Daredevil #130

Title:"Look Out Daredevil, Here Comes The Death-Man!"
Writer:Marv Wolfman
Penciler:Bob Brown
Inker:Klaus Janson
Cover:Rich Buckler/Klaus Janson
Colours:Michele Wolfman
Letters:John Costanza
Editor:Marv Wolfman
Assistant Editor:None
Date:Feb. 1976
Cover Price:0.25

Characters

Blake Tower
Brother Zed
Candace Nelson
Daredevil
Foggy Nelson
Heather Glenn
Matt Murdock

Daredevil #129


Daredevil #131

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)

Matthew finally finds his new job in the place he calls The Storefront, while Foggy awaits the results of the election for D.A. with apprehension. Little does he realize that there's someone out there with the power to utterly deny him victory!
And meanwhile, a horrifying voodoo menace stalks Central Park...

Review: #130 is notable as the premiere of The Storefront, the first Daredevil voodoo story, and one of the best issues of Daredevil I've read. Marv soars to the peak of his stint with this issue, as if everything that came before wasn't brilliant enough.
In short, Marv brings out all the big guns, tying together all the subtle threads that have been building over the past six months while opening up new doors. His handling of DD in this issue rivals even Nocenti's and Miller's, making one wonder as to his real reason for later asking off the book. And the art? Bob Brown, for once, shines just as brilliantly as Klaus in every panel, right down to the wrinkles in the characters' faces. Michelle Wolfman provides dazzlingly graphic colors; her work is mainly to thank for the grim and horrifying mood that dominates this issue. Even Costanza must be praised; his dialogue bubbles for Brother Zed add to his ominous presence without making the book look odd. But most of all it is the synthesis of everything that makes this issue a classic in the saga of DD. Bob's rendering of Foggy on page 7 as a politician, worn-out and collecting grey hair, leads up brilliantly to his explosion on the next page. The shocking drama of the election fraud bounces off with the voodoo terror to create a theme of cold sweat that permeates the issue. Having the main plot and subplots share a common mood works stunningly; every page seems to suck you right in.
The way Marv has you believing,up to the last minute, that DD is helpless against B. Zed is seemless, and then-one of the more surprising lines in comicdom: "Come off it, clown; you have voodoo powers like I can fly!" The opening with DD changing clothes in mid-air is delightful, and the Storefront idea is very promising. Marv even manages to bring a strong moral to the tale, "You only hurt yourselves." The final, heartwarming scene with Matt and Foggy clinches it: this is an issue no Daredevil fan should miss.
Plot/Underlying Themes:4
Portrayal and development of Daredevil as a character:4
Art:4
Overall:5

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.
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