Over the years, Marvel comics has created some of the most iconic characters in the history of literature. Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man are known throughout the world and are prominent in pop culture. They are figures that have loudly spoken to readers through their frailties and strengths. However, there is one character that has been quietly maneuvering at his corner of the marvel universe for just as long. Daredevil, with his usual stealth is celebrating his 500th issue anniversary, and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
The main storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat with its twists and surprises. Taking place right after Daredevil 119, Matt Murdock is in the middle of intersecting quandaries. It seems that he has teamed up with longtime nemesis Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) to defeat The Hand. Old ghosts are involved (No Elektra, but you won’t miss her); new enemies and allies are formed. Old friendships are set aside for the greater good and through it all, Murdock doesn’t disappoint.
His journey is a painful one, and this narrative forces the reader to be emotionally vested in what Daredevil has to face. And Ed Brubaker makes you like it.
The writing here is top notch. Opening scenes are set up as vignettes to help the reader put the pieces of the puzzle of the story together without giving away the major plot. Izo whose back story is told in the beginning is the sensei that Murdock needs to take on his next challenge. He acts as Murdock’s higher-self by constantly reminding him what he has to do – it’s done with a dry, quick wit that makes you hope Izo hangs around for awhile.
The artwork is also exceptional. Michael Lark and his team of inkers and letterers draw you into Daredevil’s world. You experience every rooftop jump and see every drop of blood spilled. This is what makes comics the perfect medium for storytelling. By having these two forms blend beautifully together we see a man struggle on a journey and no imaginary visualization by the reader can compare to what is drawn on these pages.
As amazing as this tale is, it is only the first of a four-part issue. This book is filled with a plethora of stories and artwork as enjoyable if not more so than the conclusion of “The Return of the Kingâ€.
Part 2 is a preview of the “Dark Reign†saga and it will have you salivating for the next issue. Part 3 has a poignantly well-written tale regarding one of his past battles. The pin-up gallery is some of the most amazing depictions of Daredevil. There is one picture in particular where he has no costume on and you see every bruise and scar – figuratively as well as literally. It shows just how much his battles have cost him. The last story is a reprint of Daredevil 191. Written by Frank Miller, it is the perfect bookend for the 500th issue. It’s one of those heart- wrenching tales that Miller is infamous for. The last part of the comic shows all the covers from Daredevil 1 to the “Return of the King†issues.
There are several variant wraparound covers that are well done. However, the one with Daredevil in his three incarnations with his villain gallery seemingly on the verge of engulfing him is the most vibrant and revealing.
Daredevil’s 500th issue is a revealing look at a character who is blind, not a mutant and whose martial arts skills and intellect have helped him fight crime. That’s a feat that can only be done by a man without fear. Here’s to at least 500 more well written and inked stories.
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