Daredevil (1964) #7

I may have gotten a bit of a break earlier today. The book below was available on Comixology for $0.99, down from $16.99.

It was apparently released today so I can't help but think that the price was set in error. The book is not part of a current sale and even if it were, 94% would be a pretty incredible sale!

So I bought it, of course. It collects 20 books in total; 18 issues of Tales To Astonish, one of Tales Of Suspense and, somewhat surprisingly, Daredevil #7.

This is actually the first book in the collection. While Stan Lee indeed wrote this issue, it was drawn by Wally Wood and not Gene Colan, as the Masterworks cover might lead one to believe.

The book starts with Namor sitting on his throne (as he often does), being questioned about why he hasn't taken over the surface world yet. Check this out...

Now that's Krang and he's full of shit. Among the reasons he states for invading the surface is a desire by his fellow Atlanteans to "bask in the heat of the sun". Yeah. Say that again slowly, Krang, and think it through.

That's Dorma on the steps.

Namor decides to go negotiate...something...unclear...with the surface so he hops on his Turtlecycle and heads for New York.

I'm three pages in and absolutely loving the ridiculousness of this book.

Namor's is unfamiliar with human law so he looks for a good lawyer or, alternatively, the very first one he comes across. Of all the wild coincidences, that happens to be Matt Murdock!

In Murdock's office, Namor lays out his master plan.

Hey, leave me out of this!

The absurdity of the plan is explained to Namor. The Sub-Mariner doesn't care for the response so he goes to plan B, which is to demolish the city in order to be arrested. Then "the man" will have to bring Namor to court. It's brilliant!

But not really. This book is full of such leaps of logic. When Daredevil attempts to stop Namor, his reasoning is that he should kick him off the pier because maybe "a dash of cold water will cool him off and make him listen". How can you possibly think that's a good idea?

Shortly thereafter, Daredevil recognizes that Namor is essentially invincible in water and, well, gets his ass kicked in record time. Namor recognizes that 'devil's a solid dude though so he doesn't let him drown, even if his handling is a little rough.

Namor decides this is as good a time as any to surrender so he can get himself to court which, apparently is an overnight process because he's in front of a judge the next day. But during the trial, Dorma shows up with a fish bowl on her head to let Namor though that that bitch Krang has attempted a takeover of Atlantis. Ah, shrimp!

Namor naturally wants to head back to Atlantis but now he has crimes to pay for. The puny humans attempt to stop him but it's pointless. Namor makes short work of police, military, etc. He gets a HUGE power push in this book, to use a pro wrestling term. He is made out to be unstoppable.

Daredevil, however, won't quit (and is fearless, as we know) and it is his courage that gets underscored. He loses the fight, but earns respect. 

Can't measure heart, baby!

Namor heads back to Atlantis to kick Krang to the curb, a story which I hope to read in the next issue of this compilation.

This issue, by the way, is also notable for being the first one in which Daredevil wears his red suit.