Daredevil #31

Writer Mark Waid Artist Chris Samnee

 

Introduction

 

In the case of modern comic books it is very rare to see a cover be an accurate representation of what is happening within an actual issue. While this issue of the series may seem to fall into that same trap, it is still an enticing issue of Daredevil. The series has been in a blossoming creative state for years, and has never shown any sense of letting up in the shear terms of quality itself. Creative brass at Marvel have done a wonderful job keeping the character in a respectable position in ways that DC has not managed to do to their strength. Characters that were once creatively rich such as Deadman or Hawkman have once again been shafted or fallen to the wayside. Hopefully going forward, there will be careful management their to the same degree of the red devil.

 

Writing

 

This issue teases something on the last page that is so horrific, I choose to wait until next issue to take it as a part of continuity. If the direction teased towards the end of this installment is where they are going with this comic book, it would be in very poor taste. Except for the cliffhanger that teases something drastic, this is business as usual for Murdock and company. One of the biggest themes in this overall run by Mark Waid is the motif of paranoia. Daredevil is constantly wondering if what he is actually sensing can be true. He also thinks just about everyone is an enemy of the masked vigilante, until proven absolutely innocent. Waid has deservedly gotten a lot of mileage after this great idea with the Sons Of Serpent characters. These enemies could be absolutely anyone featured in the title. This comic really can blend stories out of small chapters that spiral into a larger narrative. The structure of the series can really bend the mind with smooth and lovely pacing.

 

Art

 

Chris Samnee continues to deliver some insane retro inspired pencils that makes your inner art enthusiast jump in delight. Scenes that would look very dark under the hands of the most retain a lighter feel in terms in tone. Many moments are going down that strange route that blends a lot of different style together to produce something incredible. At a panel in San Diego, Samnee mentioned that he is directly inspired by the art of 30’s in particular, meshing that retro aesthetic with modern superhero comics is a wonderful surprise. The cover to the issue also features some interesting use of lighting and shadow that is developed in the interior pages of the book itself. Backgrounds and composition of the shots lead to a more economic use of space, and something easier on the eye. It is incredible to think about the endless amount of poses used in the main Daredevil series, and how Samnee can find new aspects to highlight the vigilante in. The sense of DD’s radar vision is also once again given emphasis. Looking through the blind eyes of Matt is an engaging proposition fulfilled by lush shades of pink.

 

Conclusion

Waid and Samnee are doing something fascinating that will require more issues to properly payoff, until then enjoy the fine technical aspects to this wonderful comic. This one of the finest books on the modern shelf.