As the Comic Corner comes to an end, I feel it is necessary to speak of my all-time favorite comic run. So just as this column began with Daredevil, it will end with Daredevil. The 2019-2022 Daredevil saga from writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Marco Checchetto encompasses 36 issues across 7 main volumes, along with the Devil’s Reign event and a 3-part Daredevil & Elektra series called the Red Fist Saga. Even though it picks up after events in that universe have occurred, it remains a great point to hop on without being too confused about what came before it (also, some references to previous issues are noted by the editors on the page). When reading comics, it isn’t always easy to find a good place to start, since it seems like everything is just one continuous story. This series is both easy to understand as a new reader (with some general knowledge of the characters, of course) and easy to enjoy!
The story follows Daredevil as he works through the consequences of his vigilantism. A man is dead, and seemingly by his hands. Was he framed? Was it truly just an accident? Is it something far more sinister than it first seems? Matt struggles through these ideas while already deep in issues with Kingpin and other street-level villains like The Owl and the Stromwyns. At the same time, Elektra is back in town and supporting Matt. She, as well as their shared mentor, Stick, always wanted him to become an assassin against the Hand, as that was their original purpose. Daredevil tells her that he didn’t kill the man, and from there attempts to convince her that you do not need to be lethal to be effective. When Daredevil (without exposing his identity as Matt Murdock) is imprisoned for murder, Elektra becomes Daredevil! It is undoubtedly a very action-packed and extensive story full of many different character arcs and intricate plots that bring together all of the best characters from the Daredevil world.
When the Devil’s Reign event arrives, a climax of built-up stories from different Marvel heroes (though still understandable without having read all of them, don’t worry) occurs with Daredevil at the center of it all. Members of disbanded teams like the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and some Spider-people all work together while facing oppression from Wilson Fisk’s Anti-Vigilante Taskforce. Both in the Taskforce and otherwise alongside Fisk, a multitude of well-known villains like Doctor Octopus and (of course) Bullseye form an opposing alliance to the heroes. While their smaller goals may be different, the idea of eradicating the superheroes that fight against them is enough to bring them together, leading to absolutely amazing interactions between unlikely allies.
After the 7-issue event concludes with Devil’s Reign: Omega, Daredevil & Elektra continue with their own story, beginning the Red Fist Saga. Similarly to Daredevil: Shadowland, another well-acclaimed series from 2010, it involves Daredevil getting entangled with The Hand. Only this time, he has different (and far less villainous) plans in mind (note that Shadowland is canon in the primary Earth-616 Marvel universe, but it does not play a heavy role here). Truly, the Red Fist Saga gets into a far more supernatural side of Daredevil. This is very likely aided by Elektra’s more supernatural nature, such as her resurrection and ancient ties to the Hand. Before the Red Fist Saga comes Elektra: The Woman Without Fear, which takes place immediately following Devil’s Reign. It is very enjoyable, but if you prefer to stick with Matt as Daredevil, it is not truly necessary to understand the Red Fist Saga.
I could not suggest this series more, especially if you’re a Daredevil fan. Chip Zdarsky’s plot construction and literary style is so fantastic, and it gets you very emotionally attached to the characters. In the past, Zdarsky has worked on Spider-Man and even Howard The Duck, so seeing the change to a much more serious story done so successfully is worthy of much appreciation. But the writers are only half of a comic book, so I cannot write this without mentioning the amazing work of Marco Checchetto. Checchetto is my absolute favorite comic book artist, next to legends like Jim Lee and Alex Ross. His work is so excellent, both in stagnant scenes and heavy action. The characters don’t look lifeless or with little detail, but on the contrary, they look realistic (as much as a comic can be) and emotional. The shadows, hair, and overall figure of each person is extremely impressive. Together, Zdarsky and Checchetto create a wonderful addition to the Marvel Comics universe.
