Creator:
Writer- Stan Lee
Art: Joe Orlando
Inks: Vince Colletta
Letters: Sam Rosen
Appearances:
Matt Murdock- Daredevil
Foggy Nelson
Karen Page
The Owl- Leland Owsley
Sad Sam Simms
Ape Horgon
Recap: The owl frames one his workers with phony financials for his illegal company. The employee jumps off a building to his death. Matt overhears the police talking that he worked for the Owl. In a fortuitous moment, Matt is brought in to be legal council for the Owl. When the Owl visits his office, he is welcomed by Daredevil who quickly dispatches his men. Karen shows up, which allows the Owl to get the upper hand. Daredevil accidentally calls her, “Karen.” Daredevil and Karen are taken to the Owls aviary and placed in cages. Daredevil escapes and releases Karen. From there Daredevil chases and fights the Owl. It is seemingly over when the Owl slips below water. Daredevil says, though, that his radar doesn’t work below water, so he can’t be sure of the Owl’s demise. At the end of the issue, Karen is reminded of someone while talking to Matt. The flirtation continues with both falling in love with each other.
Thoughts: We are very early on in this run, so there is still a lot of exposition in regards to Daredevil’s abilities. This also goes back to the old motto that every issue could be someone’s first. So, here the creators insert a lot of yellow exposition boxes to describe Daredevil’s abilities. Another element of this issue that didn’t last was the hood sewn on his costume by Matt. His plan was to put his civilian clothes in the hood when he changes in public. We will see how long that lasts.
In the issue, we see that the Owl is a crimelord, mainly dealing in financial crimes. However he isn’t called the Owl for nothing. After trying out two new thugs for his gang, he has to show them who is the boss. He uses a fake floor to drop them out of his aviary hideout. As they fall to their deaths, The Owl leaps off the edge and uses air currents to glide down and catch them. The Owl is no joke.
Another trope that we will see again is a criminal using Matt Murdock as their lawyer, not knowing that Matt is Daredevil. Here, brought before the judge for his nefarious financial activities, the owl randomly picks Murdock from the classified ads. Matt meets him and picks up on his heartbeat and pulse- pure animal. Now, of course, Matt will be able to pick him out. As they leave, Matt detects a lie that he will not return to court. Let the adventure begin.
Another fun issue with Matt balancing both lives…..and as many do, struggling with his personal life.
Next up – The Purple Man
