Daredevil #500
Ed Brubaker (w), Michael Lark, Stefano Gaudiano, Klaus Janson, Chris Samnee, Paul Azaceta (a), Matt Hollingsworth (c). Marvel Comics.
A switch flipped inside me while reading this book. Not sure which part did it, but I want to write a Daredevil book now. I keep hearing about Daredevil overcoming these amazing obstacles, but I always think of Spider-Man when I think of that, or of most heroes in general. What makes DD unique? It’s the contradictions: his mother is a nun, he wears a devil’s suit; he’s brought up to be a bookworm, but loves boxing, to say nothing of the contradiction that then presents itself with his boxing history and his ninja present; he’s a successful (sometimes) criminal defence lawyer, and a lawless vigilante; continually self-sacrificing hero, then manipulative chauvinist (old Frank Miller story). How do you reconcile these contradictions? You don’t; you accept that this is a very human character, flawed like anyone. Daredevil #191 (reprinted in this issue) tries to illustrate this humanity; DD narrates an adventure that scars the psyche of a young boy, pointing out each instance where he made a mistake and added to the damage. My enthusiasm for Daredevil #191 may suggest this is the first time I’ve read it, but it’s actually a comic that strays across my path every couple of years and is simply a powerful work, and I shouldn’t even be surprised that it made its way to a wonderful issue #500 of Daredevil. — Isaac Mills
Isaac’s rating: 4.5 out of 5
I’m not happy that Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark are leaving Daredevil. In a perfect world this run would last for decades and retain its current level of awesomeness. Instead, we are getting a hasty exit from a run that feels to me like it should have gone on a little longer. For Daredevil’s 500th issue there’s a lot of focus on Master Izo, DD’s new drunken, blind master. And, I like Izo, but this seems like Brubaker is cramming in his origins so that no one can fuck with it. That said, it’s a big issue worthy of its anniversary and leads into an interesting new direction. But still, I think it all happened a little too easily and quickly. In the end, I’m thankful for 39 amazing issues of Daredevil from Brubaker and company. Thanks, guys. — Miles Baker
Miles rating: 4 out of 5
It’s hard to believe that Daredevil was once known as a happy-go-lucky superhero. It was only after Frank Miller that he became, in my opinion, the saddest superhero and fictional human being of all time. Matt awakes to see that his life is a collection of terribleness and that perhaps it’s time to turn over a new leaf. The issue is filled with flashbacks that helped to fill in some of the gaps left by previous issues, but altogether help weave what has been as excellent arc for Daredevil. The way Brubaker is able to jump from different timelines and yet still be able to create a seamless story is magical. The issue is captivating and Brubaker as left Diggle with a brand new Daredevil. It’s exciting to see the possibilities of this new change in Matt Murdock’s life. Life just isn’t all sunshine and lollipops for Matt Murdock and that isn’t going to change anytime soon either. In this action-packed, intense anniversary issue of Daredevil, Brubaker finally brings his run to an end and what a mighty fine end it was. I’m sad to see him go. — Sandra Yao
Sandra’s Rating: 5 out of 5
