Daredevil #14 Review

Written by: Chip Zdarsky
Art by: Marco Checchetto
Colors by: Matthew Wilson
Letters by: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover art by: Marco Checchetto
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: August 16, 2023

Daredevil #14 finds Elektra, Foggy, Cole, and a plethora of Hell’s Kitchen’s citizens moving on with life without Matt Murdock. But is he truly gone?

Is It Good?

After the climactic events in issue #13, Daredevil #14 takes a subdued path by visiting everyone who played a significant part, for better or worse, in Daredevil’s life after Matt Murdock died. Chip Zdarsky’s script does a fine job of exploring the emptiness of grieving, but a new development in the memory of Matt Murdock has intriguing possibilities… or confusing conundrums.

When last we left Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, he fought a valiant fight against the Beast and the Wild in Hell to free the souls of his friends. Matt’s plan worked, but the battle left Matt trapped forever. Now, Matt’s loved ones and friends see echoes of Matt Murdock everywhere they look as Hell’s Kitchen slowly begins to move on with life. However, a chance encounter with a familiar-looking priest gives Elektra hope for the future.

Admittedly, the tone and pacing come way down in Daredevil #14 compared to the previous few issues. Zdarsky appears to be rebuilding the emotional core of Daredevil’s friends and allies in anticipation of whatever comes next. If you’re looking for hard-hitting Daredevil action, look elsewhere. But if you’re in for the journey along with Elektra and friends, a moment of rest is what you’ll find.

What’s great about this comic? Zdarsky digs deep to fully realize the relatable range of emotions experienced by Foggy, Elektra, and the rest for the comic equivalent of a wake or eulogy. In some respects, this issue acts as a proper goodbye for Matt Murdock, but also a goodbye as Zdarsky prepares to exit the series. As a bonus, the last page twist immediately elicits mountains of intrigue.

What’s not so great about this comic? Daredevil #14 serves as an emotionally strong character piece, but the pacing and energy are greatly subdued. You get the impression this comic is acting as a transition comic to move from the end of the last arc to the next, taking a restful break in between. In short, Daredevil #14 is all heart but no meat.

How’s the art? Chcchetto’s art is as hard-hitting as ever. Doubly so when you consider this issue is almost all dialog and moments of deep, emotional contemplation. To Chcchetto’s credit, he keeps the visuals interesting, even in the quiet moments, so that’s a big achievement.

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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Bits and Pieces

Daredevil #14 takes a breather from the end of the last arc to let Daredevil’s friends and loved ones grieve and remember in their own ways. Zdarsky piles on heaps of emotional beats to give Dardevil’s death weight, but the pacing and energy take a dip as a result.