Episode Details

This week we begin to see what happens when two massive Kaiju go to war in a region.  Everything else either runs away or is destroyed.  Such is the world of comics, circa 1988.

The Year in Comics 

Notable and Newsworthy

Industry Trends

Awards

Dan's Favorite

The Year in Marvel

Events & Happenings

New Series/Limited Titles

New Characters

Series Ending

Who's in the Bullpen

• ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Bryan Hitch

Dan's Favorite

The Year in Daredevil 

Appearances: Daredevil #250-261, West Coast Avengers #28, Thor #392, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #22, Marvel Masterworks #5, Punisher War Journal #2 along with the Daredevil/Punisher Child’s Play and Hawkeye graphic novels.  

Writing credits: Ann Nocenti (#250-261) 

Pencilers: John Romita Jr (#250-261) 

Inks: Al Williamson (#250-261) 

• The year being with a new artist, John Romita Jr, and the introduction of a new villain (Bullet) who’s been hired by Kelco as we see the continuation of the Tyrone Janson story from late last year. We also meet Bullet’s son, Lance, who is afraid the world will end at any moment. 
• Next Daredevil takes on another new villain in Ammo and the Wild Boys during a blackout caused by the Apocalypse's Horsemen – which is part of the Fall of the Mutants event. Daredevil stops him and he ends up in prison. 
• After being robbed several times, Kingpin hires the robber by offering the dissociative identity disorder alter Typhoid $1 million dollars to make Murdock/Daredevil fall in love with her and then crush him – which she agrees.  When then see Matt Murdock meeting the other alter, Mary. 
• What follows is a brilliant story arch that lasts through the end of the year. Murdock does fall in love with Mary and ends up fighting Typhoid several times (but doesn’t realize the connection).  
• Other subplots going on throughout this arch:  
• Tyrone gets his day in court with Kelco Chemicals – whom is represented by Foggy Nelson – and wins thanks to some ghost lawyering by Murdock 
• Karen Page realizes she’s losing Murdock as he’s sneaking around to meet with Mary 
• Typhoid grows concerned that Mary’s love for Matt is allowing her to grow stronger and could eventually take over. 
• Kingpin falls in love with Typhoid and eventually gets jealous of the Murdock/Mary relationship. 
• After ordering Typhoid to take out Murdock/Daredevil, She assembles a team of Bullet, Ammo, the Wild Boys and Bushwacker to soften him up before she finishes the job. This climatic story is our spotlight story for the week. 
• As the year ends, Daredevil is missing and Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) has been enlisted to help a desperate Karen find him. Meanwhile Kingpin isn’t exactly happy how Typhoid carried out his order, but sees it as an opportunity to expand in Hell’s Kitchen.  
• Strong year of storytelling and brilliant art throughout the year 

New Powers, Toys or Places

New Supporting Characters

New Villains

This Week's Spotlight: Daredevil #260 November 1988 “Vital Signs” 

Recap

Why We Picked This Story

The Takeaway

Is it still an industry if there are only two companies?

Questions or comments

We'd love to hear from you!  Email us at questions@comicsovertime.com or find us on Twitter @comicsoftime.

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Music: Our theme music is by the very talented Lesfm.  You can find more about them and their music at https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021