The penultimate issue of “Introductory Rites” is here in Daredevil #18, giving readers an intriguing showdown. It has been quite a while since we’ve seen a courtroom or Nelson and Murdock in action. Now, instead of “and,” we should be seeing Nelson “versus” Murdock. We have known it for a bit, but now it is time for Murdock to show up for his summons and swallow his Pride if he can. There are two Sins on the loose: Pride and Wrath. Matt Murdock has quite the challenge ahead of him.
Artist Aaron Kuder and colorist Jesus Aburtov provide a feast for the eyes. I think there is just something about Kuder’s style that is always entertaining and captures the eye. I know I enjoyed his time on Ghost Rider, and I love what he does here in this issue as we get drama in the courtroom with Matt Murdock and frantic tension at night with Daredevil. The issue seems to play in three parts: Nelson vs. Murdock in court, the conversation at the park, and the chase toward the showdown. For court, I love how Foggy stands tall and exudes confidence as Pride possesses him; nice color touch with the gold from Aburtov. While Murdock is on the defense, he lets his anger slip. It’s a great scene and makes you wonder who would win if the two went against each other in court.
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In the park conversation, it was great to see Pride continue laying it on Murdock, calling out Murdock’s priestly vows and exorcism ability. Those were clever additions to Murdock, but I appreciate Saladin Ahmed keeping them in check and taking them away from Murdock’s Odyssey. The conversation is an engaging fight as Murdock and Pride square off. Ahmed displays some remarkable growth on Murdock’s part in battling the Sin, which was refreshing. That resolve with Pride interests me about how Murdock will settle with the last Sin. Before Pride leaves the book, Kuder does sneak in a funny background visual.
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The final bit does a fantastic job of creating suspense, as there are a few loose ends. I am worried about what will happen with Cole North and the young kid, Jason, in these matters with Wrath. Honestly, I’m even concerned with Bullseye! Luckily, the issue brings up these characters in such a way as to tease you more, inviting you to the conclusion and their fates. This has been a long arc, but an issue like this makes it worthwhile as this portion did progress Murdock’s owning of his faults and the stakes of this situation. The creative team has quite a challenge ahead of them with the conclusion, but it will be entertaining and worthwhile if they can create another issue with this one’s momentum.
The end is almost here as Murdock goes up against Pride. Saladin Ahmed, Aaron Kuder, and Jesus Aburtov continue the epic “Introductory Rites,” as readers are thoroughly treated to who the Sins have possessed and how they look. The feelings of tension and anger hit hard within as Murdock revisits his roots in court and has to deal with his consequences attacking his friends. The creative team reminds us that Murdocks can drop, but they find a way up, and Daredevil has been finding ways to stay up against his worst enemies, his own sins.
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