Reviewer: Tim Sheridan
Story Title: Golden Age: Part 5 of 5
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Alex Maleev
Colored by: Dave Stewart
Lettered by: VC’s Chris Eliopoulos
Editor: Jennifer Lee
Executive Editor: Axel Alonso
Publisher: Marvel Comics
I cannot truly express how much I love this comic book. I’ve never had a huge affinity for Daredevil. He was always just another Marvel character to me. But ever since Brian Michael Bendis took over this series I have been hooked. From issue #26 on, this has been one long (very long) story, and it’s been simply amazing.
Bendis and artist Alex Maleev give the series a feel so unlike any other comic I’ve ever seen that it completely encapsulates the reader for as long as it wants. Each issue is incredible, but reading a whole arc at once and having it unfold in front of you is an experience unlike any other. This is a series that takes great joy in that.
Here we have the final issue of the Golden Age arc. It’s one that I was a bit anxious about at first. I didn’t really see the point of telling the story of a 93 year old former crime boss. But I was proven wrong. Alexander Bont’s story has been as compelling as any other in this series, as is the way his life has been inexorably linked to Daredevil.
But that’s not all that’s going on in this issue.
We also get a glimpse into what Daredevil’s idea of what a hero is, and what the point of a costume is. Daredevil trains a new hero in here, and I’m sure this is not the last we’ll see of her.
Then, we have a character in the Gladiator, once completely forgotten, showing up in a way that is entirely unexpected and remarkable.
Adding to that, the final battle between DD and Bont is something that, while a bit short, is just a small piece in the ongoing turmoil in his life. See for the past year, DD has been “outed” of the superhero community, and Bont thought he had a way to make this even worse for him.
But that’s not all. In a bit of a coda, we get a chilling cameo by Wilson Fisk. It’s not anything amazing, just a very cool way to finish off the arc.
With each issue, Bendis delights in unfolding his tales in a non-linear structure, and it’s one of the things that make this book so much fun, and so different.
Earlier this week I was reading an article that touched on the idea that this may be a definitive run for Daredevil. I could not agree more. This is the best I have ever seen the book, or the character. Yes, I’ve read every Frank Miller issue, and dozens of others. But this is simply the best. I know Bendis and Maleev are wrapping up their run at the end of the year, and I will miss them dearly here. But until then, I cherish each issue. This is one of the greatest comics ever. And please don’t mistake my words for empty hyperbole, go out and get these issues. You could not possibly be disappointed.
