Random Happenstance

There's a better than even chance I already have a copy of this one, but I only had a few books the other day, so a quarter-bin copy: from 1988, Daredevil #255, "Temptation!" Written by Ann Nocenti, pencils by John Romita Jr, inks by Al Williamson.

The title makes it sound blatant or obvious, like a road sign warning of a hazard; but, my god, Matt is so blind. He'll never see it coming. Although he was having nightmares about Tyrone, a boy blinded by pollution, and was frustrated that he was still 'ghost-lawyering' the case instead of presenting it himself, he still has it pretty well; as he wakes up and rants to Karen, who seems to find it charming. The lack of pants might help...Still, after Karen leaves but before Matt heads out, Mary arrives, with Tyrone, from the "blind school." He's learning to get around well, but not so much that he can realize what Matt and Mary are doing, while Karen leaves a message on the machine. You bastard, Matt.

The Kingpin wants Matt to lose this case; not out of any financial concerns or interest in Tyrone; but to teach him some are "beyond the law." Foggy is among the phalanx of lawyers representing the polluting company, and after Karen shuns him entering the courthouse he realizes Matt must be involved, and recognizes his old partner in the arguments. But where is Matt? He's held up, by his first encounter with Typhoid. She quickly confirms, Typhoid presents as completely different than Mary, and Daredevil finds she blurs his radar sense as well. Typhoid shows off her telekinetic and pyrokinetic powers--you know, I think I forgot about the telekinesis? Or maybe she just throws flaming garbage at DD from off-panel. That would be easy to handle, but Typhoid's mocking cuts him as well: Matt thinks it's almost like she knew he had been tempted to do wrong, with Mary. Um...how far would that have had to go to be 'wrong,' Matt?

Typhoid disappears in short order, content to continue tormenting him, and maybe to let Mary keep falling for him as well. She's doing this for a million from the Kingpin, but this was back when that was a bit more money. Still seems like a bargain. Back at the trial, Foggy stumbles in presenting his portion of the case when Matt arrives, and it looks like it's going to be an easy win for Matt and Tyrone. The Kingpin, furious, tells his Arranger to buy a juror, immediately. Karen is thrilled, but Matt is shaken; more for them than the case.

God, Romita Jr. was so good in this series. Nocenti would make Typhoid a bit more sympathetic character much later, but she is so bad here, and loves it. Great issue from a great run.