Comic Review – “Daredevil 41” (the 25 cent issue)

Marvel’s selling a dirt cheap comic today too.

General Information

Title: Daredevil: The Man Without Fear (#41)
Author: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Alex Maleev
Original Publication Date: January 8, 2003
Cover Price: $0.25 US, $0.40 Can

Premise

The start of a five-part story arc reintroduces the Owl, one of
Daredevil’s earliest supervillains. The Kingpin, Stilt-Man, and
Gladiator all have appearances, as well as Foggy Nelson.

This is Marvel’s first 25 cent comic this millenium. They plan to
release one each quarter this year to showcase a new creative team on
some new title.

High Point

Daredevil apologizing to the woman he saved.

Low Point

The rich continuity. The recaps are handled well, including the
“Previously in Daredevil” segment, but it’s still a lot of exposition
that might scare new readers away.

The Scores

Like the ten cent Superman, the jump-on issue idea makes it hard to
get original because so much time is spent establishing
characters and relationships. I give it 3 out of 6.

The artwork has a very gritty feel that eliminates the
cartoony feel that so many comics have. It’s well suited to a dark
and brooding story, but it may turn some off. I like it for this
title, myself. (I’d hate it in, say, Ultimate Spider-Man, though.) I
give it 5 out of 6.

The story doesn’t quite grab me enough to get me back for the
next issue (which is due out later this month.) It’s well written,
but not enough to grab my interest. I give it 4 out of 6.



The characterization is well done, showing two different
personalities for Matt Murdock and Daredevil. The other characters
are barely touched, apart from Stilt-Man (speaking on behalf of all of
Daredevil’s opponents.) I give it 4 out of 6.

The emotional response this produced was positive. I enjoyed
it, I laughed, but I don’t feel compelled to come back for the rest of
the story. I give it 3 out of 6.

The flow was good for the most part. The Owl’s attack was
somewhat confusing (in that I wasn’t sure if I should be reading
vertically or horizontally at first,) which may have been intentional,
but it’s still irritating. I give it 4 out of 6.

Overall, and entertaining comic that would probably really
appeal to people looking for a crime comic. I’m looking for something
a little more super from my superheroes. I give it 4 out of 6.

In total, Daredevil 41 receives 27 out of 42.

One reply

  1. Pun intended?


    This is Marvel’s first 25 cent comic this millenium. They plan to release one each quarter

    Obviously. At twenty-five cents, I should get one for each quarter.

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