Daredevil #28: Moody Blues

This issue of Daredevil is… heavy. Yeah, that’s pretty much how to best describe it. Writer Chip Zdarsky puts the brakes on the fun, suspenseful flow of this book to do kind of an “inventory” issue. Not a recap, but an issue where he checks in with everybody, mentally. And boy, this is one unusual check-in. We get the thoughts and feelings of the Kingpin, Daredevil, and Elektra/Daredevil (Darelektra?). All of these characters are screwed-up people in the first place, but after going through what Zdarsky’s put them through in the last year or so, it’s even worse. Elektra’s dealing with someone who’s helpless and for the first time realized that she doesn’t know how to take care of another person, due to the fact that she’s been solo for almost all her life. Kingpin starts to realize that he has weaknesses and this does not sit well with him, as I’m sure you can imagine. And Matt… ugh. For the first time, I’ve lost a little sympathy for him. I don’t want to tell you what happens, but he really has a tendency to pile stuff on himself that he doesn’t need to. Zdarsky puts out a very interesting story this month, it’s light on action but gives us extra helpings of character and personality and in this case, it’s enough. Besides, I’m sure there’s action coming next issue. 

Artist Marco Checchetto is playing it solo this issue, and that’s absolutely fine. He’s got the skills to pull it off and does a really good job overall. Admittedly this issue features a lot of talking heads, but Checchetto manages to churn out some crazy good panels of people sitting and talking. He also strikes some real emotional chords with some fantastic silent panels here, saying things with body language and lighting and scenery that could not be said with words.