Rorschach Reviews: Daredevil 23

Rorschach Reviews

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Comic book: Daredevil 23

Creative team: Writer-Mark Waid
                         Art-Chris Samnee
                         Colors-Javier Rodriguez
                         Cover-Chris Samnee 

Release date: 20th February 2013

Score: 9/10

Pros:-Waid writes another lighthearted yet emotionally impact-full scene, with the darker and grittier atmosphere typical of Daredevil's character. 
        -Samnee's art is splendidly created, at points Waid allows him to take control in telling the story with no or minimal words. 
        -Eventually the issue is important in developing and reaffirming the bond between Foggy and Matt. A friendship that has stood the strength of 500 plus issues among the changing status quot. 
        -A sensational and quintessential Daredevil cover 

Cons:-The story is a little bloated due to it's two important incidents running parallel together. 

Main events: Matt Murdock's accident that gave him superpowers is retold, eventually it is revealed to be a reenactment of the incident for something mysterious, Matt is showing Foggy what Daredevil's world is like, They have reconciled since it seems like Foggy has a few days left to his life, they discuss the mastermind behind the attacks on Daredevil, the men subjected to the acid throwing reenactment crash a thugs party, Daredevil fight's them off and realizes that they have been hit blinded by the same toxins that blinded him, he also discovers that the blind attackers have radar sense like him, Foggy seems worried that Matt wont make it in time for Foggy's check up, Matt doesn't disappoint,  the doctor tells Foggy I am sorry indicating his fate.

Best Quote: 'I'm sorry'-Doctor, it's simple yet emotional and sheds light on Foggy and Matt's friendship. 

Best Panel: The blind man Matt saves removes his shades to reveal that he actually can see, then shown to be part of a seemingly larger conspiracy. 

This week's Harvey and Eisner award series begins Mark Waid's latest arc on his seminal Daredevil run, this is a perfect jumping point for new readers. To be honest as every issue releases of Daredevil, I constantly go back and read all previous ones since this has been the most perfect Daredevil runs/volumes.

One of the most heart wrenching issues of Daredevil ever, as we witness Foggy awaiting news on his chances of surviving. The issue opens up with a comfortable way in bringing new readers, it presents the origins of Daredevil with a shocking twist narrating a larger conspiracy. On the other side Foggy is battling between life and death, with few days left he reconciles with Matt and also wishes to know more about his life as Daredevil.

This is an interesting take but could frankly have been done with seperate issues. Either there was not enough material to carry the emotional weight of Foggy's problems or the conspiracy behind Daredevil's new problem without revealing to much. There is the lighter tone that has followed the current volume but with things coming to head, Waid allows Samnee to take it through.

The page revealing Foggy's condition is wordless but speaks a lot through the expressive and poignant art. This is one of the most epic books, and while there has been enough praise for Waid, his artists have been a sensation specifically Samnee. It's his work that really shows the value of the friedndship between Foggy and Matt that has been a constant part of the book since the first issue in 1964. 

The other aspect of the story seems to be the building mystery surrounding Matt's origins, it is an interesting aspect especially the opening scene. There is already a question lingering on the marksman targeting Daredevil (used to comedic effect in one scene) and now this. An amazing friendship issue that could have been the only center of attention hopefully though the certain problem pervading Daredevil will be interesting. This would be an epic time for any reader to begin reading the best Marvel book (heck it's not even part of Marvel NOW!), although I would suggest to check all issues of the previous volume. 


'Nuff Said

Aneesh Raikundalia