Daredevil #24 Review

Here we are once again with one of my most anticipated books each and every month; Daredevil. Waid and Samnee have been doing such a great job on this from day one, and I am sure they have got many more readers are producing a new reader friendly issue recently. This issue does not do too much in moving the current story arc forward, but what we do get is an interesting book with lots of good character moments; along with some very well placed humour.

So we kind of see the person who is behind this whole plot to take down Matt, however, I do not know who it is. If what we saw in this issue is a hint, then I am unfamiliar with the character. However, it still freaked me out slightly, and I am desperate to know more to find out exactly ho it is and why they are doing it.
In this issue they sent a crate of dogs that had been made radioactive to try and take Matt down; failing of course.There wasn't too much to this battle, but of course it angered Matt that this person could get to him so easily. I did like the way that this battle ended as it saw Matt defeat them in a pretty clever way. Simple yet effective.

After the last issue in which we learned about Foggys' condition, we had a couple of scenes that were very Foggy and Matt heavy; which was perfectly fine with me. I liked the dedication that Matt showed to him, which is to be expected, as well as us learning that the illness may not be terminal. After last issue I really thought that that was it for the poor guy, but now Waid has given himself the chance to prolong this a bit more. I am looking forward to a whole " will he, won't he" style theme in respect to this plot line in the future.

Another plot point of this issue was the relationship between Matt and Kirsten. Matt went to see her in order to try and end things, but it was Kirsten who ended up putting her foot down. Matt is now pretty confused about his feelings towards her. I am not too sure how I feel about Kirsten still. I mean, I do like her, but I really think she may need to be in the book more like she was in this issue. Some of her dialogue here was pretty great, and I wish we could see more of that. However, I do appreciate the fact that it is pretty difficult to get her page time with everything else going on in this book. This particular scene also had the best humour of the issue. I am hoping we see more of Kirstens' new boyfriend, if only for some decent one liners aimed at him by Matt.

As I said, the plot didn't really move forward much until the last page, however this was still an utterly enjoyable issue.If you have been enjoying the series then you will more than likely enjoy this issue too. The action may have been toned down, but the writing was just as good as ever. I find it a shame though that Waid can't seem to recreate his form here on his Hulk book. A Hulk book written like this would be awesome. Oh well, never mind, this Daredevil is more than enough for me.

Rating: 8.9 / 10

Daredevil #23 Review

This was an issue designed for new readers, who for whatever reason, have not been reading this series. If anyone picked this up who hasn't read any of this series so far, then I can guarantee that they will be picking up a lot more issues from now on! This was an amazing issue that truly has the power to make you laugh as well as cry. So what exactly happened? There will be spoilers in this review, so if you have not read this then please turn away now...

This issue focused on two different stories throughout it. The first of these being; the night before Foggy goes to the doctors to get his test results back. This was and absolutely tremendous section of this issue which went a long way to show how friends come together when the going really does get tough. Not just that, there was one moment between friends that was actually hilarious. Watching Matt and Foggy sitting on a roof laughing at a joke Foggy made was a great sight; which Waid did a great job of making you feel apart of. It was a very easy scene to connect with seeing as we all have people in our lives who we would do things like this with.
The second part of this issue focused on a group of prisoners who had been blinded by the same toxic waste as Matt had when he was a child. These criminals were then unleashed in a big society event. What happened next was madness, which Matt successfully controlled. This section highlighted that whoever was behind the massive plan to take down Matt, actually knew him very well. I am very intrigued to find out who this person is, and I hope Waid keeps us waiting a big longer. I have a feeling that the reveal is going to be huge whenever it does eventually hit.

Now, the last few pages of this book may just have been some of the most powerful pages I have read in a comic book. I was hoping, like many others I imagine, that Foggy was going to be ok. However, it now looks like that this is not going to be the case at all. The way this was written though, as well as drawn, was just unbelievable. The way Matt was assessing the situation by reading heart rates was very impressive, as well as doing a really great job at adding extra tension to a scene. The looks that then followed between Foggy and Matt was really heart breaking. I shut the book after reading the last page feeling like I had just been punched in the stomach. Say what you want about comic books, but a standard book has never ever made me feel like that. Waid and Samnee have done a tremendous job in about 4 pages to show just how magical comic books can still be.

Pick this up now! Even if you are unfamiliar with the characters, I still think that this will hit you hard. It was just a very solid issue which also saw Chris Samnee firing on all cylinders art wise. This book shows that comics are still important in our society. Not just that, it also sets up what I am sure to be some cracking issues in the coming months. Do yourself a favour and get on this series before you regret it.

Rating: 9 / 10

Daredevil End of Days #5 Review

People who read my blog frequently will know just how in love I am with this particular series. It is visually stunning, and the writing is above and beyond 90% of titles on the stands at the moment. Bendis and Mack make a fantastic team, and five issues in, they are still to let me down. The fifth chapter of this intriguing and grim tale is just as good as the four previous. However, the difference for me was that with this issue I really got the feeling that we were starting to move along a little faster.

The initial scene with the Punisher was something I have been eagerly anticipating since the end of the last issue, and I was really not disappointed  It was incredibly tense, and I really enjoyed the conclusion of this talk. Punisher also pointed Ben into a direction that for some reason I never even thought about. It makes a ton of sense, but I had a "oh yeah!" kind of moment. The reveal snuck up on me, and I am sure that this is something that Bendis planned. Brilliantly done.

What this series does great is introduces characters that are not really seen as being incredibly important, and making them come out as stars in this book. In any other title if you told me that Gladiator and Ben would be having a discussion over a large amount of pages, I would probably give that title a miss. However, in this issue, the feel of conversations like this are just electric. You have Ben desperate to get to the bottom of things, while the person he is talking too is explaining a life that is completely new to us. I am fairly new to the world of DD, as you guys know, but this issue has made me on the look out for Gladiator in the future and in back issue format too.

The end of this issue leaves us on another cliffhanger, which I am eagerly anticipating the outcome of. I think it is quite obvious what will happen but I hope they go in a certain route that I have in my head. If they do this then we may be in for a very interesting one on one scene in #6.

Once again David Mack hit it out of the park in this issue. This is nothing new in this series as he is really doing a phenomenal job. When I posted my review of #5, he got in touch with me via twitter and thanked me for my kind words towards this title. He is not only a great artist, but he seems like a great guy too.

This is a series that I really can not recommend highly enough. Pick up all five issues that have been released so far, read them in one sitting, and I can guarantee you will be hooked. Reading this series with a nice mug of black coffee is absolute perfection. Bring on #6 next month.

Rating: 9 / 10

Daredevil #22 Review

Daredevil continues the amazing hot streak it is on with this current issue that just so happens to feature the all new Superior Spider-man. I imagine that a lot of people will be picking this issue up who don't read the book normally due to the Spidey appearance, but it seems to me that after reading this people will be sticking around with this series longer than they thought they would be.

This being a Daredevil book and not a Spidey book; the story of this issue revolved around Matts' POV, which makes a lot of sense. What was great was how he was unsure throughout why "Peter" was behaving the way he was. Matt had doubts about his best friend all the way until the very end, which made sense considering they are pretty much best friends. I am sure Spidey will come across a lot more of this while Doc is in fact in Peter; but it was nice to see DD wonder what was up straight from the get go.

The battle that Spider-man and DD were involved in against stilt man was quite entertaining; but it obviously took a back seat to the second guessing of Matt as well as the massive revelation at the end of this book. It was something that I never saw coming, not just in the lead up from this issue, but the series as a whole. The revelation came totally out of left field, and I am really hoping that something will happen so the consequences of it will never be felt; otherwise we will be losing a very dear character of the book.

Chris Samnees' art has always been good in my opinion; better than average but not as good as people have made out to me. However, in this issue I think it finally hit me how it has obviously already hit so many people. I think this issue was just beautiful. I loved every single panel, and I can now see why he is as loved as he is. I hope this continues in the coming issues.

Once again this is another great issue. In fact I would go as far as saying that it is better than I thought it would be. I had a feeling it was going to be some kind of filler issue; but instead it has become one of my favourite issues of the series so far. If you are not purchasing this book then buy this as it acts as a great jumping on point. A brand new story arc is starting next month too, so now really is as good a time as ever to step into the world of Daredevil.

Rating: 9 / 10

Daredevil End Of Days #4 Review

After finishing this issue not too long ago I can safely say that this series is tremendous. I have loved the series so far, and even claimed way back when #2 came out that it had the potential to be a classic series. Now we have just reached the halfway point of this mini series, and it is clear that this is a beautiful comic book; written and drawn in a styles that compliment each other so well. It is very close to perfection.

In this issue we find out what happened to Bullseye. It was never a surprise to me when it was revealed what happened to him, but it was a surprise at how exactly it had happened. The circumstances, and flashback reconstruction of the events found later in the issue, were a major shock that came out of left field.
This series is great at making you think that you know where it is going and how it is shaping;and then suddenly they take the rug from under your feet. In fact, it is what this series does best. We are investigating along with Ben Urich, and we are getting as surprised at every turn as he is. I have said that in an earlier issue review, but now we are halfway through it is clear that this is sticking. It makes us feel frustrated and lost, but it is all part of the reading experience.

We were treated to a shock appearance of my favorite 2nd string Marvel character towards the end of this issue. I really did not see it coming, so I was very pleasantly surprised. I may have not seen it coming, but it all makes sense for him to be involved somehow. Bendis really knows what he is doing; when does he not.

Once again, and as always, the art was stupendous throughout this issue. What a horrendous Marvel New York this is to live in; it is beautifully ugly. This series would not be the same without this dark, washed out surroundings. I am enjoying the art so much, I am really intrigued as to whether it would make the Daredevil ongoing any better. It is really that good.

This series has four issues remaining and I recommend that you pick up all the other issues and jump on board. You could just wait for the trade, but I think is going to be looked back on as something really special. I can already see myself reading through all this again the week before the final issue comes out, it is that damn good.

Rating: 9.5 / 10

As I mentioned on my Twitter account, I am giving away the FREE digital code for this issue. It is first come first served, so whoever redeems it first gets it. It is out of my control. I just thought it would be a great way for someone to get into this series, or carry on from where it has been left. So, here it is: TMM7M1C7A990

Daredevil #21 Review

This issue concludes the this story arc in this Eisner award winning series. Mark Waid has had a fantastic 2012, and this book was a nice way to end it, with a very nice teaser for the first issue of the new year. Coyote and The Spot are both defeated in this issue, and the rest of the issue is pretty much filled with character moments. But we all know how Waid does character moments, so there are no complaints from me.

The Foggy-Matt relationship still remains unfixed at the end of this issue. Foggy is sorry for not trusting his friend when he came to him for help, but he still thinks that Matt is not right and maybe untrustworthy. This obviously annoys Matt, just as much as it would annoy anyone in what they consider to be a key friendship. I like how everything has changed in this relationship. It is now Matt who is annoyed at Foggy, so it is going to be fun to see if Foggy is going to come begging Matt for forgiveness, or whether Matt is even going to care about his one time best pal. I think that eventually they will once again become friends, probably through working on case of some sort together. However, for now I am really enjoying this as it adds real drama to each issue these guys are featured in together.

I also really liked the scene with Matt's letter to Milla. It showed just how much she still means ti him, as well as how bad he still feel for events that have happened. It was also sad to see that she is not actually receiving any of these letters as they are getting intercepted by her Doctors.
The big shock of the issue was in the last couple of pages, and I am going to avoid giving any spoilers away. Kirsten is seen talking to someone hiding in the shadows about taking down Daredevil. We then see this character as they repond to what they have been asked to do. It is clear who it is, and I am very excited to see this character appearing in the new book of this series.

Once again Mark Waid has delivered a nice solid book in this series which was a great way to end this story arc. Waid is great at writing issues that end one arc, while leaving so many questions and options left for him going into the next arc. Samnees' art was once again very nice. The understanding he has with Waid is superb, and it feels like he was meant to draw this book. That is a term I use a lot but I really think it is true when Samnee is involved. I cant wait to see where this book goes in 2013.


Rating: 8.5 / 10

Daredevil End of Days #3 Review

This series has been a huge hit so far. What you get with this book is a fantastically written story, some great art, and an amazing depiction of Hell's Kitchen. I have loved this series so far so was very eager to get into this issue, and once again I was not disappointed. I claimed after the first issue that this may turn out to be a classic, now three issues in, I am even more convinced of that.

In this installment we see Ben Urich visiting more of Matt Murdock's former acquaintances. However, we still get little answers to the questions that he is asking them. Nobody seems to know anything, or nobody wants to say anything.
You would think a book that has done pretty much the same thing for three issues would be pretty poor, but you would be wrong. You really feel invested in the mystery, and you feel planted in Ben's shoes as he is questioning individuals about the murder. It is a great feeling; the needing to know what has happened to Matt. The ending of this issue made me even more eager to pick up issue #4; as if I wasn't excited enough already.

The art has been great throughout all three issues, however I think in this issue it may be the best we have seen so far. Hell's Kitchen looks amazing. It looks like the most depressing place on earth; but you really cant help but love it. It is this grimy view of the place which is by far my preferred image of it. A horrible place to grow up and live full of poverty. The setting really helps to make this series what it is.

I highly recommend checking this series out. You don't even have to be a fan of Daredevil; the writing is so good. There are five issues left in this series, and I can almost guarantee that each of them will be getting similar ratings as the three I have no reviewed. This really is great stuff.


Rating: 9 / 10

Daredevil #20 Review

Mark Waid has written without a doubt the most consistent Marvel book of the year. It has been a tremendous read, and it has been great knowing that each issue you pick up; the quality will be exactly the same as the last one you read.This issue is no exception.

In this issue we learned a lot about what The Spot has been up too. Some of this is very very creepy, which leans towards the horror feel that this book has developed. It works very well and does not feel out of place due to what content Waid's run has included. We also learn that he has been contracted to go after Daredevil but I do not believe we know who has contracted him as of yet. This is something that really interests me, and I am desperate to know who it is (and so is Matt Murdock).

I also really enjoyed the scene with Kirsten McDuffie. There was some really sexist content in there that I know some people will not like and will be angered by it. But that is the point. I feel that we are supposed to be pissed off that nobody is taking her seriously. She is character that we as readers have never HAD to feel anything for, but now after this issue I am really rooting for her.

The end of the issue sees Daredevil finally back in one piece (clever), however he is left in a tough situation which he is going to have to fight his way out from. We are also shown the real Spot being held hostage, which begs the question: "who the hell is this Spot then?!?" However, I am sure we will find out more, and as always I am eagerly anticipating the next issue. Of course, being safely in the knowledge that it is going to be excellent as always adds to the excitement of having it in my hands. It feels like the next couple of issues are going to be big ones as we have been left with a few questions from the last couple of issues. It looks as though the time for some of these to be answered is coming fast upon us.


Rating: 8.5 / 10

Daredevil: End Of Days #2

If you read my review of the first issue of this then you know just how excited I was to get my hands on issue #2. After reading the latest issue, I still have the feeling that in years to come this may be spoken about as being one of the best Daredevil stories created.

In this issue we saw Ben Urich continue attempting to piece together Matt Murdock's life; especially the time where he went missing for years after killing the Kingpin. Some well known Marvel characters made an appearance in this issue, which was great to see. I also have the feeling that we will be seeing a few more cameos in future issues as Matt's life is described to Ben by the people who knew him best. It makes sense, and I really believe that this is the route this title is going to go down. I may be proven wrong though, who knows.
The conversation between Ben and Milla was a clear highlight of the book for me, and I am sure that it will be for other Daredevil fans out there. The tension between the two was clear to see. It really came off the pages whilst reading it.

Once again, I love the art. It fits the book perfectly. The gritty art which depicts Hell's Kitchen, and also highlights the gritty end of Daredevil; its perfect. There is also a clear theme of age in regards to Ben. In the book the world is moving forward without him. This is made clear due to his job, as well as the scene where he was looking for information on the Black Widow.

I am very glad that this is an 8 part mini series and not any shorter. If it was I feel that the whole story would not have been told as it was intended to be. It would have felt constrained. Luckily for us, Bendis has pretty much been given as much creative freedom as he wants in regards to length of the series. I really cant wait for the next issue, not only because of my love for the series; but also due to my love of a certain Marvel character that made an appearance right at the end of this issue. If you have not tried this one out yet then I really suggest that you do.


Rating: 8.5 / 10

Daredevil #19 Review

In the last few issues of this series it has looked as though Matt Murdock is losing his mind. The remains of his dead Father have been found in his desk drawer at his office, and he is having hallucinations of his ex wife. He has also lost his job at the law firm that he shared with Foggy, who really wants to get Matt what he sees as some much needed help.

Right from the start of this issue it seems as though Matt is carrying on down the slippery road that he is on. He temporarily loses his billy club, but finds it just in time as he swings into a bus which actually turns out to be his apartment. Yes, it seems like Matt has lost it completely. After speaking to Hank Pym, he figures out just who is behind what is happening to him, as well as behind all the strange mob leader murders. However, we do not find that out just yet...

There is a scene in a bar between Foggy and Matt's current woman in his life; Kirsten McDuffie ( which is actually quite a strange surname when you think about it ). In all seriousness though this was my favourite scene in the whole book. The emotion really jumped off the pages, and seeing Foggy in the state he was in was heartbreaking. He cares so much for his best friend, and only wants the best for him. He believed that the best thing to do was to tell Kirsten who Matt really is. The predicament he found himself in was a tough one, and that was clear to see all over his face as Chris Samnee nailed the art perfectly in what was a very important scene.

The ending of this book was a really odd, yet enjoyable one. We found out the Coyote is behind all the odd things happening in Matt's life, as well as being behind the murders. The last page of the story really was a true shocker. It looks as though Coyote has Matt's head in his hands while his decapitated body is tied up to a post next to them. It really is odd, and when I first turned on to it, it really was a WTF moment ( as much as I hate that phrase ).

Coyote seems like a pretty interesting villain. Waid and Samnee combine to make him seem light hearted while also being creepy at the same time, if that makes any sense at all. For example, seeing his multiple sets of arms appear all around Matt was like watching something out of a classic horror movie, while at the same time being somewhat ridiculous. He is a nod to old school comic books for sure. He is wacky and different, without making the reader lose interest in the character, or feel like their intelligence is being insulted. Coyote also seems like a pretty perfect way of explaining all the strange things that have been happening to Matt, so I guess he is being played to perfection. So far so good anyway.

It was always clear that not all is as it seems in regards to the situation with Matt Murdock's current state that he finds himself in. This issue confirmed that for us, and also makes you intrigued as to how everything will play out in the next issue or so. I am sure Matt will find a way to get rid of Coyote, but how is he supposed to convince those closest to him that all is well? I cant wait to find out.


Rating: 8.3 / 10

Daredevil End of Days #1 Review

I have never read any of Brian Michael Bendis' and Davis Macks' work on Daredevil before so wasn't too sure what to expect from this even though I have heard great things about their past work with the character. This book alone, which is issue #1 in an 8 issue limited series, has single handedly made me want to pick up trades of their older stuff.

The cover of this book says it all. Daredevil is dead. He got killed by Bullseye in what looks to have been an epic street fight from what the first few pages of the book show. So we know how he got killed, but we do not know why. Finding this out has fallen on Ben Urich's shoulders. The disillusioned reporter is originally assigned to write the story on Daredevil's death, however he discovers that there are a lot more questions that need to be answered concerning Matt Murdock and the Man Without Fear in the run up to his untimely death.

This is fantastically written, which is to be expected considering the writers involved. One of the personal high points for me has to be the retelling of DD's back story through an article Urich is compiling. It makes the book completely new reader friendly, meaning it can double as a jumping on point for readers who want to get into the ongoing daredevil title. The internal dialogue going through in Ulrich's head is also tremendous. Especially when he is auto correcting himself when typing up the article. Ulrich himself is also fantastically written. A man who has fallen out of love with the industry he works in, failing to see a point in carrying on doing what he is good at. The art is gritty. Hell's Kitchen looks just as it should, dirty and grimy. The tone for the book is perfect. However, I read this elsewhere but I cant help but agree, I got half way through the book before realising that it was Bullseye who murdered Matt Murdock. In all fairness I think the real detail in that scene was given to Daredevil's injuries, as well as the fight that was giving him those injuries. Nevertheless, I hope there arnt many more gripes like this in the rest of the issues.

I have tried not to give too many spoilers away in this review. Obviously we know that Matt has died, however the events before that are best read without spoilers to get maximum enjoyment out of this fantastic first issue. Pick this book up, it has potential to be a very special limited series.

Rating: 9/10