The Color Purple

First Look Review Of Daredevil #4

Menaced by the Mystery of Killgrave, the Unbelievable Purple Man by Stan Lee and Joe Orlando. Published by Marvel Comics, 1964.

This fourth issue of Daredevil introduces a pretty troublesome foe…one who can control others to do as he wants. The Purple Man even walks right into a bank and tells the teller to give him some money and he does…he tells some guards to let him pass and they do…it’s a pretty powerful ability it seems.

So things begin as Killgrave, the Purple Man takes a bunch of money from a bank. As the teller calls the cops after Killgrave is down the street, he’s arrested and provided Matt Murdock as his counsel. And it’s a good thing too since Daredevil is the only person able to withstand the power of Killgrave’s suggestions. But while Matt has the willpower, his secretary, Karen Page immediately falls under the Purple Man’s spell. So do a bunch of the local strong men who become bodyguards for the villain.

In the end, Daredevil has to fight off the bodyguards and save Karen who Killgrave almost makes dive off the top of a building.

And fortunately Matt somehow figured out that if he covers the Purple Man in plastic he no longer can cause others to do as he says. This allows DD to outsmart Killgrave, wrap him, and deliver him to the police.

The issue is pretty good in build up as I find Killgrave a good villain but the ending leaves a bit to be desired.

I give this issue a First Look Rating of a B- mainly because I like the idea of the Purple Man and can see him becoming quite a difficult foe…once he is released from the plastic.

I read this for the My Marvelous Year 1964 reading but it’s also considered an essential read for the Complete Marvel Reading Order.

This comic can be found on Marvel Unlimited, Comixology or at your local comic book shop.

Comics Corner | First Look Review of Daredevil #4