Daredevil #135
CharactersBlake TowerDaredevil Foggy Nelson Heather Glenn Jester Lieutenant Bert Rose Matt Murdock Peter Parker |
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Summary: The Jester final reveals himself, claiming that Daredevil framed him for his past "crimes"! Meanwhile, Foggy still
struggles to uncover the secret behind the corruption of Glen Industries, ever hindered by the mysterious man known only as
Stone.
Deducing that the Jester is the one behind the phony newscasts, pulling the same stunt he did years ago, DD tracks
him down to his warehouse...only to find his dead body! Convinced that Daredevil is the murderer, the police sucessfully
capture him and bring him into prison. Daredevil senses tell him that the dead man is not even the Jester at all, but how
can he prove his innocence?
Or...is Daredevil really so innocent after all...?
Review: "What is Happening?" Truly an appropriate title. At last the Jester epic, which began as a subplot in
#125(virtually the beginning of Marv's stint on the title), blooms into a lengthy story arc starting this issue. As the plot
progressed through its early stages, that indeed was the question on everyone's mind: What on Earth is happening? In the
last two issues, we found out a large part of the answer, and it almost seems as though Marv had ruined the mystery of his
tale before it even truly began. By the end of #135, however, we all once more find ourselves asking: What on Earth is going
on?
Marv pulls so many bizarre tricks in this issue that it borders on the avant garde. The newspaper format of the
first three pages is quite a shock, and it works brilliantly(Marv even sticks some cute bits of humor into it). The plot
itself takes so many twists and turns, it feels like a roller coaster. Better still, Marv has done the remarkable with this
story arc: he has actually improved on Stan Lee's Jester, making him more looney and evil than ever.
Bob Brown and Jim Mooney even do one of the better performances with this issue. The work is still far from genius,
but it's far more striking than usual: from the Jester's ragged costume to Lieutenant Rose's determined stance to Blake
Tower's brief moment of joviality, it's subtle but respectable art.
This is, in all, the first part of what is perhaps both the centerpiece of Marv Wolfman's brilliant run on the book
and the most riveting Jester story ever told. Highly recommended.
Plot/Underlying Themes:4
Portrayal and development of Daredevil as a character:3
Art:3
Overall:4
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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