Daredevil

I just recently finished reading Daredevil #81. This is the final chapter to the nearly 5 year story Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev have been crafting. It definitely did not disappoint. It was the perfect ending to their run on this character. They have built a wonderful tale of life, love, friendship, heartache, hardship and heroism that has rarely been seen within Marvel or DC. For Marvel—which has been at a creative crossroads recently (at least I think so)—this has been the best title they have published for quite some time. I would even go as far as to say it really is the only must read amongst my current Marvel comic purchases.

I think this last story arc "The Murdock Papers" is a testament to a creative team staying on a single title for a long run. Brian and Alex had a vision when they took over this book, and staying on the title for so long, they were able to tell the story they wanted to tell, at the pacing they wanted to tell it in (which rarely if ever happens in this day and age of constantly shifting creative teams). Bendis and Maleev grew into comic superstars both on this title. Professionally and creatively it was a huge success for both of them. They bring out the best in each other (can't wait for them to launch the new Spider-Woman monthly). Although Bendis does great work on both Ultimate Spider-Man and The Pulse, you dont feel the same synergy between the word and the art that you do on Daredevil. Maleev was the perfect artist to pair him with. He has a great grim, gritty in your face New York style, which is perfect for Davedevil.

I've been a big fan of Daredevil since the mid-80's with Frank Miller's and David Mazzuchelli's classic runs. This current run of 60 or so issues is on par if not better than that classic Miller run. I can't imagine another creative team being able to tell the stories Bendis and Maleev did. From the Kingpin being overthrown Caeser style, to Daredevil being outted, the White Tiger trial, Daredevil as the new Kingpin, The Owl and his new drug, Daredevil suffering a breakdown, Matt and Milla getting married, the 10 Commandments, to the jailing of Matt... it sure sounds like a lot but nothing in this book ever felt rushed. Everything was paced properly and beautifully handled by Bendis and Maleev. I'm looking forward to what Brubaker and Lark have lined up for Daredevil, I can't wait to see where this character goes next. As confident as I am in the new creative team, i wanted to give much deserved kudos to the departing team. I think their run will be looked at historically as the character defining run for Daredevil. Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark definitely have some huge shoes to fill when they take over.