Daredevil #129

Title:"Man-Bull In A China-Town!"
Writer:Marv Wolfman
Penciler:Bob Brown
Inker:Klaus Janson
Cover:Rich Buckler/Klaus Janson
Colours:Michele Wolfman
Letters:Joe Rosen
Editor:Marv Wolfman
Assistant Editor:None
Date:Jan. 1976
Cover Price:0.25

Characters

Blake Tower
Daredevil
Foggy Nelson
Heather Glenn
Man-Bull
Matador
Matt Murdock

Daredevil #128


Daredevil #130

Bob Brown
Volume 1 - 107 108 109 111 113 114 115 117 119 120 121 122 123 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 141 142 143
Volume 2 - None
Volume 3 - None
Volume 4 - None
Volume 5 - None
Volume 6 - None
Volume 7 - None
Volume 8 - None
Klaus Janson
Volume 1 - 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 140 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 156 157 158 159 160 161 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 192 193 194 195 196 197 206 234 235 238 241
Volume 2 - 50 500
Volume 3 - None
Volume 4 - None
Volume 5 - None
Volume 6 - None
Volume 7 - 2
Volume 8 - None
Marv Wolfman
Volume 1 - 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 141 142 143
Volume 2 - None
Volume 3 - None
Volume 4 - None
Volume 5 - None
Volume 6 - None
Volume 7 - None
Volume 8 - None
Rich Buckler
Volume 1 - 101 129 130 131 132 134 135 140 148
Volume 2 - None
Volume 3 - None
Volume 4 - None
Volume 5 - None
Volume 6 - None
Volume 7 - None
Volume 8 - None

Issue Summary

Summary/Review by Robert Orme (orme@stolaf.edu)

The Man-Bull is charged with a murder he didn't commit, and it's Foggy Nelson for the prosecution and Matt Murdock for the defense! When the sentence of guilty is announced, the enraged Man-Bull smashes through in a desperate attempt to escape. However, all that pales when Matt sees a news clip with the startling revelation that the Kennedys are alive!
Pushing aside his other problems, Daredevil searches for the Man-Bull, unaware that he has struck a sinister bargain with DD's old archfoe, the Matador. The Man-Bull only wants to leave the country, but will he harm innocents in his desperation to escape?

Review: Though the art is a definite minus here(the Man-Bull doesn't look impressive at all, and in some cases even looks goofy, and I've never seen poorer renditions of Foggy), this is quite an interesting issue. It kicks off much quicker than most comics, and Marv's portrayal of the Man-Bull is quite interesting, to say the least. Taurus is indeed the center of attention for most of the book, and the ending is very original. Rather than having Daredevil punch Man-Bull's lights out and pronounce, "Well, that chalks up one more for the horn-head," we witness a hero who is absolutely helpless to change the course of events. Daredevil also suffered an unusual failure in #127, but this is different. In this case, we witness a situation which turns out no differently than if Daredevil had not been involved at all. A poignant statement, from any perspective.
Plot/Underlying Themes: 4
Portrayal and development of Daredevil as a character:3
Art:1
Overall:3+

My rating system:
1 = Poor. Plot is hackneyed, simplistic, nonsensical, or some combination of the three. Underlying themes, if they exist, are completely sick and twisted. Daredevil is mis-portrayed, and the issue either shows no development of his character or develops him in a way that makes little sense. Art is terrible, actually afflicting the comic. Should be avoided, unless it serves as a link between plotlines.
2 = Weak. Plot is hackneyed, simplistic, or nonsensical. Underlying themes are absent. Daredevil is not portrayed as a unique or striking character, and the issue shows no development of his character. Art is undistinguished, adding nothing to the comic. A generally bad comic, but with a few redeeming qualities.
3 = Satisfying. The plot may or may not be simplistic, but it works. Underlying themes are either mild or absent entirely. Daredevil is portrayed convincingly, and strongly enough that you care about what happens to him. His character is not developed, but you find out something about him that you may not have known before. Art is roughly average, with little or no weak points and a few strong panels. Worth buying, but not worth seeking out.
3+ = Excellent. Similar to 3, but better.
4 = Classic. The plot is original and multi-layered, but it is the strong underlying themes that make it a great story. Daredevil is portrayed intriguingly, and his character is either fleshed-out strongly or develops in a way that adds to the story rather than to the shock value. Art is strong and unique, with the characters portrayed passionately. A highly recommended comic.
5 = Essential. The plot is original, multi-layered, and engaging. The underlying themes are shocking and unusual, seeming to blind you with truth. Daredevil is portrayed as a complex, multi-faceted character; the comic is worth buying solely for a chance to truly see Daredevil. His personality is fleshed out and develops in a way that adds to the story rather than to the shock value. Art is powerful without being glossy, leaning towards the realistic touch that is the mark of a good DD comic. If you are a true DD fan, the only excuse for not buying this comic is not being able to find it.

Daredevil (and other related characters appearing) and the distinctive likenesses are Trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. and are used WITHOUT permission.
Copyright © 2019 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Visit Marvel.com.

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