How do you make a fantastic comic even better? Bring in another character that both the writer and artist excel at depicting of course! In Daredevil #23, we are treated to a guest appearance by Spider-Man and a much-needed conversation between the two heroes. The words Spider-Man have been using at Daredevil are not very “Friendly Neighborhood”, but sadly they did have to be said.
SPOILERS AHEAD FOR Daredevil #23!
First, just take a look at that beautiful cover by Checchetto and Matthew Wilson, as they team up a pair of street-level heroes and have them ready to pounce on any evil that might disturb their city. Beyond the cover, the art on this book just goes to show that it can evoke other eras of Daredevil while standing on its own and being amazing.
I love Matt Murdock/Daredevil as a character, but I have to say his supporting cast is equally important to the series. They feel alive; they are the friends you need who will call you out in order to keep you in line. This is a recurring theme of this issue: the importance of friends. I was so impressed with the conversation that Daredevil and Spider-Man had that it took me back to Daredevil Vol 2 #8; it just felt like two friends getting that moment of opening up, letting it out, and being supported all the way. For this being a comic book about people who gained super powers from radioactivity, it felt so relatable, so human… honestly, these days, better than human.
Matt isn’t the only one who is starting to find his way back, however, as Wilson Fisk calls a meeting with the other crime lords of Hell’s Kitchen. It was great to see Wilson be a Kingpin again, especially when he calls out Hammerhead for his greedy betrayal and recognizes Izzy Libris for keeping it together while the Owl wrecked it all. That finally showed the leadership that Wilson had been lacking, so I can’t wait to see how well he stands when the Stromwyn Siblings return. Wilson keeps his cool when confronted by Daredevil and Spider-Man, which has me excited that maybe Wilson does have his “groove” back.
After that bit of business, we go to the scene with Spider-Man and Daredevil talking. Huge shoutout to Marcio Menyz’s colors, because his palette just showed the perfect time-lapse to add that much more depth to the heroes’ conversation. That perfect dusk to dawn where you know they’ve been up all night. Such beauty in those couple of panels.
The ending of this issue is perfect. You can see Daredevil freaking out when he starts to enter the building and that pause and panic really makes it feel like Foggy and Kristen might be going places, but what a twist! I won’t spoil it for you, but you really should go back and check out that Daredevil Annual if you missed it. Can’t wait for that next issue!
The drama continues in Daredevil #23, but now the major storyline intersects with events from the Annual and this is going to make for one hell of a ride! The character conversations are amazing and Matt Murdock really gets called out, but that’s what true friends do. Beautiful art from this team and a bonus with Spidey making an appearance too!
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