Comic Review: Daredevil (2019-) #3

Daredevil (2019-) #3

Marvel Comics

Writer: Chip Zdarsky

Artist: Marco Checchetto

After returning to the crime scene to try and figure out who’s framing him for murder, Daredevil got shot. Detective Cole North, the latest transfer from Chicago, doesn’t like taking any chances, especially with wanted killers.

News travels fast in New York, and the mayor – Wilson Fisk, the kingpin of crime – gets the memo right away. He has been writing the script of Daredevil’s movie of misfortune for years, but this is the first time he has had the chance to just sit back, relax and enjoy that same movie. He won’t accept anything less than a front-row seat. Meanwhile, Daredevil regains conscious and decides to make a run for it. This is not how he wants to go, after all – accused of murder, unmasked and disgraced. However, he overestimates his abilities and underestimates Cole. A really bad call.

The murder mystery at the core of this arc is a fantastic plot device and Zdarsky is handling it really well. Matt is unable to accept that he would be capable to make such a huge mistake. He is positive someone is framing him. But I’m not so sure. There are hints pointing in both directions, but I’m convinced that it really was an unfortunate accident. Looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds, especially considering the ending of the issue.

The dual narration of the book is also really cool. The story shifts perspective between Daredevil and Detective Cole, signaling that Cole is as much a protagonist of this story as is Daredevil. Cole’s importance for the future of the run isn’t clear, but he’s a welcome addition for the time being.

Marco Checchetto is on art duties again and he puts out some solid work. The action sequences are great, as are the character designs. I especially enjoyed the civilian-outfit-with-mask Daredevil dons in the second part of the issue. It’s stylish and cool, and I hope we get to see it more in the future. Sunny Gho does a decent job with the colouring, especially on the characters. It’s been so long since Daredevil’s suit looked as good as it’s been looking in the last three issues. However, I did not enjoy the way the police sirens were used. They looked too digital and gave some sequences a somewhat ethereal and flat feel that didn’t sit quite well with me.

It’s safe to say that it’s been a few years since we’ve had a really good (and street-level) Daredevil story. Zdarsky’s take feels like a breath of fresh air, despite it taking the most basic Daredevil story concept. Daredevil is a personal favorite and I love seeing him in the hands of such talented people. The future seems bright, and I look forward to it.