Daredevil #7

By Mark Waid, Alvaro Lopez and Javier Rodriguez

There is no denying that once Mark Waid got his pen on Daredevil, the book became a critical success. This title became so good that it even warranted a jump in price, which is actually one of the downsides of being popular, but Waid hasn’t faltered too much on the title and is making the character more compelling than ever.

This Original Sin tie-in had the potential to completely crush the image readers had of Battlin’ Jack Murdock. Last month, Waid planted a seed that Jack was an abusive husband, which probably was met with some fanboy gasps. This issue Waid gives us the full story of how things went down and why. Mark really writes Daredevil very intelligently. Matt comes off as always having a good plan and he would need one, since he’s parachuting into the jungles of Wakanda. We are also treated to a touching moment between Matt and his mother and it was not a disappointing conversation. What makes it work is the fact that it comes off as real. Both Matt and his mother have an honest talk that doesn’t seem cheesy or forced.

The art by Javier Rodriguez resembles that of Chris Samnee, but they are not identical. Rodriguez’s work has a pop art feel to it in certain panels and he also colors it beautifully too. There are lots of little panels that allow us to see bits of action and help us enjoy the book. Whether it’s Daredevil fighting the natives or using his radar senses to see through trees, these little panels help. The flashback scenes of Matt’s mother and father are effective as well. Rodriguez allows the mood in these scenes to be dark, as they are handling a dark matter. We get glimpses of light from slightly open blinds and Rodriguez makes great use of shadows. Rodriguez filled in admirably and this stint will hopefully open more doors for the talented artist.

These two tie-in issue have actually been very good, which shouldn’t be too surprising with Waid and Rodriguez behind it. Daredevil is a legitimately fantastic series that has flown under the radar for too long. Take note of this series now before you get too far behind.