Writer: Erica Schultz
Illustrator: Valentine Pinti, Jose Luis
Inker: Jonas Trindade
Colours: Dee Cunniffe
Letters: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover: Paulo Siqueira, Rachelle Rosenberg
Published by: Marvel Comics
A conflicting continuation
With the upcoming release of Disney+’s reboot/relaunch of the Daredevil TV Series (arguably the greatest live-action comic book series ever), there was a significant buzz about a character shown in the trailer, known as Muse.
Created by Charles Soule, Muse was an artist who used residents of New York, Inhumans and others to create his art – using their bodies and blood for his so-called “masterpieces”. In a fantastic story arc, Muse and Daredevil battled it out in a way that challenged the Devil of Hells Kitchen to his limits but ended in what felt like a fitting climax for the villain in Daredevil #600, although an argument can be made that the characters story was left open for something in the future – despite the apparent finality.
With Muse appearing in Born Again, it was assumed he’d be used or referenced in the comics in some way, and those who hoped/expected this got to see the return of the character in Daredevil: Unleash Hell, the latest edition to Marvel’s ongoing gritter “Red Band” series of issues, where the publisher allows writers and artists to take a darker, bloodier tone with the characters, highlighted by the polybag each issue is sold in.
The issue with the return of Muse isn’t how the villain returned – it’s the fact the character returned at all. (*SPOILERS FOR DAREDEVIL #600 and potentially Daredevil: Born Again*)
At the end of Daredevil #600, Muse walks into the fire of a burning building as he feels like his story is “no longer his own” – yet in Daredevil: Unleash Hell, Muse has returned as a ghost. Attempting to inspire struggling artist Morgan while she is being scolded and harassed by her art teacher, Muse appears to speak to Morgan and influence her to kill her tormentor.
There is a caveat to this appearance, as a friend/fellow student of Morgans references that she told him “in confidence” at one point that she was overworked and hearing voices, so Muse may not have returned – however the ghostly apparition of Muse talking to Morgan (and the subtle nod to Muse’s comic outfit that Morgan seems to be wearing prior to his appearance) may mean the killer is more than just a figment of Morgan’s imagination – followed up by a seemingly past interaction between Muse and Morgan that takes place in Hell, where Muse is residing and continuing to paint – just using someone else’s hand.
While this is unfolding, the current Devil of Hells Kitchen, Elektra, is dealing with a drug facility in an explosive fashion, leading to her needing to mediate and tend to her wounds – and as she does so, Morgan/Muse strikes, creating a horrific homage to Daredevil out of their new victims.
The new take on Muse is a conflicting one. While there is an interesting story to be told as to how Morgan managed to go to Hell and meet Muse, and why Muse has been able to follow Morgan out and influence her “art”, as well as the intrigue of how the new Daredevil will face off with a potential new Muse, – it feels that the use of Muse has been done to attract readers intrigued by the character set to appear in the new show, and cash in off the name value of the villain.
If the intent is to cash in, it is a shame – as the writing and art are phenomenal. Capturing Muse in all his gory glory (the artwork created by Morgan to attract Daredevils attention is horrific, while the image of Muse in hell painting was darkly comedic), the art is gripping and vivid, making full use of the Red Band label afforded to it. The writing is intriguing, despite the potential flaws, and is written in a way that also benefits from the darker freedom of the Red Band label, allowing Schultz to capture the depravity of Muse, the apparent fragility and stress Morgan is under, as well as highlighting how Elektra operates differently and almost less experiences as Daredevil to how Matt Murdock did.
Despite the appeal of the art and writing, the worry that the story is there just to cash in off the upcoming appearance of Muse does significantly dampen optimism for the book and the intrigue created for the story – however the upcoming issues (if as strong as the first) could very quickly make me eat my words!
Overall: 7/10
A former journalist and law student, Daniel grew up immersing himself with pop culture – especially anything with a cape and cowl. Currently training to be a chef, he loves to showcase what he believes are the most interesting comics, films and more (much to the annoyance of his friends and family!)
