Daredevil #133

Title:"Mind-Wave And His Fearsome Think Tank!"
Writer:Marv Wolfman
Penciler:Bob Brown
Inker:Jim Mooney
Cover:Gil Kane
Colours:Michele Wolfman
Letters:Ray Holloway
Editor:Marv Wolfman
Assistant Editor:None
Date:May 1976
Cover Price:0.25

Characters

Blake Tower
Daredevil
Jester
Lieutenant Bert Rose
Mind-Wave
Uri Geller

Daredevil #132


Daredevil #134

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
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Gil Kane
Volume 1 - 80 81 82 84 85 88 90 91 94 95 96 97 104 109 112 114 115 116 117 119 120 121 122 124 125 126 127 128 133 134 139 141 146 147 148 150 151 152
Volume 2 - None
Volume 3 - None
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Jim Mooney
Volume 1 - 111 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 141 142 145 146
Volume 2 - None
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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

Issue Summary

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

At long last...a glimpse at the madman responsible for the fradulent broadcasts of Foggy and the living Kennedys! But Daredevil will have no time to recognize the significance of these broadcasts, because there's a new supervillian tearing a path of havok through the streets of New York. One whom Daredevil is absolutely powerless against...and there is only one man who can give him even a chance at victory.

Review: An off issue, sad to say. As with Marv's last off issue(#128) we are given two superb pages before everything drops off. In this case, however, the first two pages are actually worth buying the comic for. The art is spectacular, the "when" box on the splash page is humorous without destroying the mood, and the revelation of the villian behind the phony broadcasts is quite a shocker. Marv's handling of this old DD foe is already brilliant. The rest was spoiled by the fact that Marv had to write Uri Geller into the storyline. The battle against Mind Wave(which is pretty cool) took up the whole 15 pages allotted to him, leaving no room for subplots. The idea of presenting a real person as a superhero was simply too hokey, though Marv certainly did his best with it.
Still, not all of the issue's faults are thanks to this bizarre marketing ploy. For one, the art is wholely unimpressive after those first two pages; after being gone only one issue, Klaus is already missed. Second, DD is terribly mis-rendered in this issue. He's entirely too heedless and disregarding of authority, sharply in contrast to the bold hero finally considering the consequences of his actions who Marv presented in the past three issues. I wouldn't buy this issue unless you happen to be in the middle of reading through Marv W.'s run on the book. In that case, the first two pages are essential.
Plot/Underlying Themes:2
Portrayal and development of Daredevil as a character:2
Art:3
Overall:2

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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