Even if you know almost nothing about comics, you at least know that their pages are filled with birth, death and rebirth. In fact, outside of religion, comics practically hold the patent on such life cycles — which leads us to the newest Marvel Comics event, “Shadowland.” Converse of the cosmic catastrophes usually committed by comics, Marvel is getting down and dirty with superhero Daredevil and a host of other too-human heroes.

“Shadowland” has Jim Collins excited, as he doles out copies at JC’s Comic Stop, while celebrating the store’s 25th anniversary in Toledo. The Marvel saga stretches across almost a dozen different ongoing series and one-shots — par for the course with today’s “in for a penny, in for a pound” mentality throughout the industry. Collins said the latest installment of the lead title, “Shadowland” No. 3, “a showcase for Daredevil Matt Murdock’s fall from grace as the leader of The Hand, an 800-year-old organization.

“Daredevil has tried to turn The Hand into a force for good in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen, but as we all know, ‘power corrupts’,” he said. “So this brings the street-level heroes into play trying to help the Man Without Fear get back onto the path of the noble.”

And what, pray tell, could be the consequences for ol’ DD should he step off that path for good? Well, no surprise, but Marvel’s not being too forthcoming, only hinting that its red-clad hero may die and be replaced by a new Daredevil. Wouldn’t be the first time, won’t be the last. Birth, death, rebirth … repeat. Wouldn’t be comics without the cycle.

Speaking of street-level playas, Collins also wants to remind us that Thursday is new comics day this week  — ’cause of Labor Day — and that two issues of “Amazing Spider-Man” are shipping. With them we get another ending and beginning.

“No. 642 promises, ‘Things will never be the same again.’ We’ve heard this many times before,” Collins said. “But looks like it’ll live up to the hype. Face front, True Believers; this is a must-have!”

Tags: Comics, Daredevil, Jim Beard, Marvel Comics

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 at 10:44 am and is filed under Comics, Star.
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