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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Guardian Devil was my first foray into Daredevil comics (I'd seen the movie and gotten interested), and I must say that it really delivers. This is a complex, powerful story, delving into Catholic themes, questions of morality, love, and just pain itself (both physical and mental). The art is equally as compelling, making each issue have a lasting impression in your mind.
What prevents this from getting a perfect score is the resolution. It's very good and I liked it a lot, but I couldn't help feel as though I was cheated a little. I really did want some (SMALL SPOILER) supernatural elements to stay true in the story, rather than it all be realistic.
The journey to the end though is breathtaking. I'm inspired to check out Frankie's run on the title because of this.
What prevents this from getting a perfect score is the resolution. It's very good and I liked it a lot, but I couldn't help feel as though I was cheated a little. I really did want some (SMALL SPOILER) supernatural elements to stay true in the story, rather than it all be realistic.
The journey to the end though is breathtaking. I'm inspired to check out Frankie's run on the title because of this.
FUCK it was really good but we gotta dock for misogyny
Real Score: 2.5
Overall, it was an interesting read. I think this is a good place to start in being introduced to Daredevil's character because you get a lot the distinctive points of the hero's origins. Before reading this, I did a bit of research and read up on the main story arcs of Daredevil's progression. I think Guardian Devil sums part of those main story arcs up nicely. However, I ultimately wasn't blown away by this. Certain parts I was more invested in reading more (mostly the beginning) but as the story progressed, I felt like it became over dramatic. I can also see how parts of Guardian Devil may have inspired and/or been included in part of the Netflix series, specifically the part were Matt struggles to come to term with his faith and his efforts on the streets of Hell's Kitchen.
Writing/Dialogue: There were sections where it's really long winded, as though every character had a monologue to perform. And while that's great for adding drama and tension, having characters give long winded monologues often defeats the purpose. It's due to these long monologue passages that somewhat obstructs the art. It's a bit overwhelming to take a two-page spread when there's giant dialogue bubbles spread all over the place.
Narrative: A bit over dramatic at certain parts, but it wasn't bad. The main plot points had its conclusions, and the subplot points were wrapped up too. We see Matt Murdoch fight internal and external demons, and how those conflicts spiral out and impact his relationships with other characters. While certain parts of the story did surprise me, I overall wasn't wowed by it.
Disappointment:
The treatment and representation of women in this was the most disappointing factor of all. In short, it was bad. There's a scene where Matt asks Black Widow if she's accusing him of being a misogynist, and I'm thinking "well...yeah. You sort of were...". Yes, the female characters in this play supporting roles but the way they're presented is as though they're either horrible trouble or they're suppose to help absolve the hero's guilty conscience. And Black Widow? I couldn't recognize her. And yes, I'm one of those people who started reading up on her after the Avengers movies were rolled out. However, I can't help but think it's because of the films, Black Widow's character was revisited and re-evaulated.
Overall, it was an interesting read. I think this is a good place to start in being introduced to Daredevil's character because you get a lot the distinctive points of the hero's origins. Before reading this, I did a bit of research and read up on the main story arcs of Daredevil's progression. I think Guardian Devil sums part of those main story arcs up nicely. However, I ultimately wasn't blown away by this. Certain parts I was more invested in reading more (mostly the beginning) but as the story progressed, I felt like it became over dramatic. I can also see how parts of Guardian Devil may have inspired and/or been included in part of the Netflix series, specifically the part were Matt struggles to come to term with his faith and his efforts on the streets of Hell's Kitchen.
Writing/Dialogue: There were sections where it's really long winded, as though every character had a monologue to perform. And while that's great for adding drama and tension, having characters give long winded monologues often defeats the purpose. It's due to these long monologue passages that somewhat obstructs the art. It's a bit overwhelming to take a two-page spread when there's giant dialogue bubbles spread all over the place.
Narrative: A bit over dramatic at certain parts, but it wasn't bad. The main plot points had its conclusions, and the subplot points were wrapped up too. We see Matt Murdoch fight internal and external demons, and how those conflicts spiral out and impact his relationships with other characters. While certain parts of the story did surprise me, I overall wasn't wowed by it.
Disappointment:
The treatment and representation of women in this was the most disappointing factor of all. In short, it was bad. There's a scene where Matt asks Black Widow if she's accusing him of being a misogynist, and I'm thinking "well...yeah. You sort of were...". Yes, the female characters in this play supporting roles but the way they're presented is as though they're either horrible trouble or they're suppose to help absolve the hero's guilty conscience. And Black Widow? I couldn't recognize her. And yes, I'm one of those people who started reading up on her after the Avengers movies were rolled out. However, I can't help but think it's because of the films, Black Widow's character was revisited and re-evaulated.
3.5
I think the fact this took me 3 days to read says more than I can with words. Maybe says the wrong thing though, I dunno. I enjoyed this, but I didn't love it. I will carry on and read Mack's Parts of a Hole and then get on to Bendis' run which I've heard is one of the best. Tiny bit disappointed with this one, but ah well.
I think the fact this took me 3 days to read says more than I can with words. Maybe says the wrong thing though, I dunno. I enjoyed this, but I didn't love it. I will carry on and read Mack's Parts of a Hole and then get on to Bendis' run which I've heard is one of the best. Tiny bit disappointed with this one, but ah well.
Ugh, where to even start with this, from the bad writing to the awful, awful art, to the nauseating sexism inherent in both, I just had a bad taste in my mouth from very nearly the beginning. Eventually I couldn't take it anymore, and put it down. And as far as the plot goes? I didn't even care enough about ANY of it to flip through to the end to see how it turns out.
artless, misogynistic, needlessly self-referential. i only read this because people i trusted said it is worthwhile back story for what comes later but i probably should have skipped Smith's offering and gone straight to the Bendis stuff.
I love this. It was pure Kevin Smith. The first half reminded me of Dogma, I guess because of the exploration of what constitutes faith and how to regain it. I also loved the cinematic exposition near the end, the movie and comic references, and Black Widow putting Matt Murdock in his place. Daredevil is a complex character, and Kevin Smith makes full use of this. It was not at all what I expected, but I really really liked it.
The art by Joe Quesada is wonderful, as always. He employs Christian imagery with great dexterity. Half of the trade is print material.
The art by Joe Quesada is wonderful, as always. He employs Christian imagery with great dexterity. Half of the trade is print material.
Although it rehashes a number of old plot points, Smith successfully reinvigorates Daredevil