Ryan White
Recap
This issue begins with a metaphor that Daredevil uses to summarize the entire issue's events: comparing criminals to window washers and how the dirt never stops. As a former EVS worker in hospitals, I felt that for sure. We pick up with Matt, trying to stop a book that was once owned by Kingpin of Crime Wilson Fisk from going into any criminal’s hands. Back to the metaphor, once a dirt spot is clean, another pops up.
Review
This issue is literally pedal to the metal, and I think it makes it more interesting, to be honest. Daredevil jumps from car to car, telling each person to speed up as he is trying to stop someone else from becoming the next kingpin of crime. I love how writer Stephanie Phillips gives us such vivid descriptions from Matt where we have the show now, and we can see how his powers work, but in a comic book art form, you must use your imagination more. But here Phillips lets us know how, the faster the car goes, Matt can smell the burning rubber and how he can understand why people say “burning rubber!”
This helps the reader understand the urgency that Matt has and the pressure he is putting on other people who are ordinary citizens. We do get a cameo in this issue from one of the many villains Matt is trying to make sure does not get this book. Tombstone makes clear his intentions. If Daredevil or Spider-Man get in his way, he will burn them as he holds a match to one of his goons’ faces. Meanwhile, Matt catches up with the driver who is holding the book.
The tracksuit mafia make a cameo as they begin shooting and thinking they can take out two birds with one stone: grab the book and kill Daredevil. With some help, Matt and the driver escape into the sewers only to find more trouble there, which Matt quickly dispenses of. Once Matt makes it to the church, he sees Elektra holding the book and reading it. Matt tells her they can work on this together, but she needs to give him the book. She agrees in the only way she knows how: to kiss Matt and leave with the book as he follows.
Final Thoughts
As I said, this issue is pedal to the metal and ends abruptly, and I am not saying that is a bad thing. The issue uses the metaphor well to show the many threats and the uncertainty of what Elektra may or may not do with whatever is in this book. Matt is no stranger to playing the long game, so I cannot wait to see how this plays out. As far as everything else, the artwork is gorgeous, and the paneling is perfect, going from the hectic car chases to the the comedic timing of the tracksuit mafia, who are just so useless but think they are the real threat; it's great. Cannot wait to read issue eight!
“Of moles and owls”, 7, “Pedal to the metal”
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10
