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The iconic Marvel Knights line has reached its 20th anniversary and Marvel is celebrating with a new six-part series. Written by Donny Cates with art by Travel Foreman, this first issue unveils a mystery that you’ll want to unravel.
So what’s it about?
Read our exclusive preview.
Why does this matter?
This book is celebrating the Marvel Knights line by opening with a mystery. It’s a mystery that allows readers new to the line and old to become familiar with the characters since they themselves are attempting to do the same.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Karen. NO! Credit: Marvel Comics
This first issue largely utilizes Daredevil as the main character although you get other appearances along the way too. It’s a good start to a story that suggests something has happened and the only way to find the answer is to find oneself. Donny Cates keeps your interest up with well-timed character cameos in an obvious alternate dimension version of the Marvel universe.
It’s hard to talk about the story without giving too much away, but know that it’s a mystery that–so far–has no answers. One can gather enlightenment for these characters who don’t know they are heroes will take place, but why they don’t know who they are and when they do remember something why things aren’t as they remember. The very last page suggests a Marvel mainstay is at the root of what is going on, but even then there isn’t enough to go on. As far as an exploration of Daredevil, however, Cates does a good job exploring his self-doubt, loathing, and faith ever so slightly here.
Foreman does a great job on art, never letting us forget Daredevil’s utter fear and anxiety over his current state of mind. Other characters act oddly too, and Foreman helps convey the awkwardness in their body language. In a standout full-page spread, Foreman reveals via Bullseye a moment of clarity for Daredevil that is poster worthy. Daredevil’s incredible acrobatic abilities are also well drawn and remind us how much agility this character has.
Okay I guess this makes sense? Credit: Marvel Comics
It can’t be perfect can it?
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As first issues go the mystery is thoroughly laid thick, but it’s too confusing for its own good. Besides the mystery which is rather vague, there’s no telling where we are or even when. One could harbor a guess that some kind of alternate dimension trickery took place, but this issue is in no way giving readers anything that puts you in the same place as the heroes: utterly annoyed with what is going on. Even the cliffhanger to end the book is vague and strange. Why this villain? Why now? Why should we care? It’s hard to understand especially considering the title suggests we’re revisiting a darker more edgy tone with the heroes even though–so far–this issue doesn’t go there.
Is it good?
An interesting start, although there isn’t enough here to give readers an understanding of what this will be about, or why they should care.
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