New Comic Review - Daredevil #4

Name: Daredevil #4

Published by: Marvel comics

Writter: Chip Zdarsky

Artist: Rafael De Latorre

Colorist: Matthew Wilson

Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles

Detective Cole North is one of favourite new characters of Zdarsky era of Daredevil. And this issue is narrated mostly by him. While nothing much happens compared to the last few issues and by Zdarsky's standards, the reveal at the end was quite massive and Cole's side of the view of the story was really refreshing, another great issue to say the least. 

We travel to the secret island with Daredevil, Cole and Foggy and immediately greeted by the new recruits of Elektra and Stick. Some crisp dialogue and minimal description leads us to the unique journey that our Daredevil duo must make, followed by two simultaneous fight scenes occurring in different locations of the island ending in a revelation that is sure to set the stage for the future of the series for a while. 

The drawing by Rafael De Latorre and Matthew Wilson was quite brilliant in this issue. Enhancing the overall atmosphere of seriousness and the violent future struggles to come. I loved how the fights were drawn with excellent coloring and beautiful depiction of faces and eyes. 

This was yet another strong issue in the almost inconceivable and flawless era of Zdarsky's Daredevil. And the future seems to show signs of relenting and more promises of good stories for the fans. 

4.5 out of 5 stars, once again. 

New Comic Review - Daredevil #3

Name: Daredevil #3

Published by: Marvel comics

Writter: Chip Zdarsky

Artist: Rafael De Latorre

Colorist: Matthew Wilson

Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles

Every month I pick up new issues by Chip Zdarsky, mentally dreading that maybe this time he will drop the ball by writing something less than stellar. And each time I get pleasantly surprised as he yet again delivers another spectacular issue dealing with the resolve and the beliefs Matt has regarding his past and the direction he has decided to take his life in. 

This issue continues to deal with Matt trying to tie up loose ends before leaving NYC to deal with the Hand. But this time he decides to pick up some more members for his army and tries to sway some of his friends to fight for his cause. On his travels through the city he also visits some of his lingering enemies that needs to be dealt with in the future, as well meet with some new enemies who he has to face sooner rather than later. 

That is the most I can say without spoiling anything of the plot. This issue is a rather prose heavy and lacking in action, but in Matt's world you don't always need action to portray an intense story. This issue is, as always, hard to put down once you start and immediately starts you wondering what to expect from the future issues once you are done, as Zdarsky already has all readers so much invested in the plight of his heroes. 

The drawing does suffer a bit with the absence of extremely capable Checcheto, but Rafael De Latorre & Matthew Wilson does a more than recommendable job of conveying the dire and desperate nature of the situation. 

The last few pages were my favourite nonetheless due to Zdarsky beautifully portrays Matthew's futile attempt at leaving behind his past life and old friends despite the apparent public death of his civilian persona. I just can't wait to discover what the future holds for these characters and for once the brilliant story didn't make me realise the total absence of Elektra till the final page. 

Once again, a resounding 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

New Comic Review - Daredevil #2

Name: Daredevil #2

Published by: Marvel comics

Writter: Chip Zdarsky, Ann Nocenti, Chris Giarrusso 

Artist: Marco Checchetto, Rafael De Latorre, Alex Maleev, Paul Azaceta, Phil Noto, Chris Samnee, Klaus Janson, Mike Hawthorne, John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna, Chip Zdarsky, Chris Giarrusso 

Colorist: Matthew Wilson

Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles 

Daredevil #2 is yet another chapter in Murdock's life where Zdarsky uses his unique style of storytelling to incorporate new elements into the Daredevil mythos. The prose is just as emotional and poignant as it has ever been with beautiful drawing by Checcheto and a team of brilliant artists augmented by powerful coloring from Matthew Wilson. 

The second (or 650th) issue of Daredevil is certainly not what I expected it to be. Unlike many anniversary issues, it doesn't showcase the supporting cast and the signature rogues gallery of the hero (just recently ASM #900 pulled this off). Rather, it continues from the last issue, progressing the plot further, introduces a new antagonist and uses the talent of the plethora of great artists on offer to introduce said character methodically into Matt's past adventures. 

The art in this issue is truly phenomenal. While the single pages that glimpsed the past by previous artists were a welcome addition and eye catching indeed, I liked the drawing by Checcheto and Wilson detailing the present even more. The fist fight in the rain, the use of darker colors to implement the mood; and the anguish, confusion and desperation in Matt's face without even revealing his eyes, all these are just some of the highlights of their excellent dual performance.

Ann Nocenti is one of my all time favourite Daredevil writers, and her 4 page short is as characteristic in style as one expects of her. I sometimes wish that she would return to write some issues in the future, although that seems very unlikely. The one page mini by Chris Giarrusso is also quite funny.

The absence of Elektra on such a landmark issue was a negative for me, cause I think she has become an integral part of Daredevil. I also found the introduction of the new antagonist into such pivotal moments from Matt's past a bit too much at times.

But, Zdarsky certainly keeps the ball rolling, and his current run continues to be one of the best comics being published at the moment. 

4 out of 5 stars from me. 

New Comic Review - Daredevil #1

Name: Daredevil #1

Published by: Marvel comics

Writter: Chip Zdarsky

Artist: Marco Checchetto, Rafael De Latorre

Colorist: Matthew Wilson

Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles 

Despite this being the first issue of a new daredevil series, this is not really the beginning of a new story rather follows on from the last ongoing. This is as good as the last series and the new artist and colorist combination even makes the feeling even darker and more intensifying. 

I really loved the last volume of Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky, which in my opinion was one of the best ongoing Marvel published in the last few years. I didn't read Devil’s Reign event, but this issue gave me a gist of what happened in it. But to be honest, despite being a new number one this issue is not friendly to new readers at all, rather a confusing jumping on point for sure. 

Zdarsky's writing is crisp and to the point, the character interactions and the dialogues are very enjoying. I often time find myself  re-reading bits just to appreciate the prose. The banter between Matt and Spiderman was very emotional and delightful. The new antagonist seems quite creepy and the ending will surely make everyone breathless for what comes next. 

The back up featuring Elektra and Stick is also quite good, I have been a fan of Stick since the Frank Miller's days and Chip's really handled this tricky character masterfully.

Special kudos for the artist and colorist duo, who made the issue seemed much darker and edgy with their style. The use of black coloring and shadowing works so well with the tone and I think the issue was given another dimension due to the coloring of Matthew Wilson. 

I will give this 4.5 stars out of 5 (.5 deducted due to this not being new reader friendly).