• Written by: Saladin Ahmed
• Art by: Aaron Kuder
• Colors by: Jesus Aburtov
• Letters by: VC’s Clayton Cowles
• Cover art by: John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz
• Cover price: $4.99
• Release date: October 18, 2023

Daredevil #2 finds Father Matt adjusting to resurrection as the proprietor of an orphanage, but outside forces seek to tear down Father Matt’s and God’s good work.

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Is Daredevil #2 Good?

Daredevil #2 is an odd issue. Technically, it’s not terrible or even bad. Saladin Ahmed gives readers a clear beginning, middle, and end. Plot points develop that move the series in a tangible direction. And the cliffhanger ending presents a curious surprise reveal. All the piece parts are there, but the whole feels equal or less than the sum of its parts.

When last we left Daredevil, he exorcised a demon from Elektra. The demon promised more horrors coming, and the experience helped Father Matt regain some of his memories, enough to remember he’s Daredevil.

Now, Father Matt gets on with business usual at the orphanage when the police arrive to investigate a rumor about criminal dealings with the wayward children. Then, Father Matt puts on the Daredevil suit to look for trouble, which he finds in the form of a blossoming gang war where the newcomer is oddly equipped with high-grade military weaponry. Later, Father Matt’s research into the rumors about the orphans leads to a familiar face.

Ahmed is building a new status quo for Matt, which I appreciate. The life of a lawyer is dead at this point, so Matt’s new life as a priest and caretaker needs some TLC to get going. That said, the source and rationale behind Matt’s resurrection get no attention, which will become an increasing point of frustration the longer Ahmed avoids it.

What’s great about Daredevil #2? Ahmed’s character- and world-building for Matt’s new status quo and new supporting cast are commendable. You get a solid feel for the types of troubles each orphan suffers from, giving Matt a chance to establish himself as a father figure, which is a departure from Matt’s traditionally loner lifestyle.

What’s not so great about Daredevil #2? First, the lack of investigation into Matt’s resurrection is a sticking point that’s not going to go away. Second, the big wow reveal as the cliffhanger isn’t all that interesting. Readers are supposed to be highly invested in finding out who’s spreading destructive rumors about the church, but considering Matt is literally “born again,” and he was attacked by a demon in the last issue, tracking down online rumors seems a far less urgent priority.

How’s the art? Aaron Kuder’s art is good to great. The obligatory fight scene is energetic and well-choreographed, and the smaller moments carry an air of drama. Overall, the art is fine.

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 #2 gives the returning Daredevil two new challenges to tackle, but the challenges feel small and inconsequential compared to the prospect of a pending demon attack. Technically, the issue is solidly constructed, but the central theme just isn’t that interesting or exciting.

6/10