I’ve been anxious for “Daredevil” #1 since hearing an interview with writer Mark Waid about his new direction for the character. Well the issue is finally in my hands and after reading it, it’s hard not to smile. There’s so much to like about this issue and if this creative team can continue to churn out this kind of high quality fun, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Mark Waid has said that he has new plans for Daredevil and that’s very evident in this first issue. For several years the Daredevil books have been all about dark, dreary stories surrounding a moody and tortured soul. We’ve basically seen Matt Murdock ran through the proverbial emotional ringer and each new creative team seemed to heap more and more onto the character. Even the artwork on the title was constantly dark and gloomy. Waid is going in a new direction, instead focusing on a brighter side of life. I found this extremely refreshing. He’s still going to be fighting crime and he’s still “The Man Without Fear”. But we’re going to get to see Daredevil through a different lens.

This issue clearly sets the newer and fresher tone. We get to see Matt’s new attitude and new approach to life. It feels strange, almost like a setup before a huge fall. But that’s mainly due to dark cloud that’s loomed over the character for years now. We also get a cool opening sequence where Daredevil tangles with The Spot (YES! The Spot), a fantastic courtroom sequence, and a great rooftop conversation between Matt and Kirsten McDuffie, the new assistant D.A. Then the issue wraps up with a separate short feature that serves as an introduction of sorts to the Matt Murdock character as well as a look at what it’s like to walk in his shoes and possess his powers. It’s a great short story that stands strong on it’s own.

When I first thumbed through the issue I found the art to be bland and underwhelming. But after sitting down and reading the issue, Paolo Rivera’s art is a perfect compliment to Mark Waid’s new tone. In fact, I loved the look of this book. Rivera’s pencils and Javier Rodriguez’s vibrant colors are such a breath of fresh air.The book has a crisp, clean look that perfectly mixes old school art style with a modern uniqueness. Simply put, it’s fantastic.

It’s hard to ask for much more from this issue. What a wonderful way to jump into a new chapter of this great character. If you haven’t read Daredevil this is a perfect issue to start with. This creative team has set the table and it’s hard not to be giddy over the potential for greatness. I for one can’t wait to see where Mark Waid is going to take us.