Daredevil #23 review by Jason Kahler
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Alec Morgan
Colors: Matt Milla
My beloved Daredevil has been blissfully untouched by Marvel’s Secret Empire story in the book’s latest story arc, but that doesn’t mean Ol’ Hornhead has been toiling away in isolation.
“Supreme” continues in issue #23. This issue features a guest appearance from Jennifer Walters, the sensational She-Hulk. Recent issues have also featured Daredevil’s partners from the Defenders and the character Echo. In “Supreme,” lawyer Matt Murdock has petitioned the court to allow masked superheroes to testify in court without revealing their secret identities so that superhero Daredevil can help convict a villain.
The ramifications of this gambit are great: Daredevil can hear anything, and as a private citizen, wouldn’t need a warrant. Powered wouldn’t need to become costumed vigilantes to help the world. They could do their thing and take the stand with a paper bag over their head.
These are arguments Murdock makes in this issue to Walters. Of course, comics being comics, the discussion comes to an end when Tombstone attacks. Murdock needs to protect his secret identity by pretending to be a helpless attorney, so Walters she-hulks-out and handles her business.
She-Hulk’s new appearance connects to developments in her book. It’s a non-intrusive reminder that Daredevil isn’t, in fact, completely alone in the Marvel Universe.
The issue resolves the super-heroism, but not the court case. That will wait for the next issue, at least.
Daredevil‘s been enjoying an impressive creative streak for a while. Daredevil reclaimed his secret identity, returned to Hell’s Kitchen after a brief jaunt in San Francisco, and with this storyline, re-entered the courtroom. All told, the book features a nice balance of action and ideas, a blend that began with Mark Waid’s run and continues with Soule’s work.
Daredevil #23’s writing remains stellar, but the art by fill-in artist Alec Morgan is uneven. Inconsistent and muddy faces mar an otherwise great issue.
The crossovers and tie-ins associated with Secret Empire are grabbing all the press. Daredevil, however, is telling interesting stories in its quiet corner of the Marvel Universe, and the book deserves your attention.
VERDICT
You should buy Daredevil. The story about the powers of authorities and citizens alike to monitor and police the population are as timely as anything happening during Secret Empire, but without the baggage of a company-wide event.
