Comics Review: MAN WITHOUT FEAR, THE DEATH OF DAREDEVIL

MAN WITHOUT FEAR: THE DEATH OF DAREDEVIL by Jed MacKay, writer plus Danilo Beyruth, Stefano Landini, and Iban Coello and others, illustrators.  (Marvel Comics, May 2019)  Paperback, 112 pages.  ISBN # 130291748X / 9781302917487  

Summary on the Goodreads website . . . . .

Daredevil is gone, but Hell's Kitchen is still a place of heroes and villains. 

Foggy Nelson, the Defenders, the many loves of Matt Murdock, the Kingpin and a mysterious Guardian Devil will all learn what it means to live in a world without a Daredevil. And without a Daredevil to protect it, has hell come for his city? Who is The Man Without Fear?!

My summary on The 1,000 Comics Challenge Facebook page by Captain Blue Hen Comics . . . . .

 THE MAN WITHOUT FEAR #1-5 (Marvel, 2019) Matt Murdock nearly dies, and has plenty of time to reflect while recuperating in the hospital. He's seriously thinking about hanging up his Daredevil clothes and just being Matt Murdock. Friends, ex-lovers, and associates all try to talk him out of it, and in an unusual twist the least likely person convinces him to stay in the game. Masterful. 5 STARS.

My longer review on the Goodreads website . . . . .

     Writer Jed MacKay bridges the gap between the Charles Soule version of Daredevil and the more recent Chip Zdarsky version of Daredevil in a story that serves as an appropriate prequel to the current series.

     MacKay puts Matt Murdock through his paces as he struggles internally with his decision. His memories serve as a quick reminder of some key moments in the long history of Daredevil while his inner thoughts confront his doubts and fears. A very well-done storyline. 

     Each single issue was illustrated by a different artist but the overall style is consistent which helps with the cohesion of the story. You have to study each issue to pick up the differences. My favorite of the bunch is Paolo Villanelli, who illustrated Issue #4 along with colorist Andres Mossa.

   I enjoyed this so much, I’m wondering what MacKay might do for a run of Daredevil issues - - although I’m not suggesting he replace Zdarsky, who’s doing a bang-up job on the title.