Daredevil #52 Review

Archive

Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Echo: Part 2

Writer and Artist: David Mack
Lettered by: Virtual Calligraphy’s Cory Petit
Associate Managing Editor: Kelly Lamy
Editor: Joe Quesada
Publisher: Marvel Knights > Marvel Comics

Big Mack & Daredevil

David Mack is no stranger to the character of Daredevil. Following Kevin Smith’s heralded run, David Mack took on the writing chores for a time. Then during Brian Michael Bendis’ first run, he took on the artistic chores. Not until issue 51, did Mack merge both of his talents on Daredevil. If you haven’t already, take the time to read Daniel Foery’s excellent review of that issue.

Faint Echo

Mack’s brought back Echo, the character he introduced to DD in issue #9. To be honest, Daredevil (Matt Murdock) has had too many girlfriends for my tastes, and most certainly one too many that’s tried to kill him. Echo is an interesting character, who although deaf, has the ability to recreate any action that she observes. She’s a formidable opponent, and been a very “close” friend to Matt Murdock. So while there are some similarities to Elektra, Echo really can stand on her own as an interesting and even compelling character.

The latest issue serves to further clarify Echo’s character. We learn more specifics about the early part of her life, including the touching connection with her father. There’s not a ton of actually advancement to the storyline, but the background material is inspiring. Especially well translated is the time from early in Echo’s life when she learns of the “audible world”. Her questions are perfectly child like, and gave me just a little more understanding of what the world must be like for a deaf person.

Historical trail

Mack also includes some stirring moments, as Echo’s father (an American Indian) tells the story of the “Trail of Tears”, one of the most tragic moments in American History. Currently working on towards a degree in History, it was fantastic to see this heinous act committed by Americans, recounted within the pages of a mainstream comic book.

Artistic Freedom

David Mack’s artistic style is so drastically different than nearly every one else in the industry. Each page varies greatly from the last, but even the pages themselves see greatly divergent artistic styles. This type of work is especially strong in translating the difficulties caused by Echo’s handicap, as well as the moments centering on the plight of the American Indian.

Mack is making the most of this opportunity for near total creative freedom on Daredevil. The real heart of this five-part arc becomes clear as the issue progresses. While this romantic twist bears a few similarities to Matt/DD’s romance with Elektra, it’s also vastly different. I was a little disappointed to see Mack taking the reigns from Bendis for a while, but after two issues he’s got me hooked.