Review: Daredevil #7

What is more, defeating success or failure? That may seem like an obvious answer but the more you explore both results the less obvious that answer becomes. With issue number seven of Daredevil Chip Zdarsky, Lalit Kumar Sharma, and the rest of the creative team are conducting that exact exploration as the lives of Matt Murdock and The Kingpin are once again played against one another.Â As is often the case their lives are seemingly going into very different directions with the one key similarity between them being that everlasting search for purpose.Â

Due to the events of past issues, Matt Murdock has given up the mantle of Daredevil as he is no longer capable of being the Man Without Fear. What makes this decision so effective is that this choice was not one forced upon him by some incestuous villain bent on his destruction. This wound was self-inflicted and long-lasting. Now with his focus back in the courtroom, he hopes he can do some good for those who cannot help themselves. What he is finding is that his past sins have a sadistic way of catching up to him no matter what type of suit he is wearing. When his newest client has an unexpected link to someone in his past it leads him down another path of suffering.

At first glance, this may seem like nothing new for the character of Daredevil, and in a way that first impression is right. Since Chip Zdarsky took over the book he is not rewriting what makes for a great Daredevil comic but finding ways to slightly tweak it and go further with ideas to play against expectations. Within this issue, the stereotypical scene of Matt Murdock traveling to church for guidance does just that by having Sister Elizabeth refuse to accept Murdock’s wallowing by reminding him what he is feeling is not unique at all. Furthering her point by using the story of Paul was an ingenious move that makes you wonder how that connection has not been made over and over again. This provides an avenue for Matt to work through his grief and guilt as well as works as meta-commentary regarding Daredevil stories in general. How the familiarity of a story is not inherently problematic, instead it is how that past is used to inspire what comes next which is the most important.

On the other side, you have William Fisk dealing with issues of his own. With Daredevil gone and his mayorship intact, the world is his for the taking. He should be elated with his current situation, yet his contentment has left him empty and with limited purpose. Zdarsky is crafting a parable on the importance of failure and the dire consequences of getting what we want. Beyond that, there is a throughline on the sense of duty and honor, which is showcased with this issues bookends. Opening on Detective Cole recounting the attack on his life in full detail despite the dangerous ramifications. That is then mirrored with a similar sequence involving Matt Murdock compelled to action for similar reasons. Â It is within their set of morals they have found purpose. A purpose strong enough to push them forward matter the consequences. With Fisk is lack of morals may give him an advantage in achieving success, however that victory appears to be an empty one.

This is a great example of how to craft a single issue of a comic that is complete within itself while still moving the general narrative forward. Themes have become interlocked with each other. Character motivations are clear and well developed in organic ways. What is underneath is key to comprehending what is at stake as much the general plot elements. Stories are the strongest when each character has a perspective that is understood and respected. Here with the three major players being Fisk, Murdock, and Cole that is exactly what is happening.

Artwise Lalit Kumar Sharma has taken over duties from Marco Checchetto with this arc. Checchetto left a high bar to reach and Sharma does not bring the same energy he did to the title. To be fair this is a much quieter story based in conversations and personal dilemmas. That was probably for the best as when the minimal action did occur Sharma“s art showed its weaknesses. Character designs became oddly proportioned and generically rendered. A moment that was supposed to this chaotic scene was lacking the impact it needed. Sharma“s biggest strength was rendering characters in deep thought as they contemplate their own emotions. A final panel of Cole as he looks upon a police cruiser is one of the best examples of this. The camera zooms so his face takes up the entire panel and you get this thousand-yard stare of a person who looks utterly defeated. A common thread within this narrative so far.Â

Final Thoughts:

The parallel stories of Mayor Fisk and Matthew Murdock compliment each other as contentment is placed against regret. Fittingly it is biblical in execution like a superhero parable about the importance of conviction to self and duty. Lalit Kumar Sharma“s art may not be as dynamic as Marco Checchetto when it comes to rendering creative action sequences, but the more tone down style of this story fits his work well due to his ability to render potent emotional moments. Since Chip Zdarsky took over Daredevil he has been one of Marvel“s best titles and issue number seven is one of the best issues yet.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Writer:Â Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Lalit Kumar Sharma
Colorist: Java Tartaglia
Inker: Jay Leisten
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

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Daniel Clark

A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.