Daredevil (2011) #1, Marvel Comics, US$3.99It’s clear from this first issue that Daredevil has through a lot over the last few years and without resorting to overly long exposition or tedious flashbacks I was told all I need to know through the characters actions. Matt Murdoch is blind but can “see” the world around him with sonar, he’s brash and cocky but likable and after all the bad things he’s had to endure there is nothing left for him to fear.
Even for a newcomer who has never read a single issue of Daredevil this is a great jumping on point, but I can also see long-time fans getting into this. None of his past has been erased, and if anything Matt has grown from those experiences. In addition to Waid’s great writing, Paolo Rivera does an exceptional job bringing the world to life with his clean yet intricate artwork. In all, this is everything you could want from the first issue of a new series.
GRADE: A
The first issue of Daredevil gave us time to get to know Matt Murdoch and what his section of the Marvel universe is like. The second issue broadens the scope, bringing in Captain America as he attempts to bring Matt Murdoch to justice for past crimes. Now what these crimes are isn’t exactly clear to a new reader like myself, , but that’s not really the issue – the point it that despite his cocksure charm the Daredevil is somewhat of a rogue in this world and this battle establishes that. Still, a little more backstory would have been nice for a new reader like me.
Moving on from that confrontation Matt’s life as a lawyer is further explored when he takes on a Muslim man attempting to sue the NYPD for police brutality. Though this type of subject matter is hardly earth-shattering in most media, mainstream comics are usually very conservative. And without being overly dramatic or pandering the story of a man fighting an unfair system was handled surprisingly well. Of course it wouldn’t be a comic book without comic book villains, and what better adversaries than a group of monsters made of sound. Overall, this was another solid issue that made me look forward to the next.
GRADE: B
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Daredevil (2011) #3, Marvel Comics, US$2.99Moving away from the more down-to-earth narrative of the previous two issues, this issue pits Daredevil against a classic villain (who was unknown to me) Klaw, the Master of Sound. What’s great about the way the series has been progressing is when it jumps for the normal world to the world of super-heroes it doesn’t feel jarring or overly ridiculous. Matt Murdoch is believable in both facets of his life, and when one has run its course the other picks up to offer a good mix of nice character moments and action-packed fights against strange monsters.
The other great thing about this issue is how it explores Matt’s weakness a little more as well as his strengths. He’s portrayed as the kind of guy who can keep a cool head in a tough situation, but despite his seemingly he can be brought back down to earth and turned into a blind man in a red devil costume if his enemies know how to exploit his weaknesses. Again, and I know I’m sounding like a broken record, Mark Waid and Paolo Rivera have delivered another excellent issue of Daredevil.
GRADE: A
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