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As a book on its own, this volume of the Daredevil series relies a lot on what came before and what will come after. It helps to have read the previous volume not so long ago as a number of plot threads carry over here. It also probably helps to have a little passing knowledge of 1980's Daredevil comics in order to know who Typhoid Mary is, as she plays a prominent role in this book but her character is not really explained that well.

There are a couple of fight scenes, which is surprisingly rare for this book. The reason for that is because Alex is much more skilled at drawing moody conversations in darkly lit rooms than he is at Daredevil going kung-fu on Bullseye's ass. The action doesn't flow that well but Maleev more than makes up with it elsewhere. Especially the delicate scenes between Matt and Milla. His strength lies with realistic people in realistic situations. Not guys in red tights. But Daredevil is a secondary character in this book so it works.

This is a light volume but the significance of the ending makes me anxious to see what happens next. Bendis sets up a brand new concept for this character by having Matt defeat the Kingpin and choose to become the new Kingpin in order to take control of his city. It's an idea that makes this book even more unique to superhero comics than it already is. What's brilliant about it is that it feels just right for Bendis' version of Murdock. He's been building to this turning point for a while. Surrounding Matt with bodyguards, having him harrassed by the press and FBI. This next step feels natural.

(B-)

Posted at August 5, 2004 11:02 PM