Thoughts on Netflix’s Daredevil

Marvel’s made its maiden voyage into streaming television this past Friday as the red hooded vigilante of Hell’s Kitchen, Daredevil, invaded Netflix. Like a lot of people, I spent the weekend binge-watching all 13 episodes of the inaugural season. The journey of attorney/crime fighter Matt Murdock carries the flavor of Frank Miller’s The Man Without Fear, while EP’s Drew Goddard and Steven De Knight very much made this their own.

Daredevil is very much grounded in the street-level aspect of things like the dark side of humanity paints a pretty grim picture. The series focuses on New York City, years after the invasion from The Avengers film. There are references to events in the Marvel cinematic universe; however, they are subtle and well placed without hitting the viewer over the head ad nauseam. This show will appeal to Marvel fans and those who have never heard of the character.

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Daredevil #30 Review

Thirty issues in and Mark Waid has been the mastermind behind what is arguably not only the best Daredevil run of all time but also the best series in the game today. The preview at the end of last month’s issue made me super excited. I mean, come on: A Daredevil and Silver Surfer team-up!? How are they going to pull this off? I’m here to report that it was pulled off spectacularly.

Ru’Ach, an Achian, is a galactic fugitive who seeks the counsel of Matt Murdock. This moment is great because his idea about hiring Murdock is based on an inebriated commencement speech. Silver Surfer comes in to apprehend Ru’Ach, and Murdock stops him in his tracks since he feels his “client” is innocent until the Surfer proves otherwise.

The adventure they embark on was an absolute pleasure to be a part of, and Chris Samnee’s two-page spread of Daredevil driving Silver Surfer’s board was priceless and needs to be made into a poster ASAP. This issue has a little bit of everything from comedy to action and everything else in between.

This is definitely one of the best single issues of the year, and you owe it to yourself as a comic book fan to read this issue.

Grade: A+

Daredevil #26: The Best Book of The Year?

If the Eisner award-winning Daredevil #7 is Mark Waid’s Mona Lisa, Daredevil #26 is his David sculpture. Breathtaking ingenuity is found on every page, every panel, and every word balloon.

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Daredevil #25 Review

Many have tried, but the genius that is Mark Waid has finally done it. He has managed to instill fear into the man without fear. The awesome cover drawn by Samnee and Rodriguez tells the whole story.

This is a brutal battle involving a killer specifically trained and designed to not only kill Daredevil but to do it while being better than him at his form of fighting. It’s the ultimate mind %$#@& that Daredevil may not be able to come back from.

That says a lot, considering what Mark Waid has put this man through. From bloody punches to bone-crushing blows, every aspect of this fight is brilliantly illustrated by Chris Samnee. This was not your typical back and forth battle where the bad guy pulls out a fluke victory.

The killer, whose ninja outfit is a combination of Daredevil’s red and yellow costume, was three steps ahead at every turn. He looked pretty badass while handling. This is the type of work that made Mark Waid the Eisner award-winning writer that he is.

Superheroes always triumph in the end. However, Waid manages to put the devil in such peril that it seems inconceivable that he can actually win. Then, out of nowhere, he comes up with a plan that ensures victory.

Like every story arc before this one, I have no idea how he gets out of this one, but I can’t wait to see how he does it.

Grade: A

Daredevil: End of Days #1 Review

Extra, extra, read all about it! Daredevil is dead and no one cares. The Man Without Fear’s untimely passing is the backdrop to a much larger picture.

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Daredevil #10 Review

A friend of mine who reads this column called me a Mark Waid fanboy. I just might be because I don’t think I could say anything bad about his writing if you paid me. His work on Daredevil is just that good and never ceases to amaze me. The same can be said for Paolo Rivera who is going to be at Boston Comic Con this month!

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Daredevil #7 Review

Mark Waid’s run on Daredevil has been simply amazing, and lucky number seven is no exception. Matt Murdock takes some students from the Cresskill School for the Blind on a field trip that quickly turns into a quest for survival.

Harsh weather conditions render Matt’s powers next to useless, and the terrified children create some tense moments page by page. Waid’s script and Rivera’s complimentary artwork shows the gravity of a tense situation that makes you wonder how he will get them out of this one.

I also found myself thinking about how anyone could find success in that situation, considering the circumstances. This book will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, which all great comic books accomplish.

Grade: A-