Daredevil by Mark Waid—Volume 4

Comic Info

Daredevil (3) #16

Reprints Daredevil (3) #16-21 (October 2012-February 2013).  Daredevil is fighting nanobots inside of him from Doctor Doom and turns to Hank Pym, Doctor Strange, and Tony Stark for help.  When Matt begins to question his sanity and reality seems to be appearing and disappearing all around him, Foggy and Matt’s relationship might meet the ultimate roadblock.  Seeking answers, Matt finds he might be facing an old enemy with a grudge or that it could be a new threat from someone called Coyote.

Written by Mark Waid, Daredevil by Mark Waid—Volume 4 is illustrated by Chris Samnee and Michael Allred (who steps in for Daredevil (3) #17).  The series continue to be highly critically acclaimed and a fan favorite.

Daredevil is a tough character.  He often is too broody and dark, but if he is written lightly, it also eliminates years of character development.  Mark Waid has found the balance.  He still is keeping Brubaker and Brian Michael Bendis’ writing while turning Daredevil back into a fun character.

The storyline in this collection feeds heavily into the relationship with Foggy and Matt.  You have Foggy questioning Matt’s sanity when Daredevil begins to “see” things.  It turns out that Matt is being targeted by some shady organization using a combination of the Spot and a new character called Coyote to make things appear and disappear.  It leads to a fun “headless” Daredevil.

Daredevil (3) #18

I know that Foggy has been through a lot with Matt, but I did find it a bit odd that Foggy would completely cut off Matt when he finds the boxing gloves and skull of Matt’s father in his desk.  First, Foggy knew that the body was missing after the Moleman incident (chronicled in Daredevil by Mark Waid—Volume 2) and despite Matt’s crazy past, his respect and admiration of his father has always been true.  I don’t really see the break occurring over that, but Foggy telling Kirsten about Matt’s insanity would maybe cause it.

The art continues to be a great throwback for Daredevil.  It has a really old Kirby and early ’60s feel to it.  I love the Michael Allred stand-in issue and would love to see a whole Allred series.  The coloring and the visuals for the whole series are great and provide the fluid nature of the character.

Daredevil by Mark Waid—Volume 4 continues a great award winning series.  Daredevil is one of the most underrated characters that has had some of the best runs if you look at his history.  I’d wager you can put a number of Daredevil issues up against Spider-Man issues, and you’d find the Man Without Fear putting up a good fight.

Related Links:

Daredevil by Mark Waid—Volume 1

Daredevil by Mark Waid—Volume 2

Daredevil by Mark Waid—Volume 3

Daredevil by Mark Waid—Volume 5

Daredevil by Mark Waid—Volume 6

Daredevil by Mark Waid—Volume 7