Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Daredevil #21 Review
    Review

    Daredevil #21 Review

    Matthew PetersonBy Matthew PetersonJuly 28, 20204 Mins Read

    Daredevill has turned himself in for the crime of murder… but what happens now?  Your Major Spoilers review of Daredevil #21 from Marvel Comics awaits!

    You can purchase this issue via comiXology

    DAREDEVIL #21

    Writer: Chip Zdarsky
    Artist: Marco Checchetto
    Colorist: Mattia Iacono
    Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
    Editor: Devin Lewis
    Publisher: Marvel Comics
    Cover Price: $3.99
    Release Date: July 22, 2020

    Previously in Daredevil:  For weeks, Hell’s Kitchen has been a lawless neighborhood thanks to the Stromwyn siblings, but as the police are finally able to resume their patrols, they’re quick to find that they aren’t the only ones interested in keeping the Kitchen safe.
    Meanwhile, as Matt Murdock continues to struggle with how best to appease his sense of justice after the events of the past several weeks, a familiar enemy takes root in Hell’s Kitchen…

    TURNING HIMSELF IN

    This issue opens in the ruins of Hell’s Kitchen, moments after Daredevil turned himself in to the police, with Mayor Fisk ready to throw the book at him.  DD will only hand himself over to his friend Cole, but at least The Owl is also going to jail for his crimes.  As Cole drives Daredevil away to jail, Foggy Nelson interrupts, insisting that he needs to speak to his client, giving DD the plan for what comes next.  Daredevil heads back home to pick up his costume, only to be confronted by Spider-Man, who warned him never to put on his mask again.  Daredevil bluffs his fellow hero and reports to the NYPD, where he is arrested and processed in his costume identity.  He is taken to the District Attorney, who is impressed by Foggy’s plan (based on the fact that costumed heroes can testify in their identities, Daredevil thus constitutes a legal identity and can be arrested and tried for murder without revealing his secret ID) but refuses to participate unless HE knows who is under the mask.  When Matt Murdock reveals himself, the DA is first shocked, then moved to violence, but agrees to the plan, instructing his officers to arrest Daredevil.

    “MY CLIENT IS DAREDEVIL…”

    I’m a fan of this story and Zdarsky’s work on Daredevil, and I really appreciate how strong the tension and drama is in this issue, but…  I feel like we’ve done the secret identity dance before.  Daredevil’s identity being in play was a big part of the Bendis AND the Waid runs on the character, so I’m hoping that this one focuses more on questions of justice than it does on mask tricks and clever moments.  I am quite happy with Chechetto’s art throughout the issue, though, especially in the emotional moments that are conveyed by the characters’ “acting.”  The Kingpin’s rage, DA Hochberg’s disbelief, even Spider-Man’s angry resolve are conveyed as much by the visuals as by dialogue or captions, making for an impressive experience, and the moment where a fully-outfitted Daredevil leaps from a rooftop, finally feeling like himself again, is truly excellent.  The cliffhanger ending is also very impressive, making the often-referenced idea that “nothing will ever be the same” feel like it might be true.

    BOTTOM LINE: FEELS LIKE A REAL TURNING POINT

    In short, even with parts of this story feeling familiar, Daredevil #21 feels like the big moment that it’s meant to be, with excellent art and character work combining to make for a nearly seamless, riveting narrative, earning a better-than-average 3.5 out of 5 stars overall.  If this creative team can actually follow through and make the changes stick in a way that feels natural and fresh, we’re going to see a whole new era for the Man Without Fear.


    Dear Spoilerite,

    At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

    DAREDEVIL #21

    73%
    73%
    Unexpected<p> And Effective

    You can purchase this issue via comiXology
    Daredevil is ready to take responsibility for his crimes, and it's tense, but I feel like parts of this have been done before. Even so, the art and story are quite good.

    • Writing
      7
    • Art
      8
    • Coloring
      7
    • User Ratings (2 Votes)
      2
    Chip Zdarsky Clayton Cowles Daredevil marco checchetto marvel comics Mattia Iacono Review
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous Article[Preview] Archie #713
    Next Article Major Spoilers Podcast #885: Vampire Tales
    Matthew Peterson
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Once upon a time, there was a young nerd from the Midwest, who loved Matter-Eater Lad and the McKenzie Brothers... If pop culture were a maze, Matthew would be the Minotaur at its center. Were it a mall, he'd be the Food Court. Were it a parking lot, he’d be the distant Cart Corral where the weird kids gather to smoke, but that’s not important right now... Matthew enjoys body surfing (so long as the bodies are fresh), writing in the third person, and dark-eyed women. Amongst his weaponry are such diverse elements as: Fear! Surprise! Ruthless efficiency! An almost fanatical devotion to pop culture! And a nice red uniform.

    Related Posts

    Critical Hit #789: Monster Wrangler – Session Zero (MWS01-E00)

    Read More

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    Read More

    Top Five Snacks (2025 Edition)

    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    9.0
    June 13, 2025

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    6.3
    June 10, 2025

    X-Men #17 Review

    6.0
    June 9, 2025

    Power Rangers Prime #7 Review

    6.0
    June 8, 2025

    Retro Review: Detective Comics #20 (October 1938)

    8.0
    June 7, 2025

    Absolute Green Lantern #3 Review

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • Nathan on Wayne’s Comics Podcast #696: Interview with Creators from Concrete Arcanum
    • Austin Cowboy on FIRST LOOK: Conan the Barbarian #21
    • Frank on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • derrigable on COMICS PORTAL: I Want More than Good Memories!
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT