Brian Michael Bendis’ first story arc on Daredevil puts the
emphasis on Ben Urich instead. Does it work?
General Information
Title: Daredevil: Wake Up
Author: Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrator: David Mack
Original Publication Date: 2003 reprint of material first published
from 2001-2002.
ISBN: 0-7851-0948-X
Cover Price: $9.99 US, $15.95 Can
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Premise
Ben Urich investigates the link between Daredevil and the
catatonic
son of Leapfrog.
High Point
Daredevil’s commentary on his rogue gallery.
Low Point
Daredevil was caught off-guard by a man who lifted a metal pipe
off a
concrete surface? I don’t buy it.
The Scores
This is a very original storyline. The plot, delivery,
and
focus are all unlike anything I’ve seen in comics. I give it 6 out of
6.
The artwork had some nice looking faces, but some
downright
ugly backgrounds. The faces weren’t consistent, either. I give it
3
out of 6.
The story was well plotted and delivered. Apart from
the one
“Low Point” moment, it’s extremely well done. I give it 5 out of 6.
The characterization is excellent. Ben Urich, Leap
Frog, and
Leap Frog’s family all come through clearly. Leap Frog’s home
life is
clear and extremely plausible. I give it 5 out of 6.
The emotional response this produced was also
great. The
reader can share Urich’s doubt and drive, while still getting a kick
out of the comedic moments. (“I blamed it all on Spider-Man.”) I
give it 5 out of 6.
The flow was impeded by the painted art. The
backgrounds
would sometimes shift in representation from panel to panel in a
jarring fashion, and painted art has a difficult time conveying a
sense of motion from one panel to the next. (Alex Ross is the
only
artist that seems able to overcome this problem.) I give it 4 out
of 6.
Overall, it’s a good story that’s also entertaining. If
you
don’t expect a superhero story, but instead a detective story in a
world with superheroes, you’ll be fine. I give it 5 out of 6.
In total, Daredevil: Wake Up receives 33 out of 42.