waid has been one of my favorite writers since he tweaked Superman’s origin in “Superman: Birthright.” One of his talents is to make a character resonate emotionally in ways you never expect them to, and this book is no different. Matt Murdock has always been known for his super-senses and how they assist him in his fight against crime and ninjas (among other things). He even developed an ability that was his and his alone, the Radar-Sense. But in this issue, those claims to fame may just be in danger. The pacing of the book too brings up the sense of urgency for a guy who seems to be losing everything that helps him identify as, well him. It all culminates in that last page that haunts you as you close the book. The look where Matt has no idea what kind of trouble he’s even in.
Waid’s understanding of the character Daredevil is the strength of the book, as well as his ability to give wonderful character moments to Foggy and Kirsten. Instead of leaving them out of the main story, of which they are VERY far removed, he instead let us see Foggy’s protective side, destroying evidence he was actually missing from New York, presumably so he could find Murdock himself. If there is one complaint I have about the whole issue, it’s that it’s a bit nebulous as to just why Foggy is doing what he is doing. You do have to fill in the blanks a bit.
When it comes to the art, Samnee, who seems to be everywhere all of a sudden, looks absolutely stunning on the book and maintains that perfect vintage feel the book is going for. While it’s a sad thing that Rivera is done with Marvel (at least for now), if artists like Pham and Samnee continue to turn in the work they have, this book is in no danger of losing quality. The retro feel of all of their art, along with brilliant use of action, along with allowing us to look through Matt’s “eyes” to get a real understanding of how the world appears to him is one of the best parts of the book itself. I’ve said it before, but Waid’s intrinsic trust and understanding with his artists allows this to stand head and shoulders among the bulk of comics out there today.
There’s no other way to say it, this book is among the cream of the crop. It’s definitely a book you should be reading month in and month out. Waid’s run is incredible. The emotional turmoil you’ll go through in this one issue is enough to prove that. It’s just that damn heartbreaking.
Final Verdict: 8.5/10 – Buy
