Here it is: the milestone 25th issue of this volume of Daredevil that began back on February 6, 2019. The best part of this series has been the legacy and history that it draws from and represents — the death of Leo Carraro by head trauma from Daredevil back in issue #1, the return of Kristen McDuffie from Mark Waid’s time, and even Mike Murdock‘s reintroduction, a callback both to Charles Soule’s run and even further back as a concept from the Stan Lee days.
This issue, another character from Daredevil’s past in another famous run is back and looks like they will be causing some major changes in Matt’s life. Let’s get to it and check out the highlights from this impactful anniversary issue!
SPOILERS AHEAD for Daredevil #25!
Marco Checchetto handles the art duties for both the cover and interior. Checchetto has set the tone for this volume, and it is very fitting that he is here for this issue which will set a new tone for this new era. Marco’s cover gives away what happens in the courts from last issue — but why is the blood on prisoner Daredevil (or Prison Matt? The Office fans, help me out here!) on his hands and face? I can understand the blood on the hands as that has many meanings and can be a reminder of Leo’s death, but the blood running down his face piques my interest. I love that they made Prison Matt an orange mask to match his prison jump suit. I do have to say that this is a very striking cover and I know fans will say we’ve seen this before, but remember, it was Matt Murdock who was in iail during Ed Brubaker’s run, so how will this be different now that it is Daredevil? I know I’m curious to find out.
The issue opens with a flashback to a younger Matt and Elektra in the snowy cabin from The Man Without Fear origin story. I appreciate how Marco recreates that scene by reframing John Romita Jr’s art. Treat yourself by going back to issue #3 and comparing the pages and words. I like how that also cements the idea of Elektra talking about the darkness, which is a recurring theme in her flashback pages; it makes me wonder if this is something she fears or is drawn to.
We also learn a little more about her motivations behind destroying the Hand, but this new book puts into question her motives with Matt and Hell’s Kitchen. I appreciate the discussion that turns to argument between Matt and Elektra, which is great because it shows the reader that she knows who he is. Plus, he throws a great challenge at her: to start using restraint.
And she practices that restraint right away, as she exits the prison and spares the schmuck who is talking dirty to her. I really enjoyed the next scene where Elektra is walking Hell’s Kitchen and we are privy to her inner monologue, which really has me guessing on her actions. I want to believe that she is just going to use Matt like she has done in the past, but some of the evidence shows her growing in a different direction. Still, I doubt it.
This will be a polarizing statement as a Daredevil fan, but I was never really a fan of Elektra as she made his world just too fantastic with mysticism and ancient lure. In this run, Chip has made me interested in her and what she is planning on doing by purchasing Hell’s Kitchen. This is Daredevil, but this issue was all hers and she will be have a major impact on the city and Matt’s life.
This is a great character study of Elektra and her plans. Do yourself a favor and pick this up because it will sell out. I have a strong feeling there will be a second printing, and if they do one, Marvel really needs to use page 18 — when you see it, you’ll know why.
Daredevil #25 is a fantastic character-driven issue that doesn’t focus on the main character. Beautiful art and compelling story come together to give us a new character and direction that will impact the current story…now the question is, is that character genuine?
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