Daredevil (2019)

Overview

Daredevil (2019) redefined Matt Murdock for a new generation of readers. Written by Chip Zdarsky with stunning visuals by Marco Checchetto, this run explored what happens when Daredevil is pushed beyond his limits—morally, physically, and spiritually. The series opened with Matt recovering from near-death, questioning his role as a vigilante, and trying to redefine justice in a corrupt world.

The story escalated into a deeply political, action-packed, and emotionally layered saga that saw Matt confront his faith, the law, the criminal underworld, and himself. Elektra, Kingpin, and the Hand all play pivotal roles throughout the arc, leading to seismic shifts in the Marvel Universe.

Creators

• Writer: Chip Zdarsky
• Artist: Marco Checchetto
• Colorist: Sunny Gho
• Inker: Marco Checchetto
• Editor: Devin Lewis

Main Characters

• Matt Murdock / Daredevil
• Elektra Natchios
• Wilson Fisk / Kingpin
• Detective Cole North
• Foggy Nelson
• Mike Murdock
• The Hand

Story Highlights

• Matt struggles with guilt after accidentally killing a man, leading him to temporarily give up being Daredevil.
• Kingpin serves as Mayor of New York, manipulating politics and crime alike.
• Elektra becomes the new Daredevil, reshaping the symbol while Matt is imprisoned.
• Matt leads a crusade against the Hand, culminating in a full-on war.
• Themes of redemption, justice, Catholic guilt, and the balance between law and vigilantism run throughout.

Why It Matters

This run is considered one of the most important Daredevil arcs since Frank Miller and Brian Michael Bendis. Zdarsky’s writing earned widespread acclaim for blending street-level realism with mythic storytelling. The introduction of Elektra as Daredevil, Matt’s moral dilemmas, and the reinvention of old foes all contributed to a legacy-defining chapter in Daredevil’s history.