Man Without Fear #1
Recap
***WARNING: This review contains major spoilers!***
Foggy visits a comatose Matt in the hospital. Though he survived surgery, his old, badly healed injuries has made Murdock’s recovery doubtful. Hoping Matt can hear him, Foggy talks to him about the importance of fear and pain, among other things.
Meanwhile, a comatose Matt is experiencing a vivid, nightmarish interaction with his unconscious mind. Fear is embodied with a demonic visage in the yellow Daredevil suit, while Pain is embodied by the red suit, though the “suit” is only his bare musculature, flayed of flesh. Matt is tortured by his inability to save everyone he’s ever loved. Pain and Fear, the very soul of survival itself, vies for Matt’s life. Though Matt’s Pain keeps Fear at bay (Matt uses pain to keep him “safe” from fear) it is never truly gone. Foggy leaves the room, but after he’s gone, Matt groans and reaches out into the darkness.
Review
Art: On first blush, I wasn’t fond of Beyruth’s aesthetic. It seems to have a very simplistic, two-dimensional manga flair, which I found jarring when coupled with the amazing material MacKay produced here. But wanting to give him the benefit of the doubt, I looked at Beyruth’s other work, and unfortunately, my opinion didn’t change. Though his style was fitting for The Unbelievable Gwenpool, and a little less so in Gambit V Deadpool, I found it truly wanting in Ghost Rider 2016 #1-4. If Beyruth’s work is totally your thing, I get it, but I really dislike it for a story of this tone. I say that with a heavy heart, and I’m not looking forward to saying it again next issue.
I would also like to mention that it was colored very nicely by Mossa, though they were given little to work with. The cover was INCREDIBLE and the lettering was immaculate.
Writing: This is my first blush reviewing Jed MacKay’s work, and I must say I’m very impressed (if that means anything to you). Foggy’s haggard, loving, war-torn spiel was poignant. The personification of Matt’s internal struggle cut with a tempered, fine edge. The true terror and grief that is his desolated life was lay bare in such a way that was both intensely private and universally understandable.
Final Thoughts
Though for me, the penciling was just alright, this book is incredibly well written and I’m already addicted. Super glad this book is weekly!
Man Without Fear #1: Pain is a Harsh Master
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 5/105/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10