written by Mark Waid
drawn by Chris Samnee
colored by Matthew Wilson
I've long suspected that the comic book incarnation of Daredevil was headed for some major upheaval in order to bring the series a little more in line with what people might have seen in the character's spectacular new television series (the subject of my previous review). A little over a year after they set up Matt with a brand new status quo in San Francisco, Mark Waid and Chris Samnee tear it all down in the span of two issues as Matt comes face to face with his greatest nemesis in his new home, and it isn't quite who he expects it to be. This series also introduces Jubula Pride, Leland Owlsley's daughter, alongside whom Matt fights, and who might end up more a liability than an asset. EVERYTHING, from Matt's law practice to his burgeoning book deal, is thrown into jeopardy, and with pretty much everyone who isn't close to him pretty much having turned against him, Matt finds himself turning to the unlikeliest of persons for help.
Mark Waid has been an extremely prolific writing superstar for quite a while now, but having scored a gig writing one of Marvel's best-selling Marvel titles Princess Leia and an Avengers book later this year I imagine something had to give, and considering he's been writing Daredevil since 2010, a stint almost as long as Brian Michael Bendis' back in the beginning of the new millennium, it was the logical choice.
As swan songs go, this arc is proving to be quite exceptional, though I do feel a tinge of regret that Waid is bringing Matt's new setting crashing down on his head so soon, though like I said before, I understand the imperative behind it all, especially considering the reappearance of a certain very important character who hasn't shown up in the pages of this title in years.
There's so much this story has going for it, in particular the fact that Matt's ongoing book deal for his life story has spurred him to a rather radical change in his crime-fighting wardrobe. The change in Matt's look, though I actually find it kind of silly, is really emblematic of Waid's whole approach to the series; it is as refreshingly different from what has preceded it as Frank Miller's noir take was from the stories that had come before him. It's hard to discuss what has made this year-long arc feel so unique without veering into spoiler territory, but I will say that Waid has managed to subvert a few superhero storytelling conventions in the years he's been writing this book, and this latest arc, most likely his last, is no exception.
Between the two of them, Waid and Samnee (and before him, Paolo Rivera and Marcos Martin), have truly made this book a joy to read, and an outstanding reminder that superhero comics can be exceptionally entertaining even if they aren't independently published.
Truth be told, I don't know if it's Waid or Samnee I'll be missing more, as the energy Chris brings to the book is really spectacular, and something I enjoyed equally when he was drawing the first five issues of the defunct Captain America and Bucky series several years ago. If there's any justice, there will be a Captain America book in Samnee's post-Daredevil future.
I could be lucky; perhaps it will still be Waid and Samnee steering old Hornhead into yet another new chapter of his extremely colorful life, but if not, well, like I said before, thanks the for great stories, guys. Including this one.
8.5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment