Heart of Darkest Darkness
THE GOOD
This series is probably the darkest thing on the shelves right now, and I'm truly loving the twisted machinations of Brian Michael Bendis and David Mack. The death of Daredevil has really shined a light on the darkness-infested corners of New York City. Bullseye's characterization here is great. His madness just before his death is absolutely a highlight of the issue, and I can't wait for this series to continue to see why he had a hooker dress like Elektra and why had the devil mask with him and put it on. It was also great to see that "Mapone" had meaning for him, and wasn't just something Daredevil whispered upon his death.
Ben Urich revealing how Bullseye killed himself is great. You see all the evidence going into the scene, but it's not readily apparent that that's what happened. Ben explaining things makes everything great. Bullseye truly was a master of the trick shot.
Klaus Janson is doing some awesome work here, most particularly in Bullseye's room during this issue. He can also really draw angry and sad people, which are liberally peppered throughout this series.
THE BAD
Ben Urich's quest for the meaning of "Mapone" needs to progress more than it has. He needs to get an actual lead, as opposed to nothing but dead ends. The appearance of the Punisher doesn't promise anything new, as he says, "I don't know anything." I need to know something.
Minor really, but on a double page spread towards the end, the reading order of panels is very confusing. I still can't tell after five reads of that particular page just exactly how I was supposed to read it.
THE VERDICT
Greatgreatgreatgreatgreatgreat. Great. There needs to be some progress on "Mapone," but I'm excited out the wazoo for #5.
