Daredevil: Born Again (Various)

Karen Page, Daredevil's ex-girlfriend, is a junkie. Desperate for cash, she sells his true identity. That makes its way to the Kingpin, who proceeds to make Matt Murdock's life a living hell. As Matt hits the lowest point of his life, he must decide who he is and where his hope lies.

Acclaimed write Frank Miller and artist Brian Mazzucchelli (who also collaborated on Batman) produce another winner here. Originally published in 1986, it is gritty and raw. The art conveys the emotional depth of the characters well. The story is solid, revolving around identity and what you do when everything (career, home, friends) are taken from you. And the message is on point. Recommended.

Rating: A

Daredevil Visionaries: (Kevin Smith)

A teenager shows up with a child, claiming immaculate conception and the second coming of Christ. Matt Murdock (aka Daredevil) assumes she is crazy—until she is chased by a mysterious and sinister group claiming the child heralds the end of days. The ensuing chaos finds Matt questioning his faith and the way forward. Who is this child . . . and who is he? 

Written in the late '90s by Kevin Smith, I enjoyed this tale of the man without fear. The art was done well, the story was okay (if unsatisfying in places, it made up for it with shocking developments in others), and the messages were mixed but largely good. I think this helped the Daredevil character gain in popularity . . . for that, I am grateful.

Rating: B

Daredevil: Lockdown

Continuing from last time . . .

Daredevil is still behind bars, and Elektra is still acting in his stead. But things are coming to a head in Hell's Kitchen . . . Bullseye is on the loose, seemingly everywhere and terrorizing the city. Mayor Wilson Fisk isn't happy with the new Kingpin and puts things in motion to handle the situation. And Daredevil uncovers a plot that may unleash yet another plague on the city . . .

This volume was in line with the others: solid. This is a mild ending of sorts, with Matt coming to grips with who he is and what he must do ("what's right"), even if that is a bit wishy-washy (as the standard is never defined). Still, I was intrigued by one of his conclusions: that maybe what his enemies need isn't punishment but grace and contentment. It's not fully the gospel, but it's on the path.

Rating: A-

Daredevil: Doing Time

Continuing from last time . . .

Daredevil is in prison, wrestling with his conscience and faith as friends try to talk him out of his decision to serve behind bars. Elektra has assumed his role as protector of Hell's Kitchen. And enemies abound . . . the Knulls have invaded.* The new Kingpin is asserting herself. And the prison warden wants Matt dead . . . 

This was a good story, looking at Matt fighting with himself on what it means to be a man of God. The art was great, too. The only detriment was the Knull storyline, that seem to burst in and disappear just as quickly. Apparently that is part of a larger story arc, and as I haven't read the other titles, I was lost there. Otherwise, this is solid.

Rating: A-

*Which is apparently part of the King in Black event.

Daredevil: Truth/Dare

Continuing from last time . . .

Things are returning to normal in Hell's Kitchen. Well, normal for Hell's Kitchen . . . the mob war has been quieted as Kingpin manipulates things to his liking. Matt seeks a way to save the residents from losing their homes as he wrestles with his past demons. Ultimately, he decides to turn himself in . . . Daredevil is going to jail. Who will protect the people now?

An excellent story continues . . . this one felt a bit like important backstory as the tale builds to a crescendo.

Rating: A-

Daredevil: End of Hell

Continuing from last time . . .

Things are getting to a breaking point in Hell's Kitchen. Cops have been told to stay out. Rival mob bosses are posturing. Something must be done.

Matt and Elektra make a play, stealing from the mob and giving to the poor. Supervillains are called in to extinguish hope . . . Daredevil and unlikely allies are determined to provide it. Who will win the day? And can Matt finally extinguish his demons?

Picking up the story from last August, I was foggy on a few details, but the story remains gripping, and this volume was more satisfying than the prior. There continues to be good art and (mostly) good messages. A winner.

Rating: A-

Daredevil: The Man Without Fear

Blinded as a boy and orphaned shortly thereafter, Matt Murdock has had more than his share of tragedy. But all is not lost . . .for the accident that wounded him granted him nigh-supernatural powers. His father's life taught him much about tenacity and sacrifice despite repeated failures. And the bullying he received daily awakened a sense for law and order. 

Matt is also not alone; the mysterious Stick will take Matt under his wing to sharpen and hone his abilities. His college friend, Foggy Nelson, will prove a good friend. And the charming Elektra will intrigue him in many ways . . .

Time goes on. Matt is a lawyer now, in Boston. Called back to New York, he makes a new friend and finds a decayed city run by criminals. When his friend is kidnapped, he can bear it no longer—he will become Daredevil, the man without fear, and seek to right what he can. 

--------

This classic origin story is a solid introduction (and good starting point) to the Daredevil character. The only thing that surprised me was the relative absence of the faith component; it is foreshadowed but not explored here, and is (to me) an important part of this hero that later titles will flesh out. Still, this is a good read.

Rating: A

All-Star Superman, Volume 1

Superman saves an expedition to the sun, but mortally injures himself in so doing. Slowly dying, he sets his affairs in order with Lois and others in the first volume of the All-Star Superman storyline.

This series is widely lauded as one of the top story arcs about the Man of Steel. This first volume underwhelmed, though. It collects six individual issues, some of which appear unrelated to the overall arc of Supes dying. It is hailed as a fresh (but classic) look at Superman, both in story and art, and I see elements of that, but not in a captivating way. Maybe it ties together better if I would read more volumes . . . I'm not sure I will. 

Rating: C+

Daredevil: Through Hell

Continuing from last time . . .

Matt Murdock continues to wrestle with how he can help people in a broken system without resorting to being Daredevil; Elektra arrives to help him investigate the rampant corruption. 

Wilson Fisk has stepped away from his violent past, but Hell's Kitchen is descending into chaos as rival gangs vie for dominance.

Detective Cole North is fighting his own demons as he tries to be a good cop in a crooked city. 

Everyone's on edge . . . and something's gonna give soon.

This one was fine, but felt less hard-hitting than the first two volumes. More like exposition setting the stage for more good things (hopefully).

Rating: B

Daredevil: No Devils, Only God

Shortly after Volume 1 . . .

Plagued by his conscience, Matt Murdock has stepped away from being Daredevil. And a lawyer. Now a probation officer, he struggles with his new life and wrestles with his faith. God gave him gifts, but it seems he must break God's laws to use them. He cares about justice, but the system is broken and the most just course may be breaking the law. As he struggles, violence rages in Hell's Kitchen, but the Kingpin may be stepping away from his dark past, too. Can people really change? What does it mean to fight for justice in a broken world?

As with the first book, I really enjoyed this one. Some great dialogue, questions, and thoughts. It doesn't provide all the answers, and gets some things wrong, but it's nice to see a comic that grapples with what is (to me) a key challenge of the superhero genre: if a person has great power, and the system is broken, when is it justified to act outside the system? 

Rating: A-

Daredevil: Know Fear

Matt Murdock has only ever tried to do good as Daredevil. But when he accidentally kills a man during a routine takedown, he questions everything he is and has done. While others (like Punisher) think killing is fine . . . is that the right way?

This was a solid start to a story arc published in 2019. I've had Daredevil on my mind since enjoying the Born Again series in April. I'm most intrigued by his Catholic religion and how that is portrayed in the stories. Here, the writers get it largely accurate (it is easy to misrepresent Christianity). Matt's priest has the quote of the book: "God loves you, Matthew. Hold on to that and do the right thing . . . renounce this violence. Cast out the devil." Indeed.

Rating: A

John Calvin's Illustrated Institutes (Book 1)

John Calvin, the immensely influential Christian Reformer, first published The Institutes of the Christian Religion—a summary of Protestant beliefs—in the 1530s. He would expand it over time, publishing four more editions (the last came in 1559). Now cherished as one of the classic works of Christian faith, today's review is of a graphic novel adaptation for children, covering chapters 1-5 of Book 1 of the Institutes. 

Here, Calvin covers:

- True Wisdom (which has "two inseparable parts: knowing God and knowing ourselves.")

- Knowing God ("true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual or theoretical; it is profoundly personal and relational." "The purpose of knowing God is to teach us fear and reverence," so we "worship God with sincere hearts that fully trust in his loving care and provision.")

- The Seed of Religion ("all people are born with a natural awareness of God . . . imprinted on their hearts.")

- The Corrupted Seed ("sin has corrupted the seed [of religion] and prevented it from producing the good fruit of genuine devotion and true piety. Instead, it bears rotten fruit that leads humanity away from truly knowing God and worshiping him alone.")

- Creation and Providence (God has "revealed himself to use through creation, which serves as a dazzling theater that displays his majesty, power, wisdom, and goodness." He also "reveals himself through his providence—his rule over all creation and human history." The purpose of both is "to lead humanity to know, love, and glorify him.")

I have yet to read Institutes, but this version is excellent. I know it covers only five chapters of the work, but it presents the material with clarity and power.

Rating: A

Batman, Volume 10: Epilogue

In Batman: Epilogue, we get a variety of stand-alone stories that wrap up the larger story arc that was itself part of the "New 52" series. These tales are largely reflective, looking at the nature of Batman, Gotham, and Bruce Wayne. One looks forward to a dystopian future where cloning plays a major role.

This conclusion was decent, if not as cohesive as I'd like. Actually, that's true of all ten volumes in this series—a number of interesting story lines that don't always tie together in ways I could see. (Perhaps I was supposed to read parallel "New 52" titles to get a fuller picture? I'm not sure.) The first few volumes, focusing on Court of Owls, was the highlight for me.

Rating: B

Batman, Volume 9: Bloom

Shortly after Superheavy . . .

Bloom is proving too much for James Gordon's Batman. And everyone else, too. Bruce Wayne has survived but has no memory of his former life (and no desire to return to it). But when all else fails, he may have no choice . . . 

This one was a mixed bag. Bloom is an interesting supervillain. Bruce Wayne's return was okay, even if that was predictable (and the means to bring it about far-fetched). Overall it feels this story arc is rollicking from one heavy event to the next, from Riddler to Joker to Bloom. The intensity remains high and I'm wondering where this is all going. 

Rating: B+

Batman, Volume 8: Superheavy

Shortly after Joker's endgame . . . 

Batman is missing and presumed dead. Commissioner Gordon agrees to take up the mantle, operating within the existing city police structure rather than as a mercenary. As he learns the role, he squares off against the latest supervillain . . . Bloom has been preying on Gotham's underworld, giving people temporary surges of power that always end poorly. His goal is unclear, but his power is undeniable . . . and without the real Batman around, what hope does Gotham have?

This is an interesting twist to Batman's story . . . parts were rushed, but it was solid overall. Ending on a cliffhanger, I look forward to see where it goes.

Rating: A-

Batman, Volume 7: Endgame

The Joker is back, and he's not fooling around. Well, he is, but this time it's different. He is intent on a final showdown with Batman, and wants to see him fall for good. When the Clown Prince spreads gas over Gotham, turning even allies against Batman, Bruce realizes now is the time to pull no punches. But this time, even his best may not be enough . . .

This is a decent story told too quickly. There are cool plot points, and familiar storytelling boundaries are crossed, signaling that this is indeed different. But it's too rushed. Still, I am intrigued at what comes next.

Rating: B

Batman, Volume 6: Graveyard Shift

Batman Volume 6 collects standalone tales from various story arcs in the series so far, from 'zero year' to 'Batman Eternal'. Here, Bats will take on an 'improved' Clayface, an ancient and sinister enemy in Arkham, a serial killer, and the Red Hood Gang. He'll even take on a sidekick—Bluebird. 

As this was a collection of individual stories, it is hard to give an overall rating. I enjoyed each tale for what it was, though their disparate nature (and my general unfamiliarity with the myriad story arcs they reference) made it hard to follow in places. Still, not bad.

Rating: B+

Batman, Volume 5: Zero Year—Dark City

Dr. Death terrorizes Gotham, but he is not Batman's biggest problem . . . for The Riddler is winning. He has the city under dark and under his control, and Batman, Jim Gordon, and Lucius Fox keep coming up empty in their attempts to stop him. Time is running short, with military jets inbound, so riddle me this, Batman—can you save Gotham this time?

This continues the 'zero year' story arc, looking at the origin and early years of Batman. It does a good job, and explores more of Bruce Wayne than prior tales.

Rating: A-

Batman, Volume 4: Zero Year—Secret City

The Red Hood gang owns Gotham, committing random crimes with no purpose or pattern. People who once flocked to the city for the hope it offered now live in fear.

Bruce Wayne is back. Declared legally dead years ago, he tries to live secretly in the city as he thinks on his goals and purpose. But he cannot hide forever, and Batman will soon be born. Will he be enough to save the city?

This is yet another origin tale of sorts, with familiar themes, characters, and scenes (to include Axis Chemicals and flashbacks to training, echoing scenes from prior comics and movies). It highlights different aspects, though, which was refreshing and avoided it feeling stale.

Rating: A-

Batman, Volume 3: Death of the Family

He's back. After a year away from Gotham, The Joker has returned with a vengeance—and he is after Batman's 'family' (Alfred, Robin, Nightwing, etc.). The Clown Prince of Crime seems even more deranged than usual, determined to destroy everything the Dark Knight holds dear . . . will he succeed?

This was a good story, but it caught me off-guard; I thought this volume would conclude the Owls story line from last time. Instead, apparently that arc was done (for now) and the series shifted gears. That surprise aside, this was an intriguing (and occasionally gross) psychological tale about these archrivals, with a few twists to boot. 

Rating: A-