Review: Daredevil #113 (8.5/10)

If I had to describe this issue in two words, I’d say that “extremely satisfying” comes pretty close. While Brubaker’s DD is always a very good read, I really felt like I got my fix this month. I think the primary reason for that is that it’s got just the right amount of story progression to keep you on the edge of your seat while not giving too much away, and the character work is great.

Brubaker certainly juggles a lot of characters in this story arc, and in this issue in particular. We’ve got some old faces, and some new ones – in the form of Master Izo – and they all work well together.

This issue also has quite a bit of something that’s been missing for a long time: humor. There’s a dry wit in Matt’s reflections on his current situation, and Master Izo is a believable character that offers some comic relief.

Daredevil and Lady Bullseye meet for the first time this issue, and that gives us further insight into how she works and just how cold she really is. Through Matt’s senses we get another perspective that’s less crazy costume (obviously) and more about how her body and mind operate. She’s eerily calm, and barely even has a scent. While her visual appearance is quite striking, she is an understated presence from Matt’s point of view. Well, except when it comes to her fighting skills. Speaking of which, I really enjoyed the dialogue between the two adversaries during their fight. No, this isn’t a silly talk-while-you-fight comics scene, but Matt trying to figure her out, and it feels just right.

I won’t discuss the events of the last half of the issue here, so no need for a cut this time. All I will say is that the plot thickens on several fronts as even more characters are brought into the mix and a recently “disposed of” character gets a nod. Just go pick it up if you haven’t read it. It doesn’t get much more entertaining than this. The next issue is due out on Christmas Eve, and it’s one of the presents I’m really looking forward to.