PREVIOUSLY IN DAREDEVIL: Allied with the demonic Hellspawn, Matt has returned to his law practice. Hellspawn, bearing features closely resembling Matt's, has adopted the identity of Mike Murdock, his law partner and brother. After months of success, Matt's life was turned upside down by a phone call from his dead girlfriend, Karen Page. Now aware that Karen's last 'resurrection' was a stunt staged by the Kingpin and the mutant Vanessa Carlysle (aka Copycat), Matt journeyed to San Francisco where he battled a new version of his old foe Death-Stalker. Meanwhile, Albert Malik (aka the Communist Red Skull) has approached the law firm of Murdock and Murdock about representing him in a legal proceeding while the Owl has united with the villainess known as Orbit to steal King Solomon's Frogs.
Daredevil stood on the rooftop, scanning the ruined areas of the city below. Since arriving in San Francisco, he'd mainly kept to the "salvaged" parts of town, the ones that had mostly escaped the effects of Equinox's rampage*... but tonight he had decided to go exploring and see just how badly the city had been affected. Like everyone else, he'd heard the news reports but it was still quite shocking to be in the midst of something that resembled a war zone.
(*See Avengers West Coast # 13-15)
"It's hard to believe this was once one of the most beautiful cities on Earth, isn't it?" Iron Man asked, hovering nearby. His boot jets were so silent that most men would never have heard his approach. Daredevil's keen senses had detected them a half-mile away.
"It can be again... if people are willing to put the effort into it." Daredevil listened to the laughter of the Red Cross workers below. The initial horrors had begun to fade now and what was left behind was the clean-up, the relocation of those who had lost their homes and the rebuilding of what could be saved. "I take it the Avengers have been active in the area since the disaster?"
"As much as possible... which hasn't been much," Iron Man admitted. "Moon Knight kind of took it upon himself to police the area in the immediate aftermath... but I really think you could do a lot of good out here."
Matt glanced at Iron Man, his radar sense outlining in minute detail that sleek armor that Tony Stark wore. The hi-tech mechanisms within the armor made it difficult to track the beating of Tony's heart but he sensed nothing but sincerity in Iron Man's voice. "Like I told Hawkeye, I'm only here on business."
"Copycat's recovering nicely," Iron Man pointed out. "If you wanted to turn her in for questioning on all the things she's wanted for, we could take care of that for you. and you could return home. But you asked us to hold off on it... and now you've asked to be shown the areas of the city most in need of assistance. Sounds to me like a man who's considering a change of scenery."
"It's something I'm considering," Matt admitted. "I never would have considered it a few years ago because I thought Hell's Kitchen couldn't survive without me. But I have a friend who's looking after things back there for me... and this does look like a place that needs some full-time attention."
Down below, Matt heard a distant scream, followed by the erratic footfalls of someone running in terror. He took out his billy club, preparing to launch himself over the edge of the rooftop.
"Don't forget about joining up with the Avengers," Iron Man added. "We could use you."
"Don't push your luck," Daredevil replied with a deadpan grin. Before Iron Man could press him further, the Man Without Fear was on the move. He saw the startled expressions of the workers below and gave them a jaunty wave, enjoying the way several of them waved in return. Unlike the sometimes lukewarm reaction that costumed heroes got on the east coast, superheroes were far more accepted here, even in the wake of the horrible disaster. There seemed to be a mode of thought here that superheroes were a form of celebrity, to be adored and worshipped.
When did it go so grim and gritty for me? he wondered. I used to appear at parades, for God's sake... and now my best friends are targets for every kind of criminal imaginable. I need to get the fun back in my life.
Daredevil spotted a girl, her clothing torn and soiled, running through the rubble below and immediately forgot about his own problems. At his core he would always be the noble knight, looking to right wrongs -- compared to the problems of others, his own would always be secondary. The red-garbed hero landed in front of her, causing her to stumble and fall. She was covered in grime and Matt could smell fresh blood on her neck and face. "Let me help you," he began but his words were lost in her sudden cries of relief. She pulled herself into his arms and held tight. "What happened?" he asked.
"Oh god, I don't know how I escaped... it's getting dark... please! Get me away from here! Please!"
"Calm down," he said soothingly, pulling her against him. "What's your name?"
"It doesn't matter!" she screamed. Matt's gloved fingers grazed her neck as she yanked herself away and he felt tiny marks on the skin. "He's coming!" A rustling sound filled the air, making her bolt around Daredevil and sprint away once more.
"Wait!" he yelled, readying his swing line to catch her about the waist. But then came the sound of someone approaching - light, measured footsteps of someone who was dangerous and powerful. Daredevil turned towards the figure, recognizing the shape as that of a man, lithe and compact. He smelled like fresh earth and dried blood.
"Such a shame that the pretty little bird has flown the coop," the man said, his voice carrying with it a British accent. "But you'll fit her coffin quite nicely."
Daredevil strained his senses but found no heartbeat coming from the strange man. From all the signs he gave, it seemed that Matt's newfound enemy was not alive at all. "What in God's name are you?" he wondered aloud.
The man, dressed in a dark suit and long overcoat, opened his arms as if addressing an assembled crowd. "I am nothing that God would lower himself to recognize, my friend. My name is Barlowe... and I am a vampire."
# # # # #
The woman known as Copycat moved stealthily across the darkened compound belonging to the Avengers West group. She had 'borrowed' a jumpsuit belonging to the Wasp and she found that it was both flattering and functional. Gotta hand it to Janet Van Dyne, she grinned. That girl knows her clothing.
"Going somewhere, honey?"
Vanessa nearly jumped out of her skin. She looked around wildly, not sure where the woman's voice had come from... and then she caught sight of the tiny winged Avenger: the Wasp. "Damn," Vanessa whispered, preparing herself for a fight. She'd hoped to get out of the compound without trouble but it didn't look like she would be that lucky.
The Wasp hovered in front of her, tiny wings beating furiously. "It's okay. I'm not going to try and stop you. For one thing, I'd hate to ruin that delicious little frock you borrowed. Looks great on you! And besides, Daredevil asked us to turn a blind eye to all those outstanding warrants you have against you -- and because he's an old, dear friend, we've agreed."
Copycat stared at her for a moment before speaking. "You're serious? He asked you... to let me go?"
Janet nodded, smiling knowingly. "And I don't know what's up between the two of you... but he's a sweetheart with as good a heart as any man I've ever met. So don't make his faith in you turn out to be a mistake, okay?"
Vanessa shook her head in amazement, resuming her progress out of the compound. She had called Matt to help her out because she'd known his innate sense of honor would compel him to do so... but now he was still looking out for her and it made her feel like a first-class jerk. She'd been 'saved' from a life of prostitution by the man called Deadpool but in the end, he'd left her hangnig high and dry -- just like every other man she'd ever met. The brief amount of time she'd spent with Matt had been under the guise of another woman, a plot conceived of by the Kingpin. But it had been tempting to lose herself in that role... to play the part of the loving girlfriend for just a little bit longer. That kind of sentimentality had cost her during an undercover op involving X-Force and now it was rearing its ugly head again.
Damn you, Matt Murdock, she thought to herself. Why do you have to be so wonderful?
# # # # #
Barlowe slammed into Daredevil with incredible speed and ferocity, knocking Matt onto his back. The vampire's mouth was open, fangs revealed, bare inches from Daredevil's neck but Matt found the strength to hold him at bay.
"Give it up, hero," Barlowe hissed, his breath smelling so foul that Daredevil was almost overwhelmed by it. "You're going to be living as my perpetual snack soon enough."
Matt slammed his forehead against the vampire's nose, the attack surprising the undead killer enough so that Daredevil was able to roll free. He sprang back up in a crouch, pushing back and up into the air, allowing him to avoid a swipe of Barlowe's razor-sharp nails. Once he had more room with which to work, Matt was able to press a small switch on the side of his billy club. The weapon telescoped out to become a full staff and Daredevil drove the butt of it into Barlowe's left eye, pushing so hard that gore spurted out along its length.
The vampire howled, staggering back with the palm of his hand held tightly against the wound. "You bastard!" he screamed. "I might just kill you for that! Or better yet, I'll let Him deal with you!"
"Who's the proverbial 'him?'" Daredevil inquired, throwing himself into the air and delivering a roundhouse kick to the side of the vampire's head.
Barlowe stared at him with blazing eyes. "The greatest of all my kind! The lord of the vampires!"
"Too bad he's not here to help you then," the Man Without Fear said with a grim smile. "Because if you're a representative of 'your kind,' then I don't think humanity has much to worry about." Daredevil used the staff like a vaulting pole, arcing through the air and landing behind his foe. He then shoved the vampire with all his might, sending the creature flying toward a piece of sharpened metal that protruded up from the remains of a small storage building. The metal pierced the vampire's chest, protruding out the other end. Within seconds, the vampire had ceased his thrashings and begun to rapidly age, finally crumbling into dust.
Daredevil felt a moment's regret for his actions but quickly pushed such feelings aside. Whatever humanity Barlowe had possessed had fled his body long ago, leaving behind a killing machine. Matt reached down and pulled out the Avengers communicator he'd been given at the compound. It was amazing how quickly one got used to having a group of men and women to call upon when needed. He pressed the thumbprint activator and waited until Hawkeye's face appeared on the small screen.
"What's up, DD?"
"I have something to tell you... about vampires."
# # # # #
The Next Morning
Mike Murdock adjusted his tie while holding his cell phone in one hand. He was in the offices of Murdock & Murdock, a huge grin plastered on his face. As Matt's "twin," he was virtually identical to his brother, but there were marked differences in the way they carried themselves. Matt was often somber and introspective while the persona crafted for Mike was the polar opposite. "You're kidding me," he was saying. "A vampire?"
Matt's voice came through loud and clear, despite being on a different coast. "The Avengers are looking into it. Hopefully it's nothing."
"When has that ever been the case?" Mike said. "Look, when are you coming back? I've got a meeting with Albert Malik in a few minutes. It looks like something you could really help with."
"I thought Malik was dead."
"Life Model Decoy."
"Ah. That old chestnut," Matt deadpanned. "I'm sure you can handle it without me. To be honest, I'm not sure I'll be coming back at all."
Mike stopped in place. "You're kidding. Why not?"
"The city needs help. You've seen the news. And you're there to keep an eye on Hell's Kitchen."
"Look, if you don't want me cramping your style--"
"It's not that. There are some... unsettled things here with Copycat. I want to see what happens."
"Whoa. Didn't see that one coming." Mike looked at his reflection in a nearby mirror. He felt scared and exhilarated, all at once. Matt was essentially giving him the life he'd craved since gaining "life" as Hellspawn: he'd be the defender of Hell's Kitchen and the town's premier lawyer. "Look, Matt... don't make any rash decisions, okay?"
"I won't. We just have to decide which of us will be calling themselves Daredevil. Unless you want to go the Daredevil East and Daredevil West route."
Mike laughed. "I can always go back to calling myself Hellspawn. Or you could go back to the yellow outfit and we'd be DD Red and DD Yellow. I like that better than the coastal thing." Mike saw the door to his office open as his secretary led an old man into the room. "I have to go. Talk to you soon, Matt."
Albert Malik shook Mike's offered hand and sat down, watching as the pretty girl who'd led him in stepped out. "Thank you for hearing me out, Mr. Murdock. I suppose you'd read over my papers?"
"Yes, I have. And it's pretty explosive stuff." Mike sat on the edge of the desk and looked at Malik, barely able to imagine the old man as the second Red Skull. "You claim that you were actually on the American payroll for part of the Cold War and you've contracted cancer as a result of the work you did for them. Is that accurate?"
"They left me high and dry, Mr. Murdock. They washed their hands of me. And I won't have it. Before I die, the truth must come out!"
"A lot of people will be against us," Mike pointed out. "And the government will fight this tooth and nail... but in the end, I believe we can get them to help payment for your treatments."
Malik's eyes gleamed with emotion. "Then how do we start?"
"I want to know everything. How it began, how long you worked for them and what exactly you did."
"Very well. It all started in Algeria*...."
(*Which is where Peter Parker's parents encountered Malik and ended up losing their lives. But that's a tale for another day!)
# # # # #
San Francisco
"Amazing," the man in the low-brimmed hat purred. "Simply amazing."
The young punk in the warehouse with him fidgeted nervously. "So, you're interested, then?"
"Oh yes, Sammy. Very much so."
Sammy relaxed a bit. Something about this guy made him uneasy... but as long as he had the cash that Sammy needed to keep his addictions going, that was all that mattered. The recent damage done to San Francisco had temporarily cut off Sammy's usual supply of drugs and he'd had a hard time coping. "I didn't know what to do with all this stuff once I found it -- but then I heard you wuz lookin' for somethin' like this and--"
"That's quite enough insight into the workings of your mind. No one else knows about this place?"
"Nah. I didn't tell nobody. Is the money we agreed on still okay?"
"It's almost a steal. A hidden lair that once belonged to the Frightful Four... with some of the Wizard and the Trapster's inventions still lying about, looking brand new. Simply... amazing."
"Uh-huh. So... the cash?"
The man in the low-brimmed hat reached into a pocket, a smile fixed on his face. "You've done very well, Sammy. I especially appreciate the fact that you shared this location with no one else."
Sammy felt the cold prickle of fear return... and he knew why when the man produced a small pistol....
# # # # #
The Owl stepped through the carnage, not caring that dying men and women lay beneath his feet. He walked over them like they were less than dirt. "I told you we could do this," he said, his bushy eyebrows rising in amusement.
The woman known as Orbit stood in the center of the research center, her armed agents rifling through the rooms for any goods they can claim for themselves. "I have them," she said in reply, her pink tongue darting out to lick at her full lips.
The Owl held out his hands, accepting a small box from her. He opened the lid slowly, gazing with eager eyes upon two golden frogs, fastened together. One held the power to send individuals to other times; the other allowed one to summon beings from those same times. Together, they were a potent time travel device that could reshape the world if used properly. "Oh, my dear... we are going to have so much fun," he whispered, a smile on his lips. "One by one all my enemies will die. And then I'll finally get the respect I deserve."
"And I get a country to rule," Orbit reminded him.
The Owl looked at her in annoyance, angry to have his prized moment soiled by her petty power plays. Containing his fury, he nodded and said, "Of course, my dear. All in good... time."
NEXT ISSUE: "Owl World" begins. The Owl and his partner have the power to re-shape the world... but what does Leland Owlsley really want out of life? The answers might surprise you! Plus: Matt and Vanessa - could they possibly have a future together? Be here to find out.
Author's Notes
This issue's vampire subplot came about after a conversation with Josh (Avengers West Coast) Reynolds, who asked me if I'd mind tying in somehow. Given how awesome his AWC run has been, I jumped at the chance. Look for more connections between our titles as time goes on.
Next issue turns the spotlight onto the guy who was once regarded as DD's arch-foe, in the days before the Kingpin and Bullseye occupied that role. I know that the Owl has been reduced in stature over the least twenty or so years but I plan to change all that... for those of you wondering if I'm going to do a full-on replay of the numerous "reality altering" storylines that Marvel has done so well over the years, breathe a sigh of relief: the changes the Owl makes will be more subtle and more personal in nature as befits the abilities of the Frogs. Will those changes stick? Somehow I bet a certain horn-headed hero will have a lot to say about that.
Stay tuned.
Daredevil stood on the rooftop, scanning the ruined areas of the city below. Since arriving in San Francisco, he'd mainly kept to the "salvaged" parts of town, the ones that had mostly escaped the effects of Equinox's rampage*... but tonight he had decided to go exploring and see just how badly the city had been affected. Like everyone else, he'd heard the news reports but it was still quite shocking to be in the midst of something that resembled a war zone.
(*See Avengers West Coast # 13-15)
"It's hard to believe this was once one of the most beautiful cities on Earth, isn't it?" Iron Man asked, hovering nearby. His boot jets were so silent that most men would never have heard his approach. Daredevil's keen senses had detected them a half-mile away.
"It can be again... if people are willing to put the effort into it." Daredevil listened to the laughter of the Red Cross workers below. The initial horrors had begun to fade now and what was left behind was the clean-up, the relocation of those who had lost their homes and the rebuilding of what could be saved. "I take it the Avengers have been active in the area since the disaster?"
"As much as possible... which hasn't been much," Iron Man admitted. "Moon Knight kind of took it upon himself to police the area in the immediate aftermath... but I really think you could do a lot of good out here."
Matt glanced at Iron Man, his radar sense outlining in minute detail that sleek armor that Tony Stark wore. The hi-tech mechanisms within the armor made it difficult to track the beating of Tony's heart but he sensed nothing but sincerity in Iron Man's voice. "Like I told Hawkeye, I'm only here on business."
"Copycat's recovering nicely," Iron Man pointed out. "If you wanted to turn her in for questioning on all the things she's wanted for, we could take care of that for you. and you could return home. But you asked us to hold off on it... and now you've asked to be shown the areas of the city most in need of assistance. Sounds to me like a man who's considering a change of scenery."
"It's something I'm considering," Matt admitted. "I never would have considered it a few years ago because I thought Hell's Kitchen couldn't survive without me. But I have a friend who's looking after things back there for me... and this does look like a place that needs some full-time attention."
Down below, Matt heard a distant scream, followed by the erratic footfalls of someone running in terror. He took out his billy club, preparing to launch himself over the edge of the rooftop.
"Don't forget about joining up with the Avengers," Iron Man added. "We could use you."
"Don't push your luck," Daredevil replied with a deadpan grin. Before Iron Man could press him further, the Man Without Fear was on the move. He saw the startled expressions of the workers below and gave them a jaunty wave, enjoying the way several of them waved in return. Unlike the sometimes lukewarm reaction that costumed heroes got on the east coast, superheroes were far more accepted here, even in the wake of the horrible disaster. There seemed to be a mode of thought here that superheroes were a form of celebrity, to be adored and worshipped.
When did it go so grim and gritty for me? he wondered. I used to appear at parades, for God's sake... and now my best friends are targets for every kind of criminal imaginable. I need to get the fun back in my life.
Daredevil spotted a girl, her clothing torn and soiled, running through the rubble below and immediately forgot about his own problems. At his core he would always be the noble knight, looking to right wrongs -- compared to the problems of others, his own would always be secondary. The red-garbed hero landed in front of her, causing her to stumble and fall. She was covered in grime and Matt could smell fresh blood on her neck and face. "Let me help you," he began but his words were lost in her sudden cries of relief. She pulled herself into his arms and held tight. "What happened?" he asked.
"Oh god, I don't know how I escaped... it's getting dark... please! Get me away from here! Please!"
"Calm down," he said soothingly, pulling her against him. "What's your name?"
"It doesn't matter!" she screamed. Matt's gloved fingers grazed her neck as she yanked herself away and he felt tiny marks on the skin. "He's coming!" A rustling sound filled the air, making her bolt around Daredevil and sprint away once more.
"Wait!" he yelled, readying his swing line to catch her about the waist. But then came the sound of someone approaching - light, measured footsteps of someone who was dangerous and powerful. Daredevil turned towards the figure, recognizing the shape as that of a man, lithe and compact. He smelled like fresh earth and dried blood.
"Such a shame that the pretty little bird has flown the coop," the man said, his voice carrying with it a British accent. "But you'll fit her coffin quite nicely."
Daredevil strained his senses but found no heartbeat coming from the strange man. From all the signs he gave, it seemed that Matt's newfound enemy was not alive at all. "What in God's name are you?" he wondered aloud.
The man, dressed in a dark suit and long overcoat, opened his arms as if addressing an assembled crowd. "I am nothing that God would lower himself to recognize, my friend. My name is Barlowe... and I am a vampire."
# # # # #
The woman known as Copycat moved stealthily across the darkened compound belonging to the Avengers West group. She had 'borrowed' a jumpsuit belonging to the Wasp and she found that it was both flattering and functional. Gotta hand it to Janet Van Dyne, she grinned. That girl knows her clothing.
"Going somewhere, honey?"
Vanessa nearly jumped out of her skin. She looked around wildly, not sure where the woman's voice had come from... and then she caught sight of the tiny winged Avenger: the Wasp. "Damn," Vanessa whispered, preparing herself for a fight. She'd hoped to get out of the compound without trouble but it didn't look like she would be that lucky.
The Wasp hovered in front of her, tiny wings beating furiously. "It's okay. I'm not going to try and stop you. For one thing, I'd hate to ruin that delicious little frock you borrowed. Looks great on you! And besides, Daredevil asked us to turn a blind eye to all those outstanding warrants you have against you -- and because he's an old, dear friend, we've agreed."
Copycat stared at her for a moment before speaking. "You're serious? He asked you... to let me go?"
Janet nodded, smiling knowingly. "And I don't know what's up between the two of you... but he's a sweetheart with as good a heart as any man I've ever met. So don't make his faith in you turn out to be a mistake, okay?"
Vanessa shook her head in amazement, resuming her progress out of the compound. She had called Matt to help her out because she'd known his innate sense of honor would compel him to do so... but now he was still looking out for her and it made her feel like a first-class jerk. She'd been 'saved' from a life of prostitution by the man called Deadpool but in the end, he'd left her hangnig high and dry -- just like every other man she'd ever met. The brief amount of time she'd spent with Matt had been under the guise of another woman, a plot conceived of by the Kingpin. But it had been tempting to lose herself in that role... to play the part of the loving girlfriend for just a little bit longer. That kind of sentimentality had cost her during an undercover op involving X-Force and now it was rearing its ugly head again.
Damn you, Matt Murdock, she thought to herself. Why do you have to be so wonderful?
# # # # #
Barlowe slammed into Daredevil with incredible speed and ferocity, knocking Matt onto his back. The vampire's mouth was open, fangs revealed, bare inches from Daredevil's neck but Matt found the strength to hold him at bay.
"Give it up, hero," Barlowe hissed, his breath smelling so foul that Daredevil was almost overwhelmed by it. "You're going to be living as my perpetual snack soon enough."
Matt slammed his forehead against the vampire's nose, the attack surprising the undead killer enough so that Daredevil was able to roll free. He sprang back up in a crouch, pushing back and up into the air, allowing him to avoid a swipe of Barlowe's razor-sharp nails. Once he had more room with which to work, Matt was able to press a small switch on the side of his billy club. The weapon telescoped out to become a full staff and Daredevil drove the butt of it into Barlowe's left eye, pushing so hard that gore spurted out along its length.
The vampire howled, staggering back with the palm of his hand held tightly against the wound. "You bastard!" he screamed. "I might just kill you for that! Or better yet, I'll let Him deal with you!"
"Who's the proverbial 'him?'" Daredevil inquired, throwing himself into the air and delivering a roundhouse kick to the side of the vampire's head.
Barlowe stared at him with blazing eyes. "The greatest of all my kind! The lord of the vampires!"
"Too bad he's not here to help you then," the Man Without Fear said with a grim smile. "Because if you're a representative of 'your kind,' then I don't think humanity has much to worry about." Daredevil used the staff like a vaulting pole, arcing through the air and landing behind his foe. He then shoved the vampire with all his might, sending the creature flying toward a piece of sharpened metal that protruded up from the remains of a small storage building. The metal pierced the vampire's chest, protruding out the other end. Within seconds, the vampire had ceased his thrashings and begun to rapidly age, finally crumbling into dust.
Daredevil felt a moment's regret for his actions but quickly pushed such feelings aside. Whatever humanity Barlowe had possessed had fled his body long ago, leaving behind a killing machine. Matt reached down and pulled out the Avengers communicator he'd been given at the compound. It was amazing how quickly one got used to having a group of men and women to call upon when needed. He pressed the thumbprint activator and waited until Hawkeye's face appeared on the small screen.
"What's up, DD?"
"I have something to tell you... about vampires."
# # # # #
The Next Morning
Mike Murdock adjusted his tie while holding his cell phone in one hand. He was in the offices of Murdock & Murdock, a huge grin plastered on his face. As Matt's "twin," he was virtually identical to his brother, but there were marked differences in the way they carried themselves. Matt was often somber and introspective while the persona crafted for Mike was the polar opposite. "You're kidding me," he was saying. "A vampire?"
Matt's voice came through loud and clear, despite being on a different coast. "The Avengers are looking into it. Hopefully it's nothing."
"When has that ever been the case?" Mike said. "Look, when are you coming back? I've got a meeting with Albert Malik in a few minutes. It looks like something you could really help with."
"I thought Malik was dead."
"Life Model Decoy."
"Ah. That old chestnut," Matt deadpanned. "I'm sure you can handle it without me. To be honest, I'm not sure I'll be coming back at all."
Mike stopped in place. "You're kidding. Why not?"
"The city needs help. You've seen the news. And you're there to keep an eye on Hell's Kitchen."
"Look, if you don't want me cramping your style--"
"It's not that. There are some... unsettled things here with Copycat. I want to see what happens."
"Whoa. Didn't see that one coming." Mike looked at his reflection in a nearby mirror. He felt scared and exhilarated, all at once. Matt was essentially giving him the life he'd craved since gaining "life" as Hellspawn: he'd be the defender of Hell's Kitchen and the town's premier lawyer. "Look, Matt... don't make any rash decisions, okay?"
"I won't. We just have to decide which of us will be calling themselves Daredevil. Unless you want to go the Daredevil East and Daredevil West route."
Mike laughed. "I can always go back to calling myself Hellspawn. Or you could go back to the yellow outfit and we'd be DD Red and DD Yellow. I like that better than the coastal thing." Mike saw the door to his office open as his secretary led an old man into the room. "I have to go. Talk to you soon, Matt."
Albert Malik shook Mike's offered hand and sat down, watching as the pretty girl who'd led him in stepped out. "Thank you for hearing me out, Mr. Murdock. I suppose you'd read over my papers?"
"Yes, I have. And it's pretty explosive stuff." Mike sat on the edge of the desk and looked at Malik, barely able to imagine the old man as the second Red Skull. "You claim that you were actually on the American payroll for part of the Cold War and you've contracted cancer as a result of the work you did for them. Is that accurate?"
"They left me high and dry, Mr. Murdock. They washed their hands of me. And I won't have it. Before I die, the truth must come out!"
"A lot of people will be against us," Mike pointed out. "And the government will fight this tooth and nail... but in the end, I believe we can get them to help payment for your treatments."
Malik's eyes gleamed with emotion. "Then how do we start?"
"I want to know everything. How it began, how long you worked for them and what exactly you did."
"Very well. It all started in Algeria*...."
(*Which is where Peter Parker's parents encountered Malik and ended up losing their lives. But that's a tale for another day!)
# # # # #
San Francisco
"Amazing," the man in the low-brimmed hat purred. "Simply amazing."
The young punk in the warehouse with him fidgeted nervously. "So, you're interested, then?"
"Oh yes, Sammy. Very much so."
Sammy relaxed a bit. Something about this guy made him uneasy... but as long as he had the cash that Sammy needed to keep his addictions going, that was all that mattered. The recent damage done to San Francisco had temporarily cut off Sammy's usual supply of drugs and he'd had a hard time coping. "I didn't know what to do with all this stuff once I found it -- but then I heard you wuz lookin' for somethin' like this and--"
"That's quite enough insight into the workings of your mind. No one else knows about this place?"
"Nah. I didn't tell nobody. Is the money we agreed on still okay?"
"It's almost a steal. A hidden lair that once belonged to the Frightful Four... with some of the Wizard and the Trapster's inventions still lying about, looking brand new. Simply... amazing."
"Uh-huh. So... the cash?"
The man in the low-brimmed hat reached into a pocket, a smile fixed on his face. "You've done very well, Sammy. I especially appreciate the fact that you shared this location with no one else."
Sammy felt the cold prickle of fear return... and he knew why when the man produced a small pistol....
# # # # #
The Owl stepped through the carnage, not caring that dying men and women lay beneath his feet. He walked over them like they were less than dirt. "I told you we could do this," he said, his bushy eyebrows rising in amusement.
The woman known as Orbit stood in the center of the research center, her armed agents rifling through the rooms for any goods they can claim for themselves. "I have them," she said in reply, her pink tongue darting out to lick at her full lips.
The Owl held out his hands, accepting a small box from her. He opened the lid slowly, gazing with eager eyes upon two golden frogs, fastened together. One held the power to send individuals to other times; the other allowed one to summon beings from those same times. Together, they were a potent time travel device that could reshape the world if used properly. "Oh, my dear... we are going to have so much fun," he whispered, a smile on his lips. "One by one all my enemies will die. And then I'll finally get the respect I deserve."
"And I get a country to rule," Orbit reminded him.
The Owl looked at her in annoyance, angry to have his prized moment soiled by her petty power plays. Containing his fury, he nodded and said, "Of course, my dear. All in good... time."
NEXT ISSUE: "Owl World" begins. The Owl and his partner have the power to re-shape the world... but what does Leland Owlsley really want out of life? The answers might surprise you! Plus: Matt and Vanessa - could they possibly have a future together? Be here to find out.
Author's Notes
This issue's vampire subplot came about after a conversation with Josh (Avengers West Coast) Reynolds, who asked me if I'd mind tying in somehow. Given how awesome his AWC run has been, I jumped at the chance. Look for more connections between our titles as time goes on.
Next issue turns the spotlight onto the guy who was once regarded as DD's arch-foe, in the days before the Kingpin and Bullseye occupied that role. I know that the Owl has been reduced in stature over the least twenty or so years but I plan to change all that... for those of you wondering if I'm going to do a full-on replay of the numerous "reality altering" storylines that Marvel has done so well over the years, breathe a sigh of relief: the changes the Owl makes will be more subtle and more personal in nature as befits the abilities of the Frogs. Will those changes stick? Somehow I bet a certain horn-headed hero will have a lot to say about that.
Stay tuned.