A Compendium for the Marvel Buff: Unveiling the Lore of Daredevil Before "Born Again"

Ah, dost thou seek to sharpen thy knowledge of Marvel’s realm ere the arrival of "Daredevil: Born Again" in March? Behold, a compendium of every comic from the annals of Daredevil that thou must peruse ere "Born Again" graces the screens of Disney+!

Note: "Daredevil: Born Again" is not a mere replication of the titles listed below. Rather, it draws inspiration from their characters and concepts. Alas, the actual "Daredevil" arc known as "Born Again", crafted by the masterful duo of Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli in the 80s, is notably absent from this list, as Marvel Studios seems to have borrowed solely the name, and little else, from this seminal tale.

Devil’s Reign #1-6 (Plus the Wider ‘Mayor Fisk’ Storyline)

Imprinted in the latest trailer of "Daredevil: Born Again" lies a crucial narrative thread involving Wilson Fisk, known as The Kingpin, embarking on a quest for City Hall in the upcoming Disney+ revival series. This narrative mirrors the illustrious career trajectory of the hulking crime lord in the comic realm, wherein Fisk ascends to become the Mayor of New York City in the pages of "Daredevil" #28 from 2017. Fisk’s tumultuous tenure in the city’s premier office is then chronicled in Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto’s 2022 crossover event, "Devil’s Reign," where the machinations of DD and his heroic allies bring about Fisk’s ignominious ousting from power. Rigging elections and imposing bans on costumed vigilantes through less-than-savory means have repercussions, indeed! Though the extent of relevance to the narrative of "Daredevil: Born Again" remains shrouded in mystery, the imperatives of "Devil’s Reign" and the overarching "Mayor Fisk" storyline stand as essential reading ere the grand debut.

‘Trial of the Century’ (Daredevil Vol. 2 #38-40)

“Daredevil: Born Again” heralds the live-action inception of Marvel’s premier Latin American superhero, Hector Ayala, also known as White Tiger. Among the vaunted pantheon of comics featuring White Tiger since their debut in the hallowed pages of "Deadly Hands of Kung Fu" #19 from 1975, some narratives intertwine with the exploits of Matt Murdock and his crimson-clad persona. Yet, the prime pick preceding the advent of "Born Again" would undeniably be the three-part saga known as “Trial of the Century,” encapsulated within the pages of "Daredevil" Vol. 2 #38-40. Penned by the venerable Brian Michael Bendis and brought to life through the artistry of Manuel Gutierrez (Parts 1-2) and Terry Dodson (Part 3), this riveting chronicle unfolds as Murdock and Foggy Nelson ardently defend Hector in a trial fraught with accusations of murder. A tapestry of moral and legal quandaries set against the backdrop of crime-fighting, this narrative underscores Matt’s acumen as a legal luminary – facets that are poised to echo within the tapestry of "Born Again"’s narrative strands.

‘Fog’ (Daredevil Vol. 1 #220)

The acclaimed Netflix series "Daredevil" has already heralded the induction of Matt Murdock’s principal paramours from the comic pantheon, Karen Page and Elektra Natchios, onto the tapestry of the MCU. With "Born Again," the tally of love interests expands further with the advent of Heather Glenn, briefly affianced to Matt in the comics! Alas, as is the tragic norm in the realm of the Man Without Fear’s romantic entanglements, the union with Heather descends swiftly into turmoil. Amidst the machinations of a manipulative suitor and Heather’s torments with alcoholism, even the sinister influence of the nefarious Purple Man casts its pall over her fate. Regrettably, this melancholy saga culminates in Heather’s tragic demise within "Daredevil" Vol. 1 #220, encapsulated in the poignant narrative titled “Fog.” Mayhap Marvel Studios has devised a less somber destiny for Heather’s live-action iteration!

‘Child’s Play’ / ‘Good Guys Wear Red!’ (Daredevil Vol. 1 #183-184)

Through a myriad of chronicles, Daredevil and Frank Castle, known as The Punisher, have shared the limelight in a plethora of tomes across the ages. Their encounters, both in comics and on the silver screen of the Netflix "Daredevil" series, as subtly hinted in the tapestry of "Born Again," offer a tapestry rich in potential entry points for exploration. Yet, why not journey back to their inaugural meeting in the annals of "Daredevil" Vol. 1 #183-184? Penned by the venerable Roger McKenzie and Frank Miller, with visual eloquence brought forth by Miller and Klaus Janson, this taut two-part saga lays the foundation for the clash of ideals between Matt and Frank in their relentless crusade against the criminal underbelly. It is a conflict of philosophies that assuredly shall resurface in the mosaic of "Born Again." Alternatively, one might delve into the tapestry spun by Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark within “The Devil in Cell Block D” (Daredevil (Vol. 2) #82-87), presenting an uneasy alliance between Daredevil and Punisher – a narrative thread potentially germane to the unfolding saga of "Born Again."

‘Dark Art’ (Daredevil Vol. 5 #10-14)

For those eager to uncover the enigmatic villain, Muse, central to “Daredevil: Born Again,” the path leads to the annals of "Dark Art." Spanning "Daredevil" Vol. 5 #10-14, this masterwork by Charles Soule and Ron Garney unveils the genesis of Muse’s malevolent persona, characterized by a sinister juxtaposition of a “serial killer street artist” aura and a prowess that eludes even Daredevil’s superhuman senses. While the extent of Muse’s transference into the tapestry of "Born Again" remains an enigma, signs portend favorably. Venture into “Dark Art,” but be forewarned – the veil shrouding Muse’s true identity remains unlifted to this day!

Behold, for "Daredevil: Born Again Season 1" shall grace the realms of Disney+ on the eve of March 4, 2025, unfurling its tale across nine episodes.