Daredevil #1 Review
Marvel Comics
Storytellers: Mark Waid and Chris Samnee
Colorist: Javier Rodriguez
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Reviewed by: Tom Barnett
We all know that Marvel is constantly re-booting their books, especially when a new creative team takes over. And I’m fine with that. It generates interest. It generates inflated sales for at least one issue. Fine by me. What it has also done is given us a number one from this creative team of collaborators; Mark Waid and Chris Samnee. These two gentlemen stopped being listed as writer and artist on about issue 25 of the last DD reboot and started being listed as storytellers. I’m thrilled that I have a new number one that is from these two Eisner nominated creators.
The story opens up in San Francisco, where Daredevil spent some time in the 70’s. We find Matt is already engaged in helping the citizens of his new hometown in ways that only Daredevil can. Waid and Samnee give us such a brilliant opening for this new series. It is so cinematic and moves like a super cool crime TV show. You can almost hear the opening into to Streets of San Francisco playing in the background. Don’t remember that show? Youtube it.
So here is the set up. A little girl is in trouble. Murdock is on the case. He gets a lead and Daredevil swings into action. Pacing in this comic is perfect. Perfect! There is a one page origin story beautifully illustrated by Samnee and colored by Rodriguez. The next splash page gives new readers a sense of just how heightened Daredevil’s senses are.
Waid does just a brilliant job with Matt’s inner dialogue and allowing the reader to experience the story through Matt’s eye. Yes, I said it. Yep he’s blind. Waid gives us a moment early in the story that is filled with action, drama and humor when DD actually drops the little girl he is saving. Samnee illustrates this scene so perfectly. It has to be read. This scene alone is worth the price of admission.
It is also fun that Matt’s on again off again girlfriend has accompanied him to San Francisco and is even helping Daredevil out with the geography of the city. This tag team leads to some great moments of humor.
Throughout this book, there are great action moments, heartfelt moments and still a sense of humor. As I said earlier the pacing of this comic is just perfection. Samnee’s panels are beautiful as are Rodriguez’s colors.
If you’ve been hearing about how good Daredevil is, but didn’t know where to start, then start here. Truly, I just can’t put into words how good this comic is. Daredevil, by Waid, Samnee and Rodriguez is absolute excellence in storytelling.
Story: 6
Art: 6
Overall: 6
And that’s a rating on a scale of 1 to 5! So yes, this isn’t just a must buy, it’s mandatory reading for everyone!
Tom is a contributing writer for Drunk On Comics. You can follow him on Twitter at @tphoto10.