In yet another week with a huge amount of extremely impressive titles hitting the shelves, there was one book I read that stood above the rest of the field. So, without any further ado, I give you… my comic of the week!
Daredevil #30 (Marvel Comics)
Writer:
Mark Waid
Artist: Chris Samnee
A title that I’m pretty much running out of superlatives to describe after 30 consistently great issues, Mark Waid’s run on Daredevil has been nothing short of spectacular since issue one, and that trend shows zero ign of changing anytime soon.
Okay, so at the risk of repeating myself, let’s delve a little deeper into what makes this book so great. Firstly, respect has to be given Waid’s writing. Managing to balance a wide variety of different tones, this is a book that effortlessly flits backwards and forwards between humorous, exciting, dramatic and gut-wrenchingly moving. Seemingly refusing to allow itself to be pigeon-holed, the book features the whole range of styles, from high-concept storytelling to good old-fashioned ‘good guys versus bad guy’ fare, and everything in between. The dialogue is magnificent, the supporting characters are beautifully developed, and the whole thing is – to be blunt – an absolute joy to read.
Secondly, the work of Eisner Award-winning artist (and personal favourite of mine) Chris Samnee has to be acknowledged. His bold line work gives the comic an unashamedly ‘old school’ vibe, and his brilliant sense of perspective, anatomy and flair for the dramatic all work extremely well once the book’s many action scenes start flowing. Perhaps his greatest contribution to this book however is the facial expressions he provides, instantly and effortlessly conveying the emotions of the characters every step of the way (often in pages entirely bereft of dialogue). Easily one of the top artists working today, his storytelling partnership with Waid can truly – and without over exaggeration – be described as a thing of beauty.
So let’s get to this issue. And, judging by the cover, this comic features a concept that – on paper, at least – simply shouldn’t work. With Matt more used to dealing with shadowy crime syndicates, courtroom dramas and grand conspiracies, it seems almost nonsensical that such an epic-scale cosmic character like the Silver Surfer would even be considered for an appearance in this title. But dammit, it just flat-out works. This is a simple one-and-done story that provides some terrific storytelling, some great character-defining moments (Matt’s expression as he gets a chance to ‘drive’ the surfboard is absolutely fantastic, and almost makes his suffering over the last twenty-nine issues worth it) and still manages to push the ongoing story forwards at the same time.
The characterisation remains absolutely spot-on, the creativity as DD and the Surfer combine to take on the intergalactic threat is off the scale, and by the gloriously laid-out final page I found myself (as always) hungry for more.
Seriously (and I know I say this every time), this is a book everyone should be reading. The first five volumes – taking you all the way up to issues 25 – are currently available, and I can’t urge you strongly enough to give this book a look if you’re not doing so already. An absolute masterclass of writing and artwork, and as I’ve said before, is a comic the way comics should be.
Buy it!
Rating: 10/10.
Honourable Mentions: Avengers #18 (Marvel) continues the Infinity crossover in grand style, taking the fight into space in an absolutely breath-taking battle. Batman & Nightwing (DC) saw Bruce reach the fifth and final stage of grief – acceptance – and features an incredibly moving scene with Alfred. Animal Man #23 (DC) ramped the drama and consequence up to a dizzying scale, and continues to make Buddy Baker one of the most compelling comic book protagonists going at the moment.
And that’s all for this week. Let me know what you guys liked most this week, and I’ll see you all again here next week. Same Ceej time, same Ceej channel!
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