REVIEW: ‘Daredevil,’ Issue #7

Daredevil #7 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Chip Zdarsky, art by Marco Checchetto and Rafael De Latorre, inks by Elisabetta D’Amico, colours by Matthew Wilson, and letters by Clayton Cowles. Daredevil has been gathering a community of ex-villains, training them with the intention of going to war against the Hand. In this issue, they are given a first test.

This issue is interesting, as it comes in with a voice. Daredevil’s plan of rehabilitation has held a societal weight, commenting on criminal justice and the rehabilitation of criminals. The moral standpoint is brave and important, as the team protects innocents from a corporation and the cops doing its bidding. It is also an amazing piece of action with excellent pacing. It shows the potential that this group has, as well as the teething problems within it. And that is only half of the story within Daredevil #7, as the Hand makes an unexpected move. It heightens the tension of the comic even further with the sense of a bloody and dangerous battle coming very soon.

The characters in this issue are terrific. At the centre is Matt Murdock. Zdarsky writes Matt as a superb leader and figurehead. In the fight, he is extremely tactical, on the same level as Cyclops and Captain America. And as a lawyer, he can be manipulative and legally intuitive. The anger he has is there too, but he controls it in order to focus on his recruits. But he is also brilliant at dealing with confrontation in other instances, like when one of his subjects challenges him.

The other characters are superbly written too. Those former villains now part of the Fist are showing what they can do, many getting a moment of excellence. Though he doesn’t get a speaking role, Punisher’s activities in his own series are also explained more, and his presence is ominous. He is especially dangerous when criminals are part of Daredevil’s plan, as he would not hesitate in killing them. The synergy between the Punisher and Daredevil comics isn’t completely airtight, with characters missing and conflicting story points. But this is allowing both Aaron and Zdarsky to write their comics at their own pace.

The art is a brilliant blend of the two artists in this series, as both Checchetto and De Latorre combine efforts. It is interesting to see how the comic is split. The battle in the apartment is illustrated by De Latorre, whilst the Hand part of the issue is constructed by Checchetto, with the inking from D’Amico helping both. The fight scene in the apartment is superb. It is intensely physical and violent. The conflict takes place on multiple levels, giving a vibe of The Raid or even the Daredevil TV series. Each of these characters has variations on their costumes, with hoodies and casual additions included. Checchetto is magnificent also—his interpretation of the Hand ninjas and the Punisher, in particular, being awesome. 

The colours are fantastic. Wilson is consistent in tones across the art styles of both line artists. Daredevil #7 has very vibrant and distinctive shades, granting the whole comic a rich tone. The lettering is the same as Daredevil comics have been for while—always dynamic.

Daredevil #7 keeps the storyline moving with a terrific issue. Whilst all part of the same plot, the artists taking different parts gives layers to the story. The Hand and the Punisher have felt far away, only mentioned as an outside force. This issue brings them very close. I admire the voice this comic is developing, actually addressing key elements of superhero comics and society as a whole.

Daredevil #7 is available where comics are sold.