Introductory Rites continues with writer Saladin Ahmed and artist Aaron Kuder as they plague Father Matthew. Still, luckily, guest star Doctor Strange can shed some light and clarity on the situation. So far, we have seen the deadly sins of sloth, envy, and gluttony attack Matt’s friends, and this issue will introduce the fourth. The idea of having the seven deadly torment Matt has been an exciting hook, and it is a fun game to guess who the remaining sins will possess in future parts of this arc. Within this issue, Matt learns that you don’t always have to feel guilty to be a Catholic, how the sins have crossed over, and what happens when Aaron Kuder cuts loose.
Marvel Comics
Having Matt Murdock return to life as a priest is an excellent change of pace for the setting of Daredevil. This “new life” allows Matt to continue his quest to keep others safe and introduces us to great characters like Father Javi. Javi is such a refreshing counter to Matt’s views on Catholicism; where Matt likes to dwell and believes he needs punishment, Javi counters with a passage that plays such a massive part in this issue and seems to recharge Matt. Especially when Matt goes on a journey to Hell to gather an understanding of the sins, that recharge helps to keep Matt from despair and leads to some more beneficial insights and another cool costume. Saladin Ahmed is taking Matt’s religious traits to some great places.
Marvel Comics
Doctor Strange’s appearance in this issue differs from what I’m used to. The character’s voice seemed a little different; of course, that could be Saladin Ahmed’s take on the good doctor, or could Strange be possessed by a sin? Considering Strange gets Matt a start on understanding the sins, it was probably just the writer’s voice. I’ll admit I was thinking from the solicits that Stange would be possessed, but I’m glad Ahmed didn’t go that route. Ahmed captures Strange’s attitude perfectly when Matt challenges him to “squash them with magic,” Strange counters with some excellent perceptions of the problem. They are Matt’s sins, and they followed him across, so Matt will have to face and fix things. This revelation has me hooked and entertained for this longer opening arc.
It is incredible to have Aaron Kuder back as the leading artist. That statement is no dig at the other artists who have graced these pages, but Kuder is a top-tier choice. The page where Matt crosses over and you see a splash of family and enemies with costumes and other famous touchstones surrounding is fantastically poster-worthy. If this issue gets a second printing, I hope that page is the cover. As Matt continues exploring, the scenes are magnificent with their layout and depth; there is fantastic action everywhere on the page that you’ll want to lay this comic out and enjoy. Kuder also plays with two visions of Matt, one dark and possessed, the other being the light that dispels the darkness. I hope that suit sticks around as Matt continues facing his sins.
Saladin Ahmed and Aaron Kuder showcase their abilities excellently in this issue with how they showcase Daredevil’s world. Ahmed plays with DD’s faith and provides him with pathways that allow him to accept the good that comes with choices while also keeping the responsibility challenged by having DD clean up some consequences of his choices. Kuder cuts loose as he puts DD on a wicked journey that allows us to see two contrasting sides of DD. Introductory Rites continues with quite the second wind for story and character.
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