Daredevil #34

Writer Mark Waid Artist Javier Rodriguez

 

Introduction

 

Daredevil is a title that constantly strives to new heights and as a tried and true believer in the series by Mark Waid, I have remained faithful and confident in the direction of the book, until now. It’s not that it is a bad comic book, it is just grating on the eyes to see someone who is not Chris Samnee once again pencil the interiors in his style. The title has also not retained the quality that it has achieved in the distant past. Readers should take my criticism as a grain of salt, simply because I handle this book on the micro-scale of reading it each month and am extremely critical on each chapter. Last week, I really felt the issue was heading into a crescendo when it just suddenly stopped. It is also hard not to be worried about the book relaunching with a number one that does not seem like it will be justified for story purposes. The old hornhead seems like he has a rough road ahead of him.

 

Writing

 

This really feels like a return to form for Matt Murdock and company under the hand of Mark Waid. The issue is a breath of fresh air, with an eye pointed firmly at the past that still takes advantage of the future. The scene in the park is another interesting sequence that utilizes of both creators to the fullest. Rodriguez is given something interesting to draw, and Waid picks up the slack with some cute dialogue that is developed really well. The on and off element between Hornhead and Kirsten Mcduffie is another high point of the book, the relationship is really complicated, and both characters would not have it any other way. This is another stellar script that plays on elements of dark and lightness. It is slightly disappointing that Waid relays on a script with the same cliffhanger from the previous couple of issues.

 

Art

 

Thankfully, I was wrong earlier but the art looking a clone of previous artist Chris Samnee. Javier Rodriguez fills into both draw and color this issue. His pencils are always gorgeous and go to great lengths in order to keep the tone of the previous artist, but still evoke his own style. These pages are a huge step up from before, and feature the best pencilling that I have ever seen from Javier. The best part of his style, is that each character is expressing to their fullest. Readers will understand the emotion of everyones face before the character does. Rodriguez is no slouch on the color tones either, as his mix of purples, reds, and sunset hues make this title a true feast for the eyes. There is also the matter of his storytelling, which takes a definites step in the right direction. Murdock has so many wonderfully drawn scenes where he leaps from rooftop to rooftop. At this point you make feel like you have seen ever position that a superhero could possibly jump, but Rodriguez can make the character emote while doing so. This is the Daredevil penciller quality that has been lacking for a couple months.

 

Conclusion

I feel like a fool for doubting the greatness that is Waid’s Daredevil. This is another great issue that should make longtime fans extremely happy.