Daredevil #130
CharactersBlake TowerBrother Zed Candace Nelson Daredevil Foggy Nelson Heather Glenn Matt Murdock |
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Matthew finally finds his new job in the place he calls The
Storefront, while Foggy awaits the results of the election for D.A. with
apprehension. Little does he realize that there's someone out there with
the power to utterly deny him victory!
And meanwhile, a horrifying voodoo menace stalks Central Park...
Review: #130 is notable as the premiere of The Storefront, the first
Daredevil voodoo story, and one of the best issues of Daredevil I've read.
Marv soars to the peak of his stint with this issue, as if everything that
came before wasn't brilliant enough.
In short, Marv brings out all the big guns, tying together all the
subtle threads that have been building over the past six months while
opening up new doors. His handling of DD in this issue rivals even
Nocenti's and Miller's, making one wonder as to his real reason for later
asking off the book. And the art? Bob Brown, for once, shines just as
brilliantly as Klaus in every panel, right down to the wrinkles in the
characters' faces. Michelle Wolfman provides dazzlingly graphic colors;
her work is mainly to thank for the grim and horrifying mood that
dominates this issue. Even Costanza must be praised; his dialogue bubbles
for Brother Zed add to his ominous presence without making the book look
odd. But most of all it is the synthesis of everything that makes this
issue a classic in the saga of DD. Bob's rendering of Foggy on page 7 as
a politician, worn-out and collecting grey hair, leads up brilliantly to
his explosion on the next page. The shocking drama of the election fraud
bounces off with the voodoo terror to create a theme of cold sweat that
permeates the issue. Having the main plot and subplots share a common
mood works stunningly; every page seems to suck you right in.
The way Marv has you believing,up to the last minute, that DD is
helpless against B. Zed is seemless, and then-one of the more surprising
lines in comicdom: "Come off it, clown; you have voodoo powers like I can
fly!" The opening with DD changing clothes in mid-air is delightful, and
the Storefront idea is very promising. Marv even manages to bring a
strong moral to the tale, "You only hurt yourselves." The final,
heartwarming scene with Matt and Foggy clinches it: this is an issue no
Daredevil fan should miss.
Plot/Underlying Themes:4
Portrayal and development of Daredevil as a character:4
Art:4
Overall:5
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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