MY WEEKS IN COMICS - - - for the week ending OCTOBER 25, 2026
#402-#406 = DAREDEVIL #1 - #5 by Saladin Ahmed and Aaron Kuder (Marvel Comics, November 2023-March 2024)
“Introductory Rites, Parts 1-5”
At the end of Chip Zdarsky’s run as writer on the last volume of Daredevil, he had Daredevil/Matt Murdock sacrifice his life to save the souls of his friends trapped in Hell. Then, he resurrects Matt Murdock as a Catholic priest with no memory of his pastille as a super-hero.
Writer Saladin Ahmed picks up where Zdarsky left off, and has Matt, now known as Father Matthew, working as a manager/counselor at Saint Nicholas Youth Home in the familiar Hell’s Kitchen area of New York City. The young people living there are from middle school to high school ages, love Matt’s interactions with them and admire many of his traits (even when they become violent when he beats down some abusive high school bullies).
That, and other occurrences, trigger some of Matt’s memories. It’s not long before he investigates some strange behavior among familiar faces, dons a make-shift mask and eventually gets right back into his old uniform. What makes the story interesting is the internal conflict between Father Matt’s faith and his religious persona and his alter ego as a devil-suited vigilante.
Some of the secondary devils from Hell (in various manifestations as the Seven Deadly Sins) are pursuing him and possess first Elektra (the current Daredevil of Hell’s Kitchen) and other former friends.
It’s not long before the Matt Murdock Daredevil is battling The Heat, a new criminal gang as well as Father Matt combatting false rumors about his role at Saint Nicolas started by old friend and news reporter Ben Urich.
The main assassin of The Heat is none other than Bullseye, and Daredevil foils an attempt on the life of crime gang leader Butch Pharris, the son of Wilson Fisk/Kingpin.
She-Hulk makes a guest appearance as the first story arc ends. THREE AND THREE-QUARTER STARS.
#407 - #408 = BATMAN, BAD SEEDS: STREETS OF GOTHAM #1 by various creators (DC Comics, December 2026)
In the overall continuation of the Bad Seeds cross-over storyline, this one-shot is non-essential. However, it may have appeal to the curious, as it is a man-on-the-street account of the plant invasion of Gotham.
There are six separate stories that showcase how everyday citizens deal with the hazards of Gotham under siege by prehistoric plant-life. There is no Batman in these stories, despite the cover illustration. The Signal does make an appearance in two of the stories, as he is the most street-smart, street-aware of the Bat family members.
The artists involved are Bruno Abdias, Rossi Gifford, Gretel Lusky, Jorge Fornes, Brian Ching, and Steve Lieber. The quality of the art, featuring some different styles, is consistent - with the best work coming from Jorge Fornes on “The Primaries.”
The writers are Mariko Tamaki (3 stories) and Matt Fraction (3 stories). My favorite story is “The Long Walk Home” by Matt Fraction. THREE STARS.
#409 - #413 = DAREDEVIL #6 - #10 by Saladin Ahmed with art by Aaron Kuder (#6-#8 ) and Juann Cabal (#9-#10) (Marvel Comics, April-August 2024) “Introductory Rites, Parts Six to Ten”
Continuing from the prior volume, Matt Murdock has been born again as a Catholic priest/youth counselor & guardian. Something vicious has pursued him straight out of Hell, and devilish manifestations of the Seven Deadly Sins have possessed many of his friends and associates.
The second volume/story arc, like the first one, features many familiar guest stars and plenty of action, with some fine art equal to the task. What raises this a notch up for me are the scenes of Matt’s introspection where his need to pursue justice as Daredevil conflicts with his new role as a Catholic priest and a man of faith.
One of the more memorable scenes occurs at the beginning of Issue #6, where Matt’s rooftop confession to God is interrupted by Javis, his associate at the Saint Nicholas Youth Home, who scolds him: “Man, you really like beating yourself up, huh? . . . Problem is, Matteo, God doesn’t like it.” . . . . Your penance is just four words . . . . James 2:13 . . . . Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
That seems to improve Matt’s mood, as he reflects: “Across two lives now, I’ve spent countless hours dreading being judged by God . . . But not nearly enough of them reflecting on how merciful he is.”
Later, Doctor Strange helps him find clarity, and he emerges from contemplation in a white Daredevil suit ready to encounter the remaining Four Deadly Sins wherever they may be. He starts interrogating members of the new crime gang (The Heat) and the trail leads him to an encounter with Wolverine. Logan has been possessed by a devil manifesting as a Deadly Sin (but is it Wrath, or Lust?) Some of the most visually stunning (and bloody) battle scenes occur in Issue #7.
Issue #8 is the 60th anniversary of Daredevil stories, which continues the present storyline and adds several tribute stories by various creators. Daredevil teams up with Elektra (Lady Daredevil) and then run into Bullseye again, who has assembled quite an army under The Heat banner- - - all under the guidance and direction of The Kingpin.
There’s a reunion with Matt’s old law partner Foggy Nelson. One of the youngsters at the Youth Home sneaks into Father Matt’s private room, finds the Daredevil costume, and confronts him about it. A new conflict, as the youth’s deceased father was a former criminal that he believes Daredevil is responsible for his death. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#414 - #415 = GIANT-SIZE DAREDEVIL #1 by Saladin Ahmed and Paul Davidson (Marvel Comics, August 2024)
The main story (“The Devil You Know”) occurs in-between Issue #9 and #10, and follows what happens after Daredevil learns that The Kingpin is back in town at the conclusion of Issue #9.
The story is narrated by Kingpin who reveals his hatred for Daredevil, now enhanced as he realizes he has been possessed by one of the Seven Deadly Sins devils determined to capture and drag Daredevil back to Hell.
Ahmed get to expand on his take on the character of Wilson Fisk and share how brutal and determined he is. The art by Paul Davidson is outstanding, almost making me wish he was the regular illustrator of Daredevil instead of Aaron Kuder. Davidson’s depiction of Kingpin is massive and frightening.
The back-up story is a reprint of DAREDEVIL #170 by Frank Miller (“The Kingpin Must Die”). It also features Bullseye and is a great example of Miller’s early writing and drawing skills (lots of cleverly designed small panels) that would become the template for his later and more celebrated works. FOUR STARS.
#416 = DAREDEVIL #11/LGY#673 by Saladin Ahmed and Aaron Kuder (Marvel Comics, September 2024) “Introductory Rites, Part Eleven”
There has been some great cover art on this particular run of DAREDEVIL, all done by the team of John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna, and Richard Isanove. I have an observation regarding them: the cover illustration frequently does not correspond to the story inside. My guess is that the covers were done in advance, based on a general outline of the story.
For example, Issue #11 features a battered Bullseye, presumably just after having the snot beat out of him by Daredevil. While Bullseye is featured in several scenes, there is no contact with Daredevil in this issue’s story.
Regarding the story: “The cost of Matt’s trip to and from the afterlife was quick laid bare: portions of his soul infected by the Seven Deadly Sins, have possessed those closet to Matt - - including Kingpin - - and he is the only one who can free them!
Meanwhile, Matt’s literal battles with his demons have imperiled his refuge at Saint Nicholas’ Youth Home, where he’s been working as a priest since his reawakening. Especially now that one of the youngsters in Matt’s care has discovered his secret identity - - and he’s got a bone to pick with Daredevil.”
Young Jason has fled the youth home as the search continues for both he and Matt. He’s picked up a knife and intends to stab Daredevil, blaming him for the explosion which ended his father’s (a crime gang member) death, resulting in Jason being lodged in a foster home. (It was actually Bullseye, acting under Norman Osborn’s orders who set the explosion - - which the public blamed on Daredevil.
Dardevil barely survived his first encounter with Kingpin, and Elektra nursed him back to health. They head back out on the trail of Kingpin and find him on a rooftop garden surrounded by a bunch of dead members of crime lord Butch Pharris’ headquarters. (Pharris is the son of Kingpin, who is too controlled by the demon Greed to spare him).
Meanwhile, Jason is captured by Bullseye, who almost scares him into sharing his knowledge of Matt’s identity until a demon intervenes (that scares even Bullseye).
Lot of great dialogue, introspection, and hard conversations between DD and Elektra this issue - peppered with the juxtaposition of Matt’s faith compared to Daredevil’s violent persistence. THREE AND THREE QUARTER STARS.
#417 = DAREDEVIL #12/LGY#674 by Saladin Ahmed and Aaron Kuder (Marvel Comics, October 2024) “Introductory Rites, Part Twelve”
More on the cover: while it looks like Elektra was either dangerously wounded (or killed again) that doesn’t happen in the story. Both DD and Elektra come out of the skirmish with Kingpin bruised and battered, but they are still standing upright. (See my comments on the covers in the review of Issue #11).
Jason is running away from the monster that came after him, allowing an escape from Bullseye. He runs back to the Youth Center where the reunion is cut short as the demon tries to bash down the door.
Meanwhile, an already strong Kingpin is enhanced by the power of the devil and is getting the best of both Elektra and Daredevil, taunting him with words that bring on guilt as DD feels he is the source of this particular Deadly Sin: Greed.
On his back awaiting the killing blow, DD answers Kinpin: “You’re right Wilson. . . I’ve asked too much of life. Of God. . . . Wielding the power of a priest, but shirking the work that would make me worthy of it. . . . Covetous of the peace of a happy homelife, but too selfish to give up the excitement of running the rooftops. . .
No man can serve two masters. I’ve been a fool to try. But his mercy is infinite. Even toward me. Even toward you.”
Ok, spoilers here: Matt summons the right words, perhaps from his own “scholarly knowledge, part artistic inspiration, part bomb defusing” and exorcises the devil from Kingpin, who then collapses in supplication. Words, not deeds - - indeed. FOUR STARS.
#418 = DAREDEVIL #13/LGY #675 by Saladin Ahmed and Chris Campana (Marvel Comics, November 2024) “Introductory Rites, Part Thirteen”
If you look at the covers from Daredevil #12 through #15 you might conclude that there is a four-issue battle going on between Daredevil and Kingpin. Not true.
The demon was exorcised from Kingpin last issue; and now he is begging Matt/Daredevil for spiritual salvation. In an ironic twist, Daredevil is afraid to comply and runs away from his priestly obligation. More internal conflict.
When Daredevil returns to the youth home, he finds that Father Javi has been beaten while defending them against the demon and needs hospitalized. The demon has made off with Jason. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#419 = DAREDEVIL #14/LGY #677 by Saladin Ahmed and Luigi Zagaria (Marvel Comics, December 2024) “Introductory Rites, Part Fourteen”
Another artist change. While the styles of Kuder, Campana and Zagaria are different at least the quality is consistent. These are well-drawn books with worthy illustrations.
After failing to protect St. Nicolas Home coupled with his inability to locate the missing Jason, Matt has begun losing faith (and his own faith is wavering).But rather than go through the procedures required to leave the priesthood, Matt makes a solitary confession to God where he states: “While I’m still in this fallen world, I won’t lie to you any longer. I won’t pretend to be a man of God. But I vow to you that I’ll still serve you . . . as your devil.”
Elektra no longer trusts Matt and their relationship is on the rocks. But she still is helping him try to locate Jason, and has hired a private investigator - who also seems to have disappeared. THREE AND ONE-QUARTER STARS.
#420 = DAREDEVIL #15/LGY #665 by Saladin Ahmed and Luigi Zagaria (Marvel Comics, January 2025) “Introductory Rites, Part Fifteen”
While continuing the search for Jason, Daredevil and Elektra discover the bloody dead body of her private investigator in a grimy alley.
Meanwhile one of the high school bullies, who were trying to antagonize one of the young girls at the Youth Home until Father Matt violently sent them on their way, is seeking legal counsel from a familiar attorney.
Daredevil doesn’t find Jason, but he does encounter the demon who quickly slashes and dispatches DD to the ground. When Matt wakes up, he’s no longer in uniform and back at the hotel room he has rented. Just in time to answer a knock on the door and receive a legal summons. THREE AND ONE-QUARTER STARS.
