Written by: Mark Waid & Javier Rodriguez
Art by: Javier Rodriguez & Alvaro Lopez
Publisher: Marvel
Regardless of anyone’s thoughts on the Original Sin event, you have to admit, it’s made for a really cool two part Daredevil story. Love or hate the event, the creative team behind this Daredevil story (Mark Waid, Javier Rodriguez, and Alvaro Lopez) have capitalized on it. Sure, calling this an Original Sin tie-in is something of a misnomer, as it has absolutely nothing to do with the main event. The catalyst for this story occurred in the main event, however, this tie-in is far from essential reading if you want to understand what’s going in Original Sin. The opposite, fortunately, is also true. The events of Original Sin have no bearing on this issue of Daredevil, so if, like me, you dropped Original Sin a few issues in, or never even picked up a single issue of it, that’s Ok, because this is just another Daredevil story.
In the previous issue, it was supposedly revealed that Matt Murdock’s father had beaten his wife, which is why Matt never really knew his mother. In this issue, he continues his quest to find his mother, who was extradited to Wakanda after vandalizing public property. Of course, none of this made sense, and so now, Daredevil is out for answers. Unlike the previous issue, this is an action packed issue. We don’t get to see Daredevil doing any detective work like we did in the previous issue, but the action sequences in this issue are just as good. The climactic battle with Black Panther’s sister is especially cool, seeing Daredevil go up against a foe who is a physical match for him.
At the end of the day, however, the conflict doesn’t come down to Daredevil’s prowess as a fighter. Instead, he brings it to an end using his cunning and wits. Waid and Rodriguez, who co-wrote this story, nail Daredevil’s character, showing that he doesn’t need to get physical to win his battles. Plus, it’s pretty funny seeing him change from crime fighting mode to lawyer mode in the middle of the Wakandan throne room, after throwing down with Black Panther’s sister. Despite this conflict ending, the issue continues, as there has to be a conclusion to the plot. The ending is a complete curveball, and one that I definitely did not see coming. It provides a very emotional moment for Matt as he reconnects with his mother.
Fans of the series may also have noticed that Chris Samnee isn’t on art duties for this issue. Of course, this is a bummer, but guest artist Alvaro Lopez does a great job nonetheless. He has a style that has a lot of similarities to that of Chris Samnee, though it isn’t exactly the same. Thanks to the rest of the art team staying the same, Lopez’ work doesn’t feel out of place at all.
Daredevil #7 is a solid entry into Mark Waid’s saga with the character. It’s definitely a comic worth checking out. The creative team hits all the story beats they need to, and more. This issue is a perfect ending to the two part story that acts as Daredevil’s very loose tie-in to Original Sin. Sure, it may have interrupted Daredevil’s adventures in San Fransisco, but nonetheless, it’s still a great issue, and a great way to handle what was undoubtedly an editorial mandate to tie into Original Sin.
