Issue(s): Daredevil #213
Cover Date: Dec 84
Title: "The blindness men wish for"
Credits:
Denny O'Neil - Writer
David Mazzucchelli - Penciler
Dan Bulanadi - Inker

Review/plot:
This issue is subtitled "The War on Micah Synn: II" but despite the build up from last issue, this isn't really a war. Daredevil acts on some information from the Kingpin's people, but he's not leading a group of armed goons against the Kinjorge or anything. It's a more subtle kind of war.

Four of Synn's men almost die in a fire-trap set for Daredevil, and even though Daredevil is able to escape (and rescue the men), Daredevil doesn't get any evidence to use against Synn as he hoped.

The Kingpin suggests a more direct approach and Daredevil responds that he can't because of the restraining order. The irony of letting the law protect Synn, and while working with the Kingpin of Crime, doesn't escape Daredevil, but that's how he is.

As Daredevil is leaving, you get that "And when we defeat our common foe, i'll attack you" nonsense that you always see when villains team-up. I don't like it any better here. I know that we have to make it clear, especially for casual readers, that the Kingpin's not a good guy, but i'd prefer to have avoided that cliche.

The tables begin to turn thanks to the sacrifice of Professor Piper. Piper's been doubting the way he's been protecting Synn since last issue.

After some continued reflection, an anonymous visit from Daredevil, and a plea from Debbie...

...who has been forced into humiliating servitude at this point....

...Piper sets up a distraction that allows Debbie to go free. He is killed for his efforts.

Debbie returns to Foggy and also recants her support, allowing the District Attorney to act. But that's enough for Daredevil to move. He heads to Synn's penthouse and gets there in time to rescue Foggy, who left earlier to give Synn a piece of his mind.

Daredevil fights Synn's goons...

...but Synn is gone.

Denny O'Neil's writing style is what makes this series so enjoyable (Mazzucchelli's art, of course, is a big factor too). Comics in general are maturing, but for so long we've had books that are just loaded with text. Tons of narration. Tons of expository dialogue. O'Neil's pages are much sparser, and it makes things much more readable. The art tells a lot of the story, and the dialogue is therefore able to take things to the next level instead of just re-explaining the basic plot.

And of course the Micah Synn plotline is very interesting in its own right.

Quality Rating: B+

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: N/A

References: N/A

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A