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What did you think of DAREDEVIL #16? |
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Total Votes : 11 |
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Kuljit Mithra Hardcore
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Joined: 29 Jul 2004 Posts: 1530 Location: Canada
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Dimetre Underboss
Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1366 Location: Toronto
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Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 3:39 pm Post subject: |
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Wow!
This two-parter was great. This is Charles Soule's first Daredevil story that ends in a satisfying way. Matt is the focus throughout the story, and we really get to follow his thought process. Soule and Goran Sudzuka did an excellent job, and I'm completely stoked for the next issue.
I trust that we're going to see Father Jordan again, and that there will be interesting new developments for Sam, but, best of all, I am so excited for the journey on which Matt has embarked since Muse attacked Blindspot. Charles Soule may be hitting his stride on this title. |
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Mike Murdock Golden Age
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Joined: 08 Sep 2014 Posts: 1750
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Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 7:23 pm Post subject: |
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I enjoyed this one a lot. This issue focused a lot on the Priest. I like what he brings both in exploring Matt's philosophy and the fact that he apparently kicks ass himself. The issue is about Matt's questioning and inner-turmoil. Obviously, the dilemma with the bullet should be seen somewhat figuratively. He thinks these thoughts almost as instantaneously as his hand, he's not verbalizing them in his head, complete with flashbacks. But I liked it anyway, particularly the dialogue when his hand moves.
It's a solid issue throughout. It ended strong (I couldn't help but smiling on the last page). It's not flawless. I get the impression it's trying to be a definitive statement for Daredevil, but it falls short of that. But I think it does everything well from beginning to end. I'll give it Five Stars. _________________ Matt Murdock's cooler twin brother
Not sure what to read next? Check out the Book Club for some ideas!
I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake!
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Thayrone Ibsen Flying Blind
Joined: 13 Mar 2015 Posts: 59
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Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2017 12:12 am Post subject: |
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I dont quite understand what people want in a DD comic, to, for example, hate Bendis and like Soule. This guy has no respect for the character, or simply doesnt know what he is about. At the end of the first laaame arc, we read DD saying that their mission as heroes never ends... and that this is the best part of what they do. What? Huh? So... Never having a safe city, always having violence and overall conflict around them is... fun? Its nice? Wow. Is this really how Matt Murdock thinks? Nobody complains about that. Then an awful Elektra story (please, why, why cant we leave her alone, this soulless zombie deprived of interesting characteristics), where a weak plot is driven by Matt being defeated repeatedly by her, always s@@ting his pants because of the very sight of this oh so powerful woman. Then some other rubbish here and there, an arc which had the stuff to be good but turned out to be just more promotion for a character nobody asked for, and now this. Silly me, when I read #15 I began to think it could be a nice thing, at last. Then this nonsense. This issue is supposed to be deep and gritty, but it looks like Im the only one who sees that Soule isnt able to do this duo in DD. He just cant. In this "perfect jumping on point", he stuffs most of DDs tragedies, brings back his depressive/suicidal tendencies at absurd, unnecessary levels, inserts his stupid Inhuman things again, needlessly, also inserting a crappy new character, in a silly way (come on. Were his thoughts on "evil" really interesting, or even well written?). So, DD wanted to die, or thought he wanted to die, but also thought that he could get Bullseyes "serum" to, guess what, turn idiot Blindspot into Daredevil, which clearly is what Soule wants to do. Oh, and Bullseye didnt create any "serum"! He repeated over and over again the conditions of Matts accident, until it worked, maybe even by luck (during Waids run DD inner dialogue admits that part of what causes these miraculous combination of oneself and radiation are the chemicals of the body of the person). It was not some magic, ever-ready formula for Daredevils. Oh, and Matts reflections in this issue? Aside from being sooo forced, there is nothing new to them. Nothing. Only exaggeration (once again Soule ups and ups Matts christianity, like he was an ever present kid going to church and things like that). Hello: when Miller HINTED at Matts religious beliefs, he never said things like "There was a time I was like him, believing that my way is Gods way and blahblahblah". There is not subtlety in Soules take on the character. Also, no novelty. Oh, and what about Matt wanting a "perfect world"? Geez. That coming from a guy who basically said, a few issues ago, that he enjoyed the endless tides of violence that is his life? Really, is this a good DD writing? Anyways. I dont even know why I bother posting here, people always think quite differently and simply ignore my texts, but I thought I should say something, because it is really annoying, what is happening to my favourite character. Ive said it before, and I repeat it: the only good things in Soules ruin are 1) not being the complete trash that were the last stuff Waid wrote and 2) the costume (it is really nice), closely tied to the art (a few talented guys doing great work). |
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Mike Murdock Golden Age
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Joined: 08 Sep 2014 Posts: 1750
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Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2017 7:49 am Post subject: |
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If you want people to not ignore your thoughts, breaking it into paragraphs helps a lot. As it is, it's a struggle to get through, and a lot of your thoughts end up getting pushed out by the next thought. Therefore, I'll comment on the religion aspect since it's the easiest to see.
Like it or not, religion is a part of Matt's life now. It may have been added there by Kevin Smith, there might be some of it that existed previously (I think Frank Miller's interviews on Daredevil as a Christian hero who forgives his enemies may have influenced people more than his written text about the character that often failed to live up to that ideal).
I've never had a problem with the idea that Matt was raised culturally Catholic and that he went to CCD as a kid as stated in Guardian Devil. I'm fine with him nominally continuing to believe. I never saw him as someone who went to Mass every Sunday, but falls somewhere between believer and non-believer in the spectrum of Catholics. I'm also fine with him turning back to his faith (which is part of his upbringing) when there are times of crisis. That's not a contradiction of the character I believe is Matt Murdock even if I wouldn't place the emphasis on it.
ETA: On your final thought, I dislike the costume. I really want him back in red. But it's fine if you like it. _________________ Matt Murdock's cooler twin brother
Not sure what to read next? Check out the Book Club for some ideas!
I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake!
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Dimetre Underboss
Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1366 Location: Toronto
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Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2017 12:08 pm Post subject: |
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I'm going to do my best to respond to this, since it drove me mad during the Bendis era when people would post their praise for each issue, but not say why. I don't have the issue in front of me since I lent it to a friend, but I'll do my best. Thayrone Ibsen wrote: | I dont quite understand what people want in a DD comic, to, for example, hate Bendis and like Soule. This guy has no respect for the character, or simply doesnt know what he is about. At the end of the first laaame arc, we read DD saying that their mission as heroes never ends... and that this is the best part of what they do. What? Huh? So... Never having a safe city, always having violence and overall conflict around them is... fun? Its nice? Wow. Is this really how Matt Murdock thinks? Nobody complains about that. Then an awful Elektra story (please, why, why cant we leave her alone, this soulless zombie deprived of interesting characteristics), where a weak plot is driven by Matt being defeated repeatedly by her, always s@@ting his pants because of the very sight of this oh so powerful woman. Then some other rubbish here and there, an arc which had the stuff to be good but turned out to be just more promotion for a character nobody asked for, and now this. |
I have not defended everything Soule has done. I have acknowledged issues I liked, and issues I didn't. Until this issue, I don't think he ever ended a story in a satisfying way. One thing I think Soule has done very well over his run is explore Matt's powers. The poker game was extremely interesting to me. He can't see and he can't read the cards, and he knows that the casino wins with a psychic who can see through his opponents eyes. I like it when writers make use of what Matt actually can't do, and turn that into an advantage. I also thought Muse was the greatest villain to appear in the pages of Daredevil in years. I don't think it makes any sense at all for Daredevil to have a sidekick, but I'm not going to go as far as say that Blindspot is a bad character. I just think he would fit better in a book like Champions.
Thayrone Ibsen wrote: | Silly me, when I read #15 I began to think it could be a nice thing, at last. Then this nonsense. This issue is supposed to be deep and gritty, but it looks like Im the only one who sees that Soule isnt able to do this duo in DD. He just cant. In this "perfect jumping on point", he stuffs most of DDs tragedies, brings back his depressive/suicidal tendencies at absurd, unnecessary levels, inserts his stupid Inhuman things again, needlessly, also inserting a crappy new character, in a silly way (come on. Were his thoughts on "evil" really interesting, or even well written?). |
I don't pay attention to the marketing, since I don't need to be sold Daredevil. I'm already going to buy it, so I didn't know anyone was claiming that this was a perfect jumping on point, or that it was being sold as "deep and gritty." I don't think Soule and Sudzuka should be blamed for the acts of Marvel's marketing department.
I'm not sure what the word "gritty" means on this message board anymore. I guess people found Maleev's artwork gritty. Is that because it was scratchy? Or is it because of the shadows? Is the lack of shadows in this issue make it not gritty? I certainly think there was depth. The harm that came to Blindspot has reawakened Matt's chronic depression. All of his past issues have come roaring back, and I thought Soule did an excellent job exploring them.
Thayrone Ibsen wrote: | So, DD wanted to die, or thought he wanted to die, but also thought that he could get Bullseyes "serum" to, guess what, turn idiot Blindspot into Daredevil, which clearly is what Soule wants to do. Oh, and Bullseye didnt create any "serum"! He repeated over and over again the conditions of Matts accident, until it worked, maybe even by luck (during Waids run DD inner dialogue admits that part of what causes these miraculous combination of oneself and radiation are the chemicals of the body of the person). It was not some magic, ever-ready formula for Daredevils. |
I think Daredevil couldn't figure out whether he wanted to live or die, and it was his reflexes that decided it for him. I liked that.
As for the serum, it's been a while since I read that arc. I remember liking it. The way I remember it, Bullseye, because he had no use of his body, had his brain adapt to try to finish off Daredevil for good. That was a very interesting concept to me. So he created this serum, and when creating something like that, it's through trial and error. Luck is involved in trial and error. No one claimed that it was magic. It may depend on the physiology of the subject in the same way gamma rays do, but that's the Marvel Universe. I don't think Matt knows how Sam would react to the serum, but he feels he owes him at least a shot with this serum.
Thayrone Ibsen wrote: | Oh, and Matts reflections in this issue? Aside from being sooo forced, there is nothing new to them. Nothing. Only exaggeration (once again Soule ups and ups Matts christianity, like he was an ever present kid going to church and things like that). Hello: when Miller HINTED at Matts religious beliefs, he never said things like "There was a time I was like him, believing that my way is Gods way and blahblahblah". There is not subtlety in Soules take on the character. Also, no novelty. |
The church has long been a presence in Daredevil's world, and his faith has been something that has distiguished Matt from the more secular Marvel heroes for decades. I think it gives him depth and a stronger moral fibre. But, he's never been a loud Christian, and I respect that about him. I don't think he goes to Church every Sunday. I think Kevin Smith is the only writer, aside from the writers of the Netflix series, that suggested that. I think he leans on his faith in times of crisis. It's easy to see how someone who would lead this lifestyle would see their problems as to big for them to handle, and would take comfort in something bigger than themselves.
I have heard through this site that it was actually Tony Isabella who introduced Matt's Catholicism back in the 1970s. I'm looking forward to reading those issues.
This issue surprised me. It hadn't occurred to me that Matt hadn't been to the church since Karen was murdered. I mentally went through every arc since then, and I think that was a very nice observation on Soule's part. There have been miniseries in which Matt might have gone to church, but in the main book, I think he's right. And it makes sense to me that Karen's death would have shaken his faith.
Thayrone Ibsen wrote: | Oh, and what about Matt wanting a "perfect world"? Geez. That coming from a guy who basically said, a few issues ago, that he enjoyed the endless tides of violence that is his life? Really, is this a good DD writing? |
Is that something he said to Sam? I don't remember it. All I'll say is that Soule isn't my favourite Daredevil writer, but these two issues are the highlight of his run for me. As for the "perfect world," I think Matt would have to be some sort of an idealist to do what he does.
Thayrone Ibsen wrote: | Anyways. I dont even know why I bother posting here, people always think quite differently and simply ignore my texts, but I thought I should say something, because it is really annoying, what is happening to my favourite character. Ive said it before, and I repeat it: the only good things in Soules ruin are 1) not being the complete trash that were the last stuff Waid wrote and 2) the costume (it is really nice), closely tied to the art (a few talented guys doing great work). |
I loved Waid's work in Volume 3, but Volume 4 was a precipitous drop in quality. I don't like the black costume because it's disturbingly close to the Shadowland costume, and I'd rather forget everything that had to do with Shadowland. I can rationalize the change from the red, as I think Matt is trying to do all he can to not trigger anyone's memories of Daredevil from before the latest #1. The red costume will always be the best for me. |
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Sciurid Flying Blind
Joined: 20 Mar 2016 Posts: 21
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Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2017 1:32 pm Post subject: |
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Quick thoughts, probably write more later when I'm not on my phone.
First off, I am probably less critical than you all. I've enjoyed almost all the writers who've worked on DD.
I think the Shadowlands costume is deliberate and have thought so from the start of Soule's run. I'm pretty convinced now it's part of the reason or related to the reason he has his secret identity back. References to evil and beasts in 16 bolster that idea.
I like that we're exploring his mental health again. That was one of my favorite parts of Waid and Samnee's run.
This is a more religious take on him, but it is also par for the course to find Matt in church or confession when his life is falling apart, which it feels like happened here. I agree that he's generally somewhere just culturally Catholic and actually practicing. Doesn't go to Mass, but feels guilty about not going, perhaps.
On a related note, the priest is an awesome character and I hope he keeps cheerfully beating up muggers.
Soule is a good writer, but until now it feels like he's been slightly misfiring on the DD books. I wonder now if it was kind of intentional. It seems like things are really tying together. 14 made the end of 5 more satisfying, for instance. These two issues, though, really clicked. "I'm glad I'm here," near the end of 16, made me smile and want to give Matt a hug.
I apologize for disjointed thoughts or autocorrect errors. I'm bad at typing on my phone.
Edited because I found a computer and was able to proof what I wrote.
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Sciurid Flying Blind
Joined: 20 Mar 2016 Posts: 21
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Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2017 1:48 pm Post subject: |
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One more thing that ties in with what I said above: I like Soule's take on Karen's death breaking his faith and Matt not having been to church since then, at least not in any meaningful way. It made me reexamine the few references to his religion since then, and it's pretty much other characters commenting on his religiosity. They may be incorrect about it, but I don't think their behaviors are unusual.
I'm a Catholic pretty much smack dab in the middle of the spectrum between devout and recovering. I find that if non-catholics who know I'm more or less Catholic notice me acting in any way remotely Catholic, which can include feeling guilty about something random or having any knowledge of the religion, it'll often be ascribed to my Catholicism and they'll assume I'm really religious. Meanwhile, it's been nearly a year since I've made it to Mass... |
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Francesco Underboss
Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 1307
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Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2017 2:54 pm Post subject: |
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This issue was really pleasant to read after the disappointiment of the previous one. With this, it seems that not only DD, but also Soule is finally back on track.
5 stars. |
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Mike Murdock Golden Age
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Joined: 08 Sep 2014 Posts: 1750
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Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2017 7:07 pm Post subject: |
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Thayrone Ibsen, if you're a fan of Bendis, why not join the Book Club and give your thoughts on Lowlife issue by issue?
Dimetre wrote: |
I have heard through this site that it was actually Tony Isabella who introduced Matt's Catholicism back in the 1970s. I'm looking forward to reading those issues. |
It's widely reported. I may have read it too quickly, but I didn't quite go that far when I read it. What he did was introduce was a Catholic tied to Matt's past - Kid Gawaine, who was a fellow boxer, ended up becoming a Priest. I didn't recall exploration of Matt's religion there, but I might have missed it.
Quote: | This issue surprised me. It hadn't occurred to me that Matt hadn't been to the church since Karen was murdered. I mentally went through every arc since then, and I think that was a very nice observation on Soule's part. There have been miniseries in which Matt might have gone to church, but in the main book, I think he's right. And it makes sense to me that Karen's death would have shaken his faith. |
There's an earlier issue where Matt spoke with Tenfingers and described himself as a lapsed Catholic. Soule was asked about that and said that he checked with Mark Waid before he wrote it. I feel Daredevil/Spider-Man explored this a bit since that's the closest thing to a follow-up to Guardian Devil (and the most overtly religious issue). _________________ Matt Murdock's cooler twin brother
Not sure what to read next? Check out the Book Club for some ideas!
I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake!
Thomas More - A Man for All Seasons |
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Darkdevil Humanity's Fathom
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Joined: 04 Apr 2009 Posts: 331 Location: The Bright, Sunny South
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Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 8:51 pm Post subject: |
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First, the good. Matt's philosophical musings were very good here, Sam's injuries bringing his doubts and insecurities to the forefront again. Father Jordan is an interesting sounding board for Matt's doubts and his apparent membership in some ancient militant order adds some uniqueness to his character (although beating up muggers to show this is rather cliched).
In the end, Matt's reaffirmation of his crusade is heartening. (The line of making deals with the devil in lieu of God is rather poignant and inspired).
Now, the bad. Bullseye was wasted here. Last issue's cliffhanger suggested a good confrontation but it was for naught here. As I understood it, the stakes were raised by Matt to being life-or-death, that he upped the contract money till it appealed to someone of Bullseye's caliber. Yet all Bullseye does is kill the Inhuman father, shoot once at DD who then skirts over to yonder rooftop and proceeds to beat him with nary a trouble. Other than providing a focus for Matt to reaffirm his convictions, Bullseye was hardly threatening. Was this also meant in some way to build anticipation for his upcoming solo title? If it was, it didn't do much in that regard.
What I found the most interesting, Sam left the hospital with his mother. Very intriguing, I wonder where this will lead since I've been one of the few whose been enjoying Blindspot's role in Soule's run so far.
A weak Bullseye appearance brings this issue down to 4 stars. |
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Mike Murdock Golden Age
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Joined: 08 Sep 2014 Posts: 1750
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Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 10:37 pm Post subject: |
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Yeah, Soule's interview regarding Bullseye through me off. It was described as a cat and mouse thing that I don't think it really was. _________________ Matt Murdock's cooler twin brother
Not sure what to read next? Check out the Book Club for some ideas!
I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake!
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Sunni Flying Blind
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Joined: 07 Jan 2017 Posts: 87
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Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 6:51 am Post subject: |
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I loved this issue. The priest was hilarious. I’m not sure whether we’re supposed to take Father Jordan and the Ordo Draconum at face value or if he’s not on the level. I’m up for it either way. I also really enjoyed how Soule didn’t shy away from Matt considering ending it all by letting Bullseye shoot him; it’s nice to have a writer who is not afraid to dive into and directly confront the darkness in Matt’s life. Sudžuka’s art was even better than last issue; besides his allies and enemies all tearing at him, I especially liked the last page with Matt in the confessional booth. I also did not mind Bullseye not getting a larger role in this story as it was from Matt’s perspective, and he’s got his own mini starting up in a few days.
Mike Murdock wrote: | It's a solid issue throughout. It ended strong (I couldn't help but smiling on the last page). It's not flawless. I get the impression it's trying to be a definitive statement for Daredevil, but it falls short of that. |
I don’t know about this issue being a definitive statement, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing for Matt to reassure himself why he does what he does in story nor is it bad for Soule make a statement for the reader about who he is. It’s a good summary of the character that he fights so other people can have happiness since that’s not true for all protagonists.
Dimetre wrote: | Thayrone Ibsen wrote: | Oh, and Matts reflections in this issue? Aside from being sooo forced, there is nothing new to them. Nothing. Only exaggeration (once again Soule ups and ups Matts christianity, like he was an ever present kid going to church and things like that). Hello: when Miller HINTED at Matts religious beliefs, he never said things like "There was a time I was like him, believing that my way is Gods way and blahblahblah". There is not subtlety in Soules take on the character. Also, no novelty. |
The church has long been a presence in Daredevil's world, and his faith has been something that has distiguished Matt from the more secular Marvel heroes for decades. I think it gives him depth and a stronger moral fibre. But, he's never been a loud Christian, and I respect that about him. I don't think he goes to Church every Sunday. I think Kevin Smith is the only writer, aside from the writers of the Netflix series, that suggested that. I think he leans on his faith in times of crisis. It's easy to see how someone who would lead this lifestyle would see their problems as to big for them to handle, and would take comfort in something bigger than themselves. |
As someone who was introduced to the character from the Netflix show, I see Matt as devout. He has multiple conversations with his priest seeking guidance where he demonstrates his belief, he asks others about going to Mass, and he prays and uses the Sign of the Cross. As for why the showrunners chose to go that route, not only does it lend itself to some fantastic visuals, but it’s a clear differentiator for the character (hey audience here’s why he’s not broke and blind Batman) that neatly explains how and why he operates (it’s God’s will that he has these powers and uses them, but Matt doesn’t kill people because it’s not his decision to make). Having a larger moral framework around Matt’s decisions also deftly avoids some of the convoluted ethical quandaries that trips up some other superhero media (such as Green Arrow’s flimsy kill/do not kill reasoning on Arrow). Overall, playing up Daredevil's faith on the show makes him a more distinct and thus marketable brand since so many superheroes’ religion is either outright secular or vaguely defined.
Now since this is the comics and not the show, Matt’s faith is going to wax and wane depending on the writer. On one hand, Weeks had Matt fall asleep reading the Bible, and on the other, I can’t remember Waid mentioning anything about religion at all. Obviously, Soule sees him as a man of faith.
Thayrone Ibsen wrote: | Oh, and what about Matt wanting a "perfect world"? Geez. That coming from a guy who basically said, a few issues ago, that he enjoyed the endless tides of violence that is his life? Really, is this a good DD writing? |
IMHO yes because he wants to happen and what will actually happen are not the same thing, which is why Matt can lament that it’s not a perfect world, and at the same time, thoroughly enjoy violently beating up people. If it was, Matt would have to find another outlet.
Darkdevil wrote: | What I found the most interesting, Sam left the hospital with his mother. Very intriguing, I wonder where this will lead since I've been one of the few whose been enjoying Blindspot's role in Soule's run so far. |
I normally hate sidekicks, but I also like Sam (and will continue to do so as long as Matt doesn’t go anywhere), and it’s because Soule has avoided many of the usual sidekick clichés with him. Sam isn’t a child, he’s not a quip machine, he’s not shown to be superior to Matt, and he has a serious temperament like his mentor.
I’m wondering if we will see his little sister Hannah again as well and if Sam’s going to be put in a position where he has to choose between his mom the ex-henchwoman and Matt. She’s not going to be happy about Daredevil getting Blindspot blinded in her opinion, so I can’t imagine she’d want him giving him the serum either. |
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Sciurid Flying Blind
Joined: 20 Mar 2016 Posts: 21
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 2:06 am Post subject: |
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Sunni wrote: | I loved this issue. The priest was hilarious. I’m not sure whether we’re supposed to take Father Jordan and the Ordo Draconum at face value or if he’s not on the level. I’m up for it either way. I also really enjoyed how Soule didn’t shy away from Matt considering ending it all by letting Bullseye shoot him; it’s nice to have a writer who is not afraid to dive into and directly confront the darkness in Matt’s life. Sudžuka’s art was even better than last issue; besides his allies and enemies all tearing at him, I especially liked the last page with Matt in the confessional booth.
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The priest is an excellent foil for Matt at the moment, if for no other reason than he seems not to be clinically depressed. I love how Sudzuka drew him sort of punching at the air when the muggers were running away and he was yelling he'd see them in church.
On a tangent, I continually wonder why confession is usually drawn with the penitent sitting rather than kneeling, if they're going to insist on using the old-school booth imagery. Perhaps it's just easier to frame.
On another tangent, I'm pretty sure the Latin "Ordo Draconum" is wrong. Draconum would be accusative, and it should be... dative or genitive? Latin was a long time ago, and I only had one semester. I suspect it should be "draconis."
Sunni wrote: |
As someone who was introduced to the character from the Netflix show, I see Matt as devout. He has multiple conversations with his priest seeking guidance where he demonstrates his belief, he asks others about going to Mass, and he prays and uses the Sign of the Cross. As for why the showrunners chose to go that route, not only does it lend itself to some fantastic visuals, but it’s a clear differentiator for the character (hey audience here’s why he’s not broke and blind Batman) that neatly explains how and why he operates (it’s God’s will that he has these powers and uses them, but Matt doesn’t kill people because it’s not his decision to make). Having a larger moral framework around Matt’s decisions also deftly avoids some of the convoluted ethical quandaries that trips up some other superhero media (such as Green Arrow’s flimsy kill/do not kill reasoning on Arrow). Overall, playing up Daredevil's faith on the show makes him a more distinct and thus marketable brand since so many superheroes’ religion is either outright secular or vaguely defined.
Now since this is the comics and not the show, Matt’s faith is going to wax and wane depending on the writer. On one hand, Weeks had Matt fall asleep reading the Bible, and on the other, I can’t remember Waid mentioning anything about religion at all. Obviously, Soule sees him as a man of faith.
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I came to the comics (all superhero comics, actually; had only read "serious" stuff like Maus, Sandman, etc. prior) through the show, too. I don't think Matt can be described as devout, at least not throughout most of the first season. He might be there in S2, though whether he's actually practicing might be another topic.
In the books, that his religion has actually had a meaningful impact on his life alone makes him unique from other superheroes. It is easy to interpret a lot of what he does, especially with certain writers, through a Catholic lens. Perhaps not unexpectedly, the writers with Catholic backgrounds (Miller, Nocenti, Smith, now Soule) seem to weave a Catholic sensibility through his actions moreso than the other writers (Bendis et. al responsible for his decade long nervous breakdown, also the writers who wrote that dark period that was 90's comics).
Sunni wrote: |
IMHO yes because he wants to happen and what will actually happen are not the same thing, which is why Matt can lament that it’s not a perfect world, and at the same time, thoroughly enjoy violently beating up people. If it was, Matt would have to find another outlet. |
The bit about making the world a better place and seeing some positive outcome to the fighting reminded me a little of some Nocenti. Someone randomly gave me 278 and 281, and Unlmiited stops at 276, I think, so I don't have the whole story, but that bit just reminded me of when Mephisto was dragging Matt through Hell or wherever it was supposed to be.
Sunni wrote: |
Darkdevil wrote: | What I found the most interesting, Sam left the hospital with his mother. Very intriguing, I wonder where this will lead since I've been one of the few whose been enjoying Blindspot's role in Soule's run so far. |
I normally hate sidekicks, but I also like Sam (and will continue to do so as long as Matt doesn’t go anywhere), and it’s because Soule has avoided many of the usual sidekick clichés with him. Sam isn’t a child, he’s not a quip machine, he’s not shown to be superior to Matt, and he has a serious temperament like his mentor.
I’m wondering if we will see his little sister Hannah again as well and if Sam’s going to be put in a position where he has to choose between his mom the ex-henchwoman and Matt. She’s not going to be happy about Daredevil getting Blindspot blinded in her opinion, so I can’t imagine she’d want him giving him the serum either. |
Sam seems to have as much self-preservation instinct as Matt does. I just reread all of Soule's run, and Sam gets progressively more banged up. Not sure where he's going with it. |
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Francesco Underboss
Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 1307
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2017 2:32 pm Post subject: |
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Nah, "Draco Draconis" is third declination. Draconum is genitive plural. Accusative plural would be "Dracones". So it's correct. It means "Order of the Dragons". |
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