Daredevil #26 (#638) Cover feat. Elektra

Very, very, very nice indeed. 

Gritty close up take by Stegman showing a vulnerable Elektra.  Normally you'd find his art concentrated on the aggressor in the form of Venom or Knull in this crossover event. 

The sai makes the shape of an E.  I learn't that on a youtube show.

ha thanks Marcus, and damn you are right about the E! I never even noticed that. Youtube is just an ocean of knowledge isnt it!!? :)

I never would have Daduced it myself.

LMAO! Apparently, Kavi was busy ignoring my segment last night! ⁠😃⁠  One thing I can't explain though, is why the sai's prongs are cut off. They look like the type of sais you'd be forced to bring in to cons if you were a cosplayer, to keep the cosplayer from completely disemboweling the next congoer who tries copping a feel. Is it explained in the story, Kavi? Cool cover for sure!

LOL! I guess i've gotten pretty good at ignoring you over time Ruben! Hah no I do remember but I must admit that I drank entirely way too much Red Bull yesterday before (and during) the show, so the whole thing feels like a blur/hazy memory because i spent most of the night wide eyed getting no quality sleep whatsoever and then was back up early for work today. As far as I remember, in issue 25 (prior issue) where she becomes "Daredevil" the sais are in tact. And in this issue (26) it's a tie-in issue from the run into the larger King In Black storyline that ran across all Marvel titles as an event series in addition to its own Mini series  - she had sais and sword use in it - but also in tact...so perhaps artistic license in the image here by Stegman or some other connection my Red Bull addled brain can't put together right now. *shrug emoji*

Great addition to your collection Kavi!!! Congratulations on such an amazing piece!!! 

thanks Matt!! appreciate it :)

Tell the truth, had you noticed the cut off prongs before you bought it? The fact that they're drawn that way and it's not part of the story, is bizarre as hell, man. I would be dying to get the answer from Stegman if I were you!

You're gonna make me pull out comic books I read like 6 months ago haha!!! damnit. it was a Felix drop, I didnt have much time, LOL. She was battling a symbiote character somewhere in the issue but i cant confirm without digging the issue out of the shortbox and inspecting if that may have been why.

Well thanks a lot Ruben, but now my OCD has kicked and I'll never get any sleep until I know the answer. Plus now I can't help but think Ralphael would make a cool Daredevil. Might be hard to cover up the turtle shell though. Foggy may get suspicious.

I don't think that they are illustrated as being cut off. Historically speaking, the Sai's design is a blunt weapon which functioned more as a baton than a stabby knife, with a round or faceted rather than flat blade. There are plenty of museum examples dating back to the 17th Century which feature blunt ends to the blade and tips of the side guards, similar to those illustrated. Perhaps it was a decision based on his choice of a reference photo?

Hi Jeff! I can't say I've ever really looked closely at historic Sai, so I'll take you on your word with respect to that. But regardless, I'm not comparing her Sai on this cover to real Sai from history, I'm comparing them to the ones this fictional character has always used in comics, and while you can argue about just how "sharp" they've always been drawn, as it has varied depending on the artists' own interpretation, we can say for certain that they have never looked like this, as a metal rod that appears sawed off at the ends. Which is precisely why it's such a curiosity, even moreso given that it wasn't part of the story, and why I'd be fascinated to hear Stegman's thoughts on it.

Agreed. Besides, any excuse for an artist story! So when are you, Kavi, or Bill going to get Stegman on as a guest to ask? Because knowing is half the battle... or so 1980s cartoons would lead me to believe. Ha!

Hah! Kavi and I are working on something, but I can't say it involves Stegman! Can you imagine though, and entire episode of a YouTube show dedicated expressly for the purpose of asking Stegman, "So Ryan, what exactly was the genesis behind the idea of the sawed off Sai on Kavi's cover? Speak slowly, we have an hour to fill!"  ⁠😅⁠

Sounds like an episode straight out of Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis, or one of the old SNL The Chris Farley Show skits. I'd totally watch it. Ruben asks "So Ryan, what exactly was the genesis behind the idea of the sawed off Sai on Kavi's cove ?". Stegman answers "You know, it's just a thing". Awkward silences. Some mumbled small talk about the weather and the nature of blue line pencils. Ruben then asking "Hey, you remember the time I asked you about the sais?" at about the 20 minute mark. Comedy gold.

Hah ha ha! That description visualized it perfectly in my head, Jeff, too funny!

Holy shit bro, how many comics do you read every month?!? If I had to "pull out" something I read 6 months ago, that would consist of me having to reach out to the left or right and pick up the book off the end of my desk! 😂⁠

Don't worry about it man. All I'm saying is that it is mofo levels of weird, and as such, I wouldn't be able to sleep until I got the answer. But I'm not telling you to feel that way. If you can sleep well at night, Red Bull gorging aside, then just enjoy the piece as it is. Just because I'M curious about it doesn't mean YOU have to be. But you know, if you ever do find out, let me know!

I read A LOT of comics (usually late night) but these days more on my iPad and less flipping through boxes and pulling out 1 issue . Yeah I hear ya. I love the piece and my mind is not bothered at all by this dillema haha

Stegman + DD/Elektra + cover is such a great combo. Congrats my friend!

Awesome piece- loved watching you unveil it on your show

Yeah that's a spectacular Stevman cover from a very intriguing storyline, congrats Kavi!

Beautful Kavi!  Just beautiful!

thank you Nick!!!

Score!!!! Congrats on winning this Cover. Stegman is a freaken beast!!!!!

It's so cool that you have this. This mind blowing piece depicting my favorite femme fatale couldn't be in the possession of a more righteous dude.

Amazingly cool cover! Stegman is one of the best!

Not quite sure how I missed this.. but just a really bold image. Love it!

Cool- Nuff' said! 

Fantastic!