Daredevil #124
CharactersBlack WidowCopperhead Daredevil Dr. Armstrong Smith Foggy Nelson Matt Murdock Mrs. Gooch |
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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.
Copyright © 2019 Marvel Characters, Inc.
All
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