Review: Daredevil #35 (Lgy #647)

Since the introduction of Elektra as Daredevil, this book has become a must read book for Marvel. Clever action pieces, interesting set-up with a complicated plot that looks to deliver an unusual payoff. It’s a shame then that the book has to turn on an improbable entrance.

Elektra has confronted the Bullseye’s, along with her new Daredevil inspired ally Typhoid Mary. Of course Mary is the enemy of the enemy as she has her own set of priorities. Fisk stands at the top of his crime empire, and where is Matt Murdock?

I have been massively impressed with Chip Zdarsky on this book. He has managed to weave two separate stories, Matt and Elektra, thrown in some homage type of nuances that adds weight to current proceedings. The inner monologue from Elektra as she tries to hold Matt’s line is well worked and hasn’t got old, which I had assumed it would. This is due in part to Zdarsky ensuring that her challenges get greater and greater. Does she have a breaking point where her killer instincts will finally take over? With all this good stuff going on, its the re-emergence of Matt, in true comic book co-incidence fashion that throws off the quality a touch. The guest stars that show up to vouch for hime also feels a little Endgame. I guess for Matt this element is part vindication and part reaffirmation; could it then be a slap in the face for Elektra?

The art is provided by Stefano Landini with Francesco Mobili and continues the vibe from previous issues. The fight panels are well executed with lots of movement which matches the litheness of Elektra. There are a couple of panels that lack the same passion, I am willing to accept that given how the focus on the main characters work. Additional characters make an appearance, some of which work better than others. The climax of the book restored my faith somewhat with a surprising emotional aspect. colors are supplied by Marcio Menyz maintaining the look and vibe of the previous issues for the most part, though the introduction of Matt seems a tad bright. The hardest working letterer in the business, VC’s Clayton Cowles, does what he does and delivers an easy to read font that doesn’t detract from the art; a no mean feat considering how wordy the book is in places.

Another good issue in a run where exceptional storytelling is now becoming the norm, which adds further pressure on those involved to keep bar at its high level.

Writing – 4.5 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Colors – 4.5 Stars

Overall – 4.5 Stars

Written by; Chip Zdarsky
Art by; Stefano Landini with Francesco Mobili
Colors by; Marcio Menyz
Letters by; VC’s Clayton Cowles
Published by; Marvel Worldwide Inc.

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network