REVIEW: ‘Daredevil: Woman Without Fear’ Issue #1

Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #1 is published by Marvel Comics. It was written by Erica Schultz, with art by Michael Dowling, colors by Dee Cunniffe, and letters by Clayton Cowles. In this latest issue, when Alice, Elektra’s ward, is kidnapped, Daredevil takes a trip to Madiroppor to get her back.

Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #1 is bumper-sized and filled with excitement. The pacing is perfect within the extra pages, and the story is deep. Much of this issue occurs in New York, establishing the budding relationship between Daredevil and Alice. Alice is being taught to fight but is starting to get rebellious and wants to go out alone. But after her disappearance, Schultz immediately changes the setting and sends the protagonist to a location famous for its crime.

The reveal of Daredevil’s first enemy within Madripoor is interesting as it creates a fascinating confrontation. An extensive fight scene begins, progressing over several pages. The extended issue allows for the battle to have multiple facets and take its time telling the story through action. As that unfolds, there is a much wider plot with many notable and famous characters, including a crime family that must have fled New York for new pastures. And there is enough time for a shocking appearance from a completely unexpected character.

The characters are phenomenally written within this opening issue. Schultz has taken stabs at Elektra as Daredevil and has excelled every time. The former assassin is so analytical and straightforward with everyone she meets. Attempts at jokes can seem odd coming from her. There is a profound confidence in both her spoken dialogue and narration.

The enemy is a formidable fighter, yet Elektra never believes that she will lose to them. The taunts and banter as they brawl are fantastic, filled with menace and derision towards each other. There is a brief period in which Alice becomes a character, and narration is attached to her. It is interesting to see how her training has paid off. It will be interesting to see if that format continues as the series deepens.

The art is magnificent, getting even more impressive with each page. Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #1 is an active and physical issue, and the kinetic energy is palpable. The very different fighting styles of Daredevil and the villain are clear. Where one is a grapple and knife fighter, Elektra uses her legs to unleash powerful kicks, as does her sai.

The costume will always be a personal favourite, no matter who illustrates it. It’s so intricate and iconic, blending the symbolism of Daredevil and infusing it with Elektra’s personal spin. Madripoor looks gorgeous, with unique geography introduced by Dowling.

The colors are stunning. They are often used to transition, with a new scene containing a brand new palette and lighting, forcing the reader to pay attention. While the foreground is colored exceptionally well, the sky is breathtaking. When dusk is falling or dawn is rising, the skies blend blue, purple, and yellow, which is so lovely, especially in large establishing shots. One of the best in the business provides lettering, and Cowles keeps the text effortless to read.

It is rare and intriguing to see a Daredevil outside their corner of New York, but this series benefits enormously. Elektra has stamped her authority in Hell’s Kitchen, and the sharing of space between herself and Matt Murdock has been one of the highlights of the new era.

But taking the plot to Madripoor provides a fresh look to the comic and removes any chance of backup for Daredevil. Not that she needs it. The combat in Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #1 is one of the best fight scenes in months, constantly changing and gripping to see unfold over many pages.

Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #1 is available where comics are sold.