Daredevil #71 Review

[CraigM]

From ComiXtreme.Com
http://www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16172

Reviewer: Andrea Speed andy@comixtreme.com
Quick Rating: Good
Title: Decalogue, Part 1

What happened after the Daredevil declared himself Kingpin?

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Alex Maleev
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Virtual Calligraphy's Cory Petit
Editor: Jennifer Lee
Production: James Taveras
Cover Art: Alex Maleev
Publisher: Marvel


Review: This is a very verbose issues, taking place as it does in what is basically a community discussion group in a church basement. It establishes mood and works as a reminder of the time frame this is occurring in - this is basically a flashback, after all - but really that’s about all it does. We do get to see how Matt’s ultimatum has a positive effect in the life of one young woman, which is the type of change he was hoping to effect, but that’s the bulk of the entire issue. It’s good, and better than last issue overall - which, while good, was still a little disappointing - but it’s just set up for what’s come.

Maleev continues to experiment with his basic style, this time employing a sketchier, looser penciling style in the flashbacks where the woman remembers Daredevil. Not all the flashbacks, mind you, just those where Daredevil appears, as if he’s already taken on a quasi-mythical status in her mind, something that stands out among an otherwise drab life. Colorist Stewart steps up to the plate here as well, using cooler shades in the “present day” portions and harsher, brighter colors in the flashback portions. The stand out sequence in the issue comes near the end, where the world goes black and white, save for Daredevil, who remains a shocking shade of crimson, and the woman, who remains bathed in golden light. The rest of the art in the issue has an almost painted look that’s very attractive. As always, I really have no qualms about the art.

This is a good start, but that’s what it is - a start. I am anxious to see where the story goes from here.

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

[manfrom1976]

Man,how long is this story gonna run?