REVIEW: ‘Daredevil and Echo,’ Issue #4

Daredevil and Echo #4 is published by Marvel, written by Taboo and B. Earl, art and colors by Phil Noto, and letters by Clayton Cowles. This is the last issue in the series. As Ghost Rider and Echo fight the Demagoblin, Daredevil comes up against an ancestor and an ethereal being.

This issue is elevated to a level already suggested in this series, but it’s so strange to reach that pinnacle finally. The book is split between two parts, like the rest of the comic. After his sacrifice, Daredevil finds himself at a table with Tommy Murdock and the Blind One, this unknown, mystical creature. Then on the other side are Echo and Ghost Rider, trying to finish things as Demagoblin and its collection of captured children. That side of this story has been creepy, unnerving, and action-packed. But the situation Daredevil finds himself in is more cerebral. It causes a smile because of just how odd it is. The plot itself can be difficult to understand, but throughout, the resounding ideas revolve around the possession of souls. But the writers also put emphasis on ancestry and heritage, going so far as to place a link between bloodlines that goes beyond genes within the issue. The action in both is amazing, physical against demonic figures that don’t necessarily seem like they could be fought that way, but that is often the only way a Murdock knows how.

The dialogue in this comic takes a mesmerizing turn. The Blind One speaks plainly, but deceptively. When it talks, there is an agenda to its conversations, trying to manipulate Daredevil into making the decision it wants him to make. Once that fails, it becomes an ancient rage filled with malice and violence. That is reflected in how the Demagoblin speaks, with a classically evil vocabulary. Tommy Murdock speaks incredibly poetically from the start, like an old scholar more than a brawler. The connection between Ghost Rider and Echo is fascinating, with one unable to understand what the other is saying due to an inability to lipread someone who doesn’t possess lips. However, Ghost Rider’s dialogue can be repetitive, constantly talking about innocent souls and dragging the Demgaoblin back to Hell, with little variation to the lines.

Daredevil and Echo #4 has had exceptional art throughout the series, and Noto finishes extremely well. There are a lot of oddities within the comic, and Noto seems to enjoy that. The first image is baffling, as the Blind One is presented with this fish face. This drew a smile, and the visage lasts not long before a Lovecraftian true form is revealed. The plane of existence Murdock finds himself on is pretty but barren, not showing signs of being in Heaven or Hell. Underneath the church, the energy is high and claustrophobic, penning all the powers and beings around each other. There are some clever movements and ideas used to help Ghost Rider and Echo communication. 

The colors help provide some diversity to a series that felt like space and fresh air were needed. That restrictive red and brown that the dungeon has served is replaced with open space and a calm green sky. The Blind One’s colorations aren’t too dissimilar from that sky, highlighting the premise that this is its dimension. The lettering aids in the storytelling, sometimes changing to show an evolution in forms and tones. 

Daredevil and Echo #4 will leave you brilliantly bewildered. After this demonic adventure, opening up into a sequence that would not be out of place in American Gods is instantly captivating. The issue ends conclusively, but that does not imply that what has happened of what Daredevil and Echo have faced will be understood. And that appears intentional. The bloodline concept has been interesting and adds history to both characters. All of the foibles within the first issue become clear, and ultimately the whole series is better when read as a whole book, not individual chapters.

Daredevil and Echo #4 is available now wherever comics are sold.