The story of “Riction of Reconciliation” continues with a major revelation that brings some real rewards to the steadily constructed arc of Saladin Ahmed in Daredevil. The mystery surrounding our new villain is slowly burning and unsettling, and this issue pulls the curtain back enough to satisfy us and make us a little unsettling. Artists Jose Luis Soares and Carlos Nieto once again bring tension and ferociousness to the page, and Daredevil #22 not only continues the arc, but also infects them.
Amazing
We dive into the middle of a showdown between Daredevil and the strange and terrifying villain given the name Lionsman. At first glance, the name felt strange and had a sense of strength rather than threat, but Ahmed is credited with, and the sudden creeping infection motif makes more sense. (“As you know” GIF.”) The Lionman is a villain who invades his body and scrambles his senses. The disclosure of Ahmed’s Lionman identity adds emotional weight, linking fungal-fueled horrors to family threads, and easily unwind Daredevil’s already tense sense of purpose.
Amazing
Jose Luis Soares’ art brings the brawl back to life accurately and charmingly. The Lionsman is an uneasy visual, an enemy that appears to be fragmented and reshaping with each hit, enduring Murdoch’s rage while creepyly settling down. This is a rigorous test of Murdoch’s “Get Up” instinct. This is not a battle he can win with just his fist. Luckily, from there the naira enters and shines on some outstanding panels. Her entrance hits just the right moment, interrupted by the laugh-worthy “flat boy” joke between Daredevil and the Lionsman walking the line between humor and horror.
As the battle approaches the end, Carlos Nieto takes over his arts duties and carries us through resolutions. The Lionsman’s fate feels that emotional finality has been acquired, and there is a rare resolve that Murdoch has not had in a long time. But when you think it’s over, the teaser cover for the next issue suggests that it’s not. Are there still some terrifying spores left behind? I found myself going back to the last two pages and looking for tips on corruption beneath the surface. It’s a quiet, uneasy and terrifying end to lingering things.
Daredevil #22 offers the rewards built throughout the “Riction of Reconciliation” arc, with Saladin Ahmed revealing the eerie truth behind the Lionman, both by name and identity. With the tense, visceral art by Jose Luis Soares and Carlos Nieto, the issue blends psychological fear with emotional interests, forcing Daredevil to confront the threat of scrambling both his senses and his mind. It offers solid resolution, but if there is one unforgettable image, ask if the door remains cracked due to a potential return.
“Daredevil” #22 Review: Fighting Infection
Daredevil #22
Daredevil #22 offers the rewards that are built throughout the ritual of reconciliation. Saladin Ahmed reveals the eerie truth behind the Lionsman, both by name and identity. With the tense, visceral art by Jose Luis Soares and Carlos Nieto, the issue blends psychological fear with emotional interests, forcing Daredevil to confront the threat of scrambling both his senses and his mind. It offers solid resolution, but if there is one unforgettable image, ask if the door remains cracked due to a potential return.
Saladin Ahmed goes directly to the source that the Lion’s name leads directly to his power set, and makes it a moment when he is taught. He’s a fungus and not a fun guy
Naira has a meaningful role in this arc, not Matt Murdoch’s throw.
The art team did an amazing job of taking Ahmed’s script and injecting lots of horror elements
The “flat boy” joke has that place, but it looked out of place here
