The Disney+ continuation of Netflix’s Daredevil show, titled Daredevil Born Again, has just released its cast list. The show had been hoped for ever since the original was canceled after three seasons. Daredevil made his MCU debut in Spider-Man: No Way Home, and fans are excited to see him back. In preparation, many fans are going back and reading their favorite Daredevil comics. Today, we are looking at ten of the best.
10. Daredevil Vol 1 #1
There is no better place to start than at the beginning. The first issue to feature Daredevil isn’t one of the best stories in the character’s history, but it does explain exactly who he is and what he is about. The character of Matt Murdock is introduced here and instantly became one of the most iconic comic characters. Born Again shares similarities in that the show shows Matt in the yellow suit that he wore in this original appearance. This is a great place for beginners to start.
9. Daredevil Vol 1 #181- Last Hand
Before helping to reinvent Batman, Frank Miller made a name for himself writing Daredevil. One of his best contributions to Daredevil comics was the creation of Elektra. This comic features Bullseye going after Elektra to hurt Daredevil. The comic is emotional and action-packed, as every great DD comic should be. This comic is the basis for many later adaptations of Elektra. This is due to Elektra dying at the hands of Bullseye. As DD fans know, however, death is merely the beginning of Elektra’s story.
8. Daredevil: End of Days
It isn’t uncommon for heroes to die on the pages of their own comics. In this story set in an alternate future, it is Daredevil’s turn. The story begins with a brutal fight between DD and Bullseye. The fight ends with Bullseye taking the life of Matt Murdock. In his dying moments, Matt whispers a single word, “Mapone”. The rest of the story deals with reporter Ben Urich trying to figure out the meaning of the word to lay the legacy of Daredevil to rest. The comic does a great job of exploring the legacy of the character, and how he impacted those around him.
7. Guardian Devil
It is crazy to think the brainchild behind the Clerks films penned one of the greatest comics to feature DD. Along with Joe Quesada, Kevin Smith wrote the story arc titled Guardian Devil. This story is the basis for most modern versions of the character and deals with Matt’s faith. The religion of Matt Murdock is key to his character, and this story sees that faith tested in a way it has never been before. It even features a heartwarming scene between Matt and Spider-Man, a moment fans hope to see recreated in Born Again.
6. Through Hell
What makes this one of the more interesting Daredevil comics on this list, is that it was actually inspired by the Netflix series as opposed to the other way around. In addition to taking inspiration from the show, Through Hell also takes heavy influence from Frank Miller’s run. The dark and gritty comic shows Matt dealing with his own demons as well as physical foes. The comic shows the core of the character in ways no other story has before.
5. Daredevil vs Punisher: Means and Ends
DD and The Punisher have butted heads on numerous occasions. However, this storyline is one of the most famous, as well as the basis for their rivalry in the series. Punisher looks to execute a criminal in Hell’s Kitchen. Daredevil steps in to stop him, and the two brawl. What makes this story so good, is neither man is shown to be right or wrong. Both characters bring up good points, and both are set in their ways to a fault. These characterizations follow the men right into the Netflix show, and will likely follow them to Disney+.
4. Daredevil by Mark Waid
Frank Miller’s run on Daredevil ensured the character took part in dark, gritty stories akin to Batman. This run of the character instead takes him back to his more adventurous roots. These comics are more fun while still taking themselves seriously. It is unlikely that Disney+ will allow Born Again to be as violent as the Netflix series, so this run may give fans an idea of what to expect when it comes to the new show. Serious and mature but not afraid to have fun.
3. Hardcore
The Daredevil comics constantly show the vigilante tight-roping the line between hero and criminal. This arc shows what happens when he crosses that line. While still not a straight criminal, Daredevil publically beats Wilson Fisk to a pulp. He then crowns himself the new Kingpin of New York. The story is dark, gripping, and emotional. It shows just what happens when a man is pushed to the brink before being pushed over.
2. The Man Without Fear
When mentioning great DD comics, The Man Without Fear is almost always mentioned. Frank Miller does to Daredevil what he did to Batman in his Year One comic. He retells the hero’s origin story while reinventing it for a modern time. The story sees Matt first take to the streets in a homemade black costume, the same one he wore in the first season of the Netflix series. This story takes Matt from the fantastic comic world and places him in a more realistic setting. Nearly every modern take of the character owes everything to this story.
1. Born Again
The Disney+ series takes its name from this comic. While the plot of the show is being kept under wraps, it is likely it will come from this comic. Written by Frank Miller, the story has been called one of the greatest to feature Daredevil squaring off against Kingpin. Fisk discovers Matt’s identity and declares war on the man. What follows is Matt fighting a battle outside of the costume, one that requires more brain power than fighting skills. This story puts the character to the ultimate test, a test fans hope to see in the new show.
