Sydney Freeland, the director of the Echo series, asserts that she won't possess the same powers as depicted in the comics. So, how will she communicate with Daredevil?
Firstly, I'd like to say a few words about Echo's power situation in the MCU; I find it somewhat harsh to label Echo's comic powers as "lame." I mean, she's truly impressive in the comics! But, moving on...(Edit: Sydney Freeland did work on the masterpiece that Reservation Dogs is, so I do somehow trust her).
So, where do we turn when the mysteries of life and death elude us? That's right – to our beloved comics.
Daredevil and Echo #1 - #4
I read one of Maya Lopez latest adventures in Daredevil and Echo, a four-issue run by Taboo and B. Earl. Something nefarious may emerge in Hell's Kitchen from the depths of hell, and it's up to them to stop it!
This 2023 escapade demonstrates that they still communicate in the same manner as always. Maya (Echo's real name for those who didn't know) reads lips and, with the ability to replicate everything she sees, speaks like she learned by observation. She even plays the piano at times!
What's intriguing is that, on one hand, despite depicting Daredevil and Echo walking side by side with her still able to read lips, they also deliberately address situations, such as in a fight, where she cannot communicate with him.
On the other hand, I had considered the possibility that Matt might somehow sense the movements she makes with her hands in ASL and thereby comprehend her signing. I know it's a bit of a stretch, but hey, it's Marvel. However, Daredevil and Echo proved me wrong. If someone exclusively communicates in ASL, Matt will face a considerable challenge, perhaps even finding it impossible, to engage in effective communication with them.
Matt depends on Maya to communicate with deaf people.
Their method of communication is heavily reliant on Echo's superpowers. As previously mentioned, "Her power in the comic books is that she can copy anything, any movement, any whatever. It's kind of lame. I will say, that is not her power."
Considering we've witnessed Daredevil in that trailer, the lingering question remains: how will they communicate?
1 They will not communicate
Yes, Matt Murdock will obviously be in the series, but what will his role be? Will it be similar to King Valkyrie, who was also shown in The Marvels trailer and was there for a single very brief moment? Maybe.
Will he only be fighting his enemy, the Kingpin, as he has no issue with Maya? Can it be that there will simply be no interaction between them?
2 Phones
We're in 2023, almost 2024. Matt used modern smartphones in his series. Smartphones can assist you in almost every situation in life.
So, who says that when they're not running or fighting, they could not sit down and pass a phone back and forth? She types something in, he hears it out loud, and he uses vocal translation while she reads it. Perhaps she can use a lip-reading app or, as she has done in the Hawkeye series, lip-read every time someone talks to her.
3 It's up to him
Maybe Matt knows some tactile ASL. The situation simply hasn't presented itself yet, but this might be possible. And again, this might also be a stretch, but perhaps he does possess unimaginable enhanced senses and can feel what Echo is signing, understanding ASL! Maybe he will talk, she will lip-read, and he will instruct her to tap his shoulder once for yes and two times for no.
As I'm writing, I realize that there are endless possibilities. I mean, it is truly possible in our real world for a deaf person to communicate with a blind person, let alone in a fictional series where superpowers are at play. So until January, I really encourage you to read more about those two and to form your own assumptions through research.
We'll make a little list of books you might enjoy if you're a fan of them both. Enjoy!
Daredevil & Echo TP
€11,99
€17,99
Something stirs beneath Hell's Kitchen! For months, the bloodthirsty and demonic Demagoblin has been kidnapping children for reasons unknown. Now, Daredevil and Echo discover why as Demagoblin works to wake an ancient and powerful evil deep within the bowels of… read more
Echo: The Saga Of Maya Lopez TP
€28,99
€34,99
The stunning and lushly illustrated debut of Marvel's next screen sensation! She is Echo. A deaf young Native American woman with the uncanny ability to assimilate the skills of others by sight. Dancing, piano playing - even hand-to-hand combat! Though… read more
Daredevil & Echo: Parts Of A Hole TP
€14,99
€24,99
She is Echo. Though seemingly kindred souls, Daredevil and Echo's secret identities are very much at odds. Maya seeks out her father's killer, a man that Kingpin fingers as ol' Horn Head. Can Matt Murdock clear his name before his… read more
Marvel's Voices: Heritage TP
€21,99
€24,99
Today's hottest Native American and Indigenous talent make their mark with stories that explore the rich heritage of Marvel's incredible cast of Indigenous characters! Alien invaders discover that Echo hits back! Dani Moonstar undertakes a personal mutant rescue mission -… read more
