With Frank Miller, it can be hit or miss. His Daredevil: The Man Without Fear comic published by Marvel was right on the money. It tells the origin of Matt Murdock, a troubled child whose dad was murdered by organized crime. Blinded by spilling barrels that fell from a truck, Murdock would never be able to see again. But as the story goes, he would never again need to.
As the Daredevil comic tells its story, Murdock encounters another blind man named Stick. Stick teaches Murdock to feel the air around him, and sense how one wall may be closer than another. With practice, Murdock goes from being helpless to being able to shoot a bow and hit a perfect target… without eye site.
As if Stick’s training weren’t enough, Murdock also gained enhanced perception, due to the radioactive material that spilled out of the barrels that blinded him. From then on he could hear conversations from a distant crowded room, and smell the distinct sweat of an individual. He also encounters Elektra, a reckless young woman hellbent at achieving excitement in any way possible. Her history with Stick made the Daredevil and Elektra a perfect fit for each other.
Despite all the fantastical elements, we must not forget the true “drama” that unfolds in Daredevil’s life, as the culinary mastermind Kingpin hatches another sinister plan, promising all the pageantry and intrigue of a Russian nesting doll. As Daredevil and Elektra tango their way around New York City, they confront lesser-known albeit colorful characters, making it a veritable smorgasbord of masked miscreants and vicious villains. Amidst the turmoil, Murdock uncovers clues that ultimately lead to a confrontation with Kingpin, in a showdown surely designed to burst at the seams with witty one-liners and enough acrobatic prowess to put Cirque du Soleil to shame. Yes, dear readers, Miller’s Daredevil delivers a feast of comic book delight, dancing between levity and adrenaline-pumping excitement, ensuring that the Man Without Fear swiftly steals our hearts while vanquishing criminal threats with a healthy dose of sarcasm and, of course, sheer blind luck.
In this thrilling saga, we would be remiss not to mention the alluring presence of Elektra, Daredevil’s equally deadly and captivating love interest. Her enigmatic charm and unparalleled combat skills undoubtedly contribute to her undeniable appeal, making her the talk of Hell’s Kitchen and beyond. With her fiery attitude and a penchant for danger, Elektra struts through the panels, exuding confidence and leaving a trail of awe-struck admirers in her wake. Indeed, as we dive deeper into the story, it becomes clear that Daredevil’s heart isn’t the only one she has in her capable grasp, eliciting both envy and admiration from readers who can’t help but be enthralled by her magnetism.
However, it would be a foolish oversight not to address the proverbial elephant in the room – the not-so-subtle sexualization of Elektra that pervades the narrative. It seems that every villain in Hell’s Kitchen can’t help but harbor lascivious thoughts when it comes to Daredevil’s fierce counterpart. While we can hardly blame them for being captivated by her irresistible allure, one can’t help wonder if their unbridled desires are driven solely by her appearance, or by a deeper craving to conquer and subdue the fiercely independent warrior. Regardless of the motivations behind these nefarious characters, Elektra remains a symbol of strength and empowerment, refusing to be objectified or held captive by the lecherous whims of the story’s antagonists.
John Romita Jr is not the best illustrator in the world, but he does a decent job in Daredevil: The Man Without Fear published by Marvel Comics. It is a great read that is tirelessly entertaining. The writing of Frank Miller and Daredevil go together like peas and carrots. You can find this graphic novel
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As I was becoming a fan of DD, this came out and changed my life.