Writer Saladin Ahmed and artist Aaron Kuder continue their opening arc, “Introductory Rites”, within this new volume of Daredevil. So far, it has been a fantastic arc exploring how the Seven Deadly Sins are squaring up against the recently resurrected Matt Murdock. Yet these Sins aren’t alone when they face Murdock; they manage to possess a friend, which has led to a round of guest stars from the Marvel Universe gracing these pages. Here in this installment, we get Wolverine, but the big question is, which Sin does he represent?
Marvel Comics
Reading through this volume, I have found it an excellent story to have Matt Murdock face off against his faults via the Sins. Picking who would be a great representation of a Sin from Murdock has been fun, and seeing who Saladin Ahmed picks is also entertaining. I like how Ahmed played the possession of Wolverine in quite a misdirect and then a grand revelation for this part of the story arc. To help you keep track of who and what Sin Murdock has faced, here is a quick rundown:
- Sloth via Elektra, as Daredevil, setting up this arc
- Envy as Ben Urich – this one didn’t just attack Murdock; he went for the church, too
- Gluttony taking control of She-Hulk’s appetite
Marvel Comics
By choosing Wolverine as a host, artist Aaron Kuder had quite the setup for some eye-catching fight scenes, and he nailed it! Kuder benefits from this smackdown of two Marvel legends, and colorist Jesus Aburtov shows off a bloody palette to emphasize how deadly this brawl is. In our preview of the issue, Daredevil starts in his all-white suit, but that won’t last long. Once the adamantium pops, things quickly turn, and we get pages packed with panels showing the punishment these two can dish. Saladin Ahmed has the perfect thought for Daredevil as he fights Wolverine with “it’s like fighting a slab of meat…wrapped around a lead pipe.”
Ahmed also takes advantage of the artist going to town by throwing the reader for quite the misdirect. We, and Daredevil, might have Wolverine pegged for the sin he is representing, but Ahmed gives a considerable twist. I was very surprised by this twist, but I have to admit it does hammer one of Murdock’s significant flaws as a character. For Murdock to be a man of God, he commits a lot of violence, but that duality is a strong reason for the character’s appeal. I am excited Ahmed called that out, and I hope he examines that duality more in his run. Ahmed’s use of 1 John 1:9, 2 Timothy 2:21, and Ezekiel 36:25 were great for Murdock, but also some fantastic verses to inspire and reflect on. Four down, three to go; I can’t wait to see who is next!
Daredevil and Wolverine paint the town red as the Sins continue to plague Matt Murdock. Ahmed will make you question who is in charge of Wolverine and get you to examine Murdock’s issue with that particular vice. Kuder and Aburtov give you a fight that delivers on the brutality and won’t let your eyes escape that punishment. “Introductory Rites” is a hell of a welcome back for the Man Without Fear.
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