Review: ‘Daredevil’ #28 Examines The Inner Self

Matt Murdock and Elektra have had two very different experiences the last few issues. Since he ended up inside, Matt has battled his demons. Meanwhile, Elektra has fought her darker side. It’s quintessential Daredevil, but this issue is something deeper.

This issue begins with one simple question for three different characters and their plot threads- “Are you okay?” It’s a question asked by Chip Zdarsky, Marco Checcetto, Marco Menyz, and Clayton Cowles.

Matt finds himself asking why he really made the deal that sent him a prison, and whether he’s doing more harm by being there than on the outside. Elektra has to help her new young charge who was failed by the system. And Wilson Fisk decides its time to topple the house of cards he’s built.

Except for just a few panels, this is a completely action-free issue. Instead all three of our main characters- Matt, Elektra, and Fisk- need to face the consequences of their actions. It’s not just past actions either, as Matt makes a choice that makes him question everything he’s done by the end of it. It’s simply stunning.

This is the sort of issue that more series need to do more often. Zdarsky gets into each of his characters’ heads (even the more minor ones like Typhoid Mary and the prison’s therapist), and makes sure we know what’s driving them as well as what consequences they face. It all leads to a cliffhanger that’s stunning in its simplicity. The entire issue builds to it without the reader realizing it.

Checcetto and Menyz continue their stellar work here. Menyz’s colors are realistic, but he shifts the warmth or brightness of the color depending on the setting. It creates a sense of place but also a mood for each scene. Meanwhile, Checcetto dives into the characters’ heads with Zdarsky in his stunning pencils and the interesting thing is how he does it in different ways.

With Matt and Elektra, its in their body language. Matt is broken and defeated, which is obvious from the slump in his shoulders and the ache in his movements. Elektra is defiant, but hesitant, doing her best to connect to someone even though she doesn’t know how. And it goes on like that throughout the issue, whether it’s the sneer on Fisk’s face, or how Typhoid retreats into herself as she literally curls into a ball.

I cannot say enough good about this run. It’s the best book Marvel puts out each month, and if you’re not reading it, it’s time to catch up. You will regret it if you don’t.

Daredevil #28 is available now from Marvel Comics.