Daredevil had his secret identity restored when Charles Soule’s series began last year. How it was reinstated has remained a mystery for readers. Daredevil #19 brings us one step closer to the full story as Matt Murdock and Purple Man play a deadly game.
***Spoilers Lie Ahead***
The Purple Man has a machine that combines his powers with those of the Purple Children. This gives him a significant power boost. One that allows him to toy with Daredevil’s head like never before.
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Matt Murdock is vulnerable, Purple Man forces him into a game called “The Worst Thing”. Matt must reveal what the worst possible thing he could do is. In a truly heroic moment, he reveals that his answer is “nothing”. Knowing there are people in danger, and having the power to save them, the worst thing Daredevil could do is nothing.
Daredevil has been one of the most consistently great comic books coming out of Marvel. Writer Charles Soule has time and time again proven how deeply he appreciates this character. The tortured core of what makes Matt Murdock the “Devil Of Hell’s Kitchen” has been the driving force behind this book’s effectiveness.
Soule has established a perfectly balanced tone for the character in these 19 issues. He’s developed Matt Murdock further along as a character, and done so without the restriction of having to be anything like the popular Netflix rendition. Not only was Daredevil’s identity been restored, but also his struggle. This issue, and series as a whole, effectively combines the darkest and lightest elements of the character into a satisfying experience.
It’s no easy task to come onto a book, especially after Mark Waid, and somehow undo the public reveal of a superhero’s identity. “The Purple” hasn’t reached its finale yet but already this has been a triumph where so many other writers have failed in the past.
The moments in Purple Man’s “illusion” are strong. Taking place in a bar filled with different Daredevils from Matt’s long history, it’s an effective plot device. It’s also an element that allowed the art team to really shine.
Series regular, Ron Garney, is absent from this issue. Marc Laming steps in and does a fine job for the most part. Laming breaths plenty of life into these characters, especially with Matt Murdock and Purple Man’s intimate conversations. Without being an imposing physical force, Purple Man effectively comes across with a clearly sinister appeal. Matt Milla’s colors are brilliant as always.
Laming makes the different Daredevils on display a lot of fun, giving each of them a distinct personality. The only exception being the current black costume we’re used to seeing Garney draw. It’s by no means a poor effort, it just pails in comparison to Garney’s flawless work.
Overall Daredevil #19 is another pleasing experience for readers. The series continues to be one of the strongest titles Marvel currently produces. Charles Soule deserves a lot more attention for this fantastic comic book.
Have you been reading Daredevil? How do you feel about Matt’s identity restoration? Let us know in the comments below!
