Daredevil #139
CharactersArcher EmmetDaredevil Dr. Barret Joyce Hillary Matt Murdock Slate |
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Summary: A mad bomber is on the loose, blowing up a building ever half hour until his wife, a runaway drug addict, is found.
It's up to Daredevil to find her, so he must take a desperate dive into the grim world of the drug trade! And meanwhile, a
young boy with a case of hemophilia lies on a sidewalk with a cut on his arm, slowly bleeding to death!
Welcome to a typical night in the life of Daredevil!
Review: Every fan of Daredevil should have a copy of "A Night in the Life". There's no questioning it. Stories like these,
rather than the man without fear fighting the villain of the month, are the essence of Daredevil. In some ways this is
comparable to the famed
#304("34 Hours"), but in fact it's much better. While #304 was essentially a collection of simple quickies, with everything
wrapped up neatly at the end, #139 presents a much more brutal and realistic New York. While Daredevil does a lot of good,
at the same time this issue reveals that he can't save everyone, and he can't make sure they'll be happy for the rest of
their lives. No saving the universe, saving the planet, or even stopping four minor crimes in quick sucession. Just one man
trying to keep a city from going completely mad. There's even a sense of struggle in this issue, a sense that Daredevil is
giving something of himself to save his city. In #304 it often seems like he's just showing off.
This issue is also comparable in ways to McKenzie and Miller's "Child's Play"(#183); but again, it's much better.
Rather than a long spiel from a doctor on the harms of drugs and one girl's perspective of being overdosed, we see the filth
and misery of drug users. We see a woman who was once a loving mother and wife turn to threatening a shop keeper with a
knife and shooting a man right in front of an innocent child, just to get the next fix. In short, the kid gloves are off.
We're not just hearing horror stories about drugs; we're seeing the ruination in its wake.
I never would have thought Marv could have outdone #130, but he has. A pity that the art doesn't do the same; guest
penciler Sal Buscema is occassionally inappropriate for the gritty feel of this issue, and Jim Mooney's inks do little to
improve his work. The art is good for the most part, but doesn't always have the right feel.
There's plenty of other minor points about this issue that I could rave about, but why spoil the surprise when you
can just pick up the issue yourself and relish every wonderful detail of this irreproachable classic? Marv Wolfman and Sal
Buscema have pulled together a fine tribute to everything Daredevil is.
Plot/Underlying Themes:5
Portrayal and development of Daredevil as a character:4
Art:3
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.
Copyright © 2019 Marvel Characters, Inc.
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