“Echo, part 2”
Writer/Artist: David Mack
Publisher: Marvel Knights
I think that publishing this in a monthly-installment format is hurting the dramatic power of Echo’s story. I loved the previous issue, which was my introduction to both the character, Echo, and the creator, David Mack. It was beautifully designed from start to finish, no question. This month we get more of the same, impressionistic painting of Echo’s internal autobiographical monologue, this time interspersed with actual events outside of her head. Again, this is gorgeous work, hands down. The mood is tangible as we see DD and Echo on a rooftop discussing where their relationship stands. I’m even willing to forgive the fact that Echo’s hairstyle changes from free flowing to tied back as the scene draws to a close. It’s not impossible for someone to tie back their hair in a matter of moments, but I wanted to see some visual cue that she was doing it. I forgive it because is works thematically. When she’s opening up, her hair flows. Once she turns inward again, the hair is bound. It works. I like it. I just wanted a transition. Oh well.
Moving on, the rest of the book falls back into the stylistic pattern of the previous issue, with its bright oranges, paints overlaying pen and ink work, and the ever-present Scrabble tiles. Mack takes us into Echo’s life with much more detail this month, as we follow her inner narrative from her childhood through her father’s death and her subsequent raising (from afar) by Fisk. It’s at this point that I really began to wonder if this story wouldn’t work better as one long graphic novel, rather than in monthly installments. A nice oversized hardback of this story would be fantastic, especially coinciding with the little amount of actual Daredevil reading required by the audience. A fan of the movie could pick this up and follow it, no problem. In fact, they might be more interested in it than loyal readers, to whom most of this information might already be known in one form or another. At least, that’s what I’m assuming; since I missed Echo’s previous appearance and don’t know what went on there.
This is another solid issue by Mack on both the writing and art chores. I just wish that I could get it all at once in a more durable and complementary format. Then we could get back to what’s going on with Matt and Hell’s Kitchen.
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