Daredevil #128

Title:	"Death Stalks The Stairway To The Stars!"
Writer:	Marv Wolfman
Penciler:	Bob Brown
Inker:	Klaus Janson
Cover:	Gil Kane
Colours:	Michele Wolfman
Letters:	Joe Rosen
Editor:	Marv Wolfman
Assistant Editor:	None
Date:	Dec. 1975
Cover Price:	0.25

Characters

'Sky-Walker'
Daredevil
Death-Stalker
Foggy Nelson
Heather Glenn
Matt Murdock

Daredevil #127

Daredevil #129

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)

One of Daredevil's deadliest archenemies, Death-Stalker, has returned. Only now, he has a weapon that even Daredevil's vaunted agility is powerless against! But is he the real threat when an alarm goes off at a science center? Or is it the mysterious figure that seems to be ascending a staircase to the stars...
Plus: Matt and Heather's relationship progresses to a more serious stage - literally.

Review: The splash page and the one that follows it is excellent. The rest of the issue doesn't deliver, though Bob Brown and Klaus Janson's art is as good as it is through the whole of their partnership. Matt throwing his Daredevil costume away, threatening to quit because of the incident in #127...a threat that is never followed up on, or even mentioned later in the book. The next thing you know, DD is happily rushing off to fight Death-Stalker. The fight, incidentally, is totally unconvincingly related, with Daredevil seemingly bouncing right up again after having been hurling many stories towards the ground. The man whom DD refers to as "Sky Walker" is mildly intriguing, but as we all know, he never reappeared. The developments between Matt and Heather also rouse some interest, which instantly fades when Marv insists on being vague about the whole thing. This was clearly originally intended to be a turning point issue, but it comes out as little more than filler.
Plot/Underlying Themes: 2
Portrayal and development of Daredevil as a character: 2
Art:3
Overall:2

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.