Daredevil #132

Title:"Bullseye Rules Supreme!"
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:Apr. 1976
Cover Price:0.25

Characters

Bullseye
Daredevil
Foggy Nelson
Freda Foster
Heather Glenn
Henry Foster
Lieutenant Bert Rose
Matt Murdock

Daredevil #131


Daredevil #133

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)

Old DD finally comes face to face with the lethal extortionist Bullseye- and loses! But can he still prevent him from taking another life in his deadly game of blackmail?
Plus: Matt and Heather's relationship comes closer to home.

Review: A somewhat disappointing conclusion to the first Daredevil vs.Bullseye story. This issue contains the future archfoes' first battle, waged under a circus tent, and it verges on boring. Basically, Bullseye toys with DD, repeatedly refusing opportunities to kill him. This might have worked when this issue first came out, but knowing all the hatred Bullseye has for DD now, it's a little bizarre to see him spare his life four times in half as many minutes. The big top is a poor stage for their battle; Bullseye charging DD with a bull elephant is a rather tacky picture. I also find the way Bob Brown draws Bullseye without pupils or corneas a little wierd. Their rematch at the end is much better, with Bullseye using some pretty unusual weapons, but it is over far too fast.
There are plenty of pluses to this issue, though. My favorite part is where Daredevil tries to lead Bullseye away from the crowd, remembering what happened in #127; it's a true proof of how dynamic Daredevil became under Marv's pen that he finally considers the consequences of his actions beyond those of dying himself. The art is pretty good throughout, and the subplot with Heather is very nice. It's good to see something actually being down with their relationship.
Those who have not yet read Bullseye's early appearances should be warned that Marv Wolfman's Bullseye is not the same as Roger McKenzie's Bullseye. The same person, yes, but a wholly different character: one more concerned with petty cash and reputation than an overburgeoning ego, amongst many other differences. Marv's Bullseye is in many ways just as interesting as Roger's, but if you buy this issue just for Bullseye's appearance you will be greatly disappointed.
Plot/Underlying Themes:2
Portrayal and development of Daredevil as a character:3
Art:3
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.
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