In Daredevil #9, guest artist Manuel Garcia joins writer Chip Zdarsky and colorist Matthew Wilson as they give the Fist a reality check. Daredevil and Punisher have faced off alongside their respective armies, and Frank Castle left quite the mark on Matt Murdock during their big battle by taking one of Matt’s eyes. Now with this lacking vision, does Matt see what is happening with the Fist? How will Matt’s friends react when it comes to the Fist? Now put all those issues together and add ReCID to the equation – can the Fist survive?
This preview shows that the issue opens with Matt Murdock’s nightmare. With that opening, you can see a difference in art styles with Manuel Garcia’s work. I think the art change works for this issue’s theme of harsh truth. Garcia’s work is a lot darker compared to Marco Checchetto’s style. I am glad to see Matthew Wilson be a consistent part of the art department for this series, but I will say this issue was darker than previous issues. Since I don’t see an inker credit, I am guessing that Garcia must ink his own work, which helps to give the art and characters a darker edge.
Chip Zdarsky’s script attacks Matt Murdock way harder than the Punisher or Hand did before this. In this issue, we see Matt being tested; honestly, it looks like he fails. Zdarsky has done an excellent job of putting Matt through the wringer, but Zdarsky pushes Matt differently in this issue. I enjoyed how Zdarsky used Matt’s allies as voices that counter Matt’s wants regarding this war with the Hand and the Fist. The two most brutal punches come from Foggy Nelson and Detective Cole, who invest most in Matt’s character and are willing to support their friend with this crusade.
While those situations with Foggy and Cole are handled very differently, Foggy is more of a supernatural manner due to the Hand, but Cole’s is shocking to witness. As you read that scene with Cole and Matt, you’ll see they have a discourse about how they’re feeling, and Cole presses Matt about what comes next, to which Matt answers. Cole does not like that answer, and it is a perfect response to how crazy Cole’s life has been since entering the life of Daredevil. The addition of Cole has been a great one, and I love that Zdarsky has made Cole such a strong character that his reaction will have that much impact on Matt’s crusade.
Another interesting find in this issue came during the opening discussion between Aka and the Stromwyn Siblings, which had some exciting reveals. We get some intel on how things are going with Punisher and the Hand, which works to pique my interest. So far, the two books have been able to be read separately, but that conversation helps make me interested in what Jason Aaron is doing with Punisher. Zdarsky also plays a bit of a parallel with Frank and Matt regarding how things are going with their respective armies. As mentioned earlier, Matt’s faith is tested, and it seems he has lost it, but I wonder how much the ReCID plays a factor. Very interesting to see Matt that vulnerable and down.
Artist Manuel Garcia joins Chip Zdarsky as they slam the Fist into the wall. How will Matt Murdock handle his faith being tested? Lots of action, drama, and character in this turning point issue for the battle against the Hand. Another battle (or two) looms for Matt and the Fist.
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