DAREDEVIL #1 (MARVEL COMICS)
Some things are certain: Death, Taxes and drama in Matt Murdock’s life.
Settling in as professor at Empire State University, the polarizing lawyer is taking a new approach to his daytime work. Is it too good to be true? As far as being the Guardian of Hell’s Kitchen, it’s business as usual. A new player named The Omen is on the scene. Dead bodies have been racking up and Matt’s name is on the hit list!
DAREDEVIL #1 by Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett, Frank Martin, & Ariana Maher (MARVEL COMICS) blazes a new path for ol’ Hornhead.
Let’s take a closer look at what is unfolding now.
DAREDEVIL #1 by Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett, Frank Martin, & Ariana Maher (MARVEL COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Phillips gives readers a very clean slate to walk into this character’s new direction. The opening pages is vintage Daredevil in action. His inner monologue is solid for giving a quick version of what he “sees”. Once events shift back into Matt Murdock time, it is very evident of how flawed he truly is. The interactions with his students demonstrates an unorthodox way of presenting the material. It is a refreshing change but not before teasing a fun interaction with Sari Ellison. The banter is light as more serious elements are swinging into view.
Readers see the Omen’s handi-work in full view. The horrific crime scene teases more trouble on the horizon. Phillips breaks it down with precise accuracy to quickly establish the threat. There’s a slight chill with the coroners words. After a quick interlude involving the new job, Daredevil’s time to investigate comes into focus. There is a healthy dose of Murdock internalizing every action. It sets up a strong finish. The final act gives the Omen more time to elude to the future. Events close with a bold action and unforgettable parting shot. This is everything you could want from a first new issue and direction.
Garbett and Martin gives DD’s latest rogue a solid debut in the first page. Foreshadowing what’s coming leads to an easy transition to present time. The incredible two-page spread spotlights Daredevil at work. It’s presenting all you think of with DD in action, right down to the sly smirk. The half page of him hiding in shadows closes the fighting for now to move into lighter territory. Murdock’s time as a professor is filled with uncomfortable interactions and downplayed expressions. A far cry from the Omen’s latest spot.
The subway scene builds into the gruesome discovery of the victim. Panels show just enough before exposing the remains. This leads into more actions scenes fans will rave about. The near full shot of Murdock descending onto criminals sets the pace for the quick fight. Presenting the different costumes (even the DD “armor” one) is a nice touch to the internal struggle taking place. Once finished, the final act has more of a suspenseful feel. Omen’s full page image is greeted by DD’s growing anger. Readers get one more quick fight before everything comes crashing down. The final full page leaves no doubt of what problems are surfacing with more to come.
FINAL GRADE: 9.3
Matt Murdock may have a new start but problems still find their way to Hell’s Kitchen. Phillips pens a superb introduction into the complex world of Daredevil. Garbett and Martin hit readers with a strong dose of action and intrigue. The Man Without Fear is back with a vengeance readers can’t afford to miss!
Let me know your thoughts on DAREDEVIL #1in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
