Alex-Maleev

Here at Comic POW! because we’re not obsessed with reviews and are, instead, looking at greater themes within the works, we’re able to revisit older stories along with the newer stories. So this blog post kicks off a series focusing on Bill Willingham’s Fables. There has been a huge resurgence in interest in the stories of the Brothers Grimm. On one side we have Disney revisiting their animated films as live action films (as well as others leading to two Snow White films in one year). On the other side we have TV shows like Once Upon a Time and Grimm. But before the ABC show thought of what it would be like to have characters from our fables among us in the real world, Bill Willingham was telling a similar story nearly fifteen years ago.

Daredevil is a title that has been blessed with many excellent writers over the years. There are so many exceptional stories that it can be hard to pick favorites, but today I thought I would revisit one of mine. The five issue Decalogue arc written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Alex Maleev is one of my favorite Daredevil stories because it shows us how Daredevil fits into the lives of ordinary Hell’s Kitchen citizens. Decalogue is different than most comic stories because it shows us Daredevil through the eyes of the people whose lives he’s touched. The story opens in a church basement where a community support group is meeting. The people have convened there to discuss Daredevil (aka Matt Murdock) and his impact on their lives. The idea of a support group to deal with super hero encounters is a brilliant idea and an interesting look at how ordinary people might actually react to living in an extraordinary world.

[caption id="" align=“alignleft” width=“180” caption=“Swamp Thing #4 was about as gory as a comic book can get nowadays”] [/caption] Swamp Thing #4 - I’m sad that Paquette wasn’t on art duties this month, but that didn’t stop the book from being the prettiest of the week. Animal Man #4 - So grotesque all the time, but I’m intrigued with how this will tie in with Swamp Thing Avenging Spider-Man #2 - Fantastic pencils, inking, and colors plus a lot of humor makes for a good book Chew #22 - Speaking of humor…This book is the best series out there right now. Olive is a badass, guys. Moon Knight # 8 - I still really love Maleev’s art on this. It’s so gritty and messy, but spectacular nonetheless. X-23 #18 - I’m gonna miss this when it’s gone. Too bad Phil Noto isn’t still on it… ...