Daredevil has been through a lot. He has been one of the most beat on Marvel super heroes of all time. When Mark Waid took over the title in the most recent volume he brought with it a little more sense of humor. Daredevil and Matt Murdock still took their lumps, but it wasn’t such a downer all the time. That book recently ended and has been relaunched with a brand new #1. Mark Waid is still writing and Chris Samnee is still drawing so the new Daredevil doesn’t look much different from the Daredevil we have become used to lately. Until you look around him.
Matt Murdock came out of the super hero closet and announced to the world that he is Daredevil. His secret being out, he was disbarred from practicing law in New York. So, what does a lawyer do when he wants to practice law and wear tights? He moves to California. San Francisco to be precise. He used to live there so he can practice law in the city and still be a super hero. Win, win.
For a blind hero that knew every knook and cranny of New York, being in the open areas of San Francisco brings with it a whole bunch of challenges. He has to rely on Google Maps to get around (just read it, it will make some sense) and there are not as many buildings one can hook a billy club on. I didn’t think I would care where Daredevil hung his horns, but I’m already missing him in New York. I trust Waid and believe that he will make San Fran a new and interesting place for Daredevil, but I was surprised that location is important, at least initially, to my impression of this book.
Aside from sunlight and palm trees, this issue deals with Matt partnering up with the local law enforcement to help solve a kidnapping case. He uses his enhanced senses to detect things the forensic people missed then jumps into action as DD. I enjoyed seeing Matt helping out the cops. We are accustomed to him using his senses, but it was nice seeing him do it openly. Samnee is having a ball on art. I love his Matt Murdock, with the parted hair, neatly cut. It’s been a departure from how others depict him. He has some great panels in this issue to play with. A full page, quick history of Daredevil and another full page about New York. I also love the emotion he draws in his characters. There is one small panel at the end where Matt looks down, to the side with his brow furrowed….I could feel what he was feeling in that. Masterfully done.
There is a big surprise at the end that came out of nowhere. I thought this was resolved by the end of the last volume, but it seems that they may have thrown us quite a curveball. It’s open to interpretation, but it was a shock to me.
So, there you have it. Daredevil #1 out today from Marvel. It’s a great issue and the perfect spot for you to jump in and get to reading about one of my top five favorite super heroes.
Daredevil #1
Published: March 19, 2014
Rating: Rated T+
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Chris Samnee
