Review: Daredevil Vol. 1- Devil at Bay
Quick Summary
Pros: The humor and heart from the last Daredevil series returns. New plotlines generate a lot of interest in what will happen next, especially the one involving Foggy. The artwork is great throughout this collection.
Cons: The main storyline is not quite as interesting as the book’s subplots.
Overall: The first entry in this new Daredevil series is a success. It takes the positives from the previous series and moves them into a brand new location. This allows for a number of new story elements to develop and a lot of interest to be generated. This collection is the prefect jumping on point for new readers and a satisfactory change of pace for old readers.
Story
Daredevil Vol. 1: Devil at Bay, starts a promising new chapter in an already great run on Daredevil. By moving the Man Without Fear to the West Coast, writer Mark Waid is able to replicate the magic of the last seven volumes of Daredevil and present it in a fresh new setting. This does not mean that the series is becoming repetitive though, as a number of plot points present new drama to an already electric series. Overall, this is an optimistic change of pace that is accessible to both old and new readers.
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The volume opens with an exciting display of superhero action that is designed to grab your attention and subtly introduce you to the intricacies of the book’s new setting. The level of energy and suspense seen here already make this chapter good. However, what makes it great is the way Waid uses this action to introduce story elements that are going to be a big part of this new series. The contrast between East and West coast, Matt’s status as a “new” hero in the area, and the mystery behind Foggy’s “death” are all teased here to ensure fans keep reading. This is how you start a new chapter in a superhero comic.
Of the volume’s new story elements, the mystery behind Foggy’s “death” is perhaps the most interesting, especially for readers who have experience with Mark Waid’s last Daredevil series. The plotline starts with a few teases here and there, just enough to build interest. This includes the discovery that Foggy faked his death and moved out to the West Coast with Matt. Then, readers see the wholesome, yet tragic, tale behind how he actually went about faking his death and how this decision has change his life. It is a unique element to add to Daredevil’s world and something that has the potential to become even better as the series progresses.
Alongside all of the new story elements, familiar positives also return. These range from the smartly written humor to the stellar character development. These are positives that have been in the series since Mark Waid started writing Daredevil’s East Coast journey; this volume simply reassures everyone that they will continue in his West Coast journey.
The only real negative is that the main storyline is probably the least interesting part of the book. Daredevil’s fight against the Owl is overshadowed by Foggy’s trials, Kirsten’s involvement, and the general intricacies of the West Coast. It is quite possible that this storyline will develop into something more significant in the following volume, but, in this volume, it is not quite there yet. It is still a good story but it isn’t as great as everything else in the collection.
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Art
Chris Samnee’s artwork is beautiful from start to finish. He illustrates a bold take on Daredevil that highlights his super senses and acrobatic ability. He also does a fantastic job depicting the Shroud’s powers, which include the manipulation of shadows. Samnee’s art makes the Shroud’s shadows come to life and immediately clues readers into how these unique powers work.
The collection concludes with one chapter from Peter Krause. Though his work is not quite as bold and energetic as Samnee’s, it still looks nice and does a good job in showing off Daredevil’s talents. Overall, this chapter looks good but not great.
Continuity
Daredevil Vol. 1: Devil at Bay is the first volume in a brand new Daredevil series. This is not a continuity reset, it is simply a good jumping on point for readers. This means that, although Daredevil’s adventures in Daredevil Vol. 7 lead directly into this volume, an in depth knowledge of his past is not really required to enjoy this series.
The story here is continued in Daredevil Vol. 2: West-Case Scenario.
The story still references previous stories so we will still be listing them below:
- It is mentioned that Daredevil used to live in California. He lived there from Daredevil #87-109, issues collected in Daredevil Masterworks Vol. 9 and Vol. 10.
- The superhero registration act is brought up. This act is the centerpiece of the Civil War event.
- Daredevil makes a quick “Lying Cat” reference. This is a cross-company reference to the Image Comic title Saga. Lying Cat first appears in Saga Vol. 1.
- A security guard talks about the “new Nova”. This Nova started appearing in Nova Vol. 1: Origin.