Must-Read Daredevil Comics Before the MCU’s Born Again

Explore these recommended Marvel comics ahead of the release of Daredevil: Born Again, following the return of Daredevil and Kingpin in Echo within the MCU. The upcoming series status is uncertain, but anticipation remains high.

The title "Born Again" clearly references a classic Daredevil story, showcasing the careful attention to detail by the MCU and Netflix in crafting an original narrative while still paying homage to the source material. Despite differences between the comic and MCU versions of Daredevil, there are still notable runs that fans can explore to prepare for the character's anticipated return.

The best Daredevil comics to read before Daredevil: Born Again

Once you’re done with Echo and patiently waiting for the next Daredevil adventure, here are five Daredevil comics to read before Born Again hits Disney+.

Marvel ComicsMan Without Fear features the debut of Matt’s black training costume, which the Netflix series used liberally.

The Man Without Fear

Fans of the Netflix series will immediately identify Man Without Fear as the influential work of industry icons Frank Miller and John Romita Jr. This five-issue series, released in 1993, established the groundwork for the Netflix show and serves as the inspiration for much of Daredevil’s modern backstory. It revisits Daredevil’s origins, returning him to his roots as a street-level Marvel hero and updating his journey from being a crime fighter to becoming Daredevil after years of battling with The Hand.

Purchase Daredevil: The Man Without Fear. Nowadays, Daredevil's origin story has been thoroughly examined. However, in 1993, this transformation resulted in a more intense and gritty version of Daredevil, which was a departure from what fans were used to, paving the way for the hero's crime drama-influenced narratives at the onset of the new century.

Marvel ComicsDaredevil’s faith is tested when he’s charged with protecting a baby who may be the Antichrist in Guardian Devil.

Guardian Devil

The Marvel Knights relaunch was an amazing period for comic fans, bringing characters like Black Panther and the Inhumans back into the spotlight after a downturn in the ‘90s. The marquee character of the Marvel Knights imprint was Daredevil, with a high-profile story written by Kevin Smith and drawn by Joe Quesada. In "Guardian Devil," Daredevil's role as a superhero and his Catholic faith clash as he becomes the guardian of a baby who may be the antichrist.

Get the praised story with classic Daredevil stylings and humanized characters in Daredevil: Guardian Devil. Although fans were disappointed with the twist-ending villain, the imagery and climactic Bullseye fight made their way to Daredevil Season 3.

Marvel ComicsYellow offers a down-to-earth, nostalgic take on Daredevil’s early days.

Daredevil: Yellow

Instead of retelling the heroic origins of Daredevil, Yellow focuses on the human origins of the character. Written by the acclaimed team of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, this mini-series takes place soon after the events of Guardian Devil and delves into the early days of Daredevil, when he wore his original yellow and red suit.

The story is presented as an exploration of the grieving process, as Matt copes with the loss of Karen Page by writing letters to her. Through these letters, he reflects on his early experiences as a crime-fighter and the beginnings of his law firm with Karen and Foggy.

Discover "Daredevil: Yellow," a modern and emotional take on Daredevil's beginnings by acclaimed duo Loeb and Sale, known for their work on Batman: The Long Halloween and Superman For All Seasons. This story offers a lovely counterpoint to the grim and dark Man Without Fear.

Marvel ComicsMark Waid and Chris Samnee’s relaunched Daredevil wrote out a lot of the angst in favor of having some fun.

Daredevil by Mark Waid & Chris Samnee

The Daredevil comics have long been known for their dark and gloomy tone. However, in 2011, writer Mark Waid and artist Chris Samnee brought a new lightness to the character of the Man Without Fear. After recovering from being possessed by The Beast during the Shadowland event, Matt Murdock returns to New York with a renewed sense of energy and determination to rebuild his life. This new series depicts Daredevil in a more carefree and adventurous light, almost resembling a swashbuckling hero.

Experience a new perspective on Daredevil's story with Waid and Samnee's run that delves into his renewed passion for life and a surprising twist that changes everything. Get the Daredevil by Mark Waid & Chris Samnee Omnibus now.

Marvel ComicsBorn Again breaks Matt Murdock down to nothing, and the definitive Daredevil emerges.

Born Again

Karen Page returned to New York with a severe drug addiction after leaving to pursue an acting career. Desperate for money, she sells Daredevil's secret identity to the Kingpin, setting off a chain of events in which the Kingpin systematically destroys Matt Murdock's life. After beating Daredevil in a fight, the Kingpin fakes Murdock's death by sinking him in a stolen cab in the East River. To his surprise, the car is found, but Murdock's body is nowhere to be found.

is more than just a thrilling story of redemption. It is a deeply emotional and impactful tale that solidifies Daredevil's place as one of the most compelling superheroes in the Marvel universe. As Matt Murdock faces overwhelming adversity, readers are taken on a gripping journey that showcases the true essence of courage and resilience. Daredevil: Born Again is a powerful and timeless masterpiece that deserves recognition as a defining moment in comic book history.

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Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Daredevil, I am thrilled about the upcoming MCU series "Daredevil: Born Again." The title itself suggests a connection to the classic "Born Again" storyline, which is one of the most iconic Daredevil stories ever told. I appreciate the MCU's attention to detail in crafting an original narrative while still paying homage to the source material. While there are differences between the comic and MCU versions of Daredevil, I am excited to see how the series will incorporate elements from the comics while also creating something new and exciting.

I have already read some of the recommended comics, including "Man Without Fear" and "Guardian Devil," and I highly recommend them to any Daredevil fan. "Man Without Fear" provides a gritty and intense origin story for Daredevil, while "Guardian Devil" explores the conflict between Daredevil's superhero role and his Catholic faith. I am particularly looking forward to reading "Daredevil: Yellow," which offers a more emotional and nostalgic take on Daredevil's early days. Overall, I am confident that "Daredevil: Born Again" will be a must-watch for fans of the character and the MCU.