Review and Synopsis: Daredevil #116

Ah Brubaker, how I wish they’d replace Bendis with you on all his titles…

This issue is an excellent example of how a story-arc should start.  I’m dying to read the next issue (and that cover at the back for issue #117 gave me chills). No hype, no lame build-up, just gooood storytelling.

This was an issue of Daredevil with a single image of Daredevil in it.  The whole story is about Wilson Fisk (aka the Kingpin) and the beginning of his journey back to Hell’s Kitchen.  Fisk begins the issue brooding about his life but quickly is moved to happiness by a young woman he meets.  I don’t know how Brubaker did it but I was actually feeling happy for Fisk!  Then of course it is all taken away, thanks to the Hand and Lady Bullseye, setting him on a direct path to Daredevil.

We see so much of Fisk in so few pages.  We sympathize with him and hate him at the same time.  But most of all, we acknowledge he’s a force to be reckoned with, and fear him.

Marta was a great piece of writing, and I’m sad to see her go so quickly.  Is this a case of WIR (Women in Refridgerators) Syndrome?  More on that later.

This is my Pick of the Week by far.

Filed under: Comic Book Reviews, Daredevil, David Aja, Ed Brubaker, Kingpin, Lady Bullseye, Pick of the Week, Return of the King, Wilson Fisk

Reviews for the week of January 29th, 2009

SPOILER WARNING: this is a bit of a discussion and it requires the spilling of some beans

Nova #21

Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning; Art by Wellinton Alves

What I love about this series is that it does give you much time to rest. After 21 issues a series starts to trail off and bore me, usually because they’ve written themselves into a corner. But Nova generally takes place outside mainstream Marvel adventures. If you think about it, Nova has been very much self-contained.

This issue is no different, going from the barely Secret Invasion tie-ins to this story about the Worldmind going too far. Has anyone else been creeped out by Worldmind since the beginning? The tension that’s been building up finally reaches a boil. Nova sees the return of the Nova Corps as well as Worldmind finding a suitable host. Then things get a little hairy. It’s possible his mind may be affected by the time spent containing Worldmind. Nova has been striped of his powers for disobeying Worldmind. Now we get to see how smart Nova Prime is as he fights to regain his powers. Lots of plot resolution coming in the following months. Love this series, can’t wait for the next

Daredevil #115

Written by Ed Brubaker; art by Michael Lark, Tonci Zonjic and Stefano Gaudiano

This is the conclusion to the Lady Bullseye storyline. Brubaker keeps the action up and throws in a few surprises towards the end. I love the way Brubaker makes Daredevil a more ensemble piece than anything else at Marvel, even their team books. Matt Murdock has been put through the ringer (once again) but this time is offered something that will make all his troubles go away. Here is Matt’s opportunity to turn everything around in his life, but it will cost him. I was really against the Lady Bullseye character at the beginning (yet another Asian female in tights) but I’m rethinking my stance. I think she’ll become part of the Daredevil mythos soon, maybe even filling the whole let by the lack of Typhoid Mary…

Solid writing and artwork, one of the best titles at Marvel.

Batman #685

Written by Paul Dini; art by Dustin Nguyen

With all the Batman hype I was really expecting a little more from the actual Batman comic. Sadly I was disappointed. A two part story that really goes nowhere and offers no advancement of any storyline. If you know Battle for the Cowl is coming, you know the ending of this issue will not last long. It definitely feels like a filler issue. That’s been Batman’s problem all along. They go from arc to arc and usually you’ll find these types of filler issues. Weak issue, are seems rushed…and can DC finally come to a decision on how young/old Robin should look? He looks like an 8 year old…

Captain America #46

Written by Ed Brubaker; art by Steve Epting

I find a lot of Captain America issues of late feel like fillers. Brubaker does not keep Captain America moving like he moves Daredevil. plots are long an convoluted and by the time anything is resolved I’ve pretty much stopped caring. I had really high hopes for this issue, what with Namor (Dark Reign) appearing. But no such reference occurs. they basically take a ride together. I’ll keep reading but I’m losing patience.

Final Crisis #7

Written by Grant Morrison; art by Doug Mahnke

I’m so glad I’m old enough to appreciate the Captain Carrot reference. I’m also quite happy I’m able to enjoy Final Crisis as most of our younger readers cannot. DC took a big gamble on Final Crisis and I don’t know what kind of return they’re expecting. What’s worse, I’m afraid all the big drama happening here will be quietly retconned in the near future, or simple ignored.

I loved this issue, and series, because it was challenging. It wasn’t like getting your quick fix and waiting for the net issue. Final Crisis deserves multiple reads and a lot of research.

Filed under: Comic Book Reviews, Andy Lanning, Batman, Captain America, Dan Abnett, Doug Mahnke, Dustin Nguyen, Ed Brubaker, Final Crisis, Grant Morrison, Michael Lark, Nova, Paul Dini, Stefano Gaudiano, Steve Epting, Tonci Zonjic, Wellinton Alves