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Daredevil #13 - Hell Night

3

Daredevil is the center of attention in the latest issue of his self titled series; but we have to wonder, has he gone off the deep end?

The Good

We get a change in the artistic team with Khoi Pham on board for this issue and it's great. Pham really knows how to capture the expressions of characters and the fluidity of Daredevil in the action packed scenes we see in this issue. If you are looking for action, then this might be your cup of tea. Daredevil facing off against some of the Marvel Universes biggest villains means we get to see some very interesting action sequences and intricate panels in this issue.

The issue ends with a major cliffhanger that will leave you wondering whether Daredevil can really bounce back from what happened here. You may also ask yourself if DD has actually learned anything since Shadowland, or if he's really still the same person. A lot of issues are brought up here that will lead the reader to question Murdoch's decision and wonder about his character development.

The Bad

For such a smart guy Matt Murdoch sure is an idiot. Okay, I know, it's just a comic book. Those civilians Daredevil is putting at risk by antagonizing four of the biggest crime syndicates in the Marvel Universe aren't really getting hurt, but, why is he being so careless? That's what I really had a problem with. Is Matt really so selfish that he would rather make himself a target and have them attack all at once, a move that puts the lives of these guys in danger, just because he doesn't want to deal with some Black Spectre affiliate crashing any more of his dates with Kirsten McDuffie? I don't know, it sounds silly. He's supposed to be protecting the city by putting himself after innocent civilians, but that's not really what he is doing. He's being selfish. Not to mention, over the top and dramatic with this whole "come and get me," attitude. Something about it just rubbed me the wrong way, I guess.

In the end, we all could have guessed what was going to happen -- and it does. Rookie move, Murdoch. I'm disappointed. The thing is, everything that happens in this issue sort of goes againt all the building up of how smart and slick Matt Murdoch is. He's such a genius, he can outsmart anyone; so what the heck happened here? Where did his intellect and deduction skills run off to? I certainly wouldn't hire him as my lawyer.

The Verdict

I had a hard time with this issue. As well written as it was, it just felt like an easy out to have Matt parade around New York with some precious data drive strapped to his neck -- up for the taking. Is he that conceited? The saving grace of this issue (aside from Pham's great art) are the first few pages that put the spotlight on Foggy Nelson, who seems to be having a nervous breakdown. These scenes really express the tremendous amount of compassion Nelson has for his friend, by showcasing his level of concern. Great art, lackluster story that feels out of character for Matt. If you like action though this might be exactly what you've been waiting for.

16 Comments

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MrArrogant

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Edited By MrArrogant

Definitely thought this was the weakest of the run; felt like it only existed to wrap up last months omega effect still an enjoyable issue though and I look forward to the latveria story

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The Mighty Monarch

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@The Mast said:

There is literally nothing wrong with this issue. Yeah, Matt was reckless and stupid, but we may yet see a reason for that.

How did you finish this issue and still have the impression that his date got legitimately interrupted? They tell you, in no uncertain terms, that Spidey was posing as a member. My concern is that this is starting to feel a bit directionless. I trust Waid, though.

Mark Waid is the best person writing this book since Brubaker, and he's one of the best people to write Daredevil ever (Waid, that is). People are whining for the sake of it. When it was dark and broody, people were mad. When it's more light, people are mad. Anyone who has read Daredevil for a while knows that he always walks that line.

Of the 13 issues, at least 10 or 11 have been amazing. The rest have been ok. People come down hard on the best series Marvel has, but won't complain about the million mediocre X-Titles? Odd.

Also, Hell Night. Hell 4 Night makes no sense. I'm sure the 4 was just the Omega Drive on the cover.

There were problems with this issue, but more in the pacing as opposed to the actual story. Matt's recklessness is perfectly in character.

And his date WAS interrupted. He yelled at Spider-Man for interrupting it, Spidey was supposed to ambush him AFTER the date was over, according to DD.

I love the hell out of this series and could care less about most of the rest of Marvel, but this issue wasn't nearly as strong as most of the rest of Waid's. The big battle scene was introduced awkwardly with the summary style narration, it really dampened the effect of the climactic conflict.

Adding 'Hell Night' to the cover was a bad move. The '4' was there first, so 'Hell Night' appearing to be 'Hell 4 Night' appears intentional despite not making sense.

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The Mast

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Edited By The Mast

There is literally nothing wrong with this issue. Yeah, Matt was reckless and stupid, but we may yet see a reason for that.

How did you finish this issue and still have the impression that his date got legitimately interrupted? They tell you, in no uncertain terms, that Spidey was posing as a member. My concern is that this is starting to feel a bit directionless. I trust Waid, though.

Mark Waid is the best person writing this book since Brubaker, and he's one of the best people to write Daredevil ever (Waid, that is). People are whining for the sake of it. When it was dark and broody, people were mad. When it's more light, people are mad. Anyone who has read Daredevil for a while knows that he always walks that line.

Of the 13 issues, at least 10 or 11 have been amazing. The rest have been ok. People come down hard on the best series Marvel has, but won't complain about the million mediocre X-Titles? Odd.

Also, Hell Night. Hell 4 Night makes no sense. I'm sure the 4 was just the Omega Drive on the cover.

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daredevil21134

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Edited By daredevil21134

@longbowhunter said:

Not a great issue, but a good issue none the less. What the hell did Foggy find in Matt's drawer?!?

It could have been the gun he was about to use on himself in Guardian Devil

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous
@daredevil21134 said:

I actually enjoyed this issue but the overall series has been lame and corny to me. I look forward to the day Mark Waid leaves.I can't take much more of this crap.Yes I did call it crap.I would love Greg Rucka on Daredevil. regularly.

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microwave25

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Edited By microwave25

Is Paolo Rivera going to return on art duties?

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Rowen545

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Edited By Rowen545

I 100% agree with Sara, the purposely starting a battle in a populated area jarred the issue for me. It's too bad because as noted the Foggy scene was excellent. For those citing that its okay because he's Daredevil and he's edgy, what about the Avengers who also participated?

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The Mighty Monarch

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@longbowhunter said:

Not a great issue, but a good issue none the less. What the hell did Foggy find in Matt's drawer?!?

Yeah that was certainly my favorite scene. The extreme stress and tension in Foggy's face, dialogue, and actions was INTENSE.

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

Not a great issue, but a good issue none the less. What the hell did Foggy find in Matt's drawer?!?

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JonesDeini

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Edited By JonesDeini

I liked his issue...a lot actually. Certainly not the best in this run by any means. Khoi Pham definitely seems more at ease this issue than the last one he drew and that really helped the story. Matt's not really a plan out all the details kind of guy so I didn't mind his plan endangering the civilians. Hell, it's called DAREDEVIL not Good Samaritan. I actually liked the end because the whole time I was wondering why he hadn't called in backup at this point.

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CombatSpoon86

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Edited By CombatSpoon86

Not a bad issue. Definitely not as good as the last issue but still a good issue. Looking forward to the next arc. DD vs DrD

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daredevil21134

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Edited By daredevil21134

I actually enjoyed this issue but the overall series has been lame and corny to me. I look forward to the day Mark Waid leaves.I can't take much more of this crap.Yes I did call it crap.I would love Greg Rucka on Daredevil. regularly.

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zackattack529

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Edited By zackattack529

mm i didnt think it was THAt bad...i just didnt like how there was a whole epic battle then you just find out its stagged. kinda dumb and lazy storytelling. BUT i did like the writting, as usual! i think this was just a bad setup for this next arc. but i think its all smooth sailing from here. still excited to see how this is gonna play out and how DD is gonna get out of this (random)mess.

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CircularLogic

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Edited By CircularLogic

Actually, the Black Spectre that had interrupted his date was actually Spider-man. So it was pretty planned ahead.

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King Quisling

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Edited By King Quisling

Murdock *