Daredevil: Yellow

Daredevil Legends Vol. 1: Yellow

Jeph Loeb

Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale are famous for their collaborations at DC, and it was inevitable that they would do the same at Marvel. This is one of their many "color" miniseries, telling stories during the beginning of the heroes career.

In this case Daredevil is remembering his first few years while writing a diary to Karen Page. He recounts how he became Daredevil and started using his yellow/red costume in honour of his father. He also recounts the first time he saw Karen Page, when he and Foggy started their law firm.

I read the mini Man Without Fear by Miller/JRJR, but I don't remember much about it, so the only origin story I know is the movie version of Daredevil. So I was a little surprised when the death of Matt's father happened only when he was already in school, and when both Foggy and Matt were infatuated with Karen at first.

Keeping with the theme of color, this story ends with the change of costume to red, as suggested by Karen herself.

I liked this series, it was a nice retelling of not only Matt's origins but also his first few adventures. The problem with it is that Matt is writing to Karen, who in the present is dead. However we are not shown her death, but we are supposed to feel attached to her, and identify with Matt and missing her. Obviously this series will work much better for someone who is familiar with the characters, and has been a fan all along.

Tim Sale's art is great as usual. He shows off both his dark style with Daredevil swinging during the night, and his more sunny style in scenes with Karen, Matt and Foggy. His action scenes are also well drawn, they feel very dynamic.

More geared towards Daredevil fans, almost a memorial for Karen. But newbie should enjoy this as well.