Daredevil #509

This was a very enjoyable issue, in some ways more enjoyable than the issues that immediately preceded the beginning of Shadowland. There's a clearer narrative now, or at least it all feels a lot more streamlined and simplified. The issue has a great sense of pacing and flow, and I didn't even mind that the titular character wasn't heavily featured in a starring role. Read Full Review

And Elektra? Will she really kill Matt to save him from further corruption? What is the Snakeroots ultimate goal? And who, or what, do they serve? Read Full Review

There are a few missteps in the issue, but nothing that left a sour taste in my mouth. While I felt the Bullseye one-shot was unnecessary almost to the point of being useless, the same cant be said for Shadowland and Daredevil proper. They have both provided equally consistent and action-packed romps of either ass-kicking or inner turmoil. Read Full Review

The actual continuity sync with Shadowland is a bit dubious, but it's nice to see more from Foggy and Dakota, Luke Cage and Iron Fist, and some of the more neglected women in Matt's life. The writers pack in more of the Hand conspiracy as well, but that only reinforces my fears that Shadowland is headed for a lousy end. In better news, Roberto De La Torre continues his welcome return to the book with some effectively moody artwork. This arc reads as if it's making the best of a bad situation. In an ideal world, Shadowland will improve to the point where that's no longer necessary. We'll see what actually happens over these next few months. Read Full Review

At this point, not having all these questions answered only raises the stakes. This story is dark and punctuated by moments of extreme violence, but its an exciting mystery so far. Read Full Review

The main strength of the issue also informs its biggest failing. For better or worse, this story is mostly an attempt to flesh out behind the scenes of Shadowland. Removed from that context, I'm not sure how entertaining it would be. If, however, you're looking for the book which adds much-needed depth to Shadowland, there can be no doubting that this is it, and I can highly recommend it as a companion to the crossover, if not a substitute for it. Read Full Review

The same core problems as last month means the same grade as last month. Better than Shadowland #2, though. Read Full Review

While Ive had enough of Shadowland proper, Im not yet ready to bail on this series that has been a tent pole of my pull list for so long. Theres a depth to the Daredevil tie-in issues that isnt found in the main Shadowland series--along with ample evidence that Marvel hasnt completely sold out one of its best characters for the sake of a quick buck. Read Full Review

De la Torre is a great artist here and unfortunately, he is not given good material to work with. He manages to make the story visually interesting and rich which is the best thing about this comic book. Combined with Hollingsworths colours, they do make this comic book a visually rich experience, even if the story is nowhere to be found. Read Full Review