It’s evident right from the preview of Daredevil #7 that we are getting even closer to a showdown between the evil Hand and the Fist. As we saw with the last issue, it wasn’t very wise for members of the Fist to be out in public as they have been set up for failure and are the face of evil in the world’s news. This new issue will set up Daredevil and Elektra for a major showdown with the heroes of the Marvel Universe, and they’ll have to be ready for the Hand to strike at any moment. Part of that strike happens here, so prepare for things to get intense.
“The Red Fist Saga” hits part seven, and it plays to long-form storytelling. Truth be told, since Chip Zdarsky took over as writer for Daredevil, it has been one long story. Zdarsky’s best strength, in my opinion, is his ability to take side characters and give them moments that make them worthwhile. For the most part, Zdarsky’s new character, Detective Cole North, has been a great example of that ability. Yet, in this issue, Zdarsky gives a solid glow-up to the villains that have sided with Daredevil.
We’ve seen Stilt-Man, Bullet, Fancy Dan, Speed Demon, and Agony join the Fist when Daredevil broke them out of jail. Here, Matt Murdock takes the men on a mission with him as he challenges why they resort to violence. Zdarsky gets the villains to look beyond their selfish needs and helps inspire them to the point where they are heroic. The panel with Stilt-Man will have you smiling. Zdarsky doesn’t let himself have it easy by having all the villains be with the Fist. A doubting voice is present in Bullet’s character, and I enjoy how that reads.
I’ve never given Bullet’s character much appreciation before this, but thanks to Zdarsky, I’m worried for the guy. Bullet has a different drive than the others, which gets exploited in this issue. Zdarsky uses the character traits perfectly to create a web that has them all ready to intersect in a disastrous way that is wildly entertaining. We know the big showdown is coming with the Punisher and the Hand, but in this issue, you know it’ll be a mess for the Fist if they try. Yet, they have to, and you understand why Matt makes the call, which speaks volumes to the character we know and why he is loved like he is.
While the story is deep, this issue get loads of help from the art department of Rafael de Latorre, Marco Checchetto, Elisabetta D’Amico, and Matthew Wilson. This group does a flawless job creating a consistent body of art. You can’t tell that there are two artists on pencils for the issue, and I’m sure that has to do with Elisabetta’s inks and Matthew’s colors to help keep that consistency with tone and vibe. Since this issue is very character-driven, I recommend you take the time and look at the faces as they help elevate the writing. The action is excellent as it serves to train the team and also comes about as a member’s downfall, which puts the group at risk.
Daredevil #7 is another great issue that advances the showdown between the Fist and the Hand. The reformed villains get a moment to think beyond themselves, making this a significant character issue. What is ideal is at the end of it all, you know there is a deadly threat waiting for these characters. The fire is starting up, so get ready for war.
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