DAREDEVIL #8 (1965): 1st Stilt-Man!

matt murdock apartment schematic

I have a lot to say about this issue, but since it posts maps and diagrams, they have to go first.  Because I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love these things.  So, above is Matt Murdock’s house.  He’s got secret stairs behind a bookcase to his gym, lab, and electronic workshop.

Old Daredevil issues are often compared to Batman.

Image result for batman gif to the batpoles

Frankly, I don’t see it.

Also: His billy club:

daredevil #8

OK–what else?

daredevil 8 wally wood

Well, this issue is the debut of Stilt-Man, and it’s got great art by Wally Wood. That alone makes it one of the best Daredevil stories of all time (full list here).

Look at the bottom panel–it looks exactly like the Frank Miller cover for Daredevil #186, in which DD firghts Stilt-Man.

Clearly an homage. And there are several other panels in #186 that mirror the work Wood did here, way way back in 1965.

I love Wally Wood–but Stilt-Man’s legs get a little thick in some sequences.

As for the story: I’m sure only the most dedicated nerds and Stilt-Man fans remember that Daredevil beat him in the first issue by shrinking him out of existence.  Kind of a brilliant twist for a character who could make himself small.

Dr. Doom also shrank to nothing. Seems like, again, Stan is recycling ideas.

And finally, this is what happens when a blind man drives…

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