by tonydoug wright

Daredevil #81 by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev (Marvel)

If you have not read Daredevil for a number of years, then you have missed an incredible run by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev. This duo thrilled readers with issue after issue of stories dealing with the rumor that claimed famed blind attorney Matthew Murdock was actually the crime-fighter known as Daredevil. Murdock faced an ongoing battle with the press, public, feds and foes. At one point in the series, Daredevil defeated The Kingpin and exposed his identity as Matthew Murdock to a group of criminals, which led to Daredevil crowing himself the new Kingpin. The battle waged by Murdock against his accusers and detractors falls short of victory (thanks to the unholy alliance of the Kingpin and FBI) leading to his arrest and trial. Issue #81 is the final issue for Bendis and Maleev and they finish their run with a glimpse of what will become of the captured Matt Murdock. This issue also includes a very cool fantasy sequence that shows a “what if” scenario for Matt Murdock. Bendis does a nice job of leaving the Daredevil series in an interesting position where we see Murdock in prison with some of his enemies including the sinister Kingpin. Issue #82 will feature the new team of Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark.

The Flash #230 by Joey Cavalieri, Val Semeiks and Joe Cooper (DC)

First there was Jay Garrick and Barry Allen replaced him but he died while saving the universe so Allen’s nephew Wally West replaced him. Flash fans have grown to love Wally West and over the years they have enjoyed following his adventures as “The Scarlet Speedster”. Flash #230 is the “final” issue by Joey Cavalieri, Val Semeiks and Joe Cooper that has Wally West going into a semi-retirement to spend more time with his wife and kids. Unfortunately, this story is a disappointment for fans of The Flash because Flash #230 comes across as a hurried issue featuring an unoriginal story with bland artwork. It is a shame that the current Flash series did not end during the Geoff Johns tenure because he had a wonderful run with the title. Johns’ war between the Rogues was exciting and well written but sadly we have a forgettable issue that does little to appease the fans. DC has put an end to this title but apparently there will be another Flash title coming in the not-to-distant future.

Comic Book Artist’s Guild Anthologies 1 – 4 by Various writers and artists

Co-founded by Keith J. Murphey and Robert King, the Comic Book Artists Guild (CAG) is an organization that allows writers and artists to network with others in order to develop their skills in the industry. Since 2000, the CAG has released four anthologies that showcase a variety of works from various guild members. These anthologies are available for purchase at www.dimestore.com, and if you are interested in becoming a member of the CAG then check out www.comicartguild.com for more information.