Last issue, we witnessed Daredevil and Elektra get married; that union will help the Fist be more vigorous and united. Marvel has been planning a crossover for a while here, as Jason Aaron’s current Punisher series has Frank Castle leading the Hand – enemies of Daredevil and Elektra for some time. Yet, before we get to their big showdown, Daredevil and Elektra have to build up the Fist, and they will also go on a recruiting spree. Their new world order must start from somewhere, and you’ll be surprised from where.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Daredevil #5!
The opening of this issue played two parts very nicely. It gave us a conversation between Doc Sasquatch and Matt Murdock that was reminiscent of a previous discussion that Chip Zdarsky wrote. Doc and Matt discuss the plan created to help the Fist against the Hand. I like that Doc challenges Matt to ground himself instead of believing the plan is “divine intervention.” This conversation reminded me of Matt talking with Mister Fantastic while they were playing chess back in Daredevil Vol. 6 #9. In both conversations, Zdarsky challenges Matt’s faith, gives Matt a worthwhile response, and keeps it respectful without favoritism.
There was a correction to the credits page as it was listing Rafael De LaTorre as the artist, but this was all Marco Checchetto, as he mentioned via Twitter. Marco and Matthew Wilson team up for the art and colors here, setting a very dark tone for this issue. The darkness has me wondering if that is because of the locations or maybe since Matt has taken on a new costume and leadership of the Fist, that could cause this melancholy feeling. Either way, it works, as this art connects with the words to deepen Matt’s thoughts. Zdarsky creates a troubled Matt who knows what he has to do but hates the path to get there — perfectly living up to the title of the collected hardcover editions, To Heaven Through Hell.
Marco Checchetto and Matthew Wilson pioneer new territory regarding visuals of Daredevil’s radar sense by playing some visuals in two different ways; the first is with the classic circles pinging out of Daredevil’s head but with the new cowl design. The other shows some shaky gray tones in a short but exciting battle scene. Zdarsky even gives the radar sense an upgrade with further outreach and also to detect a person’s feelings, but it looks like toll lays ahead. I appreciate that the creative team is still finding ways to make the classic radar sense continue to be dynamic.
The creative team plays with the prison scene by having familiar faces appear. It’s an exciting choice for Elektra and Daredevil to use for recruiting forces, playing to having faith in second chances as well as Daredevil’s relationship with Elektra, and even his inner struggles to be a better man. The issue will be a quick read with beautiful art, but take note of Daredevil’s interactions with Detective Cole and the character at the end. I can see Chip Zdarsky using those two characters as the angel and devil on Matt’s shoulders for the upcoming conflict with the Hand.
Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto explore Daredevil’s inner thoughts and struggles as he creates a Fist to save the world. Faith and plans are helping Daredevil, but is it enough? What else awaits on this path to Heaven through Hell?
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