Friday, April 11, 2014

Daredevil #1.5

   It's rather astonishing to realize that Daredevil is celebrating his 50th Anniversary - mostly because I clearly remember (as a kid)  buying the fourth issue.

   So how to celebrate such a milestone? Typically it's done with a big blowout action issue featuring the hero's most famous villains.

   But you can hardly expect "typical" from this series, at least as written by Mark Waid.

   So it should come as no surprise that this issue takes a unexpected turn. It's set in the future, as Matt Murdock celebrates his 50th birthday (of course, if he existed in the real world, he'd be celebrating - at least  - his 75th birthday. Thank goodness for "Marvel time!").

   We get some glimpses of his future life, including his family life, one of his greatest villains (who we haven't met yet in today's reality) and what may be his future fate. It's clever, touching and a heck of a lot of fun.

   The art is by new series artist Javier Rodriguez (with inks by Alvaro Lopez), and it's excellent - fresh and expressive, with open layouts and strong character designs.

   The issue also features a short prose story by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Alex Maleev - it fills in some gaps in DD's future - and another backup featuring Matt's other alter ego, the silly but entertaining Mike Murdock. It's written and drawn by Karl (and Kurt) Kesel and inked by the legendary Tom Palmer.

   It's an issue that shows how flexible DD can be - able to be concerned parent, a crusader, a vengeful hero, a lover, and a comedian - all in the same issue. It's a good reminder of what a terrific character Daredevil can be - in the right hands.

   Lots of good hands on display here.

Grade: A

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