In the past few years I've noticed that my predilection towards non or low-powered heroes has grown. With the exceptions of Thor, Beta Ray Bill, and the Martian Manhunter, all of my favourite characters are decidedly low on the power scale. Captain America, Hawkeye (Clint Barton), Iron Fist, and more recently Daredevil.

Despite his Avengers run, I rather enjoyed Bendis' run on Daredevil quite a bit. It was honestly the best Daredevil I had ever read.

Then came Ed Brubaker.

Undoubtedly one of my favourite writers these days (with Dan Slott sharing the top spot in my mind), I didn't think I could enjoy Daredevil more than I did with Bendis, and I was definitely mistaken. To be fair, Brubaker is building on what Bendis established (to give credit where credit is due).

In Hell to Pay, Matt and his law firm end up representing the Gladiator, a character I admit I don't know a lot about (in fact, when I first started reading this story I was mixing him up with the Crusader who I believe is a Thor adversary). That did not detract from the story at all as I quickly grew sympathetic towards him.

One thing I particularly enjoyed here is Daredevil actually spends time in costume. It seemed rare to see him in his red pajamas during Bendis' run and while it did help to build up momentum and excitement when he actually put them on, I have to say I enjoyed seeing him wearing the costume more. Matt Murdock still plays a large part in the story, and it's clear to me the story is still about him and not just Daredevil.

To digress for a moment, most characters in my mind are thought of by their costumed alter ego. I don't think of Captain America primarily as Steve Rogers, or Hawkeye as Clint Barton. However, when I think of Spider-Man, I actually think of him as being Peter Parker first, Spider-Man second. I think that's why the character enjoys the success he does (in addition to other factors). And thanks to Bendis and Brubaker, I now think of Daredevil as Matt Murdock first, Daredevil second, and Brubaker doesn't lose sight of that.

Matt's wife, Mila, is a problematic character for me. I like her, but I felt that she was kind of rushed into marriage with Matt, and as such I have some problems with their marriage problems in that I don't FEEL that they're a married couple; rather, I've been TOLD they're a married couple. Brubaker does a good job explaining how she ends up with Matt though, even knowing about his life as Daredevil and the problems it would bring.

I admit, I did figure out who the big bad was only part way through, and to be honest it's a character I've never actually read in a story. I credit the VS card game I used to play and the sheer obviousness of his name which gives away his schtick (although they never actually call the character by his supervillain name in story, only his real name). Although if it wasn't impossible I would have suspected the Scarecrow (Batman's, not the Marvel one); actually, to be more precise I would have suspected the Scarecrow from Batman: The Animated Series.

A treat for a long-time Spidey fan like me was seeing the Enforcers (Ox, Fancy Dan, and Montana) working for Mr. Fear. I never really thought they were a credible threat to Spider-Man (Ox is strong but not super-strong, Fancy Dan knows judo and Montana is good with a lasso), but as adversaries for Daredevil I think they're perfect.

The story ends on a cliffhanger, and it promises to cause problems for both Matt and Daredevil, the best combination.

I may have jumped around a bit here and I don't talk much about the actual story, but maybe that will entice you to go and read it yourself.

~Hat~