How Daredevil (Yes, Daredevil) Defined the Modern Comic Film
Daredevil came out to terrible reviews and an excuse to see the trailer for X-2. We didn't know it at the time, but it also helped inspire the things we love about every comic book film that came after it.
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By John Lichman May 19, 2011 |
The Catholic Guilt Issue |
One of the more messed up things Frank Miller did in his "Born Again" run was the introduction of Sister Maggie, who turned out to be Matt's biological mother who has been watching him the entire time from the church he frequents.
The "Catholic Guilt" of Daredevil is an interesting premise, and one that director Mark Steven Johnson constantly laments losing in his Director's Cut commentary. But now we're more capable of dealing with these themes in comic roles, from Cap's patriotism to Batman's near sociopathic vigilantism to Magneto's own sense of self due to being in the Auschwitz internment camp. Likewise, this guilt keeps Matt Murdock grounded, and it's a part of the process of asking "why keep putting the suit on?" It's not just helping people, but because he knows he's "gifted" even by being blind. And this is a point throughout the entire cut storyline of the Director's Cut.
The Costume Issue |
Ok, listen: we agree. The Daredevil costume seemed a little off to us too. But we're not talking a Bruce Wayne-level of wealth here. But costumes have come a long way since 2003, even with Captain America having a bit of fun by first teasing his "traditional" costume as what he's forced to wear at a USO show before adopting his more battle-ready threads.
But don't forget, if he were in a red body stocking, we'd be just as horrified. So this mixture of common sense and fashion has benefited us with recent Batman runs, TDK's Joker design and even with Super's The Crimson Bolt. We're getting better, folks. This was the entire crux of Kick-Ass's jokes, but made deadly serious once Hit-Girl showed off her talents. This is like Moore's Law but for leather and plastic armor. We'll be fine.
And it's all thanks to Daredevil.
