100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Image Courtesy of Marvel Comics
#82. Daredevil #56–#60: “The King of Hell’s Kitchen”
Medium
Comic Book
Release Dates
March 2004–July 2004
Credits
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Alex Maleev
Inker: Alex Maleev
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: Cory Petit
Editor: Joe Quesada, Kelly Lamy (#58)
The Reason It’s Great
Most of the time, superheroes try to work within the confines of the law. However, I’m sure that if some had free reign, they would try and impose their own brand of justice. Famed writer Brian Michael Bendis asks this very question with the Man Without Fear—Daredevil.
In Daredevil: The King of Hell’s Kitchen, Matt Murdock becomes the boss of his domain—the very district he surveyed and patrolled. They do say that the best defense is offense—and that’s what Daredevil becomes. His justice is no longer a response. He proactively imposes it onto the population.
The storyline, which runs from Daredevil #56 (March 2004) to Daredevil #60 (July 2004), shows Bendis at his best—adept plot pacing accompanied with slick, quick dialogue. The art of Alex Maleev, who did both the penciling and inking, complements the story perfectly—gritty and noirish. If you’re looking for a great Daredevil tale, this is it.