100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Image Courtesy of Marvel Comics
#79. Daredevil: The Man Without Fear
Medium
Comic Book
Release Dates
October 1993–February 1994
Credits
Writer: Frank Miller
Penciller: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Al Williamson
Colorist: Christie Scheele
Letterer: Joe Rosen
Editors: Ralph Macchio, Pat Garrahy
The Reason It’s Great
There’s a reason why this story arc was used as the basis for Netflix’s tour de force first season of Marvel’s Daredevil. You have writer Frank Miller and the artistic talents of John Romita Jr. gracing every page of this awesome five-issue storyline.
Matt Murdock doesn’t start out as the polished red costume-wearing hero we’re familiar with—that is, not familiar with at the time this story was written. He’s still the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, but he’s rough around the edges.
Matt is conflicted by both his Catholic upbringing and what he must do to carry out justice in his world. Furthermore, the various Daredevil characters and background stories throughout the years are beautifully and adeptly retconned and updated in this story.
It may not be the best that Frank Miller has to offer, and it may not be the greatest Daredevil story. However, it doesn’t have to be the best. It’s very much up there in terms of quality. And that’s why this story is considered great and worth taking a serious look at. If you enjoyed the Netflix series, you have to take a gander at what inspired it.