REVIEW: ‘Daredevil,’ Issue #6

Daredevil #6 is published by Marvel, written by Chip Zdarsky, art by Rafael De Latorre, colors by Matt Wilson, and letters by Clayton Cowles. After Daredevil and Elektra break several villains out of prison, they are not under scrutiny by their fellow heroes. So as Daredevil tries to help those now in his care, Elektra encounters an Avenger.

This issue features two different strands of the same story. In one part of the tale is Matt, struggling to be a leader of the new inclusions. These new members of the Fist are some deep cuts in the Daredevil/Spider-Man/street area of the Marvel Universe. The story opens with a therapy session for many of the newcomers. It’s a short piece of the action before the exposition in the episode. Then the other part of the comic is Elektra on a supposed assassination mission. Both progress the plot individually, with one more based on action than the other. Murdock’s side might be too slow at points, but it hits on many of the more important themes of this arc. There is a brilliant blend of peace and violence in Daredevil #6, demonstrating a conflict in the issue. The hero Elektra comes into contact with isn’t a huge surprise, given the end of the last chapter, but how their meeting unfolds is unexpected. The way it ends is sudden yet satisfying, but it turns a corner for the team. But the final part of the issue brings in a figure that has been involved for a while but may have been considered far away.

The characters in the comic are terrific, displayed instantly from the therapy sessions. Many of the characters are given just a panel at first, speaking to Doc Samson, but each one carries with it an individual personality. Some characters weren’t seen at the Myrmidon, either picked up elsewhere or used as a surprise. Zdarsky brilliantly gives some life to characters that have been one-dimensional or forgettable for years. Someone like Fancy Dan, one of a trio initially with the Enforcers, is granted a lovely little scene. Another is Bullet, written into a much longer scene than others as he was more recently in Daredevil than the others. Des[ite them being villains, it is easy to gain sympathy for them. Elektra’s ability to seem unphased when faced with an opponent is awesome. In contrast, Matt portrays himself as this patient, calm figurehead trying to maneuver his new recruits into fighting for his cause. But his restraint is fraying. 

De Latorre is the artist for this comic (alternating issues with Checchetto) and is superb. Daredevil is given a slightly redesigned costume. While the all-red is my preferred favorite. This is still fantastic. The addition of the hood and the scruffiness of the beard adds a nomadic trait to Matt, opposing the more sleek costume for when he’s in the city. The new characters in the series are superbly created. Some aren’t in their typical uniform, but seeing the normal people sit next to monsters and Symbiotes is hilarious. There is a short but enjoyable fight between Daredevil and Agony. The Elektra and Avenger conflict has a different look, but that whole area of the comic does. It is altered to resemble an espionage thriller, with some mysticism attached by the end. There are also some clever uses of heavy shadows.

The colors are amazing. The shades on costumes can change depending on the lighting and the scenario. There are moments where the red costumes on both Daredevil and Elektra are intensely vibrant, as well as the purple of Agony. But then, in different situations, the tones can lighten to orange in reaction to other locations and sources of light. The letters are typical but always easy to read.

Daredevil #6 is a brilliant character issue. It allows those that have just arrived a chance to demonstrate their personality in what is quickly growing into a large cast of eccentric figures. Those at the heart of the story, Matt and Elektra, have spent a while building an army with the ability to take on the Hand, and it is great to see the strains that becoming a leader has on those with the world on their shoulder. Their time at their base has often seemed like one of training and tranquility. But with one final page, Zdarsky introduces a figure that is the opposite of tranquil.

Daredevil #6 is available now wherever comics are sold.