Daredevil #124

Title:"In The Coils Of The Copperhead!"
Writer:Len Wein/Marv Wolfman
Penciler:Gene Colan
Inker:Klaus Janson
Cover:Gil Kane
Colours:Michele Wolfman
Letters:Joe Rosen
Editor:Len Wein
Assistant Editor:None
Date:Aug. 1975
Cover Price:0.25

Characters

Black Widow
Copperhead
Daredevil
Dr. Armstrong Smith
Foggy Nelson
Matt Murdock
Mrs. Gooch

Daredevil #123


Daredevil #125

Gene Colan
Volume 1 - -1 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 100 110 112 116 124 138 153 154 156 157 363 364 365 366 367 368 370
Volume 2 - 20 50 100
Volume 3 - None
Volume 4 - None
Volume 5 - None
Volume 6 - None
Volume 7 - None
Volume 8 - None
Gil Kane
Volume 1 - 80 81 82 84 85 88 90 91 94 95 96 97 104 109 112 114 115 116 117 119 120 121 122 124 125 126 127 128 133 134 139 141 146 147 148 150 151 152
Volume 2 - None
Volume 3 - None
Volume 4 - None
Volume 5 - None
Volume 6 - None
Volume 7 - None
Volume 8 - None
Klaus Janson
Volume 1 - 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 140 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 156 157 158 159 160 161 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 192 193 194 195 196 197 206 234 235 238 241
Volume 2 - 50 500
Volume 3 - None
Volume 4 - None
Volume 5 - None
Volume 6 - None
Volume 7 - 2
Volume 8 - None
Len Wein
Volume 1 - 71 124
Volume 2 - None
Volume 3 - None
Volume 4 - None
Volume 5 - None
Volume 6 - None
Volume 7 - None
Volume 8 - None
Marv Wolfman
Volume 1 - 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 141 142 143
Volume 2 - None
Volume 3 - None
Volume 4 - None
Volume 5 - None
Volume 6 - None
Volume 7 - None
Volume 8 - None

Issue Summary

Summary/Review by Robert Orme (orme@stolaf.edu)

One chapter in Daredevil's life ends, as his long-time partner, the Black Widow, bids him a fond farewell. Another begins as Foggy, in his campaign for re-election as D.A., finds himself up against a too-good-to-be-true dark horse candidate, Blake Tower.

But DD will have no opportunity to evaluate these startling changes, because an ominous crusader for justice stalks the streets, killing everyone from mass murderers to jaywalkers and petty thugs! Can Daredevil uncover the one behind the killing spree before it goes too far?

Review: A very auspicious start for Marv Wolfman as writer of Daredevil. He manages to avoid Len Wein's overdramatic style(re:the first half of the book), while sticking smoothly to the storyline. And a superb one it is; the Copperhead is surely one of Daredevil's coolest villains, incredibly chilling and at the same time powerful enough to pose a serious threat to DD's life and limb. It's truly a shame that he lasted only two issues.

Marv dishes out first-class comic book style dialogue, especially on the last page, yet at the same time maintains an almost frightening realistic touch that is beautifully enhanced by Klaus Janson's inks and Michelle Wolfman's colors. Particularly striking are the three panels on page 27 devoted entirely to one of the street thugs who DD is fighting; such attention paid to a completely anonymous character gives the book a true life feel that Frank Miller never quite hit upon.

Daredevil's character is handled beautifully; he's still the happy-go-lucky adventurer, but Marv also douses in a brutal undertone this one time. Their are no real faults with this issue(except Len Wein's overdramatic style in the first half), and if you are at all interested in the 70s era DD, this is certainly a great issue to start on.
Plot/Underlying Themes: 3+
Portrayal and development of Daredevil as a character: 3
Art: 3
Overall: 3+

My rating system:
1 = Poor. Plot is hackneyed, simplistic, nonsensical, or some combination of the three. Underlying themes, if they exist, are completely sick and twisted. Daredevil is mis-portrayed, and the issue either shows no development of his character or develops him in a way that makes little sense. Art is terrible, actually afflicting the comic. Should be avoided, unless it serves as a link between plotlines.
2 = Weak. Plot is hackneyed, simplistic, or nonsensical. Underlying themes are absent. Daredevil is not portrayed as a unique or striking character, and the issue shows no development of his character. Art is undistinguished, adding nothing to the comic. A generally bad comic, but with a few redeeming qualities.
3 = Satisfying. The plot may or may not be simplistic, but it works. Underlying themes are either mild or absent entirely. Daredevil is portrayed convincingly, and strongly enough that you care about what happens to him. His character is not developed, but you find out something about him that you may not have known before. Art is roughly average, with little or no weak points and a few strong panels. Worth buying, but not worth seeking out.
3+ = Excellent. Similar to 3, but better.
4 = Classic. The plot is original and multi-layered, but it is the strong underlying themes that make it a great story. Daredevil is portrayed intriguingly, and his character is either fleshed-out strongly or develops in a way that adds to the story rather than to the shock value. Art is strong and unique, with the characters portrayed passionately. A highly recommended comic.
5 = Essential. The plot is original, multi-layered, and engaging. The underlying themes are shocking and unusual, seeming to blind you with truth. Daredevil is portrayed as a complex, multi-faceted character; the comic is worth buying solely for a chance to truly see Daredevil. His personality is fleshed out and develops in a way that adds to the story rather than to the shock value. Art is powerful without being glossy, leaning towards the realistic touch that is the mark of a good DD comic. If you are a true DD fan, the only excuse for not buying this comic is not being able to find it.

Daredevil (and other related characters appearing) and the distinctive likenesses are Trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. and are used WITHOUT permission.
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