Daredevil #34

I now realize there was a Daredevil-shaped hole in my heart. Chip Zdarsky and co. have filled it right up. Read Full Review

Daredevil #34 is a great issue that serves as a breather before putting the main players on course for all the wild affairs that will be coming our way with the end of the volume and Devil's Reign. Red skies are coming to Hell's Kitchen! Read Full Review

No matter how compelling it was to see these critical issues addressed in the pages of Daredevil at the end it seems this may be an outstanding series greatest weakness as it is ultimately unable to confront its own central conflicts in a meaningful manner. Read Full Review

I know I sound like I'm down on Daredevil right now but I'm really not. Daredevil #34 was actually much better than the past few issues. Several plot points are finally coming together. The Cole and Matt fight is by far the best aspect of the issue. And, with the series planning to end or go on hiatus with issue #36, it feels like things are coming together to make an enjoyable finale. Read Full Review

This issue sets up some interesting stakes for the climax of this volume, and its just-announced follow-up. It doesn't quite land on the real world issues, but the superheroics are top notch from both the art and writing side. Read Full Review

Daredevil #34 sets the stage for the final chapters of the current narrative Chip Zdarsky has set up around Bullseye's latest attack. Zdarsky gave us good insight into Elektra Natchios and Matt Murdock respective mindsets going into this final fight. What it will all mean for the larger picture of things going on in New York City will be interesting to see play out. Read Full Review

Psycamorean

Oct 03, 2021

Was gonna give this one a nine, but the bootlickers who want daddy dom police stepping on their throats every night have decided to take their sexual frustrations out on this issue. Here's the thing about our prison system in America. It's a business, and the more prisoners there are, the more money the prisons make. This is why recidivism is so high, because there is little to no attempt to rehabilitate criminals, instead just punish them and, usually, make them much worse criminals in the process. This is also the reason we still have a drug war, where nonviolent drug offenses are used to put people away for absurd amounts of time. Prison lobbyists ensure that our prison system keeps criminality up. These people crying about this issue's message, aside from having no empathy for other people, are also incredibly stupid and don't understand the issue. Cops are also incredibly corrupt, and as long as it's not affecting white and affluent people, nothing will change, and these dumbfucks will continue to defend an absurd overreach of police action. Like, I'm not going to kinkshame here, but just because you like the boot, doesn't mean everyone else has to put up with it. But as soon as enough white people are abused, tortured and killed, then it will be a problem. These people are selfish pricks who disgust me. Consider Merlyn, DoorMan, Rachit Mittal, eowyn, fenixalasnegras, and all the others who were too cowardly to even say anything about the issue, to be selfish dumbfucks. The issue is good. The message is good. I hope the next issue really ties things together. more

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Avanvolk - Oct 27, 2021

I'd just like to point out that for all your apparent frustration directed towards certain reviewers for "not saying anything about the issue", you didn't even mention the content of this issue until the 2nd to last line of your incredibly detailed review of America's prison system. Just an observation.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

My frustration towards certain reviewers here was not because they said very little about the issue, but rather that what they said was objectively wrong. And I believe that you shouldn't let this sort of thing slide, especially in such a tiny community as comics, where inclusivity is key.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

Could you point to something in one of their comments as an example of what you consider to be objectively wrong?

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

Sure. DoorMan's review says, "Yes Chip, the prison population keeps growing...because people continue to make bad choices. Those people who make bad choices need to be supervised, Chip. Hence the jobs. The prisons do not create prisoners, those making bad choices create the prisons." This is objectively wrong if you understand anything about sociology and our prison system.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

So, I'm going to assume that by "bad choices", DoorMan means decisions to break the law. So would you say that the people choosing to break the law are not responsible for their choices? Or would you say that they should not face consequences (jail time) for those choices?

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

There are many unjust laws with absurd sentences, like most drug charges. We know that decriminalizing and legalizing drugs, as well as providing rehab for drug addicts actually has the intended effect of lessening drug use. Look at Portugal. Whereas the current drug war just exasperates the problem, and leads to the incarceration of many, and typically makes them more likely to commit harsher crimes in the future.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

Private prison companies such as GEO spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to continually push the prohibition of drugs. This is because they have a profit incentive for incarcerating and keeping prisons for as long as they can. They make money off of each person imprisoned. This is just one example of how prisons create prisoners.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

They have a vested interest in recidivism and therefore make no attempt to rehabilitate the prisoners they do have. This is what the comic is about. DoorMan saying that it is simply people making bad choices ignores the systemic structures put into place and kept there by prisons that leads to more incarceration in America than nearly any country on the planet. Is it just that Americans are more violent and prone to committing crime? The crime data doesn't support that.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

Ok, so you may be able to make the argument that drugs should be decriminalized, or that sentences for certain crimes should be reduced, or that prisons should pour more funds into rehabilitation programs, but I think those are separate issues.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

Whatever your opinions are about all the above things, I don't think you can argue that just because a law is unjust, or carries a sentence that's too harsh, or because the prisons don't have adequate rehabilitation programs, that people aren't still responsible for their actions when they willfully break the law. It's still a choice that they make and it can't be blamed on their environment or the prison system.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

Our decisions are influenced by our environment. The prison system encourages over policing and recidivism as a profit incentive. You can act like everyone makes choices in a vacuum, or that unjust laws are naturally occurring, and not the outcome of lobbyism. But that'd be ignoring reality.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

Our decisions may be influenced by our environment but they're not controlled by it. At the end of the day, whatever the system looks like, whatever the laws look like, every decision to break the law is a conscious choice. I don't think we can pretend like people are absolved of all responsibility for those choices just because the system isn't what it should be.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

Every decision to break the law is not a conscious choice. People break the law all the time without knowing it. It's established that ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law for a reason. I think we should understand why these laws are unjust, why people break these laws, instead of pretending it's black and white.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

I've noticed that instead of addressing these problems, you instead decide to shrug them off by essentializing a very complex societal structure to an infantile degree.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

I think it would be pretty hard to argue that the majority of people who break the law do so because they're ignorant of it. I'd say most people committing a crime are aware they're breaking the law.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

I'm not trying to shrug off the problems that I'm sure exist in society and America's prison system. But I also don't think we can shrug off the fundamental truths that people are responsible for their actions and that certain actions (ones that violate the law) ought to carry consequences.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

But by essentializing the issue the way you have, you're ignoring one side of it in favor of the other.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

The societal and systemic issues in America, as well as the prison system, contribute to more people choosing to break the law. People don't make decisions in a vacuum. Prisons are set up to punish people instead of rehabilitate them, despite the evidence being clear that punitive justice does not work, while rehabilitation does. There's a profit incentive in ensuring there's a robust prison population.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

There's no point in pretending as though America's incarceration rates are a product of bad decision making, like DoorMan says. Reality is much more complex.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

I would argue that you've done the same thing that you've accused me of doing (ignoring one side in favor of the other). You admit that there are two sides to the issue, but I can actually acknowledge that there are likely significant flaws in the prison system, and that more rehabilitation programs in prisons would be a good thing, but not once have you agreed with me that as a general principle, people have control over their own actions and they should be held responsible for them.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

Regardless of how the system operates, if a person knows the law, and they willfully break the law, those people deserve to face some sort of consequences for their actions. I don't understand why we can't agree on that.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

It doesn't really matter if you agree with the law or not. If you know what it says, and you violate it anyway, you're committing a conscious, willful crime and there does need to some sort of repercussions for that decision. Sure, fight for a change in the system, fight for more rehab programs, but you can't say that the system forces people to commit crimes and that it's unjust to punish them because of that. That's ignoring basic human responsibility.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

People make their own decisions, yes, but those decisions are influenced by their environment, which in the case of recidivists is shaped by the current justice system's failings.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

The prison system has a definitive role in shaping these inmates' futures, and they make a concerted effort to not reform them and instead keep them in the system to gain profits.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

The actions of people are influenced by the system; there is no separation there. Mass incarceration is a huge problem in the US even though we don't have the highest crime rates to go along with it. That speaks to a systemic issue that needs to be acknowledged, and is ignored by essentializing the way DoorMan did.

Psycamorean - Oct 28, 2021

I feel like we're going in circles here so unless you're going to cop to the idea that the system affects the decision making of the people, we should just end it with an agree-to-disagree.

Avanvolk - Oct 28, 2021

Fair enough. I appreciate the mostly respectful discourse at least. I think it's important for people with differing opinions to be able to have polite conversations about their respective views, even if they fundamentally disagree (though perhaps without anyone being accused of being objectively wrong for their different perspective). As you said: "Inclusivity is key."

Psycamorean - Oct 29, 2021

No, I still think DoorMan and you are objectively wrong. We make things inclusive by not allowing bad opinions and views to become respected, as those views are typically indication of exclusionary opinions. Can I just say, I really do not find this sort of tact of yours appealing. You are clearly biased towards one side of this argument, and this attempt at respectful discourse comes across in bad faith.

Avanvolk - Oct 29, 2021

I'm just trying to wrap my head around the concept of "inclusivity by exclusion". And let's be real here, we're both biased towards our positions. We've each come to a different conclusion on this subject, and honestly, at the end of the day I'm fine with that. I won't try to shut you down or keep you from expressing your opinions if you so choose. I'd rather be inclusive to all views, rather than only inclusive to those who agree with me. To me, that's not true inclusivity.

Avanvolk - Oct 29, 2021

Opinions are subjective by definition. When you call my opinion a "bad opinion", that's your subjective opinion about my opinion. Not respecting my opinion because it differs from yours is not being inclusive and tolerant, it's actually being rather exclusive and intolerant. You can vehemently disagree with someone and still respect their opinion as well as them as a person. I feel as though I've been mostly respectful throughout this conversation, so I'm sorry you don't think so.

Avanvolk - Oct 29, 2021

Anyway, as you pointed out, it seems like the only thing we're going to agree on is that we don't agree. So it would probably be best to end this conversation here. Cheers.

Psycamorean - Oct 29, 2021

It's inclusive the same way that a racist not being allowed at a multi-cultural event would be inclusive. There's this concept called the paradox of tolerance. Basically, you have to be intolerant of intolerance, or else the intolerant will spread intolerance, thus dismantling tolerance. That's what I mean. I'm not inclusive to all views, because some views, like DoorMan's essentialization are bad and make people less aware of the issues, and leads to a dehumanization of the incarcerated.

Psycamorean - Oct 29, 2021

If you extrapolate it further, you could use DoorMan's essentialization to explain away police brutality, or any abuse by authority. This is why it's a bad opinion. It's short-sighted, stupid, not based in fact, and dangerous. And yeah, I've got no respect for people with bad opinions. You came into this conversation hostile, let's not forget that first message.

Psycamorean - Oct 29, 2021

You came into this conversation with a conclusion about the issue already cemented in your mind, and then put the onus on me to somehow change your mind despite you never intending to. That's what I mean by you being bad faith.

Miracleman92

Nov 24, 2021

Zdarsky has proved himself to be one of the all-time great Daredevil writers. This series has had its ups and downs but this arc makes the whole journey worth it.

Afre

Sep 08, 2021

It's nice to read something good this week...

WhistleBlower

Sep 08, 2021

LOL bootlickers are so mad

cincyfan

Sep 12, 2021

Great issue I really enjoyed reading this which is the standard for this daredevil run. I can't wait for the next issue

Gizmo

Oct 30, 2021

The prison has finally arc built up to this point where our own hero is falling victim to Zdarsky's comic book parallel to the prison industrial complex, which is very compelling. Since the United States is not only the country with the highest incarceration rate worldwide, but it is also home to the largest number of prisoners, I don't see anything particularly controversial about this issue's incredibly soft critique of this system. But I guess the conservative outrage machine needs it's fuel, so here we are. This issue also ends with a backup story for 9/11's 20th anniversary, acting as a tribute the the first responders.

Linkush

Jan 15, 2024

Matt finds out that the prison is using a drug called “re-cid” on prisoners before they get released and when they go back to their neighbourhood, they infect other people with the drug. The drug itself makes people violent and because of that the prisoners infected with it go back to committing crime and then back to prison but in the process they also make sure that other people keep committing crimes, thus keeping the prisons full of prisoners all the time. This is clearly a critique of the prison system that doesn’t do its job to at rehabilitating prisoners just because it makes more money for prisons not to. Anyways, after learning this, Matt, who’s also infected by the drug, decides to burn the prison down and fights Cole over it. However, during the fight Cole mentions how Bullseye is out there in NYC killing people and that’s enough for Matt to decide to escape the prison and go after Bullseye (who has both Elektra and Mary coming for him). So overall, this issue does a good job at setting up the fight with Bullseye while also making a meaningful critique on an important subject. more

DDJamesB

Sep 08, 2021

It was pretty solid. Elektra parts are still the best and at least we got somewhere with the Matt parts.

CrazyforRAMU

Jan 11, 2022

Daredevil speeds through explaining the "Re-Cid" plotline -- it's an over-the-top supervillainous spin on the prison-industrial complex -- before jumping toward the Bullseye fight. This is a solidly-constructed chapter, with good art and strong script structure. But I detect a little rushing and stretching as the author struggles. He can't let the climax start prematurely. But I also think he realizes the Re-Cid story is far weaker than the other ongoing plots and he's trying to get past it as fast as he can. This is a good issue, but it's also probably one of the volume's weakest. Best we do what the author wants and speed through it quickly.

Kalaoui

Sep 15, 2021

This issue is a bit weird and off in its composition. I see what Chip is trying to convey. It is a fact that prisons don't rehabilitate most of its populations and a lot do go back in. But the way Zdarsky is working it in doesn't gel for me. Also I was wondering how Matt was to get out of prison and the way it happened was weak. Nothing learned and nothing was worth it. Elektra's parts were much better and that is not saying much. Landini did a nice job! I hope we get back to form and finish this run strong.

Ryan

Nov 26, 2023

Unfortunately this wasn’t what it used to be. Art is good, but it’s awful at some points, especially the close up of Fisk’s face. The slow pace that once was this book’s greatest ally is now its worst quality. What made the first 20 or so issues of this run so perfect were how grounded it was. Now there are clones everywhere and stuff like re-cid. Still a decent enough issue but frustrating that I was once giving this series constant 10s and comparing it to the Bendis and Miller runs.

Avanvolk

Sep 05, 2025

Not gonna say too much about the politics implicit in this one cause I already had a comment conversation about it on here years ago and it was... not constructive. I've come to expect and accept that, from time to time, certain social/political views are going to be inserted into the comics I read, and I'm probably going to disagree with those views more than I agree with them. That's just the way the world is these days I'm afraid. That aside, this issue was decent. I wasn't a big fan of the art like most people apparently were, and I didn't think the plot reveal in this issue was satisfying enough based on how great the previous one was in my opinion, especially with that cool cliffhanger. Also, can I just say that I'm getting a littl e tired of Matt being the "wrong" one. It seems like he's always getting chewed out by Foggy or Cole or Elektra or Spider-Man or the priest-of-the-week for doing something irresponsible or immoral. It would be refreshing to get a few arcs where Matt is clearly in the right and everyone knows it and supports it. Or maybe even where Matt does the chewing out for a change. And am I the only one that thought Kirsten touching Daredevil's face and telling him how worried she was about him was a little weird and awkward? Especially considering she doesn't know it's Matt. I don't know...just seemed a little unprofessional for a lawyer with her masked vigilante client. more

Rachit Mittal

Sep 08, 2021

Art was good. But this mentality that recid is given so that they don't come back is shit. What's with Cole? I get all police officer aren't good. But still only way to do good is bust out cops. What about actual criminals? Arresting them is not the way to do good. What about helping people while Superhero fights super villain. Police can actually help Superheroes in saving. They can take casualties to hospital quickly. Have fast escape of people caught in between conflict. This thing is not been pointed out by Marvel and DC but police can really be help if they just step up and try writing police as also competent which some does write but some don't. It is also a way to do good if you want to do good. Just try to look around.

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Toonstrack - Sep 8, 2021

You realize you can like a book that has characters you disagree with right?

Rachit Mittal - Sep 9, 2021

Yeah. I know. Is it compulsory to rate it higher? I don't think so. Rating is based on my personal experience after reading issue.

Toonstrack - Sep 9, 2021

Fair enough

eowyn

Sep 11, 2021

hahaha this is not logical, not even for a comic

SenpaifenixJäger

Sep 11, 2021

Hell! I don't know what happened here or who thought this was a good proposition. I think Zdarsky has ideas from third world governments where getting the prisoners out is the right thing to do. Electra, it's not that bad, but aagh, I just can't handle this. The art is very good and the only thing that is worth it here.

DoorMan

Sep 10, 2021

Yes Chip, the prison population keeps growing...because people continue to make bad choices. Those people who make bad choices need to be supervised, Chip. Hence the jobs. The prisons do not create prisoners, those making bad choices create the prisons. Disappointing, really. Also, there are many people who don't count toward the unemployment rate. Those who have not been actively seeking employment within the previous month don't count towards the unemployment rate, which is a lot of people. Cole's police comment was just pure lunacy.

Merlyn

Sep 08, 2021

This was awful from start to finish, at least the Daredevil parts. The whole "re-cid" (recidivist) drug that makes the prisoners antisocial and violent just so they can come back is cringey and very, very idiotic. It's not like the people ending up there were the most responsible citizens in the first place. This victim mentality is nauseously obnoxious. Then there's Cole North who blatantly says the "only way to do good" is by busting cops. Are you freaking kidding me? It's not like the criminality rate is up to the sky and you'd have work to do, so busting cops is definitely NOT the only way to do good. We get it, Chip, you're with the "defund/abolish the police" crowd, just tone it down a notch, will you? Seriously, get help, you need it . And of course yet again the teacher's pet, Cole, is the moral voice for DD. The Bullseye-covid lockdown parallel is getting even more obvious with Bullseye being so "random and unpredictable". Seriously, this is bad all around. more

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Rachit Mittal - Sep 8, 2021

I had same view as yours. I rated higher because of art which looks damn good. Looking back, Bullseye loockdown is definitely a parallel to COVID Lockdown. A lockdown not shown in any other book. Wierd.

Merlyn - Sep 8, 2021

I mean, I saw it from the first issue, it was pretty obvious but people here called me insane because apparently if you try to read the messages that writers put between the lines you're nuts. Oh well. I've seen this happening more than once in comics but it was usually just artists drawing masks on characters' faces in situations when they weren't really necessary. Apparently Chip went all in.

Merlyn - Sep 8, 2021

What I don't get is why would you be so sadistic to remind people of all this horror instead of helping them escape it? We deal with this daily, we need to try to escape from it at least in fiction, why would you be so petty to remind people of this even in something they read mostly to escape from it. I just don't get it, you'd have to be a pretty shitty person, from my point of view, to do that.