Daredevil (Vol.2) #69

Background

Matt Murdock's secret identity has been outed to the press. Still denying his being Daredevil, Murdock struggles to maintain something similar to a normal life. That is, until Alexander Bont, the former Kingpin of Hell's Kitchen, is released from prison with one thing on his mind: revenge. Revenge on the horned vigilante who sent him up the river. Revenge in the form of a videotaped beating and unmasking.

Meanwhile, a Federal Agent named Del Toro, while investigating a murder committed by Bont, asks a favor of Murdock...

Story 'Golden Age Part 4 of 5'

The story starts off 14 months ago with Bont still in Ryker's Island Penitentiary. (I should warn you that this story jumps around a lot; Bendis would make Quentin Tarantino proud here.) Bont is shocked to see in the papers that Matt Murdock is named as Daredevil.

We flash back to many years ago. White Tiger, Daredevil and Spider-Man catch Doctor Octopus and gang trying to steal jewelry. A few panels later, Spider-Man and Daredevil get knocked silly, leaving Doc Ock to make a break for it. Not on White Tiger's watch. The amulet-clad tiger opens up a can on Doc Ock, thus saving the day. Spidey introduces White Tiger to Daredevil, and the white one takes his leave.

Now, yesterday, Agent Del Toro shows Murdock the tiger amulets. She admits to being the niece of Hector Ayala, the White Tiger. As Murdock is astounded by the fact that Hector Ayala's niece is building a case against him, Del Toro admits she took the case for other reasons. She has a question: "Why would you put on a costume and fight people?" After a bit of persuading, Murdock agrees to tell her the answer, although she must meet him on the rooftop of St. Catherine's church.

Fourteen days ago, Alexander Bont is in the prison yard scoring some MGH (Mutant Growth Hormone). This stuff makes you buff and apparently gives you shiny blue eyes. It also explains why this old codger was so tough in previous issues.

Last night, Agent Del Toro dons the amulets and "6 million dollar woman's" her way up to the roof top of St. Catherine's. After making Del Toro jump a great distance, Daredevil attempts to answer her question--in the form of a fist.

Two days ago. Bont goes to see Melvin Potter, formerly the Gladiator. After a minor scuffle, Bont blackmails Melvin into working for him by threatening his four-year-old daughter. "Bring. Me. Daredevil," demands Bont, with his shiny blue eyes.

General Comments

The story jumps around a lot, but that makes this story very unique. When all five parts are read, the story comes together very nicely. I have no complaints of my own in this issue.

First off, I like how the old flashback scenes have the old-school "dotted" look to them. For a story that jumps around as much as this one, it helps keep track of where you are, and also adds a certain charm.

Secondly, It's nice to see that not all the people in this comic are beautiful. Agent Del Toro looks ugly, and that's okay to me. I think there should be more ugly people in comic books; it adds to the believibility. Not everyone in this world is pretty and buff.

There might have been a continuity blunder as to which costume Daredevil was wearing when he met the White Tiger, but it really doesn't take away from the story.

Overall Rating

My rating is kinda biased, having read the whole story before reviewing this. Four and a half webs. The art looks a little off at times, though not during the flashback scenes. I can't explain what's wrong with the art, but I don't like it. The rating might change once I figure out for sure if there is a continuity goof.