I always find that stories -- comic-book ones or otherwise -- that focus on bad guys are fascinating, probably because they're relatively rare. Bendis presents us with one such story here, but he doesn't shine the spotlight on the Kingpin or Bullseye. The bad guy in question is the title character, and his hypocrisy in this story arc makes for an odd but entertaining conflict for the reader. Bendis's ability to bring some crediblity to the incredible world of a super-hero continues to impress.
In an attempt to get him out of the guilty, self-pitying funk Matt Murdock is in, his one-time crimefighting partner and lover, the Black Widow, puts him in touch with a haunting figure from his past in the hope that he'll resume his role as Daredevil again. Meanwhile, Matt and Foggy meet with the publisher of The Daily Globe and his lawyers to discuss Matt's defamation and invasion-of-privacy lawsuit.
Maleev's dark, gritty art captures the mature tone of the story, yet it also captures its realistic quality as well. Hollingsworth's colors bring out the almost supernatural tone of the quietly tense emotional scene between the title character and a former lover, but then take on a brighter tone to reinforce the everyday reality of the boardroom scene at the Globe.
The scene hinted at on the cover is both an amusing one and a sad one all at once. Elektra isn't giving Matt the silent treatment; instead, she's giving him an excuse to exorcise some demons he's got bouncing around his head. His unresolved issues and insecurities bubble to the surface, and it's easy to understand why. People have a natural tendency to fill silences. Cops use it as a questioning tactic, and it's an old reporter's that serves me well from time to time.
Speaking of journalism, it's the confrontation between Matt and the newspaper publisher here that stands out as the highlight of the issue -- and perhaps as the strongest moment in Bendis's run on the title in general. One can't help but cheer the publisher on; he's standing up for what he believes in. He has a just cause. The title character's purpose is a completely understandable one, but it draws the reader into a challenging quandry. We feel for the hero, as his privacy has been invaded, and those around him could be in danger as a result. But to protect his life and those of his friends, he must lie. He does what is right for him, but he's not really doing the right thing in a broader, ethical picture. The conflict makes for some fascinating reading.
