Daredevil Vol 1 81

The story continues from last issue as the man without fear, Daredevil sinks to the bottom of New York's Harbor after going down with the Owl's Helicopter. Meanwhile Karen Page who saw Daredevil's fateful crash on television believes that Matt is dead and faints from the excitement. However, unbeknownst to Karen and even the Owl, Daredevil is rescued by the Black Widow. She pulls him ashore then pulls back keeping her presence hidden for the time being.

At the same time Mr. Kline cuts ties with the Owl after he almost killed Daredevil, who he wanted captured. Luckily Mr. Kline reveals that he had alternate plans in place to save him. The Owl having just been kicked to the curb gets his men in order while Karen shares a comforting moment of romantic mourning with Phil Hichok after believing Matt to have been killed. Flashback to Mr. Kline who is talking to his superiors, and is revealed to be a robot called MK-9. The two discuss their plans to setup Foggy as the next Governor of New York, with Foggy acting as their pawn.

Daredevil who's still reeling from the crash and almost drowning returns to the offices of Nelson and Murdock to recover. Foggy who's there, questions if he should be helping him before Daredevil collapses on the floor, which leads him to help him. Switch scenes and the Owl and his men are robbing the Treasury Building, but just a few blocks away Natasha and Ivan are having a financial consultation when they hear the sounds of explosives coming from the building. Natasha jumps into action as the Black Widow and confronts the Owl and his men, meanwhile Daredevil who has since awoken hears the commotion as well and heads off to fight just as Foggy returns to find him missing from the room.

Black Widow and the Owl continue to fight and just when it looks like the Owl is getting the upper hand Daredevil makes it into the Treasury Building and aids the Black Widow. He finishes off the Owl and then collapses in Natasha's arms due to fatigue and injuries. The Owl and his men are arrested, but flash to Mk-9 who has been promoted to the code name Assassin decides it's time to set his plans in motion.

Appearing in "The Sinister Spacetrap!"

Reprint of the 1st story from
Strange Tales #132

Featured Characters:

Human Torch (Johnny Storm) (Impersonates Doug Brown)
Thing (Ben Grimm) (Impersonates Dr. Josiah Verpoorten)

Supporting Characters:

Fantastic Four
- Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards)
- Invisible Girl (Sue Storm)
NASA
- Mr. Pearson
Doris Evans

Antagonists:

Professor Jack (First appearance)

Other Characters:

Bill Smith (Mentioned) (Topical Reference)
Rock Hudson (Mentioned) (Topical Reference)
Aunt Petunia (Mentioned)
Millie the Model (Millicent Collins) (Mentioned)

Races and Species:

Humans
Skrulls (Mentioned)
Cats (Mentioned)
Pigeons (Mentioned)
Toads (Mentioned)
Dogs

Locations:

Milky Way
- Sol
  - Earth
    - North America
      - United States of America
        New York
        New York City
        Manhattan
        42nd Street and Madison Avenue
        Baxter Building
        
        Long Island
        Glenville
        Evans Estate
Planet of Skrulls (Mentioned)

Items:

Fantastic Four Uniforms
"Candid Camera" (Television Show) (Mentioned) (Topical Reference)

Events:

Project Gemini (Mentioned) (Topical Reference)

Synopsis for "The Sinister Spacetrap!"

Reprint of the 1st story from
Strange Tales #132

The Fantastic Four are asked to help out with a new space capsule, when Johnny volunteers to pilot it, they are warned that one of the agencies scientists Professor Jack is considered a security risk. While Johnny is in space, Professor Jack captures Thing and informs Johnny that he used slow working acid on various parts of his capsule. When the capsule breaks apart, Johnny allows himself to fall into Earth's atmosphere far enough to save himself with his flame powers, and saves Thing.

Solicit Synopsis

Make way for the Black Widow! But, whose side is she on, in the battle against the ominous Owl? Plus - the secret of Mr. Kline, at last!

Notes

Daredevil's Billy Club does not appear this issue. It is lost underwater and will soon be replaced.
This issue presents a "new" cover image logo for Daredevil. The art is not new, but a recycled John Romita panel from Daredevil #14 page 7, panel 2.
This issue features a letters page, Let's Level With Daredevil. Letters are published from Ned C. Balbo, Juan Cole, Bruce Long, Jim Vicko, and Jim Rubino.
As seen on page one, this issue is Story #666Z.
In The Sinister Space Trap plot by Lee and Powell, script by Ivie.
This issue does feature one full page advertisements (with cover reproductions) of Fantastic Four Annual #9 and Amazing Spider-Man Annual #8.
In the Bullpen Bulletins it is announced: Two of 'em - Daredevil and Iron Man will be combining into one bombshell title starting next month, to make way for new ideas and concepts. This does not occur as both titles continue to be published at a new prices (20 Cents).
This issue includes a one page pin-up of the Black Widow drawn by Bill Everett.

Trivia

Fresh off her recent cancellation of her series in Amazing Adventures, the Black Widow will become a recurring character and an eventual co-star in this title.
Daredevil is mistakenly colored on the cover of this issue without his trademark red eye lenses.

Links and References

References

Daredevil Vol 1 81

Appearing in "And Death Is a Woman Called Widow"

Synopsis for "And Death Is a Woman Called Widow"