Charlie Cox’s Daredevil is back and if the reviews are any indication, it’s like he didn’t miss a beat.
The character of Daredevil has made a lasting impact on fans worldwide since Cox took on the mantle in 2015. Not only did it reinvigorate longtime fans of the character, but it drew in newcomers.
As such, this may mean that many of those who either joined a decade ago or within the past week may not know much about Daredevil’s comic book origins. That is where this list comes in.
The following suggestions are some of my personal favorite Daredevil comic storylines that would make for great introductions into not just the character, but the world of comics. If you need tips on how to get into comic books in the modern age, we have you covered too.
Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli
Contains: Daredevil Vol. 1 #226-233 (1986)
Why not start with where the show gets its name?
In terms of Daredevil comics, Born Again is considered top of the mountain, an honor that carries it into some of the best comic book stories ever. It’s dark, symbolic, meaningful, and showcases how the medium can tell a great story.
Wilson Fisk learns of Daredevil’s true identity of Matt Murdock after Murdock’s ex-girlfriend sells the information for drug money. Fisk then breaks down Murdock’s personal life until he hits rock bottom and must climb back to overcome Fisk and regain his position as the protector of Hell’s Kitchen.
This story is fantastic as it focuses more on Murdock than Daredevil as he spends long stretches of the arc without his costume. It also leans heavily into Murdock’s Catholic background as he become “born again” both spiritually and as a character.
Brian Michael Bendis’ and Alex Maleev’s Daredevil
Contains: Daredevil Vol. 2 #26-50, 56-81 (2001-06)
I had a hard time breaking down the Bendis/Maleev so I just included the entire run. This is partly because of the nature of comics that sometimes don’t allow you to just jump in anywhere.
Bendis and Maleev take Daredevil through a lot of different story beats that includes a new love interest, a new position within the Hell’s Kitchen underworld, and a public outing of his secret identify.
This run serves as the tonal inspiration for the Netflix adaptation as it leans into the brooding and moody aspects of the character. It also sets Daredevil’s place within the larger Marvel universe as many big events happen during this time.
If you like this run, you can continue on to Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark’s run (#82-119, 500) as it continues many of the plot points. Also, Brubaker does a fantastic job writing Daredevil as a noir fiction.
Daredevil: The Man Without Fear By Frank Miller and John Romita Jr.
Contains: Daredevil: The Man Without Fear #1-5 (1993-94)
There are a lot of different ways to experience Daredevil’s origins but Man Without Fear is one many, including myself, would recommend.
This miniseries sees Miller return to the character to tell an origin story that focuses on many beloved characters within the universe. It features art from comic royalty John Romita Jr. and captures a lot of what made Murdock become Daredevil.
This is another short read that will help dive you deeper into Daredevil’s lore, showing you what made him the hero he is today. This arc reminds me a lot of Miller’s other brooding hero origin tale Batman: Year One as it follows many similar themes.
Again, there are many ways to read about Daredevil’s origins but this one works great because it keeps the tone of Born Again and carries it further as Bendis and Brubaker loom in the next decade.
Charles Soule and Ron Garney’s Daredevil
Contains: Daredevil Vol. 5 #1-28, 595-612 (2015-18)
This is another longer arc but one that absolutely gripped me from start to finish. This arc is interesting because it hits a lot on the Murdock vs. Daredevil dynamics.
Some major beats that happen include Daredevil taking on a protégé; the hero taking on a villain that becomes almost too much for him; and Murdock’s time as a lawyer, assistant mayor, and eventually mayor of New York City.
What makes this run really interesting is Soule has a background in law, graduating from Columbia Law School. This knowledge really shines through as some arcs rely heavily on Murdock’s legal fights that threaten the Kingpin.
Admittedly, this run is not for everyone but it does present a unique take on Daredevil given Soule’s background. Personally, I really enjoyed this and was gripped, particularly on the tension between Fisk and Murdock in City Hall.
Know Fear and Beyond By Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto
Contains: Daredevil Vol. 6 #1-20 (2019-20)
I stop short of recommending an entire run and focus on the opening arcs of a more recent slate. Plus, Zdarsky’s run marks a great jumping on point that draws from Soule’s run but doesn’t make it required reading.
Murdock is gripping with the realities of the events from the end of Soule’s run. Furthermore, his trauma and mistakes from the past is catching up to him, forcing him to choose who he wants to be for Hell’s Kitchen.
You could tackle Zdarsky’s entire run but the first 20 issues mark a great starting point that tread a familiar theme: send Murdock to hell and back. Tonally, this will be right up your alley if you love the Netflix adaptation.
Daredevil comics are often feature some deep questions and Zdarsky’s run is no different. It dives into the inner battle and who Murdock is without the Daredevil suit.
There are so many excellent Daredevil comics out there that it can be hard to narrow them down. This list is intended to give you some reading as you wait for the next episode of Born Again.
What are your favorite Daredevil comics? Which runs or arcs would you recommend to new readers? What have you thought of Born Again? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
Featured Image: Marvel (via CBR)
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