The Good

Every once in a while you get to read a really fantastic comic book. The story is beautifully written, the tone is brilliantly captured by both writer and artist, the language is poetic -- sometimes we're lucky to get a comic that is all of these things, and the second issue of DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS is a perfect example of that.

Writer Brian Michael Bendis crafts a beautiful story. The story of Ben Urich, a writer who doesn't want to give up on a story, and it's about Daredevil's final moments. Bendis structures the issue like you would a mystery; giving the reader small clues and uncovering only a little bit at a time. Not showing us all of his cards. The reader doesn't get a clue as to what is really going on in this issue; Bendis instead takes us by the hand and leads us down the path that Urich is crafting; making us follow along all of the clues being left behind by him.

The creative team is perfect for this comic. It's gloomy, dark and dreary and Bendis writes to Klaus Janson's strengths. Janson's pencils are clearly gritty and detailed, and it feels as though the story will come to life on the pages as you read. This is a very different kind of superhero story, and that's part of what makes it so damn great. Matt Hollingsworth's colors and Bill Sinkiewicz's finished art and paintings really compliment Janson's work. Together, they make an incredible artistic team and deliver an absolutely stunning comic book.

I don't want to give away a whole lot about the plot except that it is very different and left me very impressed. This is an incredible Daredevil story that analyses the character's self-destructive behavior and explores his relationship with the supporting characters in his life. Not only is it deep, but it's well structured and organized and plays out like a movie. Prepare to get completely drawn into this one.

The Bad

Nothing bad here. This is by far one of the best comics I have read all week.

The Verdict

Everything from the art to the way the characters are portrayed is brilliant. There are some panels where you can clearly tell that Bendis wrote for his artistic team. One scene in particular depicts a conversation between Urich and Milla and it's clear that Bendis allowed the artist to tell the story for him; having the artists really capture and convey emotion through movement and expression -- it's just fantastic. This issue is a great example of how when you get a solid creative team together, it's possible to create a really fantastic story. The issue ends on a massive cliff-hanger that will leave you wanting more and really excited about the next issue. Beautiful panels, perfect layout, and a story that will keep you at the edge of your seat make this one of the best comics of this week.