Marvel 1975.02 - Daredevil #118

Daredevil #118

Title: Circus spelled sideways is Death!

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: Don Heck

Villain: Circus of Crime (Ringmaster, Blackwing, Princess Python, Great Gambonnos, Cannonball)

Regulars: Foggy Nelson

According to the letters page, this is an old story that was written some time ago but never printed. That's unusual. I doubt that Marvel had many unprinted stories lying on the shelf. It's a standalone story, so it's impossible to say exactly when it took place. Based on the evidence of the story itself, it must have taken place before Captain America #180 (December 1974), and possibly before Iron Man #50 (September 1972). Based on the fact that it was written by Gerry Conway, it was probably written between January 1971 and February 1973. My personal guess is that it was written in early 1972. That would make the most sense, continuity-wise.

Credit where credit is due. I've often said that I don't like Gerry Conway's stories, but this is a good story. No nonsense, no frills, just action.

Daredevil stops a bank robbery. He's being watched by a fake news reporter who works for the Ringmaster. There's a new circus member called Blackwing who controls bats.

The Gambannos and Princess Python follow Daredevil across town. They attack him, and Daredevil accidentally kills Princess Python's snake in the battle. They manage to escape.

Later that day there's a large circus performance for a charity event. The Ringmaster uses his powers to hypnotise not only the people in the audience, but also the viewers watching him on television at home. Blackwing sends his bats to collect money and jewels from the people in the city.

There's a logical problem. How do the bats know who's been watching the circus and not MASH on the other channel? Maybe the bats can recognise the sounds of the circus in the homes, but even then they can't be sure that the viewer wasn't on the toilet at the moment of hypnosis. But let's suspend disbelief. It happened.

The money and jewels are delivered to the circus. Daredevil enters the circus and challenges the Circus of Crime. After defeating them, he leaves them to the police. Now they just have to sort out which loot belongs to who.