Editor's Note: Daredevil #111 arrives in stores tomorrow, September 24.

"Lady Bullseye: Part One"

Daredevil kicks off a new story arc with issue #111, introducing a new villain to the series at the same time as Brubaker develops some of the plot strands that were left dangling at the end of the previous arc, and adds an interesting new wrinkle to the relationship between Matt Murdock and one of the key members of his supporting cast.

There's a definite sense that this issue has a stronger focus on more traditional superhero elements than we've been used to seeing under Brubaker's tenure on the book so far. In addition to the titular villainess (who is another example of the old gender-reversal-of-an-existing-character concept, but who already establishes herself as far more than just a mere imitation) there's a cameo from Bullseye, as well as an appearance from the Hand, who look to be major players in the storyline. There's also a guest-appearance from Iron Fist that reinforces the idea that Matt lives in a shared universe of superheroes, despite the book usually preferring to plough its own furrow and remain fairly separate from the rest of the Marvel Universe. There's a certain levity and swashbuckling vibe to this issue that hasn't always been present in Brubaker's run, too, with scenes such as the one in which a plain-clothes Matt leaps into action in his civilian clothes to prevent a mugging evoking a simpler era of superhero storytelling. It's a welcome return to the core of the character that proves that the book doesn't always have to be downbeat or excessively realistic in order to make for a compelling read.

However, there are also elements that mark the book out as a more sophisticated read than your average run-of-the-mill superhero title. A case in point is the new development in Matt's romantic life that we see here, which is handled with a very adult level of maturity that befits the character. In a way that's reminiscent of Brubaker's Criminal, the writer has his characters react realistically to complex situations (in this case, the fact that Matt has a wife who has been confined to a mental hospital but is tempted by the charms of another) by not always making the right choices, but acting in a sympathetically human and flawed manner - and it makes for a compelling and unpredictable read. It's also nice to see Brubaker continue to reinforce the importance of Matt's supporting cast. Here, we see the relationship between Matt and Dakota North continue to develop, with Matt giving her lessons in martial arts and drawing her further into the world of costumes and super-powers as he invites Danny Rand to heal her with his mystical abilities.

Art-wise, penciller Clay Mann has the unenviable task of filling in for the regular artist, Michael Lark, but he acquits himself very well indeed. His artwork maintains a similar approach to that of Lark - reinforced by Stefano Gaudiano's continuing presence as inker - with a realistic style that is loose enough to remain fairly dynamic, but which is still highly detailed, even for the more complicated scenes (the character design for the intricately-tattooed Lady Bullseye alone looks like it would test the patience of even the most meticulous artists). Mann appears to be equally at home illustrating visceral fight sequences and slick rooftop pursuits as he is with the more tender, human moments, which are particularly well executed in this issue. The artist conveys a palpable frisson of sexual chemistry between Matt and Dakota in the training scene, and contrasts the hard-edged nature of Lady Bullseye with the soft, feminine qualities of Matt's ally (including a beautiful shot of Dakota on the final page that is sure to make the hearts of fanboys beat just that little bit faster).

Finally, I have to commend Mann for how well-referenced his artwork is, whether it's the convincing martial arts stances or the attention to detail that he shows when bringing the various environments of the book to life (the layout and furnishings of Danny Rand's apartment are exactly the same as we saw in the short story that appeared in the Civil War: Choosing Sides one-shot, all the way down to the wall hangings and golden Buddha). I'd certainly be happier to see him work on the book again in future, especially if it means that the book could hit the stands a little more often.

Unsurprisingly, it looks like the latest arc of Daredevil is off to a strong start. Whilst this is very much an opening issue in that it sets up various elements of the story that will surely payoff later, there are still plenty of significant events here that will keep fans of the book entertained and eager to see where Brubaker takes them. I haven't talked very much about Lady Bullseye herself because I don't want to spoil the events of the issue too much, but suffice it to say that she's more complex than she first appeared, and Brubaker looks as though he's going to succeed in making what could have come off as a gimmicky Bullseye/Elektra knock-off into something far more interesting. I can't wait to see how the story progresses.

---

What did you think of this book?
Have your say at the Line of Fire Forum!

---