10 Comics to Read if You Love ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

It’s a great time to be not just a superhero fan, but a fan of Charlie Cox‘s Daredevil. With Daredevil: Born Again making its way to Disney+, everyone is certainly on a Daredevil high. Some have resorted to rewatching Daredevil to get their fix, but for those who don’t have the time or already rewatched it before watching Daredevil: Born Again, there are plenty of comic book runs to read that they will adore.

Having been introduced all the way back in the 60s in Daredevil #1 (1964), fans looking to get into the character have about 61 years of stories to jump into to enjoy if they’re hopping on the Daredevil train. Luckily for them, he’s actually had some of the best Marvel Comics runs of a book there are since his introduction.

10

Ann Nocenti & John Romita Jr.’s Underrated Run

Daredevil #236 (1986) – Daredevil #291 (1991)

While the Man Without Fear may have some astoundingly recognizable stories from across his tenure in the Marvel Comics universe, one of the more underrated runs he’s had is one that began in 1986 and was written by Ann Nocenti and drawn by John Romita Jr. If anything is true after the premiere of Daredevil: Born Again, it’s that they’re taking risks and trying to do things differently while keeping the heart of the original show—quite similar to this iconic, 55-issue run.

The plot contents of this run are far more mystical than the type of stuff found in Daredevil and Daredevil: Born Again, but the inherent nature of doing new things and taking risks with the character lies true in Nocenti’s work. After having pretty much the same status quo for so long, she decided to rip Matt Murdock out of it and bring him to new places and face off with new foes.

Daredevil

Release Date

2015 – 2017

Showrunner

Steven S. DeKnight

9

Kevin Smith & Joe Quesada’s “Guardian Devil”

Daredevil #1 (1998) – Daredevil #8 (1999)

While the legendary Kevin Smith may have had a short run writing the character, he certainly made his mark. It’s commonly noted as one of the best Daredevil runs, and for very good reason. The run, known simply as “Guardian Devil”, follows Matt after a rough breakup with his now ex-girlfriend, Karen Page. Just as he begins to lean on his faith for support, a child comes into his life that is stated to be born without conception while, on the other hand, is being called by one Nicolas Macabes, the “Antichrist”.

For those interested in the side of Matt that is more faith-based, this run is definitely for them. It will also satisfy those who enjoy that Daredevil is more connected to the MCU now through Daredevil: Born Again, as he finds himself teaming up with the likes of Black Widow and Doctor Strange to help with this odd situation he’s found himself in. It’s also an easy read, being only 8 issues.

8

Mark Waid & Chris Samnee Brought His Light Back

Daredevil #1 (2011) – Daredevil #36 (2014)

When 2011 came around, the series was handed off to writer Mark Waid (most well-known for the “Kingdom Come” comic in 1996) and artist Chris Samnee to continue Hornhead’s story. For quite some time before this, Daredevil had really struggled and had gone through some extremely tough times in life. While the hero continues to struggle, Waid’s goal with the series was to bring some light back to the character’s life and personality.

While he’s not too chipper and joyful in Daredevil: Born Again (especially due to that one spoiler), the series seems to be very interested in revitalizing the life of Matt Murdock. The Waid run is also considered a very strong place for new readers to start if they want a more modernized iteration of the character.

7

Ed Brubaker & Michael Lark Picked Up the Pieces

Daredevil #82 (2006) – Daredevil #119/Daredevil #500 (2009)

When the iconic Brian Michael Bendis ended his run on the series, he left Matt Murdock in a very tough spot: Riker’s Island Prison! This was a great ending for his wonderful take on the character, but also set quite the precedent for whoever was going to come next. When Ed Brubaker stepped up—the man who brought the world the Captain America storyline, “The Winter Soldier”—he accepted the challenge with open arms and took on artist Michael Lark to pick up the pieces.

He picked up the pen and took on Bendis’ tone and noir-vibe in stride and continued to build on it, taking his experience from his time on the Star Spangled Man’s book. It definitely is intended to be a direct continuation of Bendis’ story, but is even darker and more dour. This may very well be the most depressing the character has gotten. With how Daredevil: Born Again began, those who are fans of the show might take well to the feeling of Brubaker’s run.

6

“Daredevil: Born Again” by Frank Miller & David Muzzucchelli

Daredevil #226 (1964) – Daredevil #233 (1964)

Given the fact that it’s the show’s namesake, it would only make sense that someone who likes Daredevil: Born Again reads the “Born Again” comic book run. But, they should walk into it with the knowledge that the show only took the name of the book and not much else. That doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy it, however. In fact, this is an incredible story, brought to life by the ever-loved Frank Miller.

The story follows Matt as his ex-girlfriend, Karen Page, gets drawn into a tough drug addiction, which leads to her making some horrible decisions—including things regarding her ex’s secret identity. As Kingpin rears his ugly head once again, things get very difficult for the Man Without Fear.

5

Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev Made History

Daredevil #16 (2001) – Daredevil #81 (2006)

Brian Michael Bendis’ time on Daredevil with artist Alex Maleev is commonly known as one of the best Daredevil runs ever made and genuinely one of the best Marvel books running in the early 2000s. It was through this series that he became one of Marvel’s golden boys due to the fact that he was also making huge moves writing the “Avengers: Disassembled” at the same time.

Aside from the Frank Miller books, there’s no secret that Daredevil and Daredevil: Born Again took inspiration from the tone of Bendis’ work on the character. The sheer quality of the book’s writing and art alone is enough reason for any fan of Daredevil to go give it a read. It’s simply great material that fans of the show could totally get behind.

4

The Prodigal Sons Chip Zdarsky & Marco Checchetto Return

Daredevil #1 (2022) – Daredevil #14 (2022)

In 2019, Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto delivered one of the best comic book runs of the last decade with their Daredevil series. So, when they were marked to make a return to the book in 2022, people were abundantly excited. While the 2019 run was far more like the series on streaming (more on that later), 2022’s continuation of it was a bit different.

With the inclusion of White Tiger (Kamar de los Reyes (rest in peace)) in Daredevil: Born Again, it’s clear that the filmmakers aren’t afraid of and won’t shy away from the more mystical elements of the Marvel universe. The same can be said about Zdarsky’s second go at the blind lawyer’s story. He delves a bit more into a bit more supernatural things and plot elements. It’s a phenomenal run and for those who are going to read the 2019 run, it’s an essential follow-up.

3

Frank Miller & John Romita Jr. Made Daredevil’s Most Iconic Book

Daredevil: The Man Without Fear #1 (1993) – Daredevil: The Man Without Fear #5 (1993)

One of the most defining and iconic Daredevil comic books also happens to be the biggest inspiration for the first Daredevil series. So, therefore, it only makes sense that people who enjoy the Netflix series’ sequel would love the biggest fuel behind that fire. “Daredevil: The Man Without Fear” was a retelling of the hero’s origins in the 90s that turned him from a typical Marvel superhero into the vigilante most comic book media portrays him as today.

It also contains some of the hero’s most recognizable imagery. One of the biggest things about Daredevil: Born Again that people come to enjoy is how much it pays respect to said series, so anyone who’s a fan of Charlie Cox’s Daredevil as a whole essentially needs to give this book a read. Not to mention the fact that this is one of Frank Miller’s best pieces of work.

2

Charles Soule & Ron Garney Put Him Back in Black

Daredevil #1 (2015) – Daredevil #28 (2017) / Daredevil #595 (2017) – Daredevil #612 (2018)

Daredevil had a pretty awesome relaunch called “All-New, All-Different Marvel” in 2015. Being the all-new, all-different creative team brought onto the title, Charles Soule and Ron Garney decided to bring about a new era for Matt Murdock that is similar to what came before, yet “all-new”. The former lawyer is soon thrown away from the stand and into the District Attorney’s office, into a new suit, and up against a new foe.

Much like Daredevil: Born Again, Soule sat in the writer’s chair with the intention of doing something new with the story/world that still feels real and true to the spirit of the character. For those who want something that is Daredevil at its core, but still manages to provide something very new, look no further than the 2015 series of issues by Soule and Garney.

1

Chip Zdarsky & Marco Checchetto Redefined the Character

Daredevil #1 (2019) – Daredevil #36 (2021)

Right up there next to Frank Miller’s own “Daredevil: The Man Without Fear”, the first Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto run on Daredevil in 2019 is a story that borderline redefined the character as everyone knows it. Delivering one of the greatest comic books of the modern age, the two took over the space and had people all over the world clamoring for more Daredevil.

Nowadays, when people think of modern Daredevil books, Zdarsky and Checchetto’s runs both typically come to mind. Additionally, Daredevil: Born Again‘s story seems to be taking some light inspiration from elements of this 2019 go on the character—as of right now, at least. The use of Matt’s inner demons, police violence, and the Punisher are leading people to think so.

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