REVIEW: ‘Daredevil,’ Issue #11

Daredevil #11 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Chip Zdarsky, art by Rafael DeLatorre, colors by Matt Wilson and letters by Clayton Cowles. There is a backup story written by Jason Loo, art by Lynne Yoshii, colors by Yen Nitro, and letters by Cowles. Daredevil has returned to New York with his friends dead or in prison, and nothing else to lose. So he pays the Stromwyns a visit.

This is an issue beyond rock bottom. Matt Murdock has had his reputation and everything he’s worked for obliterated. Much of this issue is a reminder of everything that has been lost in his life, like a glum highlight reel of Zdarsky’s run and beyond. There is an intense, heartbreaking clash between Cole and Daredevil, who has been recuperating in the detective’s home. But he has been sent out with the Daredevil suit in hand to do something. Then the pace slows down to allow for reflection and an understanding that Matt has nowhere else to go, opening the door to desperation. So when he goes to the Stromwyns, it’s very difficult to judge just how tense Zdarsky is going to make the scene. But nothing could prepare me for what was to come. It is full of bargaining, posturing, and just straight-up begging, with brutality to finish up.

There aren’t many superheroes that have had to start again as many times as Daredevil has. But I don’t believe he’s ever been as alone as he is in Daredevil #11. No Foggy. No Elektra. No Spider-Man. Cole gave him shelter but is now done letting him wallow. It can be hard reading Matt at his lowest, but he will always come up with a stupidly brave plan that is well worth getting to. The journey he goes through just within this issue is superbly presented. To start with, he is pathetic and meek. By the end, he is downright terrifying.

The art is terrific. The first half of the issue is relatively tame in terms of action, yet De Latorre makes Hell’s Kitchen and the Rest of New York look incredible, as well as the people within. The anger of Cole and the lost puppy look of Daredevil provide a one-sided confrontation that hurts. There are glimpses of the devastation from previous issues, exhibiting some beautiful yet haunting reminders. Towards the end of the issue, Daredevil looks awesome in his full regalia, with the extra armor and hood included in his costume. This is a dramatic final scene with some actions that verge on disturbing but are pertinent, considering the desperation that Daredevil feels.

The colours are really clever and fantastic. Being muted and understated for 90% of the comic leads to attention being paid when that changes. There are bright flashes of red that follow bursts of movement. In addition, Daredevil’s costume is as which as it has been in ages. The lettering is the standard for Daredevil comics but brilliant nonetheless.

The bonus story is an aside that sees the new Iron Fist seek guidance from the Man Without Fear. It’s a terrific team-up, mixing elaborate action and near-constant fighting with some very meaningful dialogue. 

Daredevil #11 pulls the hero up from one of his deepest lows. That guilt and sadness that fills Matt radiate from him in this issue, wallowing in grief. Zdarsky is a master of pace and subtle storytelling. Sometimes it’s difficult to see the machinations and the journey he’s taking characters on until the end of an issue. This is a comic that’s trying to take in everything that has happened in a chaotic arc, but the ashes may have consumed everything that could be salvaged.

Daredevil #11 is available where comics are sold.