Princess Leia #1&2

This creative team pretty much guarantees quality. Mark Waid writing a strong lead character in an established universe? Easy sale. Terry Dodson drawing a powerful, attractive female lead with lots of action? Say no more. So yeah, this book pretty much sells itself.

With Jason Aaron handling the “team” book in the core Star Wars title, I was unsure how Mark Waid would handle Leia in her own book. What types of missions would she be on when she’s by herself? We saw her scouting new Rebel bases in Brian Wood’s Star Wars series from Dark Horse a few months ago. I sort of figured Waid would follow a similar path. He doesn’t.

Instead, Princess Leia is a bit more sheltered, much to her chagrin. After the destruction of Alderaan in the first film, Leia is dangerously close to becoming a figurehead and mascot for the Rebellion. The bosses want to keep her hidden and safe, minimizing her impact on the ongoing struggle. With the main Rebellion plans out of reach, Leia comes up with a great mission statement: save the survivors of Alderaan.

Joined by R2D2 and Alderaanian pilot Evaan, this book will follow Leia’s efforts to save the survivors of her home planet’s destruction. It seems the Empire wants to stamp out the last survivors of Alderaan, so Leia has to make sure to find them first. The race seems a tad artificial, but that’s OK with me. Mostly because this sure seems like a good excuse to get some bounty hunters involved. Surely, we can get some Boba Fett or IG-88 action hunting down survivors.

Evaan is a fun contrast to Leia with her strict obedience of Alderaanian norms and social hierarchies. Leia wants to buck the system, but Evaan values the system over everything else. This puts Evaan in a tough spot, since she by her own rules, she has to assist Leia in her unconventional endeavors. I think the two women (and one droid) cast does need a few more voices, but that should take care of itself pretty quickly.

Dodson’s art is wonderful. R2 looks shiny and clean. Leia looks like she just walked out of the films while retaining a comic-book look. I really like Evaan, since we don’t get to see too many female pilots wearing the orange Rebel pilot uniforms. I also like that Evaan is a big lady with a different body shape than Leia. Dodson also nails the Star Wars universe look for settings and aliens. Naboobians look like Naboobians, and the ships are dead on as well.

I’ll be sticking with this GOOD book, as Leia is an unexpectedly fun POV character to follow through the Star Wars universe. 

Daredevil #25

So yeah, this is the best solo book on the stands. In fact, I’d say that since the series launched, it has never been out of my top 3. It is simply amazing that Mark Waid has turned Daredevil into one of my favorite series. After 25 issues, I may finally have to say that I like the character!

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen any references to Stick, the crazy dude who trained Daredevil. But DD needs to draw on those memories when he goes up against Ikari. Ikari is an evil copy of Daredevil boasting the same powers, but with a very different attitude. He’s rocking two kukris as opposed to DD’s billy club.

This is a wonderful issue. Seeing two guys with similar power sets can be boring, but it can also be a fantastic examination of fight styles and abilities. Waid and Chris Samnee do a fantastic job with this combat. It opens in a plain warehouse but rapidly breaks out into the city. It ends up being a frantic race above the streets before ending in a sporting goods store. The whole time, DD’s narration gives the reader a clear idea into his thought process and planning. The fact that Ikari counters almost every one of Matt Murdock’s plans just makes him scarier.

And Ikari is so quiet! He smack talks just a few times during the encounter, but most of the time, it is just fighting. Waid could leave the panels blank, that’s how clearly Samnee choreographs the fight. But Waid’s dialogue for DD gives the encounter a frenetic pace and a sense of danger that just adds to the issue.

This is just about my perfect comic. Good plot development, lots of fighting, and everyone stays in character. Wonderful.

Excellent

Indestructible Hulk #7

Wow. I did not see that ending coming. If you are a fan of the Hulk, Thor, or Walt Simonson, you owe it to yourself to check out this issue.

I’m not sure if Mark Waid tailored this issue for his artist, but the presence of “classic” Thor sure seem to make that likely. In fact, there are so many elements that show off Simonson's talents that it is sort of stunning. When Bruce Banner takes his new science team through a portal, they all gear up in some sweet sci-fi combat suits. The uniforms have a consistent, expressive facemask that draws the eye, and they are all colored differently to help differentiate characters. I’m not saying that I have all these guys straight yet, I can’t remember all their names, but it is great seeing some folks out in the field trying to keep up with Hulk and Thor.

For villains, we get some classic frost giants; they are generic, but they do look impressive when Thor and Hulk spend time smashing them up. (To nice “KSSSHH!!!” sound effects!)

This book is not complicated. Hulk and his team travel through a portal, meet Thor, and smash some giants. The big “Wow” moment is the cliffhanger. I’m a little surprised this made it through editorial. I don’t think this would have flown in an older Marvel regime. I don’t think it bothers me, but it does shock me!

Good

Daredevil #24

The solicitation for this issue suggests that Matt Murdock might give up being Daredevil because of Foggy’s cancer. That never really raises its head as an option, but I love that the chaos and scrambling in Matt Murdock’s life is once again affecting his time as Daredevil. I think Spider-Man is the only other character in comics who has as much drama out of the costume as he does in it.

Mark Waid is showing us that there is a method to the madness that has plagued the series so far. Coyote, Klaw, and the other villains who have showed up so far are all connected. We see the mastermind, attended by a female silhouette, as he is locked into a sensory-depravation suit. I’m not sure which villain has a situation this close to Daredevil’s, but I’m confident Waid will have found someone good. It might be a new villain, but I’m betting on the re-imagining and elevation of an old character.

The fight this issue is pretty brief, when Matt Murdock has to fight off a crowd of sensory-enhanced dogs. These beasts are related to the mutated humans DD fought last month, but the animals are a lot easier to take out. Hank Pym shows up for cleanup duty, and he also chimes in with a diagnosis for Foggy’s condition too.

Waid write Pym as a scientist first and hero second Combined with Chris Samnee’s take on the Giant Man costume, and Pym really seems out of place as a hero. He just doesn’t have the body language to carry himself in the same class as Daredevil. That said, I sure hope Waid isn’t writing Pym in that Ultron spin-off just to kill him.

Samnee’s art is once again fantastic. The book would have been light on combat without the dog attack, and Samnee wisely shows Murdock’s lawyer clothes tearing away, revealing the DD costume underneath. Samnee handles the emotional scenes well too, showing off his versatility and strength in storytelling. Again, I’m not sure I love his baggy-suited Giant Man, but I do appreciate the effort to give him a different look than other characters.

Good

Indestructible Hulk #4

Mark Waid has done an insane job with this title. In only four issues, this new status quo for the Hulk feels like the beginning of an era. (Come to think of it, Hulk has had a lot of status quo changes over the years, hasn’t he?) I think part of the reason I love this setup so much is that it reminds me of the Pantheon era. Just like in those issues, Hulk has a huge organization pointing him in the right direction while interacting through snarky sidekicks.

Of course, it is only natural that there is an aquatic helicarrier. There sort of had to be, didn’t there?

I’m also tickled at the villain for this two-parter. I had no idea who that was reaching out on that cover, but it’s a Marvel classic. Just one that hasn’t crossed paths with the Hulk too much. I love the use of lady-troopers in the Lemurian army, we don’t see that enough. It’s also neat seeing how the mystery villain utilizes so many different undersea powers to aid him in his conquest.

If I had to make a complaint, it is that I don’t like the idea that Hulk’s new armor gives him an air bubble to breathe in. It’s just like the Legion trans suits. Maybe it is because I love seeing Iron Man tricked out in different armors for different situations, but I’d love to see Hulk looking a bit more “undersea” you know? Let’s get some toyetic costumes going!

Good

Daredevil #23

Mark Waid takes a break from the super-villain action to give us a character-centered piece. Much like best friends Foggy Nelson and Matt Murdock, the reader has to spend the issue killing time waiting for Foggy’s diagnosis.

It’s a nice break, seeing these two characters hang out during a rough time. They have so much history on the printed page; it is nice seeing them actually support each other. The mini-swerve on the last page is well-handled too. I think it might be neat if DD ends up needing more help than Foggy does through all of this.

Waid still keeps the overall plot moving too. Someone is trying to re-create the exact situation that created DD and it turns out that’s not too good for all the test subjects. I can’t wait to see who Waid has as the mastermind here. At this point, I don’t even know if we can disregard Stilt-Man…

Raise your hand if you knew Chris Samnee would be this good. This is simply stunning artwork. The storytelling and action is crystal clear, the background is always chock-full of detail, and the acting is moving. Samnee is a perfect fit on this title.

Good

Indestructible Hulk #3

Clearly my Hulk-fu is lacking, because I have no idea who this Quintronic Man is. But Mark Waid does what he does best and reintroduces the concept in a fantastic new way. AIM’s plan to put a new pilot in the suit along with the corpses of the old co-pilots? That’s brilliant stuff and an idea that is remarkably spooky and exciting at the same time.

For me, Waid is striking the perfect balance between destructive heroics and the development of Bruce Banner: Agent of SHIELD. I like seeing Banner putting together a team of rogue scientists; they’ve all got good potential as a new supporting cast. But I come to this book for the punching, and Waid has made sure there is plenty in each issue.

And man, am I glad AIM is involved. I love my super villain techies, and by getting them involved, this feels like Hulk has been dropped into an ongoing SHIELD story. Maria Hill is still handling all the cases she normally would, but now she’s got a Hulk.

Leinil Yu’s art is so much fun. He’s got a fairly realistic vibe, but the more I see the Hulk’s armor, the more of a Kirby vibe I’m getting off it. I also think Yu might be, ah, scaling back Maria Hill’s chest. She was really out there in issue 1; I think this portrayal is a bit more in line with other artists’ interpretations.

Good

Daredevil #22

This month I’m going to gush over the art. Chris Samnee has been a blessing on this title, making the book his own, yet retaining the cartoony aspects of the others artists on the series so far. 

Samnee’s little details really make Daredevil’s world come alive. When Matt Murdock is getting a celebrity photo snapped, his glasses are riding up in a ridiculous way; you can see the embarrassment on Murdock’s face. I love the new look of the mystery villain’s suit. There are clear panels on his power armor showing off the tech inside. Why? Because it looks awesome. 

As always, Samnee excels in the expression of Matt Murdock’s radar sense. When DD needs to isolate the power source in the villain’s armor, the reader can pick out the sound that DD is zeroing in on from the first panel. When Spidey gets his arm dislocated, “POP” is written in bones. The art has a sense of action and fun that is rare in most comics these days. 

Of course, Mark Waid does a fantastic job with the Superior Spider-Man and his new sensibilities. Dialogue and posture are both markedly different, and seeing DD try to puzzle through the change is thrilling. I also appreciate that this might be the only time this villain gets a splash page for his debut in a book, and Waid sells it. The tension from the Spidey/DD fight is high enough that this guy rearing his head really is a blessing. 

This is comics 101. Two heroes meet, fight, then team up against another villain. But it’s never looked this good or been this fun.

Good

Daredevil #21

Geez. Where do I begin? Mark Waid packs this thing with so many quotes that I’m not sure I can even pick a favorite part. Seriously, do you want me to say the cover art is dynamic and calls to you off the stand? That the interior pencils are perfect in tone, kinetic, and exciting? That the plot and dialogue are logical, original, and thrilling? I've said all that. It's still true, though.

In fact, rather than having me rave about how this is the best book on the stands yet again, let me just give you some quotes:

“Expert smuggler… smart… creative… greedy… you’ll do nicely.”

“Explain yourself before your damn heart explodes!”

“If you’re that convinced that I have been in no way compelled to atone for my sins… then you don’t know me at all.”

“I will find Daredevil… and I will crush him.”

Look at that. Those sentences end with periods, sometimes. There is no need for comic-style hysterics when the dialogue is this powerful. And working hand in hand is Chris Samnee’s fantastic artwork. The guy can transition between bright and cheerful to dark and moody on the same panel. The whole sequence with Coyote proves that. 

And yeah, that’s the first appearance of the Superior Spider-Man there, huh? With one word bubble, I’m convinced. I can’t wait to see what happens next. 

Excellent

Indestructible Hulk #1

Here comes Mark Waid, reminding us all why he was one of the hottest creators in the 90’s, and why he still deserves that title today. 

I took a bit of chance and read this premiere issue with my 8 year old daughter after I saw Maria Hill on the first page. (My daughter is a bit of a fan after the Avengers movie.) Thankfully, this is definitely kid appropriate, with lots of comic-style violence and action, along with some great new vocabulary words for both of us! 

Bruce Banner is tired of Reed Richards and Tony Stark getting all the credit. He’s just as smart, but Bruce is justifiably worried that he’ll only be remembered as the Hulk. In an attempt to contribute something more, he wants to sign on with SHIELD. He wants to update the old comparison; instead of an unfocused bomb, he wants the Hulk to be a targeted cannon. It’s a great high concept that works. I’m not sure I buy into the armor quite yet, but seeing Hulk lead a team of SHIELD agents to take on a classic Marvel villain worked even better than I’d figured. 

And wow, does Waid make this villain sing. Spouting out equations and theories, other writers have made this guy work too, but I’ve never had this much fun seeing him actually fight somebody. I love that Waid put Hulk, known for his lack of intelligence, up against this particular villain, one known for his brain. (I couldn’t have been the only one expecting Mr. Hyde or a new Abomination). 

Leinil Yu’s art; what is there to say at this point? His new, short-haired Hulk looks imposing and powerful. I absolutely loved the way he drew Hulk as a green blur while in motion. Maria Hill looks wonderful, both powerful and hot in her SHIELD issue battle gear. I particularly loved that she is wearing her normal form-fitting outfit while leading a team of heavily armored SHIELD agents on the attack. Yu knows what fans like! 

Another strong debut from Marvel NOW, at this point, if people don’t like these books, I’m not sure what to tell them. These are exciting new chapters building on the history we know and love. It’s just the right mix for an old reader like me (and my daughter, I guess!)

Excellent

Daredevil #19

Dang. Congrats to Mark Waid and the Marvel solicitations department for not giving away the swerve in this issue. I mean, it’s not like a Darth Vader is Luke’s father-level reveal, but still, I appreciate when companies can actually get a surprise out the door. The identity of DD’s current nemesis is a good one.

I’ve seen Waid state in some interviews that he likes the relationship between Matt Murdock and Hank Pym. It makes so much sense, the characters have a lot in common, and they do play well off each other. Murdock and Pym have another brief chance to bond this issue, and it really could end up as a neat pairing. Any hope of an in-costume team-up? Supporting your teammates is one thing, but I’m ready for them to banter while on a mission!

One of the most effective portions of this comic is Foggy Nelson’s crippling doubt about his best friend. From his drunken confession to Matt’s current ladyfriend to his concerned but cruel call to DD, Foggy is making things tough. When Matt Murdock actually decides not to swing across town, but instead to take the bus? What a sad statement for our hero.

Things look bad at the close, but I will never tire of seeing DD banter while knocking out thugs. It’s Daredevil’s natural state, and Waid handles it perfectly.

Well, Coyote is one weird, creepy dude. Chris Samnee has to sell the scene, and boy, does he ever. Daredevil is in a predicament I don’t think I’ve ever seen in a previous comic. Murdock has always had a good head on his shoulders, but I don’t see an easy way out of this. Plus, Coyote’s look is so unnatural and non-human… yuck. He almost gives you the creeps just looking at him! Great design!

Excellent

Daredevil #18

Wow. I’ve always liked Mark Waid’s work, but he is truly outdoing himself on this title.

Once again, DD is the best book of the month. After all the chaos of the past storylines, I’d understand the need to quiet things down for awhile; instead Waid ratchets up the tension once again.

We’ve got an interesting case that Foggy just can’t resist. Foggy may not be a super hero, but the guy always does the right thing. I also love the throwaway line that he’s giving up a trip with his lady. Foggy often has ladies around, doesn’t he?

Meanwhile, Matt Murdock has a bit of a surprise himself. A long-missing character shows up in an inopportune moment, and DD is at a loss. I’m glad to see Foggy and Matt immediately needing each other, it gives a nice glimmer of hope that these best friends will be able to patch things up.

Clearly the new villain is doing something with holograms or hallucinations. My first guess is Mr. Fear, but that’s a bit obvious, isn’t it? I love the quick introduction and removal of a new mob faction. Waid does a great job establishing character and outlook in only a few panels.

And those panels are beautiful. Chris Samnee is excelling on this title. It’s gorgeous from start to finish. The pages are dark and moody, but DD still jumps off the page. DD is a bright spot in this world, and it keeps the situation from ever becoming depressing. DD has long been a depressing character, but Samnee’s exciting pencils keep this feeling like a swashbuckler story.

Excellent

Daredevil #17

Mark me down for a poster when Marvel makes the right move and blows up this cover. What a great shot.

What a joy it is to see Mike Allred work on Daredevil. If there is one thing that Waid has been emphasizing on this run, it’s been the fun that DD is having doing his job. In the old days, even the dark threats of attempted murder and blackmail couldn’t bring down Matt Murdock. Waid delivers a nice little gift to his guest artist, providing a bouncy, action-packed story that shows off the strengths of both the artists and the series.

Really, Daredevil sums up the reason I love this book so much, “For the first time in a long while, I like my life. I like who I am. I’m a winner. Just like my Dad.” Now that’s an upbeat hero I want to see more of! Comics aren’t complicated, people. Show a cool hero we can root for and some cool villains in costume, and that’s the recipe for success. Waid gets it!

It makes sense that Allred’s issue would be a flashback/done-in-one, because his style is so different than the regular pencilers for this series. That said, Allred is a perfect fit. I don’t remember Stilt-Man’s mask being a full-cover like this, but it looks good so I’m not complaining. Look at the way Allred shows DD’s acrobatics with those shadowy after-images! Scott McDaniel did that years ago on Nightwing, and I still love it now. Heck, even the freeze-frame acrobatics work; check out the panel where DD tosses his billy club to take out Foggy’s attacker. Wonderful!

Excellent

Daredevil #15

What a gorgeous cover.

So what exactly happens to DD’s senses? Is he getting his sight back, after losing his radar sense? That’s sure what it looks like. So no radar sense, but his sight is back and he’s super-sensitive with his other four senses. Mark Waid continues to put DD through his paces on this title.

I love the moment when DD is stuck in his vegetative state when he starts to panic, and he addresses his depression head on. He actually states how hard he has to work to maintain this attitude, and that just makes me like the character more.

I’m OK with the Avengers showing up with the last-minute save, because there is honestly no way DD could win this on his own. He’s not facing down Dr. Doom, but this Chancellor Beltane is practically Fourth World-ian in his design and outlook. Besides, Waid already showed us what happens when DD tries to handle these world-beaters on his own last issue; it’s time to call in the big guns.

And Chris Samnee brings the big guns. When Iron Man swoops in at the nick of time, it’s hard not to grin. The guy must have been flying pretty darn close to get there so quickly, but we can assume the Avengers knew DD was in trouble and were already looking. Samnee only draws the new Captain Marvel for a moment, and I’m not sure he got the memo on what her hair is exactly supposed to look like. Is that a mohawk?

Good

Daredevil #14

Sometimes I confuse myself. I have adored Mark Waid’s Daredevil since the relaunch, yet it is almost always the last book on my stack I get around to reading. If I love it so much, why am I not in a greater hurry to read it? It’s almost like the spectacle of Batman or AvX gets me through the comic shop door, but I need to close my weekly reading with the good stuff.

This issue is no exception. Waid has built a new status quo for DD that is paying dividends. With DD’s theft of the Omega Drive, Dr. Doom and Latveria are obviously angry. Doom doesn’t even make an appearance in this comic, leaving Matt Murdock to his underlings. This showdown was telegraphed back in issue 2. But obviously, Daredevil can’t billy-club his way through Doom’s armor, so Waid throws out a new (and already memorable) new underling in Chancellor Exchequer Beltane. Beltane has a personal, devious, and frankly cruel punishment in line for DD, and it instantly makes him a despicable foe. Doom could really use a competent henchman/2nd banana, so I’ve got high hopes for this guy.

And what a cliffhanger!

Chris Samnee’s art is perfect. Beltane’s outfit is the perfect blend of Kirby’s Latveria and Fourth World. He looks like he walked out of a Prussian battlefield into Marvel Comics. Samnee had big shoes to fill getting this regular gig, and I’m happy he’s handling it so well. Instead of continuing in exactly the same tone as the previous artists, this work almost looks like Michael Lark or Francesco Francavilla. That’s fine company.

Excellent

Daredevil #13

OK, so NOW Mark Waid is wrapping up the Omega Drive arc. I’ll admit I’m stumped on the pacing here, this story seemed like it was ready to wrap up two issues ago, but we got a date issue and a three-part mini-crossover before the whole thing finally got a bow on it.

This book is almost all fighting. After last issue’s date interlude (with a nice cliffhanger) it’s time for DD to pay up for taking the Omega Drive from all those mega crime organizations. (I also like the way the captions were correct in those last pages of issue 12, but we trusted the art, not DD’s thoughts.)

It makes sense that the story would close like this. DD is fighting above his weight class taking on all these bad guy organizations, so I don’t mind him calling on some of his many hero friends to get things back under control. Khoi Pham does a nice job telegraphing the eventual reveal in the early pages; there are definitely some layouts that don’t make sense until the reader realizes what is happening. Pham’s art is a bit too blocky and simple. If I wasn’t comparing it against the fantastic other artists we’ve seen on the series so far, it would be fine. But we’ve had some doozies, and I want them back.

I’m not sure what it is that Foggy found in Matt’s desk, but it sure seems that whatever it is, it will end up being the most important part of the issue. I’m putting my money on Bullseye’s head, but that’s more because I hope for a Deadwood-ian opportunity for Matt Murdock to deliver some great monologues. I hope it’s not as simple as the silly black DD costume.

Good

Daredevil #11

Mark Waid is not about to let the conclusion to his Omega Drive arc be stuck in some random crossover. That’s the lesson here.


I’m disappointed that the Omega Effect crossover leaves the drive and ongoing plot in exactly the same place as before the story began. Was there a real point in this at all? Or did the readers jump over to Avenging Spider-Man and Punisher just to get some exposure to those characters. (Don’t answer, we already know that’s the case.) I’m not really upset that Waid will get to wrap up the story on his own with a more Daredevil-specific artist, but it does seem like we just spent a month chasing our tails.

It seems that Cole’s betrayal last issue wasn’t a Punisher-concocted plan. Cole acted on her own to seek out her revenge. I can’t imagine her disappearance this issue is any real resolution, I’d think Greg Rucka would want to handle that in the pages of his own comic. I do like the idea that the Punisher would actually keep his word. Surely he knows that Spidey and DD together could mop the floor with him.

The bad guys were just one big mass for this entire arc, I think the lack of a strong, core villain kept the crossover from ever getting really compelling. The excellent inter-hero drama between DD and Cole goes a long way, but I never really felt anyone in this story was in any danger.

Marco Chechetto’s art has grown on me. By the end of this issue, I find myself sort of won over by the leather-y look of DD’s cowl. He also does a nice job on the emotional showdown between DD and Cole; DD’s anger is palpable.

Fair

Daredevil #10

Mark Waid does a good job schooling his readers this issue. I think most of us, like DD, probably underestimated the Mole Man’s fighting ability. While I don’t remember Moley ever being a staff-wielding duelist, it certainly makes for an exciting climax when DD has to make the subterranean one pay for his body-snatching.

Mole Man has enough pathos in this issue to qualify as an honorary Spider-Man villain. (Isn’t it weird how all Spidey’s villains are so deep?) Mole Man’s grave desecration is motivated by his odd desire to see a woman who was kind to him one last time. It’s creepy, it’s sick, and it’s sad. Daredevil realizes all this, and still seems to sort of enjoy beating the snot out of him.

For me, the most interesting part of the issue is the resolution of DD’s relationship with the Black Cat. She seems to really like the guy (again, poor Spidey). She also mentions how good he is with his fingers, a definite commentary on the implied… activities of the couple last month.

I’m going to miss Paolo Rivera’s pencils (he is the artist departing this book, right?) The simple style combined with the radar-enhanced panels makes for a wonderful experience in this book.

Good

Daredevil #9

I’m honestly puzzled. How did I forget how good Mark Waid is? This comic is fantastic! I’d say it’s either the best or second best book on the stands right now, with Batman hanging right along with it. (Now team books? That’s tomorrow’s review.)

Waid takes what could be a generic story and makes it intensely personal as Daredevil pursues the moloids under New York after they steal his father’s occupied casket. (This doesn’t seem to be targeted; rather Mole Man has a hankerin’ for stiffs right now.) I can’t remember ever seeing these two Marvel mainstays face off, but I absolutely love the sense of familiarity the two express. Daredevil has written off Mole Man before he even shows up. Mole Man has DD’s measure and just dispatches him. No monologues, no speeches.

I’m so excited to see how many other odd pairings Waid can come up with. He’s doing a great job with Black Cat too, as the megacrime subplot keeps chugging along while DD is underground.

Paolo Rivera delivers another book filled with inspired visuals. Sure, it does look like DD smells his fingers after a tryst with Black Cat on page one (thanks Bleeding Cool), but the rest of the book is flawless. The inhuman moloids shuffling and grunting down in the dark. The horrifying river ride to the Mole Man. The odd failings of DD’s radar sense. This book is simply brilliant.

Excellent

Daredevil #7

Has everyone had enough X-books? I know I have!

Let's jump back to regular books with the best super-hero title on the stands, Daredevil.

Is this one of the best covers ever, or what? I mean, this should be available as a Christmas card right now! Mark Waid contrasts the playful cover with a pretty serious story. Matt Murdock takes a group of troubled, blind children to a lodge every holiday season, but in this issue, things don’t go well. After being turned away and taking some back roads, the school bus crashes, leaving DD in wandering through the wilderness with a bunch of kids. To make matters more interesting, DD’s radar sense does little to nothing in swirling sleet and snow.

There is a bit of character development through flashbacks, but for the most part, this is a non-essential part of Waid’s ongoing story. That said, it is still worth it just to see Daredevil (actually, Matt Murdock) inspire a group of kids who really need it. It’s also worth noting that Foggy Nelson spots a bit of the old brooding Matt Murdock very briefly. I hope that mopey guy isn’t coming back, though, I like happy DD!

Paolo Rivera’s kinetic pencils do a great job with both the crash and the whirling weather. I love his ability to give each scene such rich detail while still maintaining a fairly cartoony look.

Good