Going In Blind: A New Reader’s Guide To Daredevil

With the current Daredevil series gathering both sales and critical acclaim, some comic fans are curious about the character but don’t know where to start. Consider this your guide. Assuming, of course, that you have both unlimited money and time.

Daredevil vol 1, issue #181

Vol. 1, issues 158 – 191

Begin with Frank Miller’s original run. While Daredevil had been an established character, and had some enjoyable adventures before Miller came along, Miller put a stamp on Daredevil that changed the character forever. In a way, Daredevil #158 is similar to Giant Sized X-Men #1, in that it is the starting point for the modern version of the character

‘Born Again’ Trade Paperback

Vol. 1, issues 227 – 233

Next up is Born Again. Several writers tried to keep things moving after Miller left, but none of them were able to do his run justice. After a few years away from the book, Miller returned and, along with David Mazzuchelli, produced a book that is, in my opinion, the best contained story in Marvel’s history.

Daredevil vol 1, issue #268

Vol. 1, issues 250 – 282

We then come to Ann Nocenti & John Romita Jr’s time on the title. While their run isn’t as crucial to canon, or as famous, it is still, in my opinion, an important one. It gives a unique voice to the series, and does a wonderful job of establishing his supporting cast and environment. There are moments, characters, and stories found in these issues that weren’t available anywhere else in mainstream comics at the time.

Daredevil vol 2, issue #50

Vol. 2, issues 26 – 81

After skipping the rest of volume 1, it’s not a terrible idea to read every issue of volume 2, starting with number one. I understand how insane that sounds, but it really is consistently good. If you’re not a bored millionaire, however, just read Brian Michael Bendis’ extended run on the title. It is over fifty issues, but it’s that good. Bendis is now writing nearly all of Marvel’s major titles, and this run on Daredevil is a big reason why.

Daredevil vol 3, issue #1

Vol. 3, issues 1 – current

And that brings us to volume 3 of Daredevil, which is still ongoing. New writer Mark Waid has been knocking it out of the park thus far, delivering an exciting book that manages to feel like a breath of fresh air after the sometimes oppressive bleakness of volume 2.

Reading the issues listed above will give any fan of comics an enjoyable experience, and will help anyone understand the appeal of Daredevil. It will not, however, explain Ben Affleck.