Daredevil #125

Title:"Vengeance Is The Copperhead!"
Writer:Marv Wolfman
Penciler:Bob Brown
Inker:Klaus Janson
Cover:Gil Kane
Colours:Klaus Janson
Letters:John Costanza
Editor:Len Wein
Assistant Editor:None
Date:Sept. 1975
Cover Price:0.25

Characters

Copperhead
Daredevil
Dr. Armstrong Smith
Foggy Nelson
Martin Foster
Matt Murdock

Daredevil #124


Daredevil #126

Bob Brown
Volume 1 - 107 108 109 111 113 114 115 117 119 120 121 122 123 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 141 142 143
Volume 2 - None
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
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)

Daredevil's sinister foe now has a name: Copperhead! But how can Daredevil defeat a villain whose very skin is impregnable? Especially when his seemingly random killings make it nearly impossible for Daredevil to even find him. His only chance is to solve the mystery of the Copperhead's origin...but can he do it before another victim is claimed? Or will he himself be the next victim?

Review: This is a very ominous issue, with the Copperhead as chilling as ever. The mystery of his origin is quite while handled; what we find out is fascinating, and the few things that we don't(e.g., how exactly the Copperhead obtained his powers and his characteristic "s" lisp) only add to his macabre presence. The fight with the Copperhead is fantastic, and the ending is quite chilling. Klaus Janson handles both inks and colors in this issue, creating a dark and sinister atmosphere that already permeates the plot.

The bad points? Well, the fact that this is the Copperhead's final appearance... That, and the lack of subplots aside from Foggy's campaign for re-election. There isn't too much to stop you from picking up this issue, though of course you should read #124 first. I encourage you to do so.
Plot/Underlying Themes: 3+
Portrayal and development of Daredevil as a character: 3
Art: 4
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 Rights Reserved. Visit Marvel.com.

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