Broken Frontier

A dangerous new enemy appears for Daredevil in the form of Lady Bullseye!

One of the major strengths of Ed Brubaker's take on Daredevil is the extensive use of the supporting cast. The last arc featured Luke Cage in a supporting role, and the latest employs Danny Rand, also known as Iron Fist. Though he is the star of his own title, I haven't had much exposure to Rand as a character, but I like the way he is used here. It is his healing and meditation skills that Dakota North and Matt Murdock seek, rather than his dazzling expertise in the ancient arts of Kung Fu! Dakota North convalesces from her wounds, and she and Matt Murdock get a little closer than perhaps they should.

It isn't often a new villain is as anticipated as Lady Bullseye. From the time the promotional cover was made available, fans have been clamoring to read her debut. I can give a first hand account of how difficult it was to find this issue, and three comic stores later, I can say it was worth the search. Years ago, Bullseye tore up a Yakuza stronghold in Tokyo, and his skills caught the attention of one of their prisoners. Mimicking his deadly methods, and taking on a similar costume, Lady Bullseye was born, and is seeking the attention of Daredevil. Brubaker builds the opening issue without direct contact between Daredevil and his new nemesis. Working with Lord Hirochi, she is involved in a plot targeting Iron Fist, The Black Tarantula, and Matt Murdock.

Brubaker is equally at ease with character pieces or complexly plotted arcs. This particular issue is of the first variety, but with sufficient introduction of plot elements that should make it an exciting longer epic. As usual in modern Daredevil comics, Matt Murdock is destined to be put through an emotional as well as physical wringer. Still dealing with an institutionalized wife, a complicated relationship with Dakota, and a new femme fatale with her sights set on Daredevil, it doesn't appear that the coming months will be kind to the Man Without Fear.

Clay Mann ably fills in for regular penciller Michael Lark. For many years now, the look of Daredevil has been more of a crime thriller than a superhero book, and with good reason. Even though Lady Bullseye is certainly a classic looking super-villain, the feel of the artwork has not changed. With Gaudiano on inks and Hollingsworth on colors, the change in pencils is barely noticed.

Another solid storyline for the Daredevil periodical. The series is particularly satisfying because it stays with its crime theme, and Brubaker is a master of the genre and is complemented by excellent moody artwork. With a strong introduction to Lady Bullseye and solid character interaction and continuity, Daredevil remains a must read in the comics pile.