Daredevil (2019-) #7
Marvel Comics
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Lalit Kumar Sharma
Matt Murdock’s retirement continues in Daredevil #7, part two of “No Devils, Only God”. Chip Zdarsky continues to deal with the fallout from Daredevil’s retirement. Matt is now working as a parole officer, Kingpin is making changes, Detective Cole North is in recovery, and an unknown citizen fills the void left in Hell’s Kitchen.
Comic book fans are used to superheroes stepping down from their roles, whether that’s because of death or other mitigating circumstances. The replacement (often a sidekick), the inevitable return, we’ve seen it all. But that’s not what Zdarsky’s story is about, he’s working with a more fascinating tapestry. Matt’s obsessive need to combat the evils in his city. What the Kingpin does when he loses his arch-nemesis. Cole North, a good cop in a corrupt system. The idea that Daredevil is a symbol. One that has a way of living on in the people whose lives it touches. I don’t know where the story of the “new Daredevil” is going, but I love the parallel between Matt’s story and theirs.
Marco Checchetto’s work on the first arc is a tough act to follow, but Sharma is making the book his own. His pencils are more exaggerated, but not to a huge degree, and the expressiveness of his facial work is perfect for displaying the inner conflict and shifting emotions of these characters. For example, the opening page with Cole North has some very subtle but effective shifts of facial expressions. It’s a deft use of the nine-panel grid, only breaking it for a wide panel at the bottom to display his colleagues. The same layout is repeated on the penultimate page with Matt, but I won’t spoil the context.
Jay Leisten’s inks particularly stand out in the Kingpin scenes, with some evocative shading complimenting Sharma’s facial work. The only complaint I have here is that Hammerhead’s forehead isn’t big enough. I didn’t register it was him at first. Besides one odd choice (Foggy’s hair is too red), Java Targaglia’s colours compliment the moody tone of the line work while keeping everything distinct. I have to give special commendation to Clayton Cowles’ lettering in this issue. I often say that letterers are the comic industry’s secret weapon. Cowles does some spectacular work on the last page (you’ll know it when you see it).
Speaking of the last page, that’s what really made this issue for me. This is a spoiler-free review, but it really brings the whole thing together. This is very much a table-setting issue, moving the pieces around for the benefit of the ongoing story. Again, no spoilers, but the final two pages landed for me in a way that bumped this one up from good to really good.
Zdarsky and co continue to tell one of the most interesting Daredevil stories to date. I feel a legitimate thrill that I’m not entirely sure where this is going. Matt will be back as Daredevil, that’s pretty much a given, but how and why that happens? It’s going to be a hell of a ride.
Daredevil #7
Chip Zdarsky continues to move pieces around in the wake of Matt Murdock's retirement from vigilante life. It's another strong issue for this run and continues to be one of the most interesting Daredevil stories to date.
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