Elektra Natchios lived. And then she died. (Killed by a Bullseye.) And then she lived again. Kind of a lot has happened since then. She has taken up the mantle of the man she has fallen in love with. And now she’s up against one of the most cold and vicious enemies imaginable in Daredevil - Woman Without Fear #1. Writer Chip Zdarsky opens a new chapter in Elektra’s life. Artist Rafael De La Torre brings the subtle nuances of Elektra’s life to the page with a crisp and stylish action. Color is conjured by Federico Blee. Zdarsky and company admirably open a promising new series.

It would be really, really easy for Elektra to kill the mayor of New York. Given the fact that the mayor in question is Wilson Fisk, it’s not like she wouldn’t be doing the world a favor. She’s in kind of a transitional point in her life, though. No longer an assassin. She’s a Daredevil now, and she’s not into murder. The past is still following her around, though. She had trained as an assassin. One of those who had trained her is now haunting her. To step forward into the role of Daredevil, Elektra is going to have to face her past.

Zdarsky has done a remarkably good job of framing the series that is to come. Elektra’s decision to become a hero is a firm foundation as she faces her teacher with the shadowy organization known as The Hand. A supporting cast that includes Matt Murdock is quite welcome as Elektra begins her solo journey beneath the horns. Zdarsky has done a really good job of getting into Elektra’s head as the entire issue is narrated by the former assassin. It’s a solid 30 page close-up with Elektra, but Zdarsky maintains a delicious sense of mystery about her that should serve the series well. 

De La Torre gives Elektra a sharp sense of personality. This is not easy to do with a character who has been trained as a stone-faced assassin. The posture with which she holds herself in the opening showdown with Fisk shows a tremendous amount of poise and restraint, which is interesting given the fact that her face is entirely covered but for the pair of white slits that are her eyes. Elsewhere she’s out of costume having a casual conversation at a cafe with an old friend. She’s just as poised, but it’s an entirely different posture. Brilliant subtlety. Blee does a brilliant job with the atmosphere. The distinctive lighting of Elektra’s surroundings is very immersive, whether she’s out in the snow, in bed with Matt, or standing across a shadowy desk from Wilson Fisk. 

The brutality of Elektra’s background is contrasted against the person that she’s trying to be as the series opens. The series opens as she’s fighting for her very life. It’s a compelling beginning, but if the series is to make progress towards something truly refreshing, Elektra is going to have to dive further into the selfless heroism that will truly make her a Daredevil.

Grade: A